#supportlocalmusic

Sometimes, all it takes is a few people to believe in you to be successful in the music industry. I've always been on a path towards success in this industry. I've continued to push myself in ways that expand beyond the music itself. I wish that I could just focus on creating awesome work for people to experience.

But more often than not, I have to work twice as hard to get people to even acknowledge my work. A lot of people in the Baltimore scene don't really "follow" what I'm doing. I'm not saying they don't care, or don't like what I'm doing. But, getting casual and hardcore music fans to see what is happening and have them be excited is long arduous process that usually ends in people forgetting about your work the moment they scroll past your post.

I think it's more a product of the times, and I am guilty of doom scrolling, hoping to find something that makes my day better, or gets me excited for what's to come. But, all too often, I feel like I'm missing the important things in search of that impossible fulfillment.

There's too many things that are out to make use enraged with each other instead of bringing us together. We should be able to enjoy music together despite our differences. But, it seems like people are so radicalized by things don't effect them that they can't look past people's perceived beliefs.

I don't have the answers, I'm usually just trying to stay afloat in a world that's drowning me. Music keeps me afloat. I'm lucky to get a small part of monetary support from it. I'm lucky to have a good job where I can fund my dream (which often feels like a futile endeavor.) But I can't help but feel like it's all pointless and it's not making an impact.

But every now and then I get a reminder that what I'm doing feels right. The songwriter showcases have been awesome. It feels like I'm building a community of people who want to support each other. I'm constantly blown away by the talent of the people I'm bring onto these shows (I do check out their stuff ahead of time, but it's not the same as being in a room watching them perform.)

Anyways, I say all this to say, I hope you'll consider paying more attention to what I'm doing and maybe ever trying to come out to more of my shows and supporting me and the songwriters that I'm trying to give a space to share their craft. And maybe, just maybe, make my songs part of your rotation, I'm sure I have 1 or 2 at this point that would peak your interest.

The Story

This video was filmed by Matt Gischel at Crossroads Tavern in Glen Burnie, MD on February 1st, 2016. The video is compilation of the show that night which my first solo show featuring a full band. The line up included Mike Falkler on Guitar, Ben Kolakowski on Guitar, Nik Kosmas on Bass, Jeff Gardner on Drums, and Tony Correlli on Keys. The cool thing was that most of my band members had actually played on 'Unwind' in the studio. We also had a Lindsay Collette join us on stage for 'Amber Eyes' (she sang on the studio recording.) The audience that night included some close friends and family who came out to support me on a big night.

As with most local video shoots, it's always difficult to get people to come out and be part of the shoot, but we had a lot of friends turn up so it ended up being a very successful night. The setlist was gonna be mostly originals but we worked out a few covers ahead of the show. We were already planning on doing 'Life in the Fast Lane' by The Eagles when Glenn Frey suddenly passed away. A few days earlier David Bowie had passed away and we decided to add 'Heroes' to our set as well. The night felt like proof that I could really do the whole solo thing, giving me the confidence to continue playing shows and building my brand.