When thinking of the events of the year that was 2008 (it’s not over yet, I know, but I’m in a reflective mood) I tend to call it a lost year. For much of the summer I was depressed and everything that I once knew about myself and identified with was in constant flux and I thought I was going to quit music for a while.
I didn’t.
And I’m glad I didn’t.
I don’t want to get into all that happened but suffice it to say that I’m looking forward to 2009 like crazy. I’ve established some solid relationships this year that have stimulated and affected my life in profound ways. Because of those relationships and countless other reasons, I don’t identify myself as a musician now, rather, I’m a person first and music is intertwined within. That’s liberating.
Next year is shaping up to be primo. For one, I will be making money. I start up my TA position, I have some promising gigs, and I’ll continue to tutor the SAT for high school children. This year, I have hovered just above poverty levels, though I don’t feel poor. I think more than ever I’m less frugal and I think I’ve been able to soften the grip that monetary comfort once had on me. I feel rich and I feel secure. That’s liberating as well.
Anyhow, I’m moving towards something definite now. I’ve now fully invested myself in the idea of moving west. I’ve romanticized it like crazy and I’m gung-ho now. It might crash and burn like the time I spent in New York but I think as a person I’m more complete than I was then. I think I can handle it.
So things coming next year? How about:
- CD release show and the new CD that follows that.
- We got asked to play a high school junior prom, which is going to be a BLAST.
- We just got asked (though it’s still in the planning stages) to play a 60’s themed show in the summer.
- I’ll be hitting the road either in late January/early February and will also be visiting San Francisco in February.
- TA position (helping to teach the “History of Rock Music” at Northeastern). It’s a job, it pays well, and I enjoy the hell out of it.
- Continued knowledge of myself.
- Moving away.
- Playing Faneuil Hall but not having to rely on it. The economy made street performing a constant struggle.
- Many, many more.
November 15th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
*Playing a prom?? that is so freakin awesome!!!
*Can’t wait for the CD release party and of course the new CD!!
*Congratulations for making the final decision to move!! Seeing others follow their dreams helps encourage me to do the same!!
and finally - SO GLAD YOU DIDN’T QUIT MUSIC!!
talk soon!
November 18th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
man…i’ve had a weird year, too. It’s been a series of ups and downs, but some of the strangest ups and downs i’ve seen in a while.
Good to hear that next year is shaping up to kick some you-know-what.
I guess we need weird years like these to slap us in the face and make us look at our lives and help with decisions. (for the record, i’m glad you didn’t quit music, too)
Hopefully we’ll be seeing more of you in the ‘09.