Reflections from American Idol

Like, Oh my God!

Have you all been watching American Idol? Jodi and I have. These early episodes are sort of like a train wreck---so painful to watch, yet you can't look away. You've got the weirdos who mean to be weird, and the ones who are just being themselves. You've got the sweet, quiet types and the loudmouths with attitude. We've seen classically trained vocalists, rockers, R & B singers, Broadway singers, twangers, and screechers...they've been naive, charming, jaded, desperate, cheerful, odd and every combination in between. We've also learned that how they come across is pretty much fixed, and singing "one more song", going outside for a drink of water, or stepping off onto the carpet never changes anything or makes them any better. :)

I'll be turning 30 this year, and I've been singing for a living the past 6 years. It's been a journey, but I think I am finally getting a handle on who I really am and where I fit into the musical universe. As I imagine looking at myself through the eyes of Randy, Paula, and Simon, I think I have a pretty clear picture of who I am and, just as important, who I am not....

I am not the good-looking, stylish young hunk who drives the ladies crazy.

I am not the undeniable vocalist with the million dollar voice.

I am not the rowdy bar band lead singer that dances on tables and gets the crowd into it.

And I'm not the...ummm, ECCENTRIC performer that you just kind of feel sorry for.

No amount of trying can make me into one of these people, either. Although...if I shaved my goatee and grew my hair back out, I might could be this guy...

What I AM is a genuine, laid-back kind of guy that writes heartfelt songs and tells funny stories. I like things simple, and I like to be real up on stage. Give me an audience that is sitting down and paying attention, and I will make them FEEL something every time. For me it's all about honesty, and saying something true about life, and making every line of the song worth listening to. I guess it's no coincidence then that I won the celebrity-judged nationwide talent contest for SONGWRITING, not singing. The good news for me is that I do probably have a couple songs that a country artist could take to the top of the charts. THAT would be nationwide exposure, and would allow me to earn a living while I stay home and feed slugs to my salamander, and practice hacky sack, and sing to myself.

Shoot, maybe I AM the eccentric one....

Peace,