Some humorous observations on being a 58-year old independent musician in the Valley (or anywhere for that matter). Requirements include:
1) Putting out your own CDs and sitting at the kitchen table (preferably at 2 a.m.) stuffing envelopes with discs one at a time (each containing a handwritten personal letter) and mailing them to friends, reviewers and radio. Gives one a sense of accomplishment! It does. I'm not kidding on this one.
2) Booking your own gigs. This seems to get more humorous as you grow older. A 58-year-old trying to sell himself over the phone (or email) is quite a feat to pull off. You're not ancient enough to be the real cool old guy whom everyone wants to hear, but you're way too old to be a so-called marketable musician. I was told recently by a certain club ( in New Hampshire) that they were only going to be working with a select few young musicians ( for opening slots) to nurture and turn into headliners. Age discrimination? Can't really blame them. I'm not complaining. I just think it's pretty damn funny. Gives one a sense of accomplishment?
3) Mailing monthly postcards and weekly emails (plus posters and flyers to the clubs you're playing). Gotta let people know where you're gonna be. That way they can choose to come and hear you, or know where not to go. A dual-purpose mailing! Gives one a sense of accomplishment. This one works too. That's two out of three. Count me in for another 20 years and always keep a sense of humor!
