6 Years
August 1st is my anniversary for living in Nashville. Here are some shots from the past 6 years and quick stories that go with 'em:
Moody self portrait from a show at The Basement. Pretty sure I put a promo sticker of mine well above the men's urinal. Months later buddy Matt Hopper played through and texted me that he looked up...and there I was :)
The Basement. Nashville, Tennessee, 2012 — Photo by me
A pretty sunset in Nashville. Street lights floating orbs.
Nashville, Tennessee, 2013 — Photo by me
Holy cow I went through The Office a lot. It was comfort food. Maybe for the same reason I used to be drawn to talk radio. Put The Office on in the background and it's like someone is keeping you company. A friend. Dwight's Speech and Benihana Christmas are definitely two of my favorite episodes. "…WE ARE WARRIORS!!!!"
Was on a quick string of shows around 2013ish heading back to Nashville. This was taken in New Albany, IN, I believe. Went through a formal look w/vest onstage. What can you look like so that someone looking at you knows what you sound like? Appearance as a visual cue for behavior. Worth a try.
New Albany, Indiana, 2013 — Photo by Nicole Melton
January 2013 had a tour to Obama's 2nd Inauguration and back. This shot was after the Knoxville show safely back home. Knoxville had canceled 99% of activities downtown that night but my venue stayed open. It was a show where I played for the owner and bartender. But that's how it goes sometimes. I've driven through all kinds of weather. I have never seen a city covered in 3 inches of ice before. It is hard to believe I made it in and out of there without crashing. Couple days after this was the tour wrap up at The 5 Spot, and a couple of people came up to me and told me they were there to see me specifically because they heard Lightning 100 playing my music and pumping up the show that week and I have never forgotten that. Thank you whoever you are, thank you for doing that for me.
Nashville, Tennessee, 2013 — Photo by me
Ah Daytrotter! Took my buddy Ross for a lap around the Midwest when my record Follow The Voices came out. Mostly great shows. But even the awful ones have great stories when you're touring. Who has a panic attack at The Field of Dreams? *Raises hand
Daytrotter, Iowa, 2014 — Photography by Ross Christopher and me
Here's me and my guy Gregory Alan Isakov posing at the Old Rock House in St. Louis for the release of his record The Weatherman. I've had the good fortune to support him a small handful of times. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. Everybody says.
Gregory Alan Isakov and I at The Old Rock House. St. Louis, Missouri, 2013. Photographer unknown
Me and Ross at the release show for Follow The Voices.
Ross Christopher and I at The Old Rock House. St. Louis, Missouri, 2014 — Photographer unknown
Ah this was a very cool thing. My song “The Storm” was a finalist for lyrics in this big songwriting competition. Such an honor and great feeling for this song to be recognized. I think “The Storm” is my East of Eden, my opus, best work yet. And like Steinbeck said about his book if it woulda fell flat or people thought it was a joke then maybe I've been kidding myself all along and shoulda never been doing this. Glad things worked out for both of us.
Here's me looking like a snack (snaps fingers, throws a hip) in the Mercy Lounge bathroom.
The Mercy Lounge. Nashville, Tennessee, 2013 — Photo by me