I Just Got To The Top of a Mountain☟
To find out I was at the bottom of another mountain. 9 years ago today (2/28) the first ‘serious’ band I was in (aptly named Secret Mountains) played our record release show in Baltimore. We wrote, re-wrote, recorded and re-recorded these songs for years before a final product emerged. My identity was deeply tied to this project. We made it (barely) through one more show before disbanding. For a long time I ignored my own role in our demise. I was wrapped up in ‘getting somewhere.’
Praise from national and local media, tours, and festival offers had me scaling a mountain of which I was certain there was a peak. Nearly a decade later, I am grateful for this experience and all of the ones that brought me to where I’m at now. It can be dangerous to only see yourself (and others) in one way. Even more dangerous is to hold onto a rigid idea of success . I am a teacher, writer, husband, son, and brother just as much as I am a musician. So often there is no peak, just another mountain to climb. You gotta keep pressin’ on. Here’s a photo from that show.
Tour Time☟
My Spring Break ‘22 tour starts in exactly two weeks. Tickets for all shows are available here. If you live in one of these cities and are thinking of coming to a show, I’d so appreciate you considering buying a ticket in advance - goes a long way for small venues right now (and makes me look good!). Also a quick reminder that this Friday is yet another Bandcamp Friday. I’ve got limited quantities of Torii Gates tapes, bandanas, and water bottles up for grabs. Would not hate it if you picked something up from me before I hit the road. Poster by Cody Hudson
Spring Break Tour 2022
3.14 - 3.17 SXSW - Austin, TX
3.20 Gold Diggers - Los Angeles, CA (tickets)
3.21 Love Song Bar - Los Angeles, CA
3.22 Mollusk Surf Shop - Santa Barbara, CA
3.23 A Satellite of Love - San Luis Obispo, CA
3.24 Milk Bar - San Francisco, CA (tickets)
3.25 Smiley's Saloon - Bolinas, CA (tickets)
3.26 The Haul - Grants Pass, OR (tickets)
3.27 Bunk Bar - Portland, OR (tickets)
Felt Time 24☟
Episode 24 of Felt Time (monthly radio show for Dune Buggy Radio) is now up in the archive. I think this is one my favorite sets I’ve put together. Getting the show together is very much a a labor of love. Really appreciate everyone who has tuned in, shared, or let me know they enjoy what they hear. I’m on the airwaves every third Tuesday from 7-9pst. All past episodes here.
Sounds of Keep Earth Around☟
My song ‘Easy Rider’ from You Become The Mountain kicks a beautiful mix from the good people behind Keep Earth Around. They describe it as a ‘harmonious collection of tunes for the longer days and more sun rays ahead.’ Features lots of faves/heavy-hitters. Listen here. Speaking of YBTM, there just might be exciting news to share about that album in the next month or so. Keep yr eyes peeled.
Reading, Watching & Listening To☟
Reading
I Didn’t Do the Thing Today - Letting go of Productivity Guilt (Madeleine Dore)
A Little Devil in America - Notes in Praise of Black Performance (Hanif Abdurraqib)
Oxford American - Southern Music Issue Vol. 23 (Magazine)
Watching
Waylon Jennings : My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys (Documentary)
Alice Coltrane : 16mm Documentary
Phil Cook - Queen of Branches (Live)
Listening To
Charles Brown with Sleepy Creek - I Just Want To Talk To You
Norma Tanega - I’m the Sky: Studio and Demo Recordings, 1964–1971.
Tuluum Shimmering - Cinnamon Girl