It has been some time since i've updated the blog, and a lot has happened since that Feb. 27th post. What i've learned is that life has a funny way of throwing you some of the wildest curveballs. Some good, some not so good, but alas we cannot duck, or we might just miss something. A lot of this is another story for another day, but for now, l want to focus on some good news.
A few weeks back, I was approached somewhat out of the blue to discuss a new work/business opportunity. Not really seeking an immediate change and with health being an integral focus on my life at the moment, I agreed to listen. 2 weeks later, I am happy to say that I am now the head of marketing and artist relations for a music venture/venue company in Dallas. There are a lot more details, but at this point I have agreed not to share.
A few people who have heard this good news in the last few days have asked what a typical day will look like. Tough question, but essentially i'll be working with shows/venues, artist management and the artists themselves, handling the needed marketing for all shows, and day-of logistics for localized marketing opportunities with artists. Not to mention, the marketing for the venues. After meeting with the team, there are some truly amazing ideas, and I, myself have so many amazing ideas. BORNS, Magic Man, The 1975, Gregory Alan Isakov, Death Cab for Cutie, Tokyo Police Club, Ray LaMontagne, The Temper Trap ... just some of the amazing talent coming to the area soon that we'll be working with and have some big ideas for. I will also be handling one-off events that happen, things like neighborhood parties/festivals, food truck festivals, etc., as well as community partnerships to form some really cool partnerships & opportunities. There are A LOT more details that I cannot share at this time, but needless to say I could not turn down this opportunity. Not just from the nice pay raise standpoint, but from the opportunity standpoint and the vision of being able to do a job that I can truly put my passion of people, artist discovery, and community into! The vision moving forward is so bright and I love the team i'll be working with, plus I get to work IN A BEAUTIFUL HISTORIC HOME IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD. What more could you ask for?
With this new opportunity, I also get to announce a new venture that I am heading up from a "side job" standpoint. It is something that I first kicked around late 2015 after I was told to think about it by someone close to me, and I did. And that push and suggestion was what I needed to plant the seed. Anyway, I have started a music marketing "firm" to help up-and-coming artists get their music noticed. At this point i'm working with four artists: indie-folk swooners Penny & Sparrow, Pacific coast singer/songwriter Justin Klump, Nashville-based indie rocker Volunteer, and a soon-to-be-named artist! Basically i'm offering services to help gain exposure for new music, new artists, and just helping navigate the music marketing world. The goal is to, maybe, one day grow this into something special and begin working with larger acts - but if I am doing my job correctly, these artists will be those larger acts and the rest will follow. I'm working on a LLC name/website, so hold tight, but i'm so excited for the opportunity.
Life will be busy, but busy is good. I'm so thankful for the love and support of those around me and the many prayers that have been lifted up. Where life will take me has always been something of a mystery to me, but I have a great feeling about this next step and venture (back) into music. I'm so excited for these new opportunities that lay ahead outside of the advertising and agency world. It was a good run, and i'm so blessed for the relationships forged, but passion is at play now. Pimpin' soft drinks and processed cheese had its moments, and I truly worked some remarkable people that I love and admire, and who helped me through some insanely trying times in my life, but onto selling a product (new music) I can put my whole heart and soul behind.
There is a wilderness just beyond these walls. Just beyond our securities, our routines, our distractions – its conditions weather the heart of stone. It lies between who we were and who we’re meant to become. Between selfishness and selflessness. Between self-reliance and dependency. Despair and joy. Apathy and desire. Callousness and vulnerability. It’s the substance of our favorite stories, but it must be experienced first hand. It’ll last longer than you hope or expect. You’ll step into the desert carrying everything you thought gave you identity, purpose and value and walk out empty-handed. We all face forks in the road, but do not fret. The road less travelled doesn’t exist. The one you take will always lead to the wilderness. And there, cold, weak, exhausted, rejected, betrayed, and broken, you will know grace.
I have stepped out of the wilderness in a small way. I have no idea how it happened. I’d prayed for it for so long. No matter what I did, I could not will myself out of it. I was helplessly lost in a fog. Was this the gestation and healing of all I’ve experienced in the last year? The result of finally letting go of everything? Some miraculous, intimate orchestration? Or is this just what happens as you get closer to a third decade? You know, it may be all of these, none of these, or some crazy combination wholly intertwined. But really, it was me finally submitting and facing the struggles I had in my life that I had pinned up for months that left me in the challenging place that I was in, but afraid to ever admit I was in. All I can feel is gratitude. The fog has been lifted. After months of exhaustion with nothing to give, I’m overflowing with a life that spills over and touches those around me.
I trust you know the wilderness of which I speak. If you’ve left it, may you share in my joy. Even if you're just beginning to leave it like myself, you understand the joy of seeing change and the amazing feeling of entrusting. If you’re still in it, I pray you do not lose hope. Trust me, there is a bright light waiting for you. And that light is still shining for me as I continue to battle things in my life. You will breathe deeply. You will run through the streets shouting. And you will feel nothing but gratitude. And if you have no idea what I’m talking about, don’t worry.
You will.
Love you all. More to come soon.