preparing for the road
pack it up, pack it in
With just 2 days until I leave for my tour to promote my new EP, the pre-tour excitement is starting to bubble up. Though this is only a 10 day tour, there are still a million things to prepare before one leaves.
Checklist:
1. guitar…check
2. voice…check
3. CDs…check (I always feel like I should put an apostrophe before the “s” in CDs)
4. guitar picks, strings, slide, etc… check
5. busted-ass suitcase with no handle…check
6. toiletries… check
7. iPod loaded with podcasts & audiobooks… check
8. iPod loaded with a new album bought just pre-trip… check (new Black Crowes. So great)
9. The balls to get up & play in front of strangers… check (always)
10. iPhone… check
Thank the lord, this time I won’t be traveling alone, but I’ll be out with the wonderful Mike Vitale. Damn, he’s good. If ya don’t know, now ya know.
mikevitalemusic.com
On a related note, I’ve been thinking lately about the sacrifice of investing in your own music and career. Up until a few months ago, I was playing guitar with a fantastic LA artist named AM and his band. I had to take a step back from the gig because I felt I needed more focus on pursuing my own music. I did that knowing full well where he and his band would be by now. On the road opening for one of my favorite bands Air a month ago, and continuing on subsequent tours with other artists. (now doing full US tours, and playing the Greek Theater tomorrow night)
It bums me out once in a while to think what I’m missing out on.
But I know we have to sacrifice things we would love, for things we love most.
Even if it stings a little at first.
*check SHOWS tab for tour dates
