The Water We Swim In

Did you know that the half-time superbowl performers don't get paid?

That's right- Bruno Mars and the Red Hot Chili Peppers received no financial payment for their performance, although all of their travel expenses were paid, and of course the opportunity to perform to over a hundred million viewers is priceless.

I'm often asked how much I "make" as a musician, and it's a tough and even complicated question to answer. It seems especially relevant lately considering we are getting ready to record an album in San Francisco with Stephen Barncard.

The superbowl example is a good one. Often times a band can make more money playing a four-hour show in a bar to a large group of people who don't really care what they're doing than they can to a large group of people who bought tickets to see them in a theater venue. I think most musicians agree that they would rather play the latter show, but I also think that most musicians would agree that they would rather not have to have a job on the side to support what they really want to do.

And for me, that's sort of the holy grail. I'd like to be able to focus on the musician part of my life first and foremost!!! -Without having a day job to come home to. More importantly and in accordance to that, as an artist, I'd like to make albums and play shows to and with people who are there for the music- and the full experience.

The superbowl example is a dilemma that many bands face. It's sort of the water we swim in. I'd also like to say that I feel blessed to have a job to come home to; it really keeps me grounded!

Finally, I'd like to mention the type of payments that we receive that are not money but worth much more. I think and talk about this a lot, but I'm truly so amazed by it continually. All of the love, compassion, food, lodging, gratitude, companionship, encouragement and inspiration is absolutely priceless.