It takes all kinds...

It takes all kinds of people to make this big, old goofy world go around.  It takes the doctor, lawyer, store clerk, teacher, janitor, and musician.  When I tell people that I play music for a living, they go, "wow, that would be cool, I think I might just quit my job and do the same."  I learned early on that the phrase "play music" gets confused.  "Play", that word sounds just like fun and like musicians are just hanging out.  Truth is, it's one of the hardest, most cutthroat businesses out there.  I've been at this for a while, but have only been a musician full-time within the last 2 years.  Before that, I managed a great deal.  I lost 30 pounds and ran 6 miles a day, wore high heels and makeup, written songs, produced CD's, played gigs all while managing a full-time residential cleaning business even.
The music business is like no other.  At the store, the clerk either gives you the right change or not.  In the music business, not only does the correct change have to be given, but did you give it the "right" way"?  Did you smile while giving the change correctly?  Did you hand it to the customer with the right hand?  Everybody wants to be a star store clerk, what makes you so different?  Maybe that is a little too exaggerated, but the next time you see a musician playing out, drop some change in their tip jar.  You never know what they had to go through to "play" music for you.   

Is different good?

Ah, Lexington, KY.  Where I was born.  A place where I left for the mountains of Montana at the age of 22, but I came back.  I came back to be close to my family.  Lexington is a great city to start a business, go to school, get a "real" job, and start a family.  It's a tricky place to live if you delve into the arts.  I have been playing music and singing in venues here in this town for 15 years.  My acoustic duo, Mother Jane enjoyed moderate success while releasing 5 CD's and being signed to a local record label here.  Something has always been missing.  I can't quite put my finger on it.  I realize that at certain establishments, cover tunes versus original tunes are more appreciated.  I realize that to be featured in the Lexington Herald Leader, a musician must be more of a regional touring act.  What is it though?

For instance, why would an eclectic establishment like The 6 Friends Cafe be closing their doors tonight?  Great food, an awesome live music venue, great beer, genuine owners, and a wonderful atmosphere shunned by a community who so greatly needed it.  Chain restaurants, chain clothing stores, and chain music.  Is different good?  I guess I better brush up on my Lady Gaga covers.

Knowing Who You can Count On

I've had an interesting past 2 years.  I've learned a lot.  I've learned that people who truly care about you, don't care how much you whine and moan about your troubles.  Transformation is a painful process.  I have stared down my reflection in the mirror and have tried to change.  Change is for the better.  It's interesting to me to see who's still around when the walls come tumbling down.  The answers are very surprising.