Tag: Los Angeles
LA Superstar, Jillian Shea Spaeder, inspires the world by simply being herself. From the ripe age of five-years-old, Jillian has taken the driver’s seat of her life which has transmuted into the sprouting of a creative tree that bears a variety of artistic branches. Between acting, singing, playing guitar, tumbling and simply being a teenager, Jillian continues to prove that she can do it all. Having released her latest single, “Barely Changed”, Jillian has brought forward a Pop hit that carries an instrumental twist of EDM which carries a significant maturation in both tone and delivery. Jillian’s ability to capture and read both her audience and herself led to the track being mastered with precision while meeting the undertone of the Pop world. Jillian lyrically and vocally shines throughout “Barely Changed” in a grounded and moving way that challenges listeners to be more present.
Being a step ahead of the game, Jillian Shea Spaeder’s accomplishments range from being a presenter at the 2018 Radio Disney Music Awards to playing the lead of Disney’s Walk The Prank and to name a few. Through her drive, dedication and blossoming heart, it is evident that Jillian has learned and developed the skills to both channel her vision and pour it all forward through her artistry. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Ariana Grande, Alessia Cara and Camila Cabello, then keep an eye on the promising ride and journey ahead for the young, bright and talented star that is Jillian Shea Spaeder on Soundcloud.
Jillian Shea Spaeder Social Links:
Facebook • Spotify • Website
Categories
Interview: Weathers
LA Indie Rockers, Weathers, are steadily becoming a force in the world of music with their eclectic instrumental flair and immersive stage energy. Having recently released their new single, “Dirty Money”, the guys are currently out on the road with Magic Giant and Castlecomer. I caught up with the gang when they stopped by El Club in Detroit to discuss “Dirty Money”, maximizing the benefits of Spotify as an artist, ensuring to stay rested and eating healthy on the road, fashion and more.
Tell us about the message that you intended to weave into your latest track, “Dirty Money”.
Cameron B – We started writing “Dirty Money” with a bottle of Jack Daniels and no expectations with a couple friends of ours in Los Angeles. We wrote the song in about an hour! We actually wrote “Dirty Money” a long time ago. It wasn’t written after our album, ‘Kids In The Night’, it was written during the album. It was a song that stood out on its own so we weren’t sure at the time if we wanted it to be on the album or not. We decided it would be best to release later.
Jessica – I perceive that Los Angeles subconsciously inspires creativity in a way that you don’t necessarily derive naturally in the Midwest. LA is fierce. As you navigate through the city, culture and energy that comes with the territory of Los Angeles, you are inspired by simply being within it.
Cole – Yeah, totally. It is very competitive.
Jessica – But that very competitiveness can be turned into an opportunity for partnerships and the expansion of your influence. Through streaming, the way that we as listeners receive music has changed. For musicians, it was more common for singles to be pushed as they tend to do better fiscally and influentially if the track stands out from the bunch. Music is a business. Your art and brand are a business. Through the tools and resources that we have readily available now through steaming services such as Spotify and social media in general, it’s all in your hands; you determine how far you want to go and what you desire to achieve. Pushing singles tends to be the best route at this time.
Cameron O – Absolutely. Especially when you have artists like Drake who are pushing out new singles every month. It’s hard to keep up with sometimes, but the tools such as Spotify definitely are there and have helped us grow a ton.
Jessica – For sure. What is your perception on the digital world that we live in and social media culture?
Cameron B – It’s incredible. We can reach all of our fans in an instance which is really awesome. A lot of it can also be very fabricated so in a sense, it is a double-edged sword, but there are pros and cons with anything in life. If you use social media in the right way, it is a great way to express yourself, your creativity and your artistry.
Jessica – How cool is it that you guys have Instagram fan accounts which pragmatically consists of an individual who was so moved by your artistry that they spend their own time to embed energy into showcasing your work? Free marketing, expansion of influence, you can’t beat that. I saw that there is even a Memes account for Weathers (weathersmemesofficial) and I must say, it is hilarious. I don’t think artists should take that for granted.
Cameron B – Definitely not. That account is so funny! It is amazing that we have fans that do that for us and interact with us in that way.
Cameron O – Spotify is getting pretty immersive as well. We can see what every fan is listening to and where they are listening to it. It is super cool. We can see how many people are listening to us at that moment. We can see how many people’s playlists that we are on even if it is a random playlist that we just so happened to get added to. We know exactly how many people listen to us all the time.
Cole – It is amazing, but it is a little Big Brother though!
Jessica – I get it! ACRONYM and I were actually talking about that earlier. There are so many app developers that have laced in coding in which screen recording occurs sporadically on the iPhone. Perhaps I am falling for a conspiracy theory or am slightly delusional, but come on, that has got to raise a hair.
Cole – Totally! But in regards to Spotify, it definitely helps with booking. For instance, if we have 10K listeners in Chicago, you can play a larger room there, you know?
Jessica – Yes, big picture thinking. As you are exposed to tons of stimulus, how do you proactively take care of your mental and emotional health when you’re out on the road?
Brennen – We keep a pretty tight ship on the road. We all eat very clean and take care of ourselves. Being rested is so important. We try to get a lot of exercise whenever we can and especially whenever we have a day off. Our tour manager, Josh, is really on top of it.
Jessica – Proper nutrition and overall wellness is so important. I live a high vegan lifestyle myself; the more energy I gift myself with, the more I am able to infuse into my art, you know? Tell us about some parts of yourself beyond being a musician that you take pride in.
Brennen – I love being outdoors. Over the past few years, working out and tuning into my nutrition has been huge and so beneficial for me. Also, Cameron is an awesome filmmaker and director. He actually filmed our last three music videos!
Jessica – That puts you in full creative control. Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?!
Cameron B – Thank you so much for everything. The fans are literally the ones that keep us alive and we couldn’t do this without you.
Weathers Social Links:
Facebook • Twitter • Spotify
LA Singer/Songwriter, Heather Gruber, has spread her wings to extend beyond what she had previously known to find her way back “home” throughout her latest full-length release, ‘Dancing Into The Desert’. Here’s our track by track thoughts.
Kicking off with the first track, “Beauty Outside the Lines”, Heather begins with a fun and spirited instrumental that walks listeners into her youthful yet soaring vocal style that is rich in soul. “Here You Go Again” is the second track that carries songwriting that speaks to oneself about stepping outside of a comfort zone that has swallowed her whole. The third track, “Ready or Not”, colors outside of the lines with a cheery intro instrumental that lead into a vulnerable songwriting bundle of love while Heather lays down her armor and surrenders to what she is ready to explore. “Running on Empty” is the fourth track that is an acoustic blend of lyrical indecision and seeing the truth for what it is as Heather faces thoughts that are trying to keep her from taking the next step forward as she keeps in mind that she is simply ready to go. The fifth track, “Lost in Space”, is an album highlight that begins with Heather’s darkened vocals that are full of clarity when it comes to what she knows it best for her and her future.
“Lost My Halo” is the sixth track where Heather lyrically speaks to herself about how she recognizes that she lost pieces of her inner puzzle while chasing something that once felt impossible yet is indeed feasible. The seventh track, “How Do You Feel About Now?”, is written with metaphorical precision as Heather lyrically expresses her enduring love for another that won’t fade away. “Let it Fly” is the eighth track in which Heather lyrically maneuvers through her indecision and attempts to overcome her doubt and set herself free for once and for all. The ninth track, “Perfect Day”, begins with a beautiful and simple opening instrumental that matches the lyrical direction that is an ode to simply being. The eleventh track, “Letting Go”, stirs into the soul of listeners as Heather knows that what she had once collected is no longer serving her life path which continues to broaden as she travels and experiences how boundless the world that we live in truly is. “Stepped Outside” is the twelfth track in which Heather sets sail and lyrically tells the tale of facing the great unknown. Closing out with “What’s so Good About Being Young?”, Heather ends on a high note as she lets go of a relationship that was holding her back as she has come to learn to set her sights on what is best for her.
Emptying herself in a gap of civilization while immersed in the mystery that abounds in the wild to return to her core, Heather Gruber yearned for more and expressed her mindful action and emotive experiences along the way throughout ‘Dance Into The Desert’. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Sara Bareilles, Poe and Regina Spektor, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Heather Gruber on Spotify.
Heather Gruber Social Links:
Twitter • Bandcamp • YouTube
Categories
Interview: Dig The Kid
LA Alternative Pop Duo, Dig The Kid, are bringing their colorful insides forward through their music and artistry in a magnetic way that touches on their roots, transcends boundaries and spreads love. I caught up with Lisa and Cory to discuss the personal meaning behind “Raw”, the power of consistency, the boundless talent out there in this world, reminding yourself that all human beings see through different eyes and minds and more.
Congrats on how well “Raw” was received and felt. Tell us about the creative and recording process behind the track and what it personally means to you.
Cory – We really had a great time putting the song together and couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. The process of writing and recording “raw” was a bit of a balancing act of “feeling”. We wanted to tell a story not just with the word but also with the structure of the composition. At what point does the listener need to feel this and does the composition as a whole feel organic, because love and intimacy at its best should be organic. We were trying to capture that and retain it’s natural push and pull. Personally for me it was a bit of a milestone in our songwriting, in the past we’ve strayed away from more mature subject matter but it was exciting to tap into another side of ourselves for Raw and new self discovery is always a great endeavor.
What are some new techniques that you have recently learned in the studio that you can share?
Lisa – Don’t rush the precious studio time you have, even if you’re on a budget. That extra $500 you spend could be the extra magic that makes the song shine. Grab your guitar, try out some pedals, and play single notes to add depth. Sometimes, you may even find another melody that completes what you’ve been missing. Those are the best parts of recording for us. Grab the most random things to record and try those too. Try it all.
Cory – Not necessarily new but one that really helped the process on “Raw” was being fortunate enough to be able to come in weeks early to lay down a multi tracked live demo. It allowed us to be able to listen to it back and decipher within it what we might want to change or adjust. And in the case with “Raw” we actually kept the drums from that demo. No click, it added a whole new layer to the song title! it’s a testament to Lisa’s skill and professionalism in the studio that it moves so fluidly through each musical segment.
Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you recently had and were able to overcome over time?
Lisa – We find it’s incredibly hard to hurry up…and wait. Everyone wants you right now, whether it’s a project, song or business deal. So you scramble to meet a deadline, only to barely make it, and then you wait what seems like forever. The music industry is famous for that. You have to learn to deal with certain situations individually and take things one at a time. Believe in your team and keep positive, no matter the struggle.
Cory – One that we’re constantly faced with as song writers is staying relevant in a soundscape that moves at the pace of bullet train. There isn’t really a way to predict what people will want they will just know when they hear it. To overcome that fear, we’ve tried to think less about relevance and more about consistency. Over time we’ve built a trust between ourselves and our listeners that we will buck trends in order to always produce a well thought out and uniquely constructed piece of music that stands up to our caliber of quality.
What is your perception on the digital world that we live in and social media culture?
Lisa – The struggle is real. Everyone’s music is now based on numbers. Industry folk pass on artists because they’ll come across someone who has 500 followers on Spotify or Instagram vs 50,000. There is a world of talent out there and everyone is focused on the numbers of an artist. Now that you can buy likes and friends, how do we know what their actual numbers are? Let’s discover what an artist is really about through their music, not their status, because most of us have so much more to offer than hashtags.
Cory – Personally it saddens me a bit that as a populace so many of us can get lost in our phones, fishing for likes and follows. I grew up in the middle of that change I watched the internet connect us and inform us as it grew into and now out of our desktops and laptops and phones into our everyday vernacular. Checking our phone is part of the same routine now as brushing our teeth or putting on shoes. I think it’s about time to move past and out of the information age, and if I can dream, into a new age of understanding.
No career path or amount of followers negates the fact that you are a human being that has feelings. Tell us about some parts of you beyond being a musician that you take pride in.
Cory – I love to consume a lot of my time with movies, not just watching them but the whole production of them from their initial thought to their retrospective. It sounds geeky but it’s true! These are our storytellers these are our myths. And every once and a while they will open up a truth within you that you’ve yet to discover. And sometimes if you’re really lucky they can inspire you to create your own stories. For me it’s a constant never ending cycle of watching really talented individuals work together to produce incredible creative feats.
Lisa – I live my life for my friends. I love being out, being apart of the world. I’m often the life of the party and I love people (for the most part). If I could pick one restaurant a day to discover, I would. It’s hard to be a human sometimes, and even harder to keep positive. When you surround yourself with people (and food) who love you, everything else is a bonus.
As you are exposed to tons of stimulus, how do you proactively take care of your mental and emotional health when you’re out on the road?
Cory – I’ve always looked for holes in the wall. We are very fortunate as musicians that travel is part of the job, and in traveling there is so much to explore along the road. Sometimes it’s a simple matter of disconnecting with our job at hand and reconnecting with people and the world around us. We’ve been to so many unique and hidden places and meet such a wealth of wonderful individuals who want to share their lives and stories with us. It’s very honoring in fact that we get to carry a little part of their lives with us.
Lisa – I think the question should be how’s your mental health when you’re NOT on the road. We get along quite well, and even though we are completely opposite, we still are into the same things. We try and respect each other’s space on the road and look out for each other. It’s when we’re not touring that brings us down. We write songs fairly fast, and when we can’t showcase them is when we get the music industry blues. It’s hard to avoid, so we throw parties at our studio here in LA. We invite tons of local and touring musicians to come jam. We remind ourselves that we’re all in the same boat and music is about a feeling, and that commonality is why we’re here.
Tell us some words of wisdom that you collected along the way of your journey of being a musician.
Lisa – Don’t forget to enjoy your life while you’re on the road to success, because your level of success shouldn’t be measured by your own standards. You are succeeding right now. Trying, is a form of success. “Keep moving, keep pushing” and don’t ever put your eggs in one basket. Hatch them eggs everywhere!
Cory – Patience, and understanding they are the most valuable tools we all have in life. Be patient with those around you, in your job, and in life. Success takes time, no one became or achieved what they wanted overnight. Also understand that those around you see through different eyes. They will never be able to see the world the way you do so take the time to see things as they do. The more perspective you can have in life the more you’ll understand the bigger picture. The world as we know it isn’t flat, and the motives of others are no different.
Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?!
Mongelli – We have big plans coming soon. We’re playing the long game. Prepare for new music, whether it’s on Spotify or in a Movie or TV show. And thank you for being with us and showing us everyday that we’re still on the right track.
Cory – I couldn’t say it any better, thank you for all of your love and support!
Dig The Kid Social Links:
Facebook • Website • Spotify
Photo Credit: Linda Wake Garza Photography
10 And 8 Management:
Website • Facebook • Twitter
West Coast Indie Folk Musician, Cindy Jollotta, lyrically yearns to turn back the hands of time and get another shot at connecting with an individual who she once perceived differently throughout the release of her latest single, “Ghosts”. Accompanied by a music video that is set amongst a balance of the natural world and the reality of her life back at home, Cindy Jollotta gets down to the bare bones of her feelings throughout “Ghosts” in an inviting and enlightening way for those who are currently experiencing heartbreak.
Having spent some time in Europe on tour in 2018 followed by dates throughout the states which started on December 18th, 2018, Cindy is globetrotting around the world and spreading her love for music in places and environments that captivate the intimacy in which she approaches her musicianship. As a proud supporter of LGBTQ, body positive, sex positive and women in the music industry, Cindy is a thought-leader who has aligned her music with her mission of using her platform to welcome any and all walks of life into her world fully as they are. Carrying a potent degree of mystery while lacing in her roots and musical history, Cindy Jollotta shines throughout “Ghosts” which is her first time spreading her wings and dabbling into a solo project away from her band, The Podunk Poets. Setting the trajectory for what’s to come in 2019, Cindy Jollotta is in exploration mode and her artistic prowess continues to bloom. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as LeAnne Rhymes and Shania Twain, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Cindy Jollotta on Soundcloud.
Cindy Jollotta Social Links:
Facebook • Website • YouTube
Categories
Interview: Charming Liars
LA-Based Alternative Band, Charming Liars, capture the heart of their former home town of London with their signature high-energy style that is fused with Electronic spontaneity. I caught up with Guitarist, Karnig Manoukian, to discuss the theme behind their latest single, “Something Dark”, being able to lean on your bandmates for mental and emotional support while on the road, putting in the work toward progression as both a human being and musician and more.
Photo Credit: Catie Laffoon
Congrats on the positive reception of “Something Dark”. Tell us about the personal experience that you encountered that led you toward creating that track.
The key to this song was the energy from the bass synth in the verse. It created a dark mood and our Vocalist, Kilian, straight away turned to me and said, “Something dark lives in this song”, and then we were off! In terms of lyrical content, we had just watched a docu-series on Netflix called The Keepers and it goes into the dark details of the clergy in Baltimore and how they abused children for decades without punishment. That story stuck with us and essentially created a foundation for the song.
What did you learn throughout the creative process of “Something Dark” that will stick with you in the future?
We didn’t really learn anything new but we just pushed the boundaries of where we had already been. Instead of overcompensating the song with guitars we wanted to strip it back and have less. The less we had, the better it would become.
Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you recently had and were able to overcome over time?
There is the single challenging thought that haunts us on a daily basis and I don’t think we’ll ever overcome it – Will we be accepted and invited onto the next tour? Will we get back out on the road and play every single night? We won’t ever overcome this no matter where we are in our careers. We always strive to play more shows and never want to stop!
What is your perception on the digital world that we live in and social media culture?
In one way, it’s opened up so many doors for people to be able to make a living and promote themselves. In another way, it means that people with no talent or character or personality can find their way to success and financial reward. If used in the right way, social media can really help people but it’s easy to see how a lot of people are negatively affected by it.
No career path or amount of followers negates the fact that you are a human being that has feelings. Tell us about some parts of you beyond being a musician that you take pride in.
Personally, putting your head down and working. There’s so much competition out there and so few places. Those people that want to work less and have an easy ride have NO CHANCE at succeeding. So I take pride in knowing that at the end of every day, I did as much as I could to make progress in life.
As you are exposed to tons of stimulus, how do you proactively take care of your mental and emotional health when you’re out on the road?
It’s a mission. At the beginning of a tour we’ll all pledge to eat healthy and keep fit. A couple of weeks in and we are eating fast food almost every day. Mentally and emotionally the same thing happens and we get worn out. The best thing is to lean on and get help from your brothers or bandmates. That’s how we do it. There are times where we need to lift each other up and we’re there for each other to do that.
Tell us some words of wisdom that you collected along the way throughout your time as a musician that have stuck with you along your journey.
Not too many memorable words of wisdom yet. A couple of key obvious ones stick out though. Firstly, play every show like it’s your last and secondly, record every song like it’s your last.
Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?!
Thank you for sticking by us and believing in us. Our new album comes out in late February!
Charming Liars Social Links:
Facebook • Twitter • Spotify
Categories
Interview: Alexa Melo
California Songstress, Alexa Melo, lets down her guard in a empowering manner that showcases the personal growth and assurance that she continues to cultivate within as a human being. In celebration of the release of her latest EP, ‘MUTE’, I caught up with Alexa to discuss what she learned throughout the recording process, choosing not to damage your identity through the criticism of others, living in California and more.
Congrats on the recent release of the ‘Mute’ EP. Tell us about the creative and recording process and what you learned along the way.
Thank you! Well, the first song I recorded on ‘MUTE’ is called “Loyalty”. This was 6 months after a vocal cord surgery I underwent, and being mostly mute for months. So, I sang these songs in a much more timid and raw tone than anything else I’d ever done – my voice was still healing and I was not feeling myself. “Loyalty”, along with the rest of the songs featured on this EP, I recorded and produced alone in my bedroom. I was able to take my time and be patient with my voice, but also become more honest with my lyrics without feeling the judgement of others. I learned that being patient with myself and my writing is super important no matter how long it takes.
Share some words of wisdom that you have received along your journey as a musician that can serve to inspire others.
Never allow others to change your creative direction through scrutiny or criticism. It’s great to take constructive critiques and apply where it resonates with you, but never allow others to bully you into becoming something you’re not. This happens a lot in the industry and it’s never worth the damage it can ultimately do to your identity.
Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you recently had and were able to overcome over time?
The way that people make you feel about yourself is ultimately how you feel about yourself with or without them. I’ve had to learn to validate myself and not turn to others to provide that for me.
You’re currently based in California. Tell us about how living on the West Coast has served to influence your artistry.
Having lived in LA for 12 years and recently moving to the Bay Area, I’ve noticed that even between LA and the Bay, the artistic scenes and influence vary. Living in California means that motivated and talented artists are seemingly always around you – because they all seem to flock here to be in the industry. So, inspiration is on tap here and I love it.
Thinking back to day one in the studio for the ‘Mute’ EP, did you think that the release would have turned out anything like it did?
No. I had no idea it would be so dark, and that the visual aesthetic would be so dark as well. On day one, I didn’t know what would occur in the year to come. So many more unexpected hardships came my way, but at the end of the day I’m so pleased with the result of this EP.
As you are exposed to tons of stimulus, how do you proactively take care of your mental and emotional health when you’re out on the road?
No drugs and lots of sleep. I’m pretty boring!
What is your perception on the digital world that we live in and social media culture?
I could go on and on about this, but I’ll spare you. There are so many pros and cons to discuss, especially when referring to the music industry and all the ways this digital era has affected it. My perspective is constantly shifting about this. Some days i feel like an old man cursing the “new way”! On other days i feel blessed being apart of this surreal, futuristic reality. What I am sure of though, is that I think there’s a balance we desperately need to all achieve to be a healthier, happier species. We have fallen way too deep into a technological world and I’m fairly certain it’s taking an unforgiving toll in how our minds work and how our brains are developing. Just in my lifetime, I’ve seen the way people interact with each other and the world change drastically in ways that are not positive. I think the internet is creating a false sense of connection while it’s actually creating distance between us. Not only that, I think it could also be turning us against each other in a sense. Not to mention the fact that vanity and narcissistic behavior is accepted and even encouraged now, especially in the younger generations. I’m concerned about how this will all affect us mentally as we age.
No career path or amount of followers negates the fact that you are a human being that has feelings. Tell us about some parts of you beyond being a musician that you take pride in.
Despite what you may believe upon looking at and listening to my art, I love to laugh and make people laugh. I’m a goofball; any darkness I may feel gets immediately filtered with art. I’m actually quite light-hearted.
Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?!
Thank you for listening and supporting!
Alexo Melo Social Links:
Facebook • Twitter • Spotify • Website
Categories
Interview: Whitney Tai
Cosmic Lovechild, Whitney Tai, has an uncanny way of lyrical storytelling in a metaphorically rich way that is captivating to the open soul. Having created a road of her own with her band of brothers that enhance her electric live shows, Whitney and the guys create a space full of Dream Pop wonder. I caught up with Whitney Tai Bassist, Christian Rivera, to discuss his creative collision with Whitney, finding peace in driving while on the road, music being the core of his life and much more.
Tell us about your experience of meeting Whitney and how you two connected to in turn desire to play music together.
It’s actually quite funny: I went and saw a show in Hollywood with a mutual friend. Afterwards, we went to the Burgundy Room for some drinks, and he invited her to meet us, and made the introduction. After talking for awhile, she told me about a dilemma she was facing: she had a show booked in San Francisco, and needed a bass player to fill in. Without even considering the fact that (a) I wasn’t a bass player, and (b) I didn’t even own a bass guitar, I blurted out “I’ll do it!” She sent me some material to learn, and I got myself a bass, and figured it all out. The rest is history. I guess the lesson here is that sometimes unique opportunities come along that you have to say yes to, even if you haven’t got it all figured out just yet. You just never know when or even if a similar opportunity might present itself.
Detailed question, how has your life changed ever since working in the music industry?
I’ve pretty much done music for my entire life. Even when I was in the military, I’d always make time for it. I can’t really say it’s changed my life, because it’s something I’ve always known. I will say that because of this journey, I’ve seen some of the most amazing places and met some of the most amazing people. I couldn’t imagine spending my life any other way.
Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you recently had and were able to overcome over time?
It’s actually an ongoing thing. It’s the constant challenge of trying to improve myself as a musician and as a person in general. There’s always some new concept to learn, one more rep, another person to help, and so on. On some days, I don’t feel adequate, so that can be a bit of a struggle at times. I just try to start each day with a positive mindset and focus on improving the things that I do have control over.
What is your perception on the digital world that we live in and social media culture?
To me, it’s just a fact of life. I think it’s something that can be a very helpful tool if used properly, but on the other hand i do feel that some people take it a little too far, like it can be an addiction. I see some folks who seem to base their entire existence on how many “likes” and followers they can get. Me, I’d rather use it to promote my music and keep in touch with my friends and fans around the world, and just go live my life.
No career path or amount of followers negates the fact that you are a human being that has feelings. Tell us about some parts of you beyond being a musician that you take pride in.
Wow, I never really thought about that. Music really encompasses every aspect of my life. I live and breathe it, so I really don’t put my energy into much else; wanna see my guitar collection?
Photo Credit: Liz Peterson Photography
As you are exposed to tons of stimulus, how do you proactively take care of your mental and emotional health when you’re out on the road?
Honestly, on van tours for instance, I love to drive, especially at night. There’s just something about that endless ribbon of asphalt laid out before me that allows me to really contemplate life’s big questions. Keeping in touch with loved ones back home is another way to stay sane. When I’m not driving, I love to read and handle business. In fact, I’m completing this interview on the I-40, just east of Memphis!
