The Summer of 1992, I was playing other people's songs down at the Jersey Shore living the best carefree life of a twentysomething. With Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden dominating the scene, I felt rescued. Rescued from hair metal, power ballads, and 80's pop. Sorry, those never worked for me.
One Sunday night, after the rest had gone back to the City, I started playing chords and tried to hum along. I was a wannabe songwriter. Sweaty and frustrated - how do know what to play, what to sing? Every attempt was a new version of “Mary Had A Little Lamb.” No phone to record ideas, no YouTube to watch how to videos, no idea how to tackle the craft of songwriting.
Then, adult life struck - like Charlie Parker's song, “Out of Nowhere.” Met the girl, got a better job - we should get married- need money - got married, have some kids - need money - they are going to want to live in a house - need money - kids are here, they eat a lot, and wear clothes - need money - they may want to go to college - need (much more) money. So I plunged into corporate life making my living, doing the best I could. The treadmill rolls on. But not in a bad way; wife, children, family, friends, co-workers, and shared experiences are the best of times.
But the itch never left. In fact, it became a nagging cramp that became worse anytime it was given any attention. Always playing, singing, practicing…other peoples songs. Remembering that hot, sweaty night down the shore when the creative gears tried to push forward. Now there were books, YouTube videos, online articles all explaining the “how” or craft of writing songs. I consumed it all for over a year. I knew stuff, but hadn't taken the most important step. At some point, a person just has to start doing it, no matter how awkward or uncomfortable it is. If there is no forward motion, there will never be a new song.
In 2016, I signed up for a songwriting class at Twin Town Guitar in Minneapolis. Twin Town is populated with low key, friendly experts in all things music. Sitting on a busy corner with a locally iconic sign, it is the anti corporate shop. On the website, the stated mission of the class was to have each participant write one song by the end of the 8th session. I decided to write my first song before I showed up for the first session. Finally, I had gotten myself out of the starting blocks.
As I walked through the door of Twin Town for my first class, past rows of instruments and kids assaulting guitars as only beginners can, I felt a mix of nervousness, excitement, doubt. Down some steps into a basement room - larger than I expected. It was arranged with chairs in a circle, spare guitars, music stands, and basses surrounding the gathering. With 10 or so other aspiring songwriters, we were greeted by Ryan Smith. Ryan has revealed himself over the past several years to be a generous teacher, a supremely talented musician, and someone you would just love to talk music with. But that first day, I was just intimidated. Fortunately, Ryan put everyone at ease. It was okay for us to try things out, and not be embarrassed if it didn't quite work. We learned about the craft of songwriting and how to work for the inspiration.
Eight weeks later I performed my first original song at a Twin Town Guitar showcase. It wasn't a keeper. Standing in front of a crowd of people performing my own song was a little embarrassing, but also exhilarating. I was hooked.
Seven years later with 40+ completed original songs - songwriting is a daily part of my life. Three years ago, I had the idea to record an album of my original songs - full band style. Take the best songs, record all of the parts and mix it all together. With coaching from Ryan Smith and drumming from the great Peter Anderson, my album is fully recorded and ready to be released. It is the culmination of countless hours of work, but really a labor of love. If you have made it this far, I hope you will listen to the music, check out a live show, or a video. You can be sure that I have put my all into it. I hope you enjoy it.