Photo credit: Kitty Williams
Tell us about your tour vehicle. Any notable breakdown stories?
I actually just lost my Subaru Forester which was a great touring vehicle. I was on my way to a gig and the engine just gave up the ghost. There was nothing we could do. Rest in peace, old friend.
As far as notable breakdown stories go, I chronicled one on my first record with “Knowlton County Township”. Most of that story is true. That was also a Subaru, go figure.
Now I’m driving a Volkswagen Passat, which is a big change. I am about to do some gigs in Asbury Park so we will see how she handles touring.
How do you eat cheaply and/or healthy while on tour?
Sometimes it’s hard or near impossible to eat healthy on the road. I just try to remember to get a salad or some salmon every so often. Belvita biscuits are great in a pinch. Fast food is poison and should be avoided at all costs. I will make an exception for the Popeye’s chicken sandwich every once in a while but that’s about it. When I was touring with Jimmy Webb we were surprised by how good the Buc’ees BBQ sandwiches were. We always try to eat at the venue whenever possible.
How many strings do you break in a typical year? How much does it cost to replace them?
I rarely break strings but I could be more diligent about changing them. I can tell when they have reached the end of their useful lifespan and then I’ll put a fresh set on. They are pretty inexpensive. I’ve always used D’Addario strings, they are a great Long Island based company.
Where do you rehearse?
I’ve had some great rehearsal spaces over the years and they’ve all had their charms and unique layouts. My favorite was the basement room we rented in West Hempstead with Butchers Blind. It was like our clubhouse. There have been some crazy rehearsal experiences that are better left in those rooms. It’s where a lot of the fun and magic (as well as the drama and turmoil) of being in a band happens.
What was the title and a sample lyric from the first song that you wrote?
I remember writing a song on a plane that started with “higher than the clouds.” I don’t remember the title and that’s probably a good thing
Describe your first gig.
I think my first gig was at a party in high school. My first NYC gig was at Siberia, and we played to two people. One guy hates us, the other guy loved the set and bought us a round of beers. I learned a lot that night.
What was your last day job? What was your favorite day job?
I worked in marketing promotions on Madison Avenue for a time. That was a pretty interesting gig that I lucked into by hailing the same cab as the founder of the agency. “Madison Avenue Blues” came out of that experience. I’ve worked everywhere over the years. Restaurants, construction, you name it. Eat your heart out, Bruce.
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 has steadily grown over the years since I started tracking and keeping books, which is key. I hope to keep expanding and growing. Tom Petty said if you can pay the bills, that is success. That’s always been my goal.
What one thing do you know now that you had wished you knew when you started your career in music?
I wish I knew that it’s a slow steady climb instead of a race to the top. It’s all about the connections and people you meet along the way. It’s a life rich in friendship and experiences. I wouldn’t have it any other way.