Tell us about your tour vehicle.
When we travel, we like to fly in and then rent a minivan, typically a Dodge or a Chrysler because their seats fold down which is great for storing our gear. And plus minivans are comfortable and get better gas mileage than 15 passenger vans, and they’re easy to park. I remember one time, probably 25 years ago, I was pulling a 1956 trailer behind my minivan, which weighed about 3 tons, and the transmission completely fell out of van.
Where do you rehearse?
We don’t really have a particular rehearsal space, we usually rehearse in Gerry [Hansen] or John [Keane]’s studios. We just like to rehearse in a comfortable place where we can bring food in and have a good time while we play music.
What was the title and a sample lyric from the first song that you wrote?
The first song I wrote was called “The Drumming Clown.” It starts off, “As the lights go down, the drumming clown whistled a melody, and as the rain pours down, his happy face turned into a sad one.”
Describe your first gig.
My first gig was in high school with my band called The Norm. We played at a punk rock club, though we weren’t all that punk – needless to say it didn’t go over well.
What was your last day job? What was your favorite day job?
I was a pet sitter right before I got signed which was kinda fun. But my favorite job is when I get to teach songwriting, singing, and guitar. When I have the opportunity, I really enjoy doing that a lot.
What one thing do you know now that you had wished you knew when you started your career in music?
I wish I had known how much time is spent alone. I have my bandmates with me, but when it comes to family and loved ones, not many people want to come out on the road so it gets a bit lonely. Well that and how often I’d need to change my guitar strings.