Tell us about your tour vehicle. Any notable breakdown stories?
We’ve had many different tour vehicles over the years. When we’ve set out for extended tours in the past, we’ve used Harry’s SUV pulling a small trailer for all the gear. Luckily we haven’t had any major mishaps on the road. This fall, I’m embarking on a solo/acoustic tour, so it will just be me in my car.
How do you eat cheaply and/or healthy while on tour?
It’s truly SO difficult to eat healthy on the road when you’re on a DIY level. Every time we’re about to leave I plan on bringing a cooler that can be filled every day or so with fresh fruits and veggies from local supermarkets. This almost always gets abandoned right away for lack of convenience or time on the road. Eating healthy while traveling is a whole job within itself.
How many strings do you break in a typical year? How much does it cost to replace them?
I don’t break too many strings anymore, but I am a little haphazard when handling my gear while performing. I’ve broken guitars in the middle of sets (not on purpose).
Where do you rehearse?
I LOVE our rehearsal space. It’s situated in the back hallway of a local bar/venue a couple friends own that draws the most wonderful community. One time, a very drunk person somehow gained access to the hallway and was attempting to find a bathroom. They made their way right outside our space’s door and even tried to get in, but it was thankfully locked. They instead just turned around, popped a squat in the hallway and let it fly. I saw the security footage a few days later and am thankful to this day they didn’t get in our room and forever change the smell of it.
What was the title and a sample lyric from the first song that you wrote?
Higher Ceilings
“you need higher ceilings
you hide your head in the sand
you don’t do well with feelings
you turn off on command”
Describe your first gig.
Our very first gig was September 30, 2011 at Goodbye Blue Monday. I didn’t even play guitar in the band yet, I was only playing keys and I was the only person that’s still in the band today. We played out back on a rickety stage made of wooden planks. Good times.
What was your last day job? What was your favorite day job?
I’m a freelance live sound engineer in NYC for a living. One of my favorite gigs was actually earlier this year when I did monitors for my absolute hero, Jeff Tweedy for 4 nights at Brooklyn Made.
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?
My income from music has steadily grown over the years, though it’s nowhere near sustainable yet. Every single dime generated by the band goes back into the project, funding records and tours. We don’t even pay ourselves. One day, I hope to generate enough income that can sustain the band and I indefinitely!
What one thing do you know now that you had wished you knew when you started your career in music?
BE GRATEFUL FOR WHAT YOU HAVE, NOT UPSET AT WHAT YOU DON’T!