Six years ago I set out on a musical journey that I had no idea where it would lead me, if anywhere. Tragedy was its catalyst and something necessary for me to pursue.

I can still remember my first few awkward open mic appearances, just me and an electric guitar, trying to figure out what it as I wanted to be as a performer. I certainly had bands and artists I aspired to be like, or allow them to inspire me through their music. I’ve recited many of them before: Neil Young, Guided by Voices, Swearing at Motorists, Lou Reed, Pavement, Polvo, Elliott Smith, and so on.

Moving to Lynchburg in some ways was necessary in order to get out from under a mortgage. The city is cheaper in terms of housing and other factors–the weather is considerably more moderate compared to the harsher climate of the Northeastern part of the U.S., particularly the winters.

In terms of music however, there isn’t any sort of underground music scene. I know gurus like Matt Bacon talk about connecting and building collaboration within your local scene, but there’s really nothing here to connect to. My few attempts reaching out to a handful of people playing original music have been rebuffed. For the past 18 months, I’ve been figuring out some sort of Plan B. Rather than play 65 or 70 times a year like in the past, I’ve managed a handful of shows, playing covers mainly, which I no longer want to do.

My recent tour, consisting of fewer shows than I’d originally planned for, still was a really good first taste of the potential of approaching my music from a regional perspective. I found that cities like Harrisonburg, Raleigh (and Durham), Murfreesboro, Tennessee, along with a music hub like Nashville wre vital places where a singer-songwriter with indie rock sensibilities can find places to play and develop fans. I managed to find a vibrant DIY community in Murfreesboro, with locals like Karate Chad, and others, who were the total opposite of what I have here in Lynchburg. I met an amazingly talented musician in Raleigh, pressed into service as a late replacement as an opener for my show. Cooper John Uglow was a gift sent by the indie rock gods. He shared some tips and people I should connect with. These people also appreciated my music and will welcome me back to play their area again. Making those connections were a major part of what my tour was all about and it was a success.

I hope to play some more shows later in the fall, adding Ashville, NC, and Johnson City, TN to my list of tour stops.

I gathered a collage from my travels and I’ll post it here.