New Jersey Stage Issue 44 | Page 78

sic placed in film/tv projects and played regularly at Genghis Co- hen, a small venue that features singer/songwriters and acous- tic acts.  Over the years, more and more people suggested I try my wares in Nashville as my songs turned more and more into ‘story songs’ and my influences changed from the Sex Pistols to Townes Van Zandt.  So I moved back to Tennessee, a place I never thought I’d live again since leav- ing Memphis at age 13.  While billing myself as a singer/song- writer, upon hearing all the tal- ented singers in this town, I now call myself a songwriter/singer.  I have been mellowed by all of life’s humbling moments, but I think I’ve finally figured out how to write a song and I feel like I still have a lot to offer. If I were a religious person, I’d say that my whole life was NJ STAGE - ISSUE 44 planned in order that I could show the world the power of perseverance and that life doesn’t end with one’s youth. The only advice I would offer young musicians is to not be too easily puffed up by success or discouraged by failure. Always remember that it’s all about the music. That’s the thing.   w INDEX NEXT ARTICLE 78