So, When I was a Kid...
My brother Pete got this old guitar from a pawn shop in hopes that he would start learning to play. Well Pete never did, he's just not like that. Well, having been born with music in my soul, I picked up that guitar and set my feet on a journey that would take me to the highest mountain peaks and the deepest caves of my soul. I started writing songs right away. My first song was "Friend" written for my buddy Mike Brechtel, followed by so many others I can't type them here. As I began to write tunes I began to understand who I was, what I needed, what I was feeling, how I saw life, and what I wanted to be. The thing about writing a song from your heart is that, even if nobody likes it, its real and its valid and you put it on a page. So this may be a Chinese proverb but, I'm writing my songs, but they are writing me.
I grew up in Casper Wyoming - I love it there. Huge mountains, wide open spaces, independent spirits, and friendships that are rooted deep in my heart.
I grew up in a wonderful family the youngest of four. Yes I went to Home school, enough already, leave me alone.
When I was 26 (now), I had a great job in Casper working for a civil engineering firm as a nobody, I had just finished three college degrees, and was building my own house. Life was great. I was single, I would always party with Keith (see my friends), I was becoming a responsible adult and a good member of society. Until one day.... I was sitting alone in this huge house that I was building for .......me? It felt like a prison. My normal life was becoming so ..... normal. "This is not what I had planned" I thought to myself, "life is supposed to be exciting and full." I then made a list of all the things that would make me happy in this life. (If anyone wants to know my list, I would be happy to share those things).
Two of the things on my Happy list were I need to be respected in my field and I need to have purpose in my field, or have a calling. I thought about my job as a draftsmen. "I can do this" I thought, "I can stay long enough until I become valuable." But I knew in my heart there was so much more in this life for me. My music was the answer. I want to play music, write songs, and be heard, I want to encourage somebody with a song, pick up the down and outers - "the outsiders" - that will be my purpose.
Well, everyone knows if you want to be heard, you need to go where the music is - Nashville TN. I left Casper Wyoming the day after Christmas 2005. I had all the questions when I left - I still have them, but I'm finding out a little more everyday, about the music business and about myself. I do not regret any sacrifices I've made. The real loss would have been to never come to Nashville, never pursue a dream, and never know. So, you're a dreamer? So am I. So good for you.
I've recorded a new CD entitled ONE MORE DAWN that will be available this spring. It's my first Nashville Recording with real Nashville players. I have written and recorded three other CDs - OUTLAWS, THE LAND THAT CAST NO SHADOWS, and THE FIGURE OF A MAN. None of my first three CDs will ever be available again; they were just a learning process. For me I need to move on, please come with me.
It's about the music.
