I'm sharing the stage with Augustana

So, this Friday, June 26th, I'll be sharing the stage with Augustana.  I've been blessed with some awesome opportunities with my music the last year or so, and this is definitely one of them.  I hope you come on out... tickets are available HERE.

I'm stoked that I get to be a part of this bill... can't wait to see your faces there.

Taking a look back...

Wow.  June 13.  A birth mark in the life of my music.  One year ago today, June 13th 2008, I was scrambling with all of my abilities to get a few people in the door of The Beat Coffeehouse in Uptown, Minneapolis for the release of my first album Unreal.  It was a honor and a blessing to play for those 50 people.  All of my friends, family, and a few new faces listened to the band play and cheered loudly in support. 

That core group has since grown, and has become the spine, the support, and the inspiration for the continuation of my writing, playing, development, and overall sense of purpose in this world. 

This project has overcome obstacles, learned from mistakes, and grown from it's elementary state into a more refined, and prepared entity.  Yet, when the lens is zoomed out, there is a world of growing, learning, developing, and refining to take place. 

I'm humbled by the artists around me, and by my own observations of the sacrifice that takes place in their music.  I'm ready to take that leap and move into the next level.  There is nothing holding me back but my own reservations... so I'm letting those go. 

Even if I work on this project 24 hours a day, sacrifice everything I can, live, breathe, eat, and die to the music of my soul, it will become nothing but simple songs without you, the Listener.  You have brought me inspiration, energy, and reality to my dreams.  The music I make is from my heart, yes, but you are on my heart. 

I thank God for His blessings, and continued Grace in my life.  And I thank you for your support and words of encouragement. 

So, buckle up with me and let's take this journey of this next year together.  Here we go...

That's a wrap!

So, the first Red Flags shoot went very well.  It was kind of awkward and bizarre at first... make up... lights... HD cameras in my face.... a crew... a food table... somebody standing there holding a light reflector under my nose the whole time.  ...But Erica is a great director, and it wasn't long before I was movin' to the music and singing out loud on the set. 

Here's a snap shot of what this scene might end up looking like.  Pretty rad, huh?

1st Red Flags music video shoot tomorrow

So, tomorrow (6.7.09) is the 1st red flags music video shoot.  I'm super excited, but i'm kind of clueless as to what I'm doing.  Here is the list of things the director, Erica Mayer, sent for me to do/bring for the shoot tomorrow. 

I NEED TO BRING:
     -sponges for makeup  -  Ummmm....?
     -big powder brush  - ditto....?
     -coffee - without it I can't even spell my name.
     -bottled water - because I get warm very easiy
     -snacks (chips/etc) - because we all need to eat
     -4-5 outfits. Both black and bright colors  -
                    keep in mind: no tight patterns or big logos. bring black, grey, yellow and 2 other color T's to layer
      -scarves - i have plenty of these
      -sunglasses - ooooooof course
     -flat iron - because that's how i roll
     -extra styling product - not that i need it or anything...
     -CD's - to give to the crew, and one to lip sync to
     -old fashioned mic - .... ummmm... wasn't able to get it.  oops.  i hope erica doesn't get upset...
     -any other "random" props you think could be funny  - well, that might get a tad inappropriate.... but we'll see what happens.

Anyway... thought i'd share that with you.  Can't wait for you to see the final product!

Risings Sounds Radio Plug & upcoming show possibilities

So, I did a radio interview at Rising Sounds Radio here in the cities on 5.31.  They're going to replay it TONIGHT at 7pm at www.radio.citieslive.com.  You should check it out at least for a little while.  I play 2 acoustic songs and they play a few from the Unreal record as well. 

Also, I just chatted w/ Drew Neal in MI and we talked about me coming out and playing July 10th at The District again.  Except this time it would be opening up for a bigger, national act.  I don't want to name drop... and it's only a slight possibility, but I may be sharing the stage AGAIN with NeedtoBreathe.  I hope it works out... keep your fingers crossed. 

Also, still waiting to hear on my June 26th hold... woot.