Like many people, the past 18 months has put things into focus. The pandemic-induced restrictions and allowances have forced us to realize what’s important to each of us. Nearly everyone I know has had some sort of revelation and has made adjustments accordingly. Even a small positive change is a win.
For me, that’s been to get out there and spend more time on my music. With that, I’ve been more stubborn about making space in my life for songwriting, recording, and performing. I just completed a month of performing every Saturday in August, while still finding time to work on new songs, do some tracking for the band’s forthcoming record, and start work a new solo record.
The past few weeks were some of the best shows I’ve performed. They were well-attended (!) and people were attentive (!) and gracious. Perhaps we’re in a moment where people appreciate live performers again, having been starved of the opportunity to experience it regularly. Perhaps it’s the joy and relief of being able to gather again in outdoor community events. Whatever it is, I’ll take it. It’s been different and I hope it lasts.
As I often joke when people ask me what my music is like, I say “it’s not for everyone.” This is legit: Lyric-heavy cultural commentary is not going to chart – or even get play-listed. I don’t care about any of that as long as they are good songs. And whether presented with the band or solo – that people hear enough to make a decision for themselves.
Well, over the past few weeks, I’ve gotten that chance and I am grateful. People sat and listened intently. I watched them back. They nodded their heads. They cracked a knowing smile. They got the joke, the reference, the meaning that I nestled into a verse, chorus, or bridge. They quoted lyrics back to me in their post-show comments. I am filled with an emotion I can’t describe (and as a writer, that’s embarrassing).
To everyone who attended, listened, and gave me the gift of consideration – thank you. You’ve encouraged me in a way I haven’t experienced in 35 years of performing. To everyone else, you now know who to blame when you think, “why is he still at this?”
If you’re curious, here’s a approximation of what the past few weeks looked like:
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