I'm forced to reflect on all that's happened. It's been... A lot.
I made a record.
I quit all my local projects and cut all my safety lines. That was scary...
I went on tour.
I played 45 shows in 90 days, across ten states and in 25 cities.
I think it's about 15,000 miles...
Which would be roughly 600 gallons of gas...
All that was after doing my own pre-tour dates in Kentucky, southern Ohio, and Michigan.
I've drunk enough beer to own stock in the brewery.
I've made a lot of new friends.
I've spent time with a lot of old ones.
I've spent countless nights in guest rooms, living rooms, and basements of friends, family, and strangers who became friends.
I've spent countless nights at the Red Roof Inn.
I've done laundry eight times.
I've worn one pair of boots.
I've learned that three days is the absolute maximum on one pair of socks. Don't ask...
I've been 'coon hunting.
I blew up a pumpkin by stuffing it with explosives and shooting it. You should've seen it, it was awesome.
I moved to Denver, CO.
I've learned how to work the word "meow" into ANY conversation.
Through the kindness of a good friend, I saw an amazing Lucinda Williams concert.
I did my first ever live webcast concert.
I've missed my wife and kids immensely.
I owe a huge debt of thanks to my wife and kids for allowing me to pursue this totally crazy run at a lifelong dream. It's not been easy on any of us.
I also owe huge thanks to Jeremy Mackinder, Mary Curtrufello, Jennifer Westwood and the Handsome Devils, every one of the rooms that took a chance on an unknown artist, and every single person who came to a show this year. To every person who bought my record: I can't thank you enough. If you let me sleep in your house and eat your food, I have no words.
This is independent touring and recording. I don't have a label. Airplay is very nearly non-existent. All of you people are the only thing keeping the wheels spinning and food in my belly. If I get to make another record, it'll be because of you. I truly love and appreciate every last one of you.
I also have to thank the people who help keep me on the road with physical support- Dirty Town Guitar and Amps in Lakewood, OH. Gecko Custom Straps in Wisconsin. GHS Strings in Battle Creek, MI. Stuff don't get much better, take my word for it.
I have three more shows to do this year. Tonite, I go back to the Burntwood Tavern in Brecksville, OH. Tomorrow night, Friday 12th, I return to The Village Idiot in Maumee, OH. Saturday the 13th, I wrap the 2014 tour for good at the Kirtland City Tavern, in Kirtland, OH. Then it's back to Denver and my family for a nice long break.
The 2015 tour launches in February. Don't forget about me, I'll be headed back your way before you know it. Here's hoping you and yours have a great holiday season, and a new year that brings you everything you dream of. Now say it with me:
Until next time, keep both feet on the wheel, never pet a dog that's on fire, love your neighbor, or I'll do it for you. Good night!
See you down the road, America.
I made a record.
I quit all my local projects and cut all my safety lines. That was scary...
I went on tour.
I played 45 shows in 90 days, across ten states and in 25 cities.
I think it's about 15,000 miles...
Which would be roughly 600 gallons of gas...
All that was after doing my own pre-tour dates in Kentucky, southern Ohio, and Michigan.
I've drunk enough beer to own stock in the brewery.
I've made a lot of new friends.
I've spent time with a lot of old ones.
I've spent countless nights in guest rooms, living rooms, and basements of friends, family, and strangers who became friends.
I've spent countless nights at the Red Roof Inn.
I've done laundry eight times.
I've worn one pair of boots.
I've learned that three days is the absolute maximum on one pair of socks. Don't ask...
I've been 'coon hunting.
I blew up a pumpkin by stuffing it with explosives and shooting it. You should've seen it, it was awesome.
I moved to Denver, CO.
I've learned how to work the word "meow" into ANY conversation.
Through the kindness of a good friend, I saw an amazing Lucinda Williams concert.
I did my first ever live webcast concert.
I've missed my wife and kids immensely.
I owe a huge debt of thanks to my wife and kids for allowing me to pursue this totally crazy run at a lifelong dream. It's not been easy on any of us.
I also owe huge thanks to Jeremy Mackinder, Mary Curtrufello, Jennifer Westwood and the Handsome Devils, every one of the rooms that took a chance on an unknown artist, and every single person who came to a show this year. To every person who bought my record: I can't thank you enough. If you let me sleep in your house and eat your food, I have no words.
This is independent touring and recording. I don't have a label. Airplay is very nearly non-existent. All of you people are the only thing keeping the wheels spinning and food in my belly. If I get to make another record, it'll be because of you. I truly love and appreciate every last one of you.
I also have to thank the people who help keep me on the road with physical support- Dirty Town Guitar and Amps in Lakewood, OH. Gecko Custom Straps in Wisconsin. GHS Strings in Battle Creek, MI. Stuff don't get much better, take my word for it.
I have three more shows to do this year. Tonite, I go back to the Burntwood Tavern in Brecksville, OH. Tomorrow night, Friday 12th, I return to The Village Idiot in Maumee, OH. Saturday the 13th, I wrap the 2014 tour for good at the Kirtland City Tavern, in Kirtland, OH. Then it's back to Denver and my family for a nice long break.
The 2015 tour launches in February. Don't forget about me, I'll be headed back your way before you know it. Here's hoping you and yours have a great holiday season, and a new year that brings you everything you dream of. Now say it with me:
Until next time, keep both feet on the wheel, never pet a dog that's on fire, love your neighbor, or I'll do it for you. Good night!
See you down the road, America.