Tell us about your tour vehicle. Any notable breakdown stories?
Our touring van is a Ford Transit-350. About 70k + miles on it. We just got it – no repairs or breakdowns yet. Knock on wood!
How do you eat cheaply and/or healthy while on tour?
We make it a point to try to have one really good meal a day when possible. Fruits and veggies in the van to counteract the freeze-dried Skittles. Spring water to counteract the Red Bull with Kerosene.
How many strings do you break in a typical year? How much does it cost to replace them?
Marco breaks all the strings! Probably 20 a year or more. Usually about $10 per pack of new ones give or take.
Where do you rehearse?
Eric’s studio is our usual spot (Studio 601). One time a storm came – Daniel and I walked from the studio to the house, passing under a huge tree. About 30 seconds later, the tree collapsed, crushing a metal table and a bunch of chairs!
What was the title and a sample lyric from the first song that you wrote?
First song I wrote that I’m still willing to play I wrote with my friend John Matthew Walker – it’s called “Free Money”
Describe your first gig.
Punk band of mine called “Sweat Lodge” in high school. We played at the eco action warehouse-turned-skate park on St Elmo in ’91 or ’92.
What was your last day job? What was your favorite day job?
Last non-music day job was as a roving plant care specialist during the pandemic. First (and favorite) job – at 15 I was Freddy Kruger at the “Haunted Hayrides of Texas” in the big field that later became the site of Willie’s Picnic, and is now Southpark Meadows shopping center. I would jump out of an empty grain silo and scare the people on the wagon passing by.
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?
Music related income is much much better now than it was several years ago. It’s looking to get even better, hoping for a full-time career of it within the next few years (knock on wood again!)
What one thing do you know now that you had wished you knew when you started your career in music?
It’s always going to take a good deal longer than you think. Hard work is always the key.