Question from Stephen in Minnesota: How have big life events like getting married, having kids etc. affected your music? Your songs are always deeply personal and I feel like many of them have specific life events behind them. Have you seen certain events affect your songs more than others? Great question. You’re right that many […]
How Life Events Affect My Music Read More »
In junior high I ran cross-country. It’s that sport where you run on golf courses, all the while wishing you were golfing. I remember this one race. Park Rapids, Minnesota. Hills everywhere. I was running a pretty decent race. My lap times were good, and I felt strong. But with less than 50 yards to
Don’t Finish a Race Like This Read More »
This morning I spilled coffee all over myself in the car. Ahh, you always do that! You’re so stupid. I said to myself. It was only 7:50am and I was already feeling a bit angry.
Helpful Tool My Therapist Taught Me Read More »
I’m from northern Minnesota where people are stoic and reserved. More walk. Less talk. In fact no talk is also fine and acceptable, often preferable. I’ve driven hours in a car with fellow Minnesotans, nobody saying a word the entire way. Complete comfort. Awkward silence is just called silence where I’m from.
Who’s Your Redheaded Youth Pastor? Read More »
For most career choices I recommend thinking things through. But if you really want to be a professional artist or singer-songwriter then I would very much recommend not thinking things through.
Strange Advice for Aspiring Artists Read More »
Remember Track and Field Day? Being led out to the football field by Mrs. Rislov. All those different stations. Softball throw, gunnysack race, 100 meter dash.
Why Social Media is Like Track and Field Day Read More »
Caleb asked if I’d write about what a typical day is like for me. Probably like you, mine changes a bit depending on the week or season, but for the most part, here it is…
What My Typical Day Looks Like Read More »
Sometimes I get caught up in the hustle of just surviving. My to-do list is out of control. I feel like I’m in a pinball machine, deflecting from one bumper to the next, reacting rather than controlling the situation. By the end of the day I’m exhausted, but I can’t tell you if I’ve done
I don’t even want to to know the amount of money I used to spend sending my CD to radio stations and magazines. It’s probably in the billions. But I still remember the first time my music got reviewed. I couldn’t believe somebody other than my relatives actually listened and wrote about it. Are you
Getting Public Recognition Read More »
When I signed my first publishing deal in 2012, I got a little sick to my stomach. My 16 year-old artist spirit went into existential crisis mode. Did I just sell my soul?
Publishing Deals and Whack-A-Mole Read More »