I can't believe the tour is coming to a close. Today marks the last day we'll be out 'west.' I'm actually sitting in the parking lot of a mechanic in Colorado Springs (something that has been unfortunately common the last few months) waiting on a part so we can get on the road and starting driving back towards the midwest. We've been hit pretty hard this year in bus repairs, but it will not slow us down. It will not take our peace and it will not take our joy.
We have learned a lot on the road this year. First and foremost. Never stop praising God. Even when things don't go your way. Never give up hope and always have faith. There were many times throughout our tour where I was thinking how there is no way we're going to be able to reach the lofty goals (I set for us every year). There's no way this bus is going to make it the rest of the year, blah, blah, blah.
And yet...
Every day, every gig, I am absolutely blown away by the amount of support we've been given from (not only our friends) but from complete strangers. I'm talking about people who just happened to be at the venue we were playing at, that took a moment to turn around, see what we're doing, listen, receive and decide "I am going to support these guys." That is what humbles me to the point of embarrassment. How can I, even for a second, think negatively?
And yet...
Every day, every gig, I am absolutely blown away by the amount of support we've been given from (not only our friends) but from complete strangers. I'm talking about people who just happened to be at the venue we were playing at, that took a moment to turn around, see what we're doing, listen, receive and decide "I am going to support these guys." That is what humbles me to the point of embarrassment. How can I, even for a second, think negatively?
We've had some great opportunities this year to play some pretty big stages. I was asked to play at the Deer Valley Resort in Park City, UT for about 2000 people.
It was a really cool experience. Just get up there, don't think, and do what you know how to do best. No nervousness just music. It was great.
Later, that same night after that gig, I went down to Salt Lake City and played a small venue where about 10 people came out and bought a ticket. Looking back, those 10 people who bought tickets, meant more to me.
It was a really cool experience. Just get up there, don't think, and do what you know how to do best. No nervousness just music. It was great.
Later, that same night after that gig, I went down to Salt Lake City and played a small venue where about 10 people came out and bought a ticket. Looking back, those 10 people who bought tickets, meant more to me.
It was a real treat to come back and play the Park Silly Sunday Market. I remember way back in the spring of 2008 I was playing a show in Jacksonville, FL. It was one of those shows where nobody was really listening. Just people drinking their martini's and watching basketball. I started getting a little frustrated. Katie, came to me at set break and told me to pull it together because 'you never know who might be in the crowd.' I don't remember if I pulled it together or not, but after the show I met the lady who founded the Silly Market. She insisted that I play there during my 2008 summer tour. I obliged and it changed the course of my career.
Once, I toured through Park City/Salt Lake City I decided to pack my bags and leave Florida for the Wasatch Mountains. I met some amazing people out there. Including some incredibly talented musicians.
Every year I get to come back to this special place and play with some of my favorite friends/musicians. This last time, I got to play a few songs with my favorite band Marinade. I've always dreamed about being in a band. At the moment, it's just not practical with mine and Katie's lifestyle. But, maybe one day it will manifest itself. Check out this video of my song "Kia Ora" from Snowbasin.
Every year I get to come back to this special place and play with some of my favorite friends/musicians. This last time, I got to play a few songs with my favorite band Marinade. I've always dreamed about being in a band. At the moment, it's just not practical with mine and Katie's lifestyle. But, maybe one day it will manifest itself. Check out this video of my song "Kia Ora" from Snowbasin.
I suppose I'll let the cat out of the bag. I'm ready to record another studio album. I pushed it off all year because I just haven't had the energy to think about it. But, as any of you who've came out to shows this year know, I have been playing more newer songs than 'older.'
I feel really good about this new album. I've been incorporating them a lot at the shows.
I'm also considering having a few more 'guests' on this album as a way to really create what I am hearing in my head.
I feel really good about this new album. I've been incorporating them a lot at the shows.
I'm also considering having a few more 'guests' on this album as a way to really create what I am hearing in my head.
There is one problem though. When am I going to record this new record? As it stands we have almost 30 shows booked in New Zealand from November - March. Usually, winter is when I go in and record as it is typically a slower season for us.
However, if I get my NZ visa approved we'll be touring out there until the spring.
I have a few things cooking on the burner right now and I don't know how it will all go down. No matter what I am confident that things will happen as they are supposed to.
However, if I get my NZ visa approved we'll be touring out there until the spring.
I have a few things cooking on the burner right now and I don't know how it will all go down. No matter what I am confident that things will happen as they are supposed to.
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