Tell us about your tour vehicle. Any notable breakdown stories?
In the US, a Volvo 240 wagon with 345k miles. Repairs have been the timing belt, water pump, oil, about 35 mufflers. It seems to lose them every 6 months and most often in the blue ridge mountain area.
Over in the UK and EU, a Mercedes Sprinter. The engine blew on the M6 around Coventry on our way to the last show in Manchester. We JUST made the load in.
How do you eat cheaply and/or healthy while on tour?
3 letters PHO! It’s got the broth, the protein, the noodles – it’s perfect and you get lots for leftovers. So far Sweden had the best one.
How many strings do you break in a typical year? How much does it cost to replace them?
I used to break copious amounts of stings but as I’ve learned, if you clean them with WD-40 they last longer and if you don’t bang the shit out of them you most often won’t break any. I do change the strings every month usually for about 20 bucks. Fun Fact: Paul Unkert does most of my set ups in NJ – he’s the guy who built Eddie Van Halen’s guitar. And when in Nashville I use Lance Acreman, who’s out on tour now with Alanis Morrisette.
Where do you rehearse?
It’s a converted garage with an air conditioning unit that fell out of a rotted widow. I think the vibration from the sound gave it a sonic push.
What was the title and a sample lyric from the first song that you wrote?
Rent. You owe me rent for grabbing all my youth, and stealing all my dreams from me, you owe me rent.
Describe your first gig.
The Holiday Inn in NJ. 5 people were in the audience in the lounge. Did some Eagles covers with some Oasis and some originals peppered in. Success!
What was your last day job? What was your favorite day job?
Actually I still do work to stay busy when I have down time. I have a rental house that is from the 1800’s so it always needs something. I’ve had so many jobs. Delivering metal, tow truck driver, weed grower (when it was illegal), construction. So many more!
How has your music-related income changed over the past 5-10 years? What do you expect it to look like 5-10 years from now?
It’s grown. It’s takes time! It starts as a drip, it drips faster until it’s a very slow pour. I expect the faucet to be fully open at some point!
What one thing do you know now that you had wished you knew when you started your career in music?
You don’t need a reason or an explanation for what you choose to do. Not everyone is going to understand your path or lack of a plan that can’t be explained. Feeling will bring you more than logic sometimes. Follow that.