Photo credit: Carley du Menil
Tell us about your tour vehicle. Any notable breakdown stories?
It’s a 2013 Ford E-350. 15 passenger. It has 37,000 miles on it. I had one that had 225,000 miles on it but it got stolen earlier this year and was pretty well stripped when it was found. No breakdown stories yet. Hope that doesn’t change either.
How do you eat cheaply and/or healthy while on tour?
Pistachios, hard boiled eggs and bananas. If I don’t eat well, I don’t feel well, so try to keep it pretty clean save for the occasional late night at Waffle House or pizza.
How many strings do you break in a typical year? How much does it cost to replace them?
I don’t break them hardly ever, but I like to replace anywhere between 3 and 6 shows. Just depends on what kind of show it is. Bigger shows I want fresh strings that have a little wear on them, and smaller shows I’ll take my chances with some dead strings. I always carry two guitars so if I break a string, I am not wasting any time changing it.
Where do you rehearse?
It’s typically at a band mate’s house. There’s also an Airbnb called The Musicians Airbnb that’s been perfect for us lately. In South Austin. Has a full kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and large rehearsal space with an excellent PA.
What was the title and a sample lyric from the first song that you wrote?
I plead the 5th.
Describe your first gig.
With Garrett T Capps. Song swap at some bbq joint in east Austin. Found the gig on Craigslist!
What was your last day job? What was your favorite day job?
I haven’t had a job in almost 9 years and I am grateful for that! Can’t say I have ever loved any of the ones I had.
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 steadily, but the expenses in this business are so massive it’s hard to get a grasp on. I hope 5-10 years looks 5-10x better than it does now!
What one thing do you know now that you had wished you knew when you started your career in music?
I wish I’d been a better self-editor when it comes to writing , a more confident person on stage earlier in my career, and to know it’s a marathon not a sprint!