So here I am but just where is “here?” Well, here is my desk typing this while listening to Johnny Dowd. I had my last solo show for a long while on Saturday night. I was talking to my buddy today about just why I’m taking a break from doing this solo thing for a long time. Well, the truth is because I’m tired. I’m exhausted and I’m spent. For the past 14 years, I have been doing this as a solo artist. For about 2 of those years I fronted a band called Mystery Road which, while it was an amazing band that I loved dearly, it was just a stressful solo project with a band. I think anyone on my level as a singer/songwriter/performer can understand and sympathize with just how hard this is.
Playing shows, whether you’re a solo act or in a band is not like it was in the old day. You don’t play a venue over and over again for years and have your following grow with each passing show. These days, playing shows means you are mainly playing to your friends who dig your music as opposed to playing for people who have never heard you and will come back show after show. I mean this in no disrespect to the friends that come to see my shows. I mean, the truth is that I have no doubt these friends like my stuff. If they didn’t they wouldn’t come out to the shows but at the same time, would they necessarily come out if they had just seen me by chance in a coffeehouse one night? That remains to be determined. I can say this though. I have had the extreme pleasure of meeting some really great people at my shows who have come up to me to tell me that they really enjoyed my songs and my performance. This never ceases to make me feel like a million dollars but there’s one problem. I never see them again at future performances. Why is this? There is really no answer to it. It’s just how it is… and I’m really ok with that.
So if I’m ok with that, why stop playing solo for a while? Well, the reason is because I’m 37 years old and there are STILL some musical ideas and dreams that I have yet to pursue and this is the time to do so. I always held off on them because I was convinced that with each passing year something just may happen to take my solo music to another level. I’ve had a great time doing it but it’s time to shift my focus. My solo music will always live and thrive but performing as a solo act will no longer by my priority. I’m sure I will go back to frequenting the open mics as an outlet to do solo shows and maybe next year in 2012 I’ll only do 3 solo shows max. I want to put these dream bands of mine together. No more holding back. It’s time to shit or get off the pot. I preach to people all the time that it’s never too late to pursue a dream. Well, I guess I’m finally taking my own advice.
I want to say that I appreciate and love you all for all the support you have given me over the years. Hell, for all I know 3 people read this blog, haha. But that’s fine. I do this for me anyways. I really love that everyone sends me their best wishes and support. I hope you all will follow my adventures from here on out. This should prove to be an interesting ride.
Until the next comeback tour…
