Could you share the story behind your latest song and what inspired its creation?
I was born and went to school in Star Lake, New York, it’s a nostalgic look back at growing up there. I was driving on tour and just started singing the chorus and borrowed from a couple of classic nursery rhymes to round it out.
How do you approach the process of songwriting, and are there any specific themes or emotions you tend to explore in your music?
Every project and song has a slightly different process, but in general I write a lot of lyrics first and work on melodies on the guitar separately. Then when there is a specific song I want to work on, and see if there’s a finish line with it, I sit down with pen, paper, computer and guitar and bring it home or to the dump.
As an indie musician, how do you navigate the balance between creative freedom and commercial appeal?
Artist and entertainer, creator and commerce, the spider webs of our times. I will always be an artist first with the commercial appeal left to the mini-masses.
What do you find most challenging about being an independent artist in today’s music industry?
Just making a simple living is challenging as an indie without the support of the machine, but for many of us, we’re really not interested in said machine, but then again, where do I sign up?
Can you talk about your experiences collaborating with other artists or musicians? How does it influence your creative process?
It’s very invigorating working with others on new material and it helps create sparks for your own work. This year, I have helped record, make videos, and co-written songs that have come out by Mo Ford, including the songs Stil Here and Shades of Black and Blues. We get to work in a great studio, After Hour Recorders in Redding, California.
What role does technology and social media play in promoting your music and connecting with your audience?
A lot these days. You can get 10x the attention on social media with the right post or video if you’re looking to promote something or bring attention to your craft. Most of us have a fancy camera and computer in our pockets all the time in the form of a phone that can lead to capturing moments that would have been typically lost to history a decade ago.
Are there any particular artists or genres that have had a significant impact on your musical style?
Americana and Canadian singer-songwriters have probably been the most influential and can be heard in my songs. I have a wide and deep well of favorite songs and artists that span all over the map from Acoustic to Zydeco from Abba to Zevon.
Indie musicians often have a close relationship with their fanbase. How do you engage with your fans and build a dedicated community around your music?
I have had an email list for 12 years for a monthly newsletter, I post to the socials daily, I have played some of the same venues for the same time period, I keep in touch when I know I’m coming through their towns. My fans have hosted me in their homes, bought all my records, seen me perform in multiple states, without them I would not be doing this interview. I always tell them they have to bring 10 more people next time or I won’t be back, just kidding there.
Could you describe a memorable live performance experience or tour that has had a lasting impact on you and your music?
Yesterday, I had a wonderful show in my hometown of Cranberry Lake, New York, it was a magical turn out during a beautiful Sunday afternoon. I have played over 800 shows now and you never know when you’re going to play your last, so it’s best to make the most out of each and every one.
In an era of streaming platforms, how do you feel about the changing landscape of music consumption and its impact on independent musicians?
My feeling is that I have no control over it and it’s a waste of time at my level to even worry about it. All my material is available and when folks find it, they find a dozen years of work that is there to take or leave it. The landscape is always changing but the song remains the same.