Photo credit: Dennis DiBrizzi
Tell us about your tour vehicle. Any notable breakdown stories?
Many tour vehicles with many different acts – from buses, Sprinter vans, to Chevy Corvairs. As far as repairs and breakdowns, that’s a book in itself! But the most memorable breakdown would be when the Bongos’ Winnebago broke down in the middle of the swamplands in Louisiana. As we tried to fix it a fireball erupted from the engine, and I looked down to see my legs (I was wearing shorts) were on fire! Hospitalized, surgery, and a hell of a story! Then there was the time that our van rolled over twice on the highway…
How do you eat cheaply and/or healthy while on tour?
My biggest rule is to avoid restaurants whose names end in “‘s” (McDonald’s, Denny’s, etc). Go a mile or two past the typical fast-food restaurants immediately off the exit and you’ll usually find a good local eatery. I also like hitting supermarkets for fresh fruits and veggies. Also, carry a box of sandwich bags with you: If your hotel includes free breakfast, fill that baggie with some nuts or fruit.
How many strings do you break in a typical year? How much does it cost to replace them?
I might only break 4 strings the entire year of serious gigging. But part of that might be due to the fact that while on tour, I’ll change strings after 4 or 5 gigs. It lessens the chance of me breaking strings, and also gives me “quality time” with my guitar, where I get to make sure everything else is ok on it. At $7 a set of strings, I’ll probably spend about $300 a year when touring heavily.
Where do you rehearse?
Being based in the NYC area and playing with multiple bands, I’m in a multitude of various spaces. One place – that shall remain nameless – doubled as a dispensary before dispensaries were legal! So there was always an interesting array of folks coming in and out.
What was the title and a sample lyric from the first song that you wrote?
When I was 8-10 years old, I would claim to the neighborhood kids that I’d written whatever song was popular on the radio at the time. Thankfully none of them had parents that were copyright lawyers. The first song I wrote, which was with my brother John, was called “Spy,” and its opening line was “Coming in from the train from Dover, I’m a spy, I’m a spy, I’m here to look you over.” The story of two kids from the swamps of Jersey taking the train into Manhattan.
Describe your first gig.
My first gig was at the age of 16 with my band Fast Car, at the Bell & Barter Theater in Rockaway, NJ. We’d been taken under the wings of a couple older bands, and opened the show to a sold-out show of a couple hundred folks, had a wild night after the show, and got written up in the local paper the next day. There was no turning back after that.
What was your last day job? What was your favorite day job?
Years ago I toured with legendary Texan troubadour Butch Hancock, who also owned an art gallery to keep him busy when not on the road. That inspired me to open my own guitar shop, Guitar Bar in Hoboken, NJ. When not on tour or in the studio, it’s a good place to come back to after being away, and keeps my friends working. I’m also my best customer. Other fave job: As a teen, I worked in a candy shop and made chocolate Easter bunnies, which was most enjoyable!
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?
Royalties from radio play are nowhere what they used to be before all the online services took over. The plus is that now most of your merch goes to the artist. I remember the days when it was taboo to sell your music at shows. Touring before COVID was how I earned my living. It finally seems to be getting back to that point for me. I have no plans on stopping now, so I’m optimistic for the future.
What one thing do you know now that you had wished you knew when you started your career in music?
Never be afraid or shy to ask where your money is, what the deal is, and to fight for what you deserve. Musicians are incredibly underpaid for the work they do. You not only give joy to others, but also generate revenue for clubs, restaurants, and bars. Be loud and be proud!