2020

I just logged on here for the first time since March, when Covid-19 had just began it's cursed march throughout the world.  Here we are, less than a week out from our next election here in the US, and the world is on fire. A new wave of the virus is threatening the world again, folks are battle-worn.  The new "it" phrase right now is "Covid Fatigue". I wish I were joking.

I can't even begin to remember everything that has happened this year. It's been bad, so bad that folks have died doing nothing more than just living. Folks have turned on each other because of their political affiliations.  Folks have died, because they are lonely and quarantined. People are literally committing suicide because they are isolated.  Let that sink in.

I have personally had a lot of challenges as well. I discovered I have systemic lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Both low blows and both change the way I live. Those diagnoses also brought to light the fact I'm not getting any younger. That bites.

However, on the bright side of things, I see a common theme happening. Folks are realigning their priorities. The shift is subtle, but it's there. Families are spending more quality time actually WITH each other, doing things.  Not just being in each other's spaces, but actually interacting. I think that will bring forth a bountiful change in our societies as a whole.

I've challenged myself to not go to bed without thinking of at least three things I'm grateful for every evening. It's vital for my mental health to go to bed on a positive note. :) It also directs my mind away from the negative. 

Our radio station and my radio show have been placed on the back burners a lot this year, as both myself and my partner have been forced to attend to personal matters. However, we are both now back to working on the station and show in full earnest, and I'm excited to be back behind the mic, recording brand new shows!

I'm also working on new music in the studio with my producer and friend. Let's see, I also brought home an old piano that still needs to be tuned, but has me super excited about re-learning to play. 

Overall, I'm trying to just take one day at a time, and sometimes, I can only go minute by minute, but I'm still here, still kicking, still fighting; and still believing that God is in charge and we will eventually get out of this pandemic, and be so much better for it.

Coronavirus and The Independent Artist

"Coronavirus".  The one word that has sent the entire world into a toilet paper-snatching, facemask-stealing panic. In 2020, the year we should all be sailing about in flying cars; we are instead, teaching folks how to properly wash their hands. As I'm writing this, the City of Memphis where I live, is posting closures for schools, parades, sporting events and more at lightning quick pace. One quick pass through social media, and I see time and again the word, "CANCELLED" all over artists pages for gigs, tours and promotional appearances that were booked, some weeks and months in advance.

As a side note, Disneyland just announced they are closing. NOT DISNEYLAND! We already lost all our NCAA March Madness, not THIS, too!

I happen to know a lot of independent artists all around the world, and the one common thing they now share outside their love of creating amazing music, is their new fear of losing everything they've worked for. I'd say it's a pretty good guess that most of these folks also work other gigs, jobs, etc., to make ends meet already. Some, if not most, are small business owners, who are now DOUBLY worried about not only the effect on their music careers, but also their small business cash flow and truly, survival. They have families, beloved pets and mortgages. Most don't have health insurance. What if they get sick? Where are they to turn for help?

I've seen a LOT of communities coming together to help recently tornado-ravaged Nashville and surrounding areas in Middle TN, which affected a lot of these folks already with, at the very least, lost gigs due to venues being damaged or completed demolished by the tornados. Now, as this pandemic as the "WHO" is now referring to it, is making it's way around the world and clawing a path across the US, I want to encourage everyone to stay calm, get the FACTS, know your options, and, as our friends in the entertainment world try to stay afloat, support them by checking out their websites, buying their merchandise (clothing, albums, stickers, hats, etc.) and IF you see one of your favorite bands are still able to get a gig booked that doesn't cancel in your area, by all means, go to see them if at all possible and tip 'em!

Let's not allow this virus be talked about in years to come in the music industry with the opening words, "The Day The Music Died."

Putting Value Where It Counts in 2020

Now that the New Year is upon us, I can share my Personal Vision and Goals. This year I've chosen to focus my attention on those who return the same amount of energy I put into them. Those who keep their word, want me in their personal space, make an effort to connect, and do not treat me as an afterthought. I am just as creative, valuable and as busy as everyone else, yet I still take the time to reach out, cultivate and maintain my relationships on a deeper level than just a text or message here and there. I realized I was chasing my tail trying to pin folks down the last year or two in all areas of my life; folks I admire, respect, love and cherish. I ABSOLUTELY LOATHE BEING TREATED AS AN AFTERTHOUGHT. In 2020, I'll maintain the same level of effort as before, but will lovingly release those who don't match my level of energy in return. Life moves at warp speed, one minute folks are here, the next, God has called them home. We aren't promised anything but the moment we are currently in. Outside of my ever growing love and relationship with Jesus, my family is the most important thing to me, followed by my friendships, then my career. I value loyalty in people to a fault. Social media is not a replacement for true interactions with folks; if anything, it isolates us to an even deeper degree. I love everyone in my life, and I have absolutely ZERO ill will towards anyone. This isn't about one particular event or person, but an overall assessment of my friendships and relationships with so many amazing people around the world. I admit I've definitely been guilty of blowing folks off, too. I think that's what really grabbed my attention. That's why the main focus of my life this year is to cultivate and nurture existing friendships, and to attract more like minded folks into my life. No matter your level of success in this world, how you treat others is the most important thing you can do. I am working on that; and I hope you will, too.