Clik here to view.
THE LONG HAUL: The Job Skills You Gain as a Touring Musician
As I enter my 30s in full force it has come to my attention that I am increasingly ineligible for employment outside of the music industry. When I graduated from university, I subscribed heavily to the...
View ArticleClik here to view.
THE LONG HAUL: When You Lose One of Your Own
I hadn’t spoken to Luke Bell in years, there were only a few people who had. Sometime after his big professional break, he absconded to North Carolina and largely disappeared from the spotlight. He...
View ArticleClik here to view.
THE LONG HAUL: Little Known Secrets of Cracker Barrel
There is something really wonderful about the reliability of a chain restaurant while touring. Don’t get me wrong, I love hitting the local spots and checking out the independent coffee shops, but when...
View ArticleClik here to view.
THE LONG HAUL: A Gift Guide for Musicians and Music Lovers
It’s that time of year again when we all start to stress about what thoughtful gifts we might be able to get for our loved ones for the holidays. For this year’s guide (which is not sassy like last...
View ArticleClik here to view.
THE LONG HAUL: The Year-End Summary Spotify Wrapped Doesn’t Include
Around this time of year, musicians and music lovers alike begin to post their stats from Spotify. Who they have listened to, who has been listening to them, what kind of festival they would program...
View ArticleClik here to view.
THE LONG HAUL: Musicians vs. Airlines – What Can We Do?
If you want to know what musicians talk about at parties, it’s not usually their favorite lyrics or chord progressions (although sometimes that does happen). It’s not usually about favorite venues or...
View ArticleClik here to view.
THE LONG HAUL: Unsung Heroes of the Folk Scene
I just spent a beautiful 24 hours in Shetland, an experience I don’t take for granted. I love getting to go to tucked-away places while on tour, and for a fiddle player, Shetland is one of those...
View ArticleClik here to view.
THE LONG HAUL: The Best Songs to Listen to on a Late-Night, Post-Gig Drive
Every once in a while, to facilitate the next day's commute, to get to the cheaper hotel rooms, or to get to my own bed, I might opt for a 2-3 hour drive after a gig. This means starting around 11-12...
View ArticleClik here to view.
THE LONG HAUL: Why Are Musicians Such Coffee Snobs?
Have you ever offered a musician some perfectly good coffee-maker coffee, only to have them turn up their snotty noses at it, and go pay $5 for a latte down the street? We all know that said musician...
View ArticleClik here to view.
THE LONG HAUL: Photographer Natia Cinco on Seeing Musicians in Their Best Light
If you’ve ever released your own music, or gotten hooked on a new artist whose music you adore, you know the importance of music photography. It’s an artist’s first impression, their statement of self,...
View ArticleClik here to view.
THE LONG HAUL: The Best of US Airports, According to a Touring Musician
When you’re traveling a lot, it’s nice to feel like you have a routine based on the places you’re visiting. This year, I’ve been flying more than usual, and I’ve come to fondly look forward to stopping...
View ArticleClik here to view.
THE LONG HAUL: Complicated Relationships
Sometimes I think that the most complicated relationship I have in my life is with my fiddle. Maybe this is a testament to how lucky I’ve been with my family and friends, but It’s true! I’ve played the...
View ArticleClik here to view.
THE LONG HAUL: To iPad or Not to iPad
For a few years now, I have had a staunch stance about my band not using iPads for charts or notes on stage. While I don’t expect folks to be completely off book (especially if they are subbing in, or...
View ArticleClik here to view.
THE LONG HAUL: The Secret to Getting Great Live Sound
One of the most stressful things about playing live shows is trying to get the sound right. Unless you are able to carry your own sound engineer on tour, soundcheck will likely be a hit-or-miss...
View ArticleClik here to view.
THE LONG HAUL: A Gift Guide for Musicians (2023 Edition)
It’s that time of year again! If you’re wondering what to get your musician friends and family members for the holidays, I’ve got just the items you need. Last year I listed items for musicians and...
View Article