Solo Musician Podcast

Crowds suck, People that request music and don't tip suck, Bookers suck, Booking agencies suck, double bookings suck, expected draws suck, my stupid throat care regime sucks..... All the hits. Learn my views on the things that suck about this awesome job I have!

The importance of music, the memories it makes you hang on to, and the environment it creates when it's around.

First of all, thank you so much to everyone who sent in a topic or question for the “Peoples Choice” episode. 2 weeks ago, I asked for suggestions from Facebook followers on what topics they were interested in, and you guys came through with some awesome things to chat about. I continue to be blown away every single week when I see the amount of people listening to this podcast or reading the blog...

“Allow yourself to be proud of yourself and all the progress you’ve made. Especially the progress that no one else can see.” ~ Anonymous This week, I want to talk about PROGRESS. About my views on making progress, and how the simple act of being aware and grateful of the progress that we make in our lives will lead to more progress. I’ve come to find that most progress in my life is the direct res...

In the gigantic landscape of music, solo musicians stand out as a singular force, capable of holding audiences attention with just their performances. From the troubadours of medieval courts to the current stars gracing global stages, the evolution of the solo musician is a fascinating tale of the need for individual expression. Our solo performances, whether with an acoustic guitar, a piano, or s...

My thoughts on the local music awards and live shows

Today, I’m going to cover my live-stream setup. My equipment and software, my techniques and platform hacks. I’m going to cover everything I think you’ll need to broadcast a professional, and hopefully profitable, live-stream straight from your home to the entire world. I’ll include links in the show notes to the equipment that I currently use, so you can purchase the same items if you feel so inc...

This is the story, all about how my life got flipped, turned upside down. In 2018 a man outside of an auto parts store fundamentally shifted the path of my life. I’d like to tell you his name, but I never once heard him utter it. I’ve spent many nights wondering who this man was, what made his path intersect with mine. How things could’ve gone differently that day if I hadn’t been in a mindset to...

When covid appeared and shut down all the venues I was playing, I turned to the world of live-streaming for the ability to perform in front of people. My show at Hook and Flask on Sunday, March 22, 2020 had been canceled due to the lockdowns, so I made the decision to take it online for the first time. I was about 45 pounds heavier than I am now and I was wearing a yellow hat that didn’t quite fit...

In Episode 3 of the Solo Musician Podcast, I’ll identify some key building blocks for a solid base of professional appearance, no matter where you are in your music performing journey. These tips are the result of countless conversations with live music bookers concerning what they are, and are not, looking for. Some of these will illicit an eye roll or may feel reminiscent of a corporate powerpoi...

A rambling about current interests.

“If you don’t know your own value, somebody WILL tell you your value, and it WILL BE less than you’re worth” ~ Bernard Hopkins When I was just starting to play live gigs, I pretty much accepted whatever any bar would pay me to play. I was not privy to a negotiation, the venue just TOLD me how much they paid. I was completely fine with that, I mean every gig was an opportunity to perform, and most...

Alcohol and music have shared an intertwined relationship throughout history, often serving as companions in various social gatherings and cultural festivities. From the rollicking tunes of Irish pubs to the smooth melodies of jazz clubs, alcohol has been a common presence in musical environments, influencing both the performers and the audience. The consumption of alcohol can also sometimes enhan...