Doldrums
So it’s work and more work followed by intermittent periods of despair and/or ecstasy, give or take a few degrees of intensity–but really, that’s pretty accurate to my temperament.
It will be nice when someday I actually get to focus on the work of music rather than the admin that must exist to support it. I can always tell when I’m in a sort of “season” of “office work”. I can’t really sleep well, nor can I take in a good book or short story or write many songs–it’s just research, e-mailing, follow-up and adding up the bills. My best crack at taking in any sort of art or inspiration is a good film or getting loaded down at Mangia after a rehearsal… Living behind South Grand has several advantages.
The most ridiculous part of this month has been that not only have I received the biggest pay-out from music ever, but I’ve PAID more than ever in expenses, which, after everything has been said and done, leaves us with only slightly more than usual… spending money to spend it–or make it or something… Strings, gear-maintenance, paying a band (gladly), SOUND-SYSTEM, GAS, REHEARSAL SPACE. After all this, we’re ahead with money to put in the bank thank god, but looking at more shows on the road I certainly don’t have to wonder where atleast some of that moolah will have to be spent… And so it goes.
The bottom line is that I have to suck it up, stick it out and work my ass off now and in the future. No one can tell me that it was a cop-out to nix the day-job for music–as if the life of a working musician is one of sleeping until the sun is warm and thinking about butterflies all day strumming a guitar. I would’ve lost my ass a long time ago if I tried to live the so-called rock ‘n roll myth.
Even after the aforementioned moments of despair when I believe that nothing is happening, the truth is that many things have been set in motion and it’s simply a matter of patience and quite honestly keeping myself busy and distracted until the ball is thrown back in my court.
For right now, the “distractions” go something like this:
“Dear [record label and/or booking/managment agency],
My name is Caleb Travers. I am great. You can tell because of my flashy press-kit complete with quotes from people who think so. Enclosed is my record that I sort of don’t even sound like or play anymore save for 3 songs. Also enclosed is a recording with a new band I have with a super-bad-ass guitar player. We like Tom Petty and hope you hear the potential so we can single-handedly bring back non-ironic masculine rock music. Give me some [money/support/publicity].”
•••
I saw my friend Ben Bedford and his lovely lady Kari on Saturday. He played the Tower Grove Farmer’s Market–which I will play in August. Ironically, they were going to my home town of Paducah, KY latter that day!
Even more ironically, I will be be playing my very own home-town of Paducah, Kentucky in 2 days. Better yet, the show comes with a guarantee. Paid to play my hometown. I like. They can give me the key to the city while they’re at it…
❦
