I've been thinking lately that there is going to come a time when I may need to limit my touring... I'm guessing that all touring musicians are facing this due to the real environmental effects of driving or even flying across the country...
In addition to the costs to the environment, when I'm on the road I don't do much songwriting. My tax person tells me that last year I was on the road almost 200 days... no wonder I hardly wrote any new songs in 2007!
So, my plan is to come up with ways to tour more responsibly (hybrid? bio-diesel?) when I do tour, and then to find ways to limit the number of days I'm on the road so I can focus more time on songwriting.
I know that nothing can replace the connection that comes from me sharing my songs with you sitting nearby and smiling! However, I am trying to think ahead and also be creative about other options we haven't thought of yet... or maybe YOU have thought of them :-) at least that's what I'm hoping!!
That leaves me with two questions:
1) how can I continue to reach new people with my music if I tour less;
2) what are other ways I can stay connected to people who already know my music?
I was recently offered the opportunity to place all of the songs from Break The Spell with MTV... the catch being that I'd have to give them blanket permission to use any of the songs, on any show, without checking with me first. I spent some time trying to decide what didn't feel right about that... and I realized it meant that it was possible that they could place one of my songs in a context that might not fit in with my values... So I said "No, thank you". Which means none of my songs will be on MTV shows - it was an all or nothing offer.
I do believe it would be wonderful to have my songs placed in films, or even commercials if I was excited about the company or product. So that is one idea, but surely there are other ways I can get my songs out there without giving up my ability to determine where they go, and without touring 200 days a year.
So back to this idea of evolution and exploring ways to share my music besides through touring.
What other ideas are out there?
Do ya'll have thoughts on how I can keep doing this music while possibly touring less and/or utilizing new resources?
If so, please, send me your ideas. Should I film a concert in my home and sell "tickets"? Should I expand the Angel Program in some ways? If so, how? Other ideas?
You can reach me at ellis@rubberneckrecords.com. I'll be home for the next week, and so will actually be able to read and respond without a 5 month lag... so please do get in touch!!
Thank you for reading this far! Can't wait to hear from you!
big love and laughter,
ellis
No to MTV... yes to what?
Goodbye snow in April
Howdy Everyone!
It is finally Spring!! Can you believe it?! For those of us in Minnesota we were reminded of the Prince song (sometimes it snows in April) Oh yes… and did it ever snow!! Yup, April 1st we made a snow woman! Really!
Julie (my new rockin’ tour manager) and I are driving to Whitewater, WI for a show tonight. I’m so thrilled to be writing a little note to you while we’re on the road driving!! Why ?? Because I’m not driving!! Yay!! Thank you Julie ☺!
I think springtime always puts a little more light in my heart and in my step too. I definitely feel more open and free (perhaps it’s taking off the claustrophobic jacket- phew!) Also, this sense that things are changing- the shift of seasons is exciting. New possibilities right here in the blue sky and softer temperatures!
I hope wherever you are that spring is treating you well and inspiring an awakening of all the joyful things that might have hibernated for a while in your heart! Goodbye winter!!
Hope to see you at a show soon!!
Much peace and love,
Ellis
It is finally Spring!! Can you believe it?! For those of us in Minnesota we were reminded of the Prince song (sometimes it snows in April) Oh yes… and did it ever snow!! Yup, April 1st we made a snow woman! Really!
Julie (my new rockin’ tour manager) and I are driving to Whitewater, WI for a show tonight. I’m so thrilled to be writing a little note to you while we’re on the road driving!! Why ?? Because I’m not driving!! Yay!! Thank you Julie ☺!
I think springtime always puts a little more light in my heart and in my step too. I definitely feel more open and free (perhaps it’s taking off the claustrophobic jacket- phew!) Also, this sense that things are changing- the shift of seasons is exciting. New possibilities right here in the blue sky and softer temperatures!
I hope wherever you are that spring is treating you well and inspiring an awakening of all the joyful things that might have hibernated for a while in your heart! Goodbye winter!!
Hope to see you at a show soon!!
Much peace and love,
Ellis
What if loving what you have...is everything?
I just wrote a song called "Something More". It’s a light-hearted look at the very human idea that there’s something out there that we could buy that would make us happy. I don’t think it works that way, but sometimes I get caught in the idea anyway...That I need something more, or I would be happier if only... and at those times I'm convinced that someone else would be doing a better job at this career than I am.
There is a model of "success" (or was anyway) in the music industry. It involved record labels and executives and business plans and price points and bottom lines. It meant making music that had mass appeal and "being discovered" and "beating out the competition."
I've managed to avoid getting on this treadmill, but it has always been in the back of my mind. A little voice that wonders if I'm missing something.
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about people like you. Many of you have been with me through the years on this musical journey. You joined the email list, you've driven several towns over just to catch one more show, you've posted messages on the guestbook page, and sent emails letting me know that a song of mine made a difference for you.
If you've wondered if these things have made a difference for me, wonder no more. They have. You've helped me feel encouraged and not alone... and to believe that it is not naive to take this small-scale approach where I define my success by whether or not I've helped to open hearts.
I really do think that happiness is loving what you have.
It's something I sing every night after night "What if loving what you have is everything?" and I'm finding that sentiment has really taken root in my heart.
So, in reflecting about "success" as a musician, I'm more certain that ever that I didn’t make a mistake. I may not have fame and fortune, but I do know how lucky I am. I know that it's a big deal that you choose to come to a show and spend your evening with me (when there are so many other demands on your time).
And enough of you do it so that I can cover the tour costs... and still the shows are small enough that I can stay after and talk to every single person who wants to talk to me!
What else could I want?
peace and love,
ellis
There is a model of "success" (or was anyway) in the music industry. It involved record labels and executives and business plans and price points and bottom lines. It meant making music that had mass appeal and "being discovered" and "beating out the competition."
I've managed to avoid getting on this treadmill, but it has always been in the back of my mind. A little voice that wonders if I'm missing something.
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about people like you. Many of you have been with me through the years on this musical journey. You joined the email list, you've driven several towns over just to catch one more show, you've posted messages on the guestbook page, and sent emails letting me know that a song of mine made a difference for you.
If you've wondered if these things have made a difference for me, wonder no more. They have. You've helped me feel encouraged and not alone... and to believe that it is not naive to take this small-scale approach where I define my success by whether or not I've helped to open hearts.
I really do think that happiness is loving what you have.
It's something I sing every night after night "What if loving what you have is everything?" and I'm finding that sentiment has really taken root in my heart.
So, in reflecting about "success" as a musician, I'm more certain that ever that I didn’t make a mistake. I may not have fame and fortune, but I do know how lucky I am. I know that it's a big deal that you choose to come to a show and spend your evening with me (when there are so many other demands on your time).
And enough of you do it so that I can cover the tour costs... and still the shows are small enough that I can stay after and talk to every single person who wants to talk to me!
What else could I want?
peace and love,
ellis
Extra Ordinary
Hey everybody!
Right now I am on a plane to Hartford, CT! Today is my catch up day, where I plan to do some emailing, post this journal, and maybe even play a little music! I have a couple tunes that can't wait to have my attention!!
I literally was the last person on my flight today. I ran to catch my plane. Usually I’m at the airport 2 hours before my flight, just in case things aren’t moving quickly. I got up later than I should have and the morning continued in that way. I arrived a lot later than I wanted to the off- airport parking lot, when the gate wouldn’t open because of all the snow Milwaukee has been having. We sat there on the shuttle for 20 minutes!
My flight was leaving at 7:30am and I was just sitting there in that parking lot, on the bus, waiting until about 7:00am. If I had been at a larger airport, if the Midwest airline folks weren’t so relaxed and nice and if I hadn’t run to my gate I would’ve missed my flight. I really should have missed it! Who knew that it was possible to check in so late and still make it to the plane?! I don’t plan to make this a regular thing, however, it’s really nice to know that even when things seem impossible, they are maybe still possible. So, my day started off a little ragged, but now I’m in the air and with no delays!
So much adventure lately to talk about! JJ and I had a really great tour together. I do have pictures I’ll post that JJ took from her phone. Thank you JJ!! I think she captured a moment or two from most of the tour! We ended our string of shows playing at Lula’s Café in South Bend, which was perfect because Lula's is a special place for me. I sure do love playing there. It's just a little cafe, however, I've been going there since 2001 or so and there's a lot of love every time and a ton of people!! Folks traveled from Michigan and Wisconsin, not to mention all the wonderful folks who showed up from South Bend. So lovely to see y’all again!! I can’t wait to play another show near you soon!
Before South Bend and Columbus, Ohio, JJ and I spent about 4 days in Memphis at the big ole Folk Alliance Conference there. For those of you not familiar, It’s a whole bunch of musicians gathering in one hotel for 4 days of music. We had a lot of fun and caught up with friends we haven’t seen in a while! I do love the folk world. So many people who are interested in music and how it can heal and create community.
One of the things I did during my time in Memphis was participate in an outreach program where I went to an elementary school to talk about music. Wow! I had so much fun doing that. They had just talked about songwriting, so my job that day was to tell them all about what I do and how I got started doing it. Really, to inspire them to follow their own dreams and that anything is possible if they put their minds and hearts into it. It was a fantastic experience. I really love kids and they seem to listen pretty well and asked a ton of questions! How much money do you make was one that came up quite a bit :-) I almost said, "hundreds and hundreds of dollars EVERY YEAR!!" But I resisted that temptation!! I simply said that it paid all my bills- how cool is that?!
It was so nice to travel south for this tour. There has been so much snow up north and it was a nice break from the cold to be in sunshine and take off my heavy coat! Now that I’m back in the snowy cold I don’t mind it so much and can appreciate more how beautiful it is. Usually around February if I don’t get the chance to get away I feel like the snow and cold is a personal attack on my sense of well being. Except of course if I have the opportunity to go cc skiing, then I’ll feel very happy about the snow and cold. Alas, I haven't done that now in a few years... Maybe I'll be back in MN for a couple days and can sneak in a venture out before everything melts into spring!
So much to talk about, and I want to tell you everything! However, it's a bit like blinking, this tour. Every second it seemed like there was an extraordinary moment stacked next to another extraordinary moment.
Isn't it interesting that extraordinary is extra ordinary?! Ahh.. I'm gonna try for a little of that tonight opening the show at Circle of Friends for Patty Larkin!
Patty is one of my favorite folkie rock stars and I can't wait to see her play again!! For those of you not familiar with her, be sure to check out her music sometime. A lot of her albums are experimental, so I suggest starting with "Red = Luck" or an older album called "Angels Running". If you want the real Patty experience though, her album called Patty Larkin "A Gogo" is a live recording that is truly inspiring and one of my favorites!! I can't help listening to that album and wanting to write songs. She seems to pull them from everywhere! Anyway, can you tell I'm excited?!
I hope you have an extra ordinary day too!! Wherever you are and whatever you are doing today, may it be full of love!
till next time,
ellis
p.s. I just uploaded all the pics from this tour and realized that one moment wasn't captured that was really special. JJ and I were joined at Cafe Paradiso by a truly wonderful artist/guitarist named Arthur Lee Land. He is really talented and joined us on about 5 or 6 tunes! It was beautiful and fit right into the music. He is often on tour and quite an exciting performer to see live! I highly recommend it!! For those of you in Minneapolis, he will be at the 318 in Excelsior,MN on Wed, March 19th! I'd be there if I were in town!!
Right now I am on a plane to Hartford, CT! Today is my catch up day, where I plan to do some emailing, post this journal, and maybe even play a little music! I have a couple tunes that can't wait to have my attention!!
I literally was the last person on my flight today. I ran to catch my plane. Usually I’m at the airport 2 hours before my flight, just in case things aren’t moving quickly. I got up later than I should have and the morning continued in that way. I arrived a lot later than I wanted to the off- airport parking lot, when the gate wouldn’t open because of all the snow Milwaukee has been having. We sat there on the shuttle for 20 minutes!
My flight was leaving at 7:30am and I was just sitting there in that parking lot, on the bus, waiting until about 7:00am. If I had been at a larger airport, if the Midwest airline folks weren’t so relaxed and nice and if I hadn’t run to my gate I would’ve missed my flight. I really should have missed it! Who knew that it was possible to check in so late and still make it to the plane?! I don’t plan to make this a regular thing, however, it’s really nice to know that even when things seem impossible, they are maybe still possible. So, my day started off a little ragged, but now I’m in the air and with no delays!
So much adventure lately to talk about! JJ and I had a really great tour together. I do have pictures I’ll post that JJ took from her phone. Thank you JJ!! I think she captured a moment or two from most of the tour! We ended our string of shows playing at Lula’s Café in South Bend, which was perfect because Lula's is a special place for me. I sure do love playing there. It's just a little cafe, however, I've been going there since 2001 or so and there's a lot of love every time and a ton of people!! Folks traveled from Michigan and Wisconsin, not to mention all the wonderful folks who showed up from South Bend. So lovely to see y’all again!! I can’t wait to play another show near you soon!
Before South Bend and Columbus, Ohio, JJ and I spent about 4 days in Memphis at the big ole Folk Alliance Conference there. For those of you not familiar, It’s a whole bunch of musicians gathering in one hotel for 4 days of music. We had a lot of fun and caught up with friends we haven’t seen in a while! I do love the folk world. So many people who are interested in music and how it can heal and create community.
One of the things I did during my time in Memphis was participate in an outreach program where I went to an elementary school to talk about music. Wow! I had so much fun doing that. They had just talked about songwriting, so my job that day was to tell them all about what I do and how I got started doing it. Really, to inspire them to follow their own dreams and that anything is possible if they put their minds and hearts into it. It was a fantastic experience. I really love kids and they seem to listen pretty well and asked a ton of questions! How much money do you make was one that came up quite a bit :-) I almost said, "hundreds and hundreds of dollars EVERY YEAR!!" But I resisted that temptation!! I simply said that it paid all my bills- how cool is that?!
It was so nice to travel south for this tour. There has been so much snow up north and it was a nice break from the cold to be in sunshine and take off my heavy coat! Now that I’m back in the snowy cold I don’t mind it so much and can appreciate more how beautiful it is. Usually around February if I don’t get the chance to get away I feel like the snow and cold is a personal attack on my sense of well being. Except of course if I have the opportunity to go cc skiing, then I’ll feel very happy about the snow and cold. Alas, I haven't done that now in a few years... Maybe I'll be back in MN for a couple days and can sneak in a venture out before everything melts into spring!
So much to talk about, and I want to tell you everything! However, it's a bit like blinking, this tour. Every second it seemed like there was an extraordinary moment stacked next to another extraordinary moment.
Isn't it interesting that extraordinary is extra ordinary?! Ahh.. I'm gonna try for a little of that tonight opening the show at Circle of Friends for Patty Larkin!
Patty is one of my favorite folkie rock stars and I can't wait to see her play again!! For those of you not familiar with her, be sure to check out her music sometime. A lot of her albums are experimental, so I suggest starting with "Red = Luck" or an older album called "Angels Running". If you want the real Patty experience though, her album called Patty Larkin "A Gogo" is a live recording that is truly inspiring and one of my favorites!! I can't help listening to that album and wanting to write songs. She seems to pull them from everywhere! Anyway, can you tell I'm excited?!
I hope you have an extra ordinary day too!! Wherever you are and whatever you are doing today, may it be full of love!
till next time,
ellis
p.s. I just uploaded all the pics from this tour and realized that one moment wasn't captured that was really special. JJ and I were joined at Cafe Paradiso by a truly wonderful artist/guitarist named Arthur Lee Land. He is really talented and joined us on about 5 or 6 tunes! It was beautiful and fit right into the music. He is often on tour and quite an exciting performer to see live! I highly recommend it!! For those of you in Minneapolis, he will be at the 318 in Excelsior,MN on Wed, March 19th! I'd be there if I were in town!!
The Mayonnaise Jar and 2 Cups of Coffee
Hey everyone!
I hope the new year is treating you well so far! I’m currently on the road with my drummer, JJ, and we are in Paducah, KY at the moment and soon we'll be making our way to Raleigh, NC today.
We had this grand hope of writing a note every day about each show and our adventures to keep you in the loop. However, as you know, this plan was a bit more grand than the reality of road life!! So, instead, we will catch you up in a loose weekly fashion!
Today, while we’re driving (I’ll be driving and JJ will by typing or vice versa- no laptops on the steering wheel!! Promise!!) We will backtrack a little and take you on a memory lane tour of the shows so far. There have been many magical nights and I can’t wait to give you a glimpse of them!!
Before we post that, though, I received this lovely email and story from Tyger, who I met in Des Moines, IA. This story was written by Mary Plaisance and I laughed out loud when I read it! I hope you enjoy it too!!
===============
The Mayonnaise Jar and 2 Cups of Coffee
When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 cups of coffee.
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous, "yes."
The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.
"Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things--your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions-- and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car.
The sand is everything else--the small stuff. "If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.
The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.
"Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first --the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."
=============
Thanks Tyger and Mary!! I will journal again soon, maybe even with a few photos!!
I hope the new year is treating you well so far! I’m currently on the road with my drummer, JJ, and we are in Paducah, KY at the moment and soon we'll be making our way to Raleigh, NC today.
We had this grand hope of writing a note every day about each show and our adventures to keep you in the loop. However, as you know, this plan was a bit more grand than the reality of road life!! So, instead, we will catch you up in a loose weekly fashion!
Today, while we’re driving (I’ll be driving and JJ will by typing or vice versa- no laptops on the steering wheel!! Promise!!) We will backtrack a little and take you on a memory lane tour of the shows so far. There have been many magical nights and I can’t wait to give you a glimpse of them!!
Before we post that, though, I received this lovely email and story from Tyger, who I met in Des Moines, IA. This story was written by Mary Plaisance and I laughed out loud when I read it! I hope you enjoy it too!!
===============
The Mayonnaise Jar and 2 Cups of Coffee
When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 cups of coffee.
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous, "yes."
The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.
"Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things--your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions-- and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car.
The sand is everything else--the small stuff. "If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.
The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.
"Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first --the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."
=============
Thanks Tyger and Mary!! I will journal again soon, maybe even with a few photos!!
