Photo credit: Jamie Harmon
Tell us about your tour vehicle. Any notable breakdown stories?
At the moment it’s unfortunately a thirsty-ass passenger van named Jean Claude Damn Van (christened by Amanda Shires when it was her old tour van). No repairs or breakdowns as yet, but she’s approaching 200,000 so any day.
How do you eat cheaply and/or healthy while on tour?
Grab a giant bag of almonds. Lower standards on the definition of coffee.
How many strings do you break in a typical year? How much does it cost to replace them?
I rarely break strings anymore since I switched to a much heavier pick. With a heavier pick I get all the attack I want and tend to play lighter. Sounds counterintuitive, but them flatpickers know what’s up.
Where do you rehearse?
Rehearsal? Never!
What was the title and a sample lyric from the first song that you wrote?
Hmmmm. Can’t remember first song. I think “Tame” was in first batch. “They all say I’ll never tame her- who said I want her tame?”. Not exactly Shakespeare.
Describe your first gig.
Dang- can’t remember that either. I know my old man used to have to bring me to the metal clubs and stay because I was 14 and technically couldn’t be there. Had to play and leave. Much later, as a songwriter it was probably an open mic night at the Daily Planet in Memphis. Seedy. Fruitful.
What was your last day job? What was your favorite day job?
Last “job” job was maybe 17 years back. Random construction work for a buddy that was an independent contractor. Something different each day so I retained 0 skillz. My favorite day job (and the only one I ever had that didn’t suck) was the couple years I worked at a record store in the 90’s called Pop Tunes. Was like if Billy Bob Thornton directed Empire Records.
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?
Income? Hand to mouth like 98% of non trust fund artists. I do fine as long as I can tour. Had to scramble and do cover commissions and lessons & stuff during tha plague. What do I expect 5-10 years from now? Income-wise? In this country in this industry? Can’t even think about it if I wanna get outta bed.
What one thing do you know now that you had wished you knew when you started your career in music?
Don’t try and talk over house music to folks after the show. Easiest way to blow yer voice out. Oh and throw an insult somewhere in every love song- ya never know.