We grow in cycles. We grow, then we rest and reap the rewards of that growth. Then we grow some more, then we rest. But it’s been a while since I’ve grown. Why? It has been a hard few years. Many others have had much harder years and lives… I know. The specifics aren’t important. But since growth requires change, […]
After I graduated from Stanford in 1996, where I had founded the Stanford Water Ski Team, I moved to Orlando, Florida to work for world-record-holder pro water skier Jennifer Leachman. In return for 8 hours of work per day, I was paid in the form of two free ski rides – one with instruction, one […]
“All my years of songwriting have shown me these things can happen… A musical accident no more no less.” – Tom Petty, on the similarities between the choruses of “Won’t Back Down” and Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me” (http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/tom-petty-on-sam-smith-settlement-no-hard-feelings-these-things-happen-20150129) I’m not like one of my students, who at age 17 has written about 500 songs, and […]
Another dream come true! SpokesBuzz invited us to play at their Colorado Music Party at SXSW! And on Saturday, not like a Tuesday noon or anything like that! How freakin’ amazing. I immediately started trumpeting the fact, because I was just so excited. But alas, I spoke too soon. I didn’t consider – or know – a few […]
We went all out on this one. We hired lights, we played new songs, we added a backup singer, guest Megan Burtt played keys, we rehearsed some stage blocking, and I even changed clothes a couple times. Here’s what we learned… Headlining can make your head big, real quick. It was comical how much Respect-with-a-capital-R we […]
I just came online to do my “Monday before the big show” presale ticket push, and the first thing I saw was an announcement that the mother of one of my young students – a local music supporter, wonderful person, and friend – just passed away from complications from her recent surgery. I’m in shock. […]
If you’re friends with me – or any other hard working musical artist in any city – you’re probably tired of us pressuring you to buy presale tickets. Yeah, I know. “What’s the big deal?” you probably think. “I’m going to support you even MORE by showing up at the door and paying more! Isn’t that better for you?” Well, not really. […]
I know, let’s decimate our email list! We’re moving the band email list from MailChimp to Aweber. The problem is that Aweber requires a double-opt-in. This means I can’t just force anyone to move to our new email list. People have to actively sign up AND click a confirmation link. And that is going to completely decimate our list. I expect to […]
