Hello, are you out there?

Last night I played a set at Steve’s Bar and Grill in Bellevue, which is situated nicely in a strip mall off of Bel/Red Road, a road that shoots you deep into the suburbs. Naturally, I was concerned that this location would not be great for my ‘punk rock’ cred. But, then again when you decide to write music that falls firmly between the genres of Adam Duritz and Rob Thomas, you kind of give up on the idea of punk rock cred. Also, I’ll be 31 next week so, who cares anyway? You probably won’t be seeing my mug gracing the pages of (insert cool blog/internet site here) anytime soon…even if I get the Justin Beiber hair plug special I’ve been eyeballing lately. 

Where was I? Oh, yeah…so, my lovely, patient and supportive fiance and I walked into this bar in the suburbs situated in the middle of a strip mall. I was not expecting this to go well. At all. Last time I played a place like this, I ended up singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to a group of Russian girls from a stage with no PA (not something that will go on the Bobby Heinson highlight reel). Still, I’ll play almost anywhere because having a bad story is better than having no story at all. So, we walked in and the funniest thing happened. The place was awesome. The staff treated me with respect, payed me very well and even comped our food and drinks. It will go down as one of the best experiences I’ve had in the 7 or 8 years I’ve been seriously playing music. Garrett is trying really hard to create something over there and I’ve gotta say I have tremendous respect for what he’s doing and hope to have the opportunity to support him. A quick Google search has also led me to his website, where it would seem he has a book and cd to offer for your enjoyment. I know I’ll be checking both out soon.

The moral of the story is: a) you should go visit Steve’s Bar and Grill in Bellevue, WA and b) treating people with respect goes a long way in life. Especially in music, the staff at Steve’s made me feel like I’m on the right path last night. Between this show and my fantastic show at B-Side Records a couple weeks ago, I have a feeling that I may just fall in love with the Seattle music scene after all. 

Also, huge props go out to Paul, who followed me last night. Dude was f’ing hilarious. If he happens to read this post he needs to contact me soon so we can play again…I’d tour with the guy in a heartbeat.

XO

Open Doors

Last night I played a show at B-Side Music with States and Minds and Fountains of Circles, both are really cool bands you should consider checking out. Also worthy of your attention is B-Side Music, I had a great time talking about records with Josh over there…hopefully, one day my shameless promotion of this place will yield a deep discount on the very mint “Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness” vinyl hanging on his wall.

Shows like this one make me very happy and make this whole idea of performing music worthwhile. In recent years I have found myself becoming increasingly jaded after playing venues where indifference ruled and every band seemed to be in competition. There was something very different going on last night, something refreshing. Music was being played without ego getting in the way. Thanks to everyone that made that possible and thanks to B-Side for facilitating this environment. There is something special going on at that record store and I would urge anyone venturing through Seattle to stop in and check it out.

Now, on to shameless self promotion…

Here’s a video of me from last night. I’m playing a new(ish) song called “Open Doors”, written by me, Gabe and Phil in the late, great (we were) Gravity.

Enjoy

Next Saturday…

Next Saturday, I will be playing a show at B-Side Music in Seattle with the lovely Fountain of Circles, take a listen to their stuff here.

Music starts at 8 and it should be a fantastic time, if you’re in the Seattle area come on out…

The Sandbox…

Sometimes it takes a while for things to click for me. I am absolutely positive that this is not a thought that is wholly unique to me. It is, for all intents and purposes, likely a universal trait of the human existence. Still, summing the wealth of thoughts and emotions shared by us all was not my intent when I sat down to write this post. So, for the purpose of brevity…lets talk about me. I’m having one of those moments, where thoughts and ideas that have hibernated in the back of my head for years and years suddenly awaken and declare themselves active once again. This one goes a little something like this…

Years ago, I was discussing music and what it means to be an “artist” with one of my best friends. We were playing in a band together at the time and I, in typical fashion, was obsessed with the idea of “making it”. In my mind at the time, being appreciated and successful was truly all that mattered. I was absolutely convinced that if I wasn’t supposed to create music and art to be consumed by a mass audience on any level, then there was no point in me making art at all. It was then that my good friend challenged my line of thinking by asking why. Why did I need to make music for anyone other than myself? Being young(er) and ignorant, dismissed this question outright. I had a gift and that gift MUST be shared.

Well, five years down the line and it turns out Jason had a point. Today, the question he posed to me finally has an answer. Today is the day I realize that it is not a matter of being popular or unpopular. Its not about being accepted or appreciated and it certainly isn’t about selling records. Expression is what “it” is all about and thanks to a conversation that had almost gone forgotten, I have found a new direction and a new purpose for my “it”.

I took the picture yesterday as I started recording songs for what I’m calling my “Sandbox Demos” (named for the space my home “studio” shares with my cats litter box). They are being recorded for my benefit, I need something to do and these thoughts need to be shared somehow. When they’re ready, I may post a couple up here for anyone who cares to listen. But for now, they’re mine and I’m going to keep it that way. I’m tired of worrying about my how many people “like” me on Facebook and, frankly, I just don’t give a shit about being popular anymore. I’m starting this new chapter in my artistic journey on my own terms…

The moral of the story is this. Be true to yourself and explore life on your own terms. Because, in the end, you’re the one that has to deal with the results.

Sorry if this post sounds too pretentious, I’ll think of something lighter to write about next time.

Here I Go Again, On My Own…

Here we go, the proverbial “New Years Resolution”…some will try to hit the gym more, some will resolve to finally get on a diet that works. For me, this new year I hope for bravery. This is why we are here and this is why I’m starting this blog. In this new year I hope to follow my little artistic heart to wherever it may land. Not for fame, not for glory, just for me.

If you’re reading this you’re either a friend, fan or promoter who received this link in an email. For those that don’t know me, I play the music that you can listen to on that nifty media player to the right. I’ve played in several bands in my hometown of Portland, OR and have just relocated to Seattle, WA. I’m excited play some shows in my new city and I hope you feel the same..

For now, we’ll start small. On this blog I’m going to write about the random thoughts in my head and share with you the songs in my heart…I hope you enjoy it.

XO