Gig Cancelations- and what they can mean

I received an email on Friday…the one a musician cringes when he opens.  "Ben, we regret to inform you…"

UGH

The letter went on to say that due to one circumstance or another, the concert for which I had been hired to open had been canceled.  To say I was disappointed was like saying Payton Manning was disappointed to lose the Super Bowl.  Thoughts circled in my head, thoughts like "But we have 100+ coming!"  And "We're pushing heavy promotion this weekend."  And I thought "This thing NEEDS to happen…"

I thought that, because I'm a musician building a career.  I thought that, because I wanted the fans of the other band to see us and to fall in love with us, and I wanted to turn them into new Ben Dukes fans.  I thought that, because I wasn't thinking.  I was reacting.

Then I read further in the email, to where a rep from LiveNation said "I'd like to tentatively offer you…" and he went on to inform me of a future date where he thought he could use me.  I was appreciative, and told him that I would definitely accept if that gig was offered.

That's where my mind started to take over for my initial instinct.  I realized that if they were canceling the gig, then the likelihood that I would have been able to win many fans was low.  I would have been playing to mostly my own folks, and a spattering of others.  And, don't get me wrong, every single fan matters.  Every pair of ears is important.  But, you also want to maximize every opportunity for exposure.  So, this gig would NOT have been the gig for that.

Now, I looked up the possible future gig.  That gig is as an opening act for a Nashville act that is currently on Radio, CMT, and GAC.  In short, their star is beginning to rise, and while they may need local support, they'll also have their own draw.  As such, it's a very exciting proposition for me. Losing one opportunity, and yet coming back with one that may be more advantageous - it's very cool indeed.  Yes, I was a bit upset at the effort and expense that went into my initial promotion for the canceled show.  To a degree, though, that's the cost of business; ultimately, these lemons could indeed become the sweetest of lemonade.

I'm quickly reminded of that trite saying, "When God closes a door, He opens a window."  I hate it when people tell me that.  However, in light of this recent development, it is resonating with me.  It could be, though, that instead of a window, He just went ahead and blew out the frikkin wall.

Open Concept.  I'll take it.


YeahComeOn!

- Dukes

The Return to Del Sur

Memorial Day Weekend - this year, another BBQ at Del Sur down near San Diego.  I love this community.  Close to a thousand were enjoying family activities, bbq and great music on the Saturday
 before the holiday.  It was a pleasure to go out and throw down again.  Of course, when you're traveling down to the land of perfect weather on a holiday weekend, you're going to face traffic.  I began receiving texts from different members of the band about 90 minutes before we were slated to play.  Everyone but the drummer was running late - drummers… I guess they just have good timing.  We lost one member to a blown tire.  Another was caught in the backup of a wreck…it was gonna be close.

I was the second man to arrive, followed by two guitarists… but the Bass was not there yet.  Three minutes to downbeat, and I get a text that he's in the neighborhood, looking for parking.  Two minutes to downbeat, and he's hustling to the stage.  I ask where his amp is, and the sound engineer says, "Just go DI, man.  We'll dial it in."  He plugged in, and we started the show.  No line check.  No warm ups.  Nothing.  Just plug and play, and it was awesome.

The crowd there grew steadily over the course of our sixty minutes.  It was great.  Folks were singing along with the Covers we played, and dancing through our originals.  After the show ended, folks came over to the merch table.  A young fan was disappointed when he only had $5 instead of the $8 cost of our CD.  I took the loss.  If a kid wants to walk away with my CD, I'm gonna make that happen.  A couple koozies, a t-shirt… a few sales, and then conversations with new fans.  Definitely rewarding.

And then… Nancarrow.

If you don't know Nancarrow, look them up.  Graham Nancarrow is a fabulous entertainer and a stand-up guy.  He treated the crowd with respect, tossed a couple shout-outs my way, and really just did things the way they should be done.  We swapped discs as we both climbed into our black F-150s after the show.  I've met a number of other acts over the years, few that I am suddenly a fan of.  But, Nancarrow is one.  I'm a fan.

I encourage you to check them out…and if you're throwing a huge party, want a country band, and want to pay top dollar…..  book us.  But if we're busy, book Nancarrow.


Yeahcomeon!

- Dukes

2014 rolls on...

I never cease to be amazed by how, when you think you’re doing all you can in a particular area of your life, you find that you can easily do more...because more is thrust upon you.  Over the past six weeks, my “day job” life has become increasingly hectic.  I have had mountains of work piled atop my normal duties.  I have worked numerous 16 and 18 hour days.  Still, on top of that, the band has continued to gig, and I have continued to write and record.  These are very exciting times!  Not only are we gaining new fans and new professional relationships, but we also are going down new roads as far as the total package of what we do.

Recently, the boys and I played a show at Molly Malones and recorded the whole set.  I’m looking forward to editing that down and releasing the videos for everyone to check out.  The reality of a regional band is that though there are people listening to my music all over the country (and world, now) - not many folks have been able to see the live show.  So, I love the fact that I’ll be able to bring that to y’all soon.

On the video note, we’re also nearing completion of the video for our cover of Merle Haggard’s “Mama Tried.”  It’s been so fun putting this video together.  It’s a glimpse behind the scenes of the studio process as well as a showcase of what the small-club show is like.  We hope fans both of our band, and Merle as well will enjoy it and help us keep real Country Music alive.

The Bookings are ramping up as well, with three new ones on the books for the coming few weeks, and more in development as well.  We’re hoping to get back in Texas later this year, and definitely New Mexico.  Hope to see some of y’all out on the road.

2014 - it’s a blast!

YEAHCOMEON

- Dukes

SXSW14…another year, another experience...

A year ago, I was beginning my first tour with an appearance at South By Southwest.  I was excited, I was nervous, I was … ready?  I don’t know that I was.  I dealt with a hotel that had “misplaced” our reservation and given away our room.  We had zero time to promote at the festival.  We grabbed our credentials and didn’t really see the convention floor.  We simply showed up, played a gig, enjoyed one day of music, and then hightailed it out of town headed for Nashville.

Now, a year later, I had a decidedly different plan.  And of course, as most plans do, it quickly got shot to hell.  Perhaps that’s a bit extreme.  It didn’t really get shot to hell  - but like often happens at such massive events, the best laid plans hardly come to fruition.

On the promotion front, I ordered flyers this year to be delivered to my hotel.  That way, I could get a full day of promotion in on Wednesday prior to our first show on Friday night.  I was headed to the venue where I’d perform, and there was a Country Showcase.  Great Plan!  But, the flyers didn’t arrive on Wednesday…they arrived on Thursday.  So, missed opportunity.  Such is life.  We move on.  With flyers in hand, I descended on downtown Austin Thursday for an interview for Sonicbids and SXSW…I was ready to promote!  I got a few flyers out after finding parking, then headed over to the interview.  But there were not any country showcases in the afternoon (at which I could promote), and I had rehearsal that night.  So, I drove back to the hotel to grab my guitar and go to rehearsal.  “I’ll take these flyers to the band, and we’ll all be able to promote tomorrow!” I thought.  Great idea - if I hadn’t left the flyers in a box by the door in the hotel room as I hurried out the door.  GAAUURRGHH!  Not to be deterred, on Friday (the day of our first show) I dropped off about 500 flyers to my drummer as he had friends who would be at a Willie Nelson show, and could get them out to Country Fans there.  Of course, that show didn’t end til well after our show began.  So… the chance on immediate return was basically zero.  But…will it turn into a big crowd TONIGHT?  Who knows?  Still, as far as promotion goes, it’s been a big step up from last year.  More people are retweeting and reposting social promo, we have physical promo out on the streets, and we had a lead-in show last night to tonight’s finale.  WIN.

As to the external parts of the festival, I received an invite to the Caroline BBQ on Wednesday.  The BBQ was fantastic, I got a SICK swag bag, and had the opportunity to talk to a few industry big-wigs in a laid-back setting.  I’ve found this is always best.  I’m not a shirt-and-tie guy, generally.  I’m not big on the bullshit.  I like to break things down to their basics and sort it all out from there.  That’s what happens at a BBQ.  People drop all the guises of being so important, and just enjoy themselves.  I guess that’s what happens when there’s a beer in your hand, and bbq sauce dripping from your chin - you can’t really pretend to be better than anyone else.  But in actuality, I doubt the folks I talked to fall into the “holier than thou” category anyway.  I’m fairly down-to-earth, and it seems I attract the same.  Had a great time “networking” (something I don’t really do) at that BBQ, and really need to look at expanding my exposure to these events if I come back to SXSW15.  WIN.

On the Convention Floor, I’ve been able to spend some time getting to know different vendors and artists.  Posters have always been a pain in the ass to create…and now I have exposure to a number of folks who actually do that for a living.  So, I can lean on THEIR expertise (and they on my money) to put myself into better promo position there.  A few conversations with Luke Van Whye from VanYTours  have opened the door to some cool potential touring opportunities.  Also, my creative mind has been turned on by seeing the way some people are designing new guitars, new studio-busses, etc.  It’s been a great Festival from that standpoint as well.  WIN.

And as for Shows…well, last year’s show at The White Horse was very well attended.  The bar had a natural draw, and we went on at 11:30 at night, so the crowd was already hopping.  At our first show this year, there was a small local draw, and a few folks we’d been able to promote the show to.  The dance floor was far from full, but those who were there were attentive and supportive.  Our Sound Engineer, John, was on top of things and dialed sound in well.  We borrowed a drum kit from a great country band, The Defibulators (@thedefibulators on twitter) who showed up in the nick of time to get it all set and ready.  All told, for a show that was minimally promoted and included 4 players who had only one rehearsal on the night before the show, it was a pretty good little show.  Of course, we’re expecting more tonight…a later time slot, more familiarity with the music and with each other…and people wanting to throw down on the last night of SXSW - could prove to be the recipe for a GREAT show.  WIN.

All in all, my second SXSW has been a huge step up from the first.  I’ve had a great time, made some great connections, and been able to do more of the thing that I love so much - play Country Music for those who want to listen.  Any opportunity I get to do that excites me - and SXSW has definitely given me reasons to smile in that regard.  Oh, and the hotel got our reservation right…which was awesome.


YEAHCOMEON.

Acoustically Challenged...

Last week, I was given the opportunity to return to a stage where I haven’t performed in quite some time.  Not much had changed at the Universal Bar and Grill.  The regulars surrounded the bar, downing beers and joking with one another the way that barstool friends usually do.  The stage was still in the corner, with a TV hanging above the performance space, a small PA and a lighting system that always defies logic.

This little stage is where I had my first solo acoustic show back in 2008, and it’s where I’ve worked out a number of my songs over the years.  So, naturally, I loved the chance to get back in there and play.  

The set started out as many before it have…just chatting with those in the room, drinking a beer, and strumming a chord or two.  The mic failed, so we switched it out.  The guitar cable popped, so we switched it out.  It was like being back home.  

For about 30 minutes, I played and joked and sang with everyone.  Of course, as it always does, the time came for the final song of the set.  So, naturally, I gave everyone the closer I’ve been delivering since that first show, a song I wrote back in 2004.  I brought forth The Lawn Boy.  

This is a song I’ve performed countless times over the years.  I’ve recorded it.  I’ve sat with it for hours while putting together a video.  Oh, not to mention the fact that I wrote it.  Still, somehow, as I performed it last Friday night, I somehow forgot the second verse.  It just fell directly out of my brain.  I attempted to laugh it off and come back around to it…but I couldn’t find it.  I made jokes from the stage, and even asked a friend if he knew what the verse was.  He didn’t.  So, I just kept playing the chords and talking.  And eventually, I gave in..and skipped the verse.  But Naturally, I did it in my own way.  After enough tension had built up, and I had explained how important it was that they heard the WHOLE story, because it’s a story song, and if you missed pieces, you’d miss the point.  Well…after enough of that, I started the third verse with the words, as written in 2004, “By now you’re wondering what happened that day…” 

It was the first time that line had brought forth laughter, and it was awesome.  

It was real, it was in the moment.  It was a screw-up of the highest level, and it was great.  

I remember a few years ago a bunch of folks made a big deal about the fact that Brad Paisley temporarily forgot a lyric in one of his songs.   

Guess I’m no better than Brad Paisley.  I’ll take it.

Yeahcomeon

An “Industry Night” Experience

In continuing my goal of getting on stage as often as I can this year, I drove back out to Cowboy Palace in Chatsworth, CA last night.  Chris Johnson and the Hollywood Hillbilles were throwing an “Industry Night”, and all local country musicians were encouraged to come out and join in on the Jam.  

To say the turnout was low is quite an understatement.  

I’d never been to the Jam there before, so I didn’t know what to expect…but I certainly didn’t expect less than 30 people in the entire venue.  Now, for those who don’t know the place, Cowboy Palace is a true honky-tonk.  The majority of the music coming from the stage is classic and outlaw country.  Not many new bands roll through town and get a spot on this stage.  It’s been populated by a number of the same circuit bands for years - and maybe that’s the fatal flaw.  

Country Music in Los Angeles is a hard sell, and driving 30 minutes outside of town to hear it is even harder!  Even though Country Music is seeing an all-time high in interest from 18-30 year olds right now, this bar rarely seems to see a large number of folks from that age group.  Part of me understands it, and the other part of me is screaming for musical justice!  

The idea of an “Industry Jam” is incredible.  When you’re in Nashville, and you stumble into Winners or Losers or Silver Dollar (or any number of other bars), that’s exactly what you’re getting.  You’re seeing performers who are making money in the industry.  You’re hearing songwriters whose songs are being cut by the biggest names in radio.  You’re hearing players whose haunting melodies you’ve heard on those same cuts.  Out in Los Angeles, the likelihood of finding those types of credits are lower.  However, you do find touring musicians.  You do find songwriters who’ve had big cuts.  You find guys who play 7 days a week, and may need other players.  

To put it simply: you meet other folks fighting like hell to make it in their own way - just like you are.

That’s why I want to see this Industry Jam Night grow.  I want to see more folks coming out.  I’ve heard tales of the old Cowboy Palace Talent Night -how it was the hottest night of the week.  All the young aspiring musicians were there supporting one another, pushing one another.  A lot of them became gigging musicians who are currently touring the circuit and playing all the time.  What apparently didn’t happen, is that they weren’t succeeded by another group of similarly motivated artists and musicians.  Instead, everyone is busy plugging themselves on Facebook and twitter and youtube, and sending out countless emails and marketing, marketing, marketing…instead of playing and networking.  

Chris invited myself, Heath and Mike up to perform for the few folks in attendance, and when we pulled out some Haggard, the folks were happy.  Chris told us to stay up for another song, so we hit ‘em with the Cash - again…very appreciated.  After the night, Chris told me to bring the whole band next time, and to come play a full set.  Now THAT is awesome.  It’s Chris’s night with his band, and he’s offering away a set to me and my band.  That’s what it’s about folks - supporting one another, helping one another.  

As such, that’s exactly what I want to do.  I want to help grow this night - to prop us ALL up and bring some prosperity back into the lost Country Music scene of Los Angeles.

Yeahcomeon!

A New Year, A New Goal, A New Stage…or many of them!

In 2013, I made some very cool strides with my music, and I’m dedicated to building on that in 2014.  Do I expect to return to television?  Not really.  That’s a hump that I just don’t know comes around thrice in three years for an unsigned, very regional artist.  But hey, if someone will take me, I’ll be glad to play!  

I will return to SXSW this spring, which is awesome.  

But, and more importantly, I’ve made a move to sing SOMEWHERE on a stage every week of 2014.  One week in, I’ve succeeded in that goal.  Only 51 more to go!  Where did the goal take me this week?  Well, all the way up to Chatsworth.  Some of you may not know where that is, so I’ll just tell you…it’s whopping 25 minutes from my home.  Ok, so maybe that’s not a huge distance to travel.  Here’s what’s important to know - at Cowboy Palace, they love country music…and on Mondays, they allow any ol’ Joe to get up and sing as part of the Talent Contest.

Now, I’ve been to the Palace a number of times over the years.  I’ve had birthday parties there.  I was there when my Kickstarter ended last year and I saw that my fans had given me an amazing $10,000 to go on tour.  The Cowboy Palace has been a mainstay of my life here in California.  This week, though, I added a milestone there.  The Cowboy Palace was the site of the first Talent Contest I’ve actually WON.  Now, there were only 14 competitors, and it was a “preliminary” round of their larger contest, but still - to walk away a winner was pretty cool.  I ran into Jeffrey Michaels, another local artist, and chatted with him while awaiting my turn on stage.  When I stepped up and announced I’d be doing some Merle Haggard, there were a number of cheers from the crowd.  By the end of “Mama Tried,” I had a feeling that it had gone pretty darn well indeed.  

As I stepped off the stage and back to the bar, I was greeted with a number of “Way to Go”s and “That was Great”s.  Ten competitors later, we were sitting at the bar awaiting the announcements…and then it came, 1st Place belonged to yours truly.  It was a nice moment.  I got up and sang an encore, Cash’s "Folsom Prison” and then headed on home.  

Sure, it was a small-time contest.  It was a song that wasn’t mine.  It was a small cash prize and an opportunity to come back to compete again for a shot to make the finals.  All of that is true…but the most important part, was that it was a chance to get on stage and do what I love - and to make an impression on a few of the folks there at the Cowboy Palace that night.  Maybe I’ll sell a download out of the deal, maybe I made a new fan.  I don’t know…but I know that I said I want to get on stage every week…and I did that.  And the $50 helped pay for the gas.  

Yeahcomeon.

Dukes

Charlie Daniels, Montgomery Gentry and Blake Shelton

Today I’m recovering from a whirlwind trip to vegas and back in about 16 hours with 9 hours of driving, and 7 hours of concerts and poker.  I’m tired.  Beyond that, though, I’m very excited.  Last night, I was front-row for CDB and Montgomery Gentry.  What we have here is one of the true legends of Country Music as well as the top Country-Rock duo performing today.

Yes, I know that’ll disappoint many FGL fans out there, but those boys can’t TOUCH Troy and Eddie.

The show was incredible.  On Charlie’s second song, he noticed me singing every word back at him, acknowledged it, and tossed me his fiddle bow.  It now holds a proud place on the wall with my guitars.

About 9 years ago, I went to a show Rascal Flatts was headlining.  I didn’t go to see them.  I went because one of the featured acts that night was a young singer-songwriter on his way to stardom.  That was Blake Shelton.  At the end of his set, Blake walked to the front of the stage, handed me a guitar pick, and said “Hey man, hold onto this for me.”  I still have it.

Now, this blog isn’t just a chronicle of the pieces of memorabilia I’ve collected from my country music brethren.  It’s the sentiment behind both of those things that really matters to me.  Those guys connected with me at their shows.  Though Eddie and Troy didn’t toss anything out to me, they both interacted with myself, my friend Berwin, and many of the other fans around us.  They weren’t simply singing out into the ether.  It wasn’t “Look at me” - it was more “Let me look at YOU.”

Many of today’s artists seem to want everyone to praise them for being on stage.  They deal in adoration.  They appear to want people to care about them before they care about those people who have paid their hard-earned money to be at the show.   I don’t get that.  Garth Brooks, Charlie Daniels, Montgomery Gentry - these are artists whose shows I’ve attended in the past few weeks, and all of those artists put their fans first.  They connect, they take the time and make the effort to do the SMALL things.

Today, Blake Shelton followed me on twitter.  Sure, that doesn’t seem like much to a lot of people…but he’s a guy who does it right…and taking that small step really means a great deal to me.

As I progress in my own career, I hope I will always remember these simple things that my heroes have done, and that I also will do things the right way.

Yeahcomeon.


- Dukes

Garth Live From Vegas - AGAIN

I hadn’t seen Garth brooks in 16 years until July.  Now I’ve seen him twice in six months.  The experience was no less awesome the second time, I’ll tell you that.  And in this one, I got to see even more of his personality.  I’ve been around televised musical performances for years now, and there all generally pretty similar.  The talent arrives on set, goes on stage, does the performance, and that’s it.  They leave.  If they’re doing multiple performances, they generally talk to the stage managers and such on breaks.

Not Garth.

No, Garth Brooks talked with the audience, introduced himself, shook hands, took pictures, even played not-for-air songs just for the crowd who was there to be with him.  The man can’t help it - every show he does has to be its own animal.  It has to be for the fans who are there in the room.  You can watch him twenty times, and get a different show each time.  Oh sure, the same basic script is there…maybe even the same setlist.  But, there’s always something new.  There’s always something different.   Some joke, some spontaneous moment, some song that he hadn’t planned but just HAS to play.

And that’s going to make that experience unique.  It’s going to make it something that you have, and he has, and the two of you share - forever.

Still learning from that guy.

He came down into the audience at one point, to shoot a “podbuster” in the middle of commercials.  As he passed me, he put his hand on my back and said “Thank ya bud.”  He’ll never remember that moment - but it will stay with me til there’s dirt at my door.  Once again, Garth found a way to connect solely with me - and it gave me pause.

I wonder if some kid will be thinking similarly of me in thirty years.  Who knows?  I doubt I’ll be touched with anywhere near the success and fame that Garth has been - but I do hope that I can affect someone out there the same way he has me.  THAT, my friends, is a gift that keeps on giving.

Yeahcomon!

- Dukes

House of Blues - ROCKED

Last night ROCKED!

We played the House of Blues, and I put the new show in full swing.  Storytelling, singing, the whole nine yards.  It was incredible.  There was no fumbling through the setlist, no awkward pauses while we re-tuned, or changed instruments.  No, it was a seamless show from start to finish.  Forty-One minutes and twenty-three seconds of kickass.

And that’s coming from the Fans, not just from yours truly.  Comments I heard last night:

“I Hate Country Music - But I love Your Music.  Damnit man, you made me like Country.”

“I didn’t know country could be so rockin”

“Your stories were awesome - they really got me into the songs!”

“I had no IDEA I could have so much fun with country music - can I buy a CD?”

“You guys KILLED it!”

I was blessed to be on stage with friends who are fantastic musicians, and in front of so many people.  Over 850 fans filled the dance floor, surrounding areas, and the balcony at House of Blues on Sunset in Los Angeles.  Sure, they didn’t know what to expect when the first downbeat hit, and we featured a BANJO…but by the time we were done with Merle’s classic “Mama Tried”, the whole place was on our side.

Thanks so much to all who came out.  This is only the beginning!

YEAHCOMEON!

- Dukes

(nearly all photos © Mike Danenberg - www.mikedanenberg.com)

The Hollywood Music In Media Awards

Tonight I attended the Hollywood Music in Media Awards (HMMA), as my song “Walkin Thru Hell” was nominated as “Country Song of the Year.”  Didn’t win.  Not incredibly surprised by this  - not because I don’t think the song is worth the accolade; I certainly believe in that song, and am very proud to hold the nomination.  No, I guess I just questioned whether or not a song like that would win ANY award in today’s country music market.  Of course, the HMMA isn’t the CMAs or even the CMTs.  It’s a HOLLYWOOD award.  I guess it’s no big shock, then, that a “Swedish Country” song won the award.

Some in attendance were a bit peeved at this.  I just laughed.  The experience was an interesting one, to be sure.  This was my first time walking a red carpet as a nominee.  It was the first time I’d seen my name up on a screen of nominees.  It was the first time someone had preceded me through a door holding my name on a card.  It was the first time someone interviewed me on video about my music.  Just all kind of…well, weird to be honest.  Still, fun - entertaining.

I have to say, there are worse things in the world than being nominated for an award, getting your girlfriend dressed up, and walking down a red carpet with her.  Kudos to the HMMA for giving me that opportunity.  Will I submit music to them for consideration in the future?  Doubtful.  But, I am certainly glad to have received the nod this year.

I guess it’s true what they say - “Feels great just to be nominated.”


Yeahcomeon!

- Dukes

Garth Brooks: Still teaching me about music

Seventeen years ago, I made my first ever ticketmaster purchase.  I stood in line at a Publix in LaGrange, Georgia.  At the time, Publix was a new installation there, and I felt like being in that store was a slap-in-the-face to the Kroger which had fed me for years.  Still, Kroger had no ticketmaster outlet.  No, I was in Publix...waiting for my chance to purchase tickets to Garth Brooks's "Fresh Horses" tour.  The show would be in Atlanta, and there was no way I would miss it.  That is, until the woman at the register told us that all three shows had sold out.  I couldn't believe it.  I was heartbroken...

Until she announced that they'd added another date...

And minutes later, that date sold out.

And then they added another date...

SOLD OUT.

When I walked up to the counter, I didn't hold out much hope....but I received tickets. Tickets for the final day of the now 6-day run.  I attended the concert with two of my friends, and we were high in the rafters for the show.  Garth exploded through the floor when he entered the stage.  He ran all around, entertaining the thousands in attendance.  And, at one moment, one sweet moment in history, he pointed directly at myself and my two friends who were giving him two thumbs up apiece.  He pointed at us, and gave us two right back.

We would forever be connected.

Now, many years down the road, way has lead on to way and I have begun my foray into Country Music.  That show still lingers in my mind...the way the music, the man, and the myth all intersected for me - it stands alone, indelible, as the benchmark by which a performance should be judged.

Or it did, until last night.

Last night, I saw Garth Brooks in a way I had never seen him before.  It was him, and a guitar.  That's it.  No band.  No lasers.  Not even a lot of smoke (though I did see some of it rise in front of the lights that surrounded the small theater at the Wynn Casino.  Garth took the crowd there on a journey.  He started in the 1960s, and carried us all the way up through the late 90s, when he put his career on hold.  And then, as if it weren't enough, he brought his wife, Trisha Yearwood, onto stage to perform as well. And there, on July 4, I saw the two of them sing an unrecorded, unreleased, "brand new" song for the audience.

The performance was gripping.  Garth's entire show was funny, and touching, and meaningful, and at the end of it... even if you had never heard of the man, you were forever changed by having seen him.  (I say this on good authority, as my girlfriend said it was the best show she'd ever seen...and she barely knew of Garth prior).  It was him, and a guitar.  It was Garth Brooks, his life, and the truth...and it was incredible.

I think that I put on a pretty good show.  People seem to enjoy what I do...but that's not Garth.  People live and breathe that man's music.  It's a part of them.  He forces them to listen, and to pay attention, and to actually give a damn about what he has to say. That should ALWAYS be our goal, as entertainers.

Near the end of the show, Garth sang a song by one of his major influences, "Piano Man" by Billy Joel.  I have that song on CD, and I've listened to it hundreds of times, but I've never heard it quite like I did last night.  There's a very simply line...  "he knows that it's me, they've been coming to see, to forget about life for a while."   The stories he weaves help people let go of everything outside the doors of the bar, concert hall, or stadium where he plays - and that's what we ALL should be doing.

17 years after Garth made me fall in love with the spectacle of his live show, he has made me once again fall in love the power of its simplicity.  He made me give a damn.

I look forward to passing that on.

YEAHCOMEON

The Late Late Show…part deux!

Such a great experience to play The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson again.  Craig is amazing…to give me an opportunity to showcase my music to the world, and then to invite me back for a SECOND time - I really don’t have words.  There’s no end to my appreciation for Craig and what he’s done for me.

If you don’t watch the show, first off - start.  It’s hilarious, and it’s unlike any of the other late-night talk shows.  Craig is definitely his own brand of kickass.  Second, you can still catch the performance at my youtube channel.

But really, start watching the show.

YEAHCOMEON!

- Dukes

So long, Nashville!

Well, we played Nashville.  IT WAS AWESOME.  Three shows in four days, at three separate venues.  The week started off with "Whiskey Jam" at Winners in Midtown.  We played a quick three-song set at this collection of songwriters and bands, and then slipped over to "Losers" next door.  The duo there was fantastic, and there were tons of folks in there just having a good time.  Chart-Topper Chris Young was even spotted milling about.  Then we had a day off to rest from the road before back-back show nights at Red Rooster off Music Row and The Silver Dollar Saloon at Broadway and 2nd!  Both of those shows were full-showcase slots where we were able to play nearly the whole album.

I recorded a new song on Wednesday morning.  I'm not exactly sure about the release plans for it, but I'm extremely happy with the music we laid down, and I'm looking forward to putting the vocals on it!

At Red Rooster, we met Paris Delane, a Nashville Songwriter who wrote the #1, "Lover, Lover".  A big, soulful man, Paris sounded like he was straight out of Blues Heaven.   His amazing combination of vocal range and heartfelt lyrics made for a memorable experience.  Then, he hung around for our show...and after we were done, Paris asked to come up and jam with us for a bit as well.

All in all, Wednesday was a pretty fantastic Birthday.  Then, on Thursday night, we got onstage at Silver Dollar and brought the house down!  People were cheering after every song, and many came up to ask us about the band afterwards.  It's such a blessing to be able to play my own music on Broadway.  When you walk up and down the strip, you hear amazingly talented singers singing the hits from the radio.  You hear Garth's music, and Tim McGraw, and Alan Jackson and Johnny Cash.  But, at The Silver Dollar, we were able to sing Ben Dukes Music....and that was something I will never forget.

We spent four days in Nashville, played three shows, and left with countless great memories (and at least 6 pairs of new boots).  Can't wait to see what the final week of tour holds in store!

YEAHCOMEON!

On The Road Again...

Well, it has begun.  The band and I packed up the trailer this morning, jumped in our Rock-It-Ship (yeah, our "tourbus" is called a Rock-It-Ship.  Look 'em up - they're awesome) and started out on the road to SXSW.  For me, it's a dream come true.   Years of writing, singing, playing, and straight-up WORKING to make this thing a reality have culminated a tour that came about directly because of the fans.

We've been cruising down 210, I-15, and I-40, and it's been great thus far.  I've seen desert, mountains, snow, rivers, dried rivers, Native American ghost towns, etc.  This is what the road is.  As I'm writing this, we've just pass3d what appears to be a completely dead shopping center.....next to a thriving Prison.  Yep.  America.

I love this country, and the music it has inspired.  I am blessed to be a country musician, and I am blessed to be touring America to play my music for the people.  I hope I'll see some of y'all out on the road.

Yeahcomeon!

- Dukes

The Pre-Production Meeting...

Today I had my pre-production meeting for The Album, and it was absolutely fantastic.  Let me go ahead and say, I'm fairly good at tooting my own horn (and I know a thing or two about complimenting myself as well), but listening to myself play acoustic guitar and sing, while my producer and band leader are listening as well - not one of my favorite moments in life.  However, they were both extremely receptive to what I'd done.  I mean, ok, these guys are Nashville Pros, so they've heard country music a few times...but they way they truly seemed to get me, and my music - fantastic!

We listened to the tracks in Alphabetical order, and each one was a surprise to me, as I'd never grouped them that way.  I gave them my notes, they gave me theirs, and we hashed out what appears to be a great plan for attack this recording session.  I was a little apprehensive at first.  I mean, I hurried to download skype at 11:55am so that I'd be ready for the meeting at 12.  I was worried that I might hear something like "what were you going for on this" or "do you really think this break belongs here?"  But I didn't.

No, both Chip Hardy (prod) and Rod Lewis chimed in with their suggestions, but each time it was directly in line with what I'd been thinking anyway.  It's amazing when there's no music in the air, but we're hearing the same tune in our heads.  Seriously.  Amazing.  There's not another word.  "I'm thinking fiddle on this track....what if there's banjo here, would that scare you?  I'm thinking lap steel would really give it an edgier sound here..."  these are the kinds of phrases I had thrown at me.

Now don't get me wrong.  We had the occasional disagreement, and I would defer to their knowledge of music, or they would defer to my feelings on the song, but we never really butted heads.  No quibbling, no debating - just collaborating and coming up with the best solution to deliver each song in the best way possible.  At this moment, I could not be any happier with what we came up with.  The issues I had with some songs were cleared up.  The feel of each song was clearly defined.  The album has truly begun to take shape.

I now lie in anticipation of the first studio day.  The day when I will hear my songs take flight.  I am looking forward to the path we travel together.

Yeahcomeon.

Quite an amazing feeling

For the past month, I have been involved in a Kickstarter project.  I first had the idea to "Kickstart" a music project about two years ago, when I wanted to cut my first EP. I didn't do it - I didn't feel the timing was right, and I didn't feel that I should ask others to pitch in and help pay for something that was going to really serve only me.  I don't know, it just didn't sit right with me.  I was still interested in the format, though.  So, I researched it.  I looked into artists who had completed successful projects, and tried to establish common threads between them - how had they done it, and how could I also do that in the future?

One thing I noticed was that the successful projects seemed to come from folks who had some kind of established fanbase.  They weren't just asking friends and family to pitch in, but fans who appreciated their work as well.  I felt this was key.  Also, most of the successful projects had an element of humor to them.  People who took their art and their work seriously, but didn't take themselves TOO seriously - that was what worked.  Successful projects had cool, creative rewards.  It wasn't just an incremental scale-up of a product, like 1CD for $10, 4 CDs for $60, etc but rather a collection of unique rewards that would spark interests at different levels.  Lastly, successful music projects were seemingly always built on what they should be - good music.  The artists had honed their craft, proven themselves, they had put in the work. This is paramount.

Armed with that information, I set out to "make something of myself" so that when the right time came, people would actually be willing to invest in something I'm doing.  I wrote songs.  I played acoustic nights.  I played band gigs. I worked with different band members and different venues, and different instrument lineups.  I worked on my storytelling and on my presence.  I worked on my music.  And, eventually, I met with some incredible luck.  I was able to put my work on the national stage - and picked up some fans as a result.  I spent money I saved on an EP, which was digitally distributed, and I picked up some fans as a result.  I worked on my webpage and my facebook page and my twitter presence...and picked up some fans as a result.  Slowly and surely, I began to feel more confident in my ability to connect with people through music.

And then, late last year, I received the information that I'd been accepted into SXSW.  This was no small feat, and it would require some serious output by me in order to fully realize the potential of this opportunity.  So, I began saving to cut an album.  I thought to myself...maybe I could kickstart the album.  Maybe now was the time.  But no, I felt that I should fund the album alone.  It's my work, and if people want to buy it, they will show me their support of it in that way.

Another idea followed, though.  If I was already going to be spending money to pack up a band and go to Austin Texas, shouldn't I see if I could play other dates?   Artists tour to support their albums, right?  Since I'm doing a new album, shouldn't I tour as well?  THAT would be the kickstarter, I thought.  It would show me if there are people out there who would support a tour.  It would be focused on much more than simply cutting an album to sell at shows or to attempt to be put on a label.  No, the kickstarter would be focused on truly KickStarting my music career - on getting the music out to the people on the road.  If I was going to ask people for their hard-earned money, I was going to do something with it that would benefit many others, not just myself.  And so it began.

The response has been absolutely incredible.  I couldn't have predicted it.  I set the KickStarter goal at $5,000 - something I thought was relatively attainable, but all the while I had a desire to hit $10,000.  I'll be honest, this is the one part of it in which I was timid.  I had initially set the goal at $10,000...but dropped it to five on the night of the launch.  I just didn't know if I could inspire $10,000 worth of pledges, and since KickStarter is an All-Or-Nothing fundraiser, I didn't want to risk coming up short.  I wanted the people to dictate how far I could tour - but I definitely didn't want to risk not being able to tour at all.

Now, here I sit, 31 days after launching the kickstarter.  It ended at midnight last night, and when all was said and done, not only had my backers obliterated the $5,000 goal, but they had crashed through the $10,000 ceiling as well.  The final tally, $10,277 was far more than I could have ever expected.  I am very humbled by the support of over 150 people who showed their excitement for my project.  The artistic life can often be a lonely one, as you feel you are solitary in your pursuits.  But, I now know that as I travel the highways and byways of this country, taking my music into dive bars and such, I will be doing so with a small army behind me.  I will not travel this road alone, as I now have a large family of backers who believe in what I'm doing.  I no longer am responsible only for myself, but for those people as well.  They are my fans, and they are with me in my heart always.

That is quite an amazing feeling.

Yeahcomeon!

Thoughts from the sticks

Every year at Christmas time, I get a break... a little time to get out of Los Angeles and take a deep breath and just enjoy the place I once called home - Georgia.  This year it has been special - as it often has...but this year especially so.  I haven't been running around having the same conversations with 50 different people about how I've gotta stay positive, and keep grinding, etc.  I haven't been worried about how I'll pay rent for the next year.  I haven't been trying to tell myself that it's worth it to keep after this career, even when there's been so little going right.  No, this year I get to relax.  2012 has been an amazing year for me, full of growth, and successes, and excitement.  I've been very fortunate.

So this year, I've been able to fully relax while at home.  I've rarely left the lakehouse.  I've seen my family and a few friends.  I've been to the little burger store I grew up going to.  I've even been to Church.  It's been a nice break from the often harsh reality of Los Angeles.  It's given me the one thing I really don't seem to ever find enough of back in California - time.  I've been writing.  I've found new ideas for songs.  I've found new inspirations.  I find that when I'm working away in LA, I often don't take time to just sit and breathe in life.

Those quiet moments are when things come clear.  It's been wonderful to take it all in.

Tomorrow, I will return to the faster pace of life.  I will jump back into the race of "making something of myself," but I will do so refreshed and energized, with a slightly different perspective than I had when I took off from LAX seven days ago.  I'm looking forward to the coming year - the challenges and the excitement and all that it brings.


YEAHCOMEON

"Stars" and fans

In my day to day life, I'm not only a musician, but hold down a "day job" as well.  The job I work provides me the opportunity to be around many "stars" on a weekly basis.  I've seen more concerts than I can remember, televised performances, tv singing competitions, etc.  This also gives me the unique opportunity to talk to thousands of fans, and get their perspective on the stars who perform or make appearances.

Well, let me just say that I think most "stars" are quite out of touch with their fans.  They see people yelling and screaming and truly believe that all of the yelling and screaming and going nuts is purely for THEM and for the person that they are.  What they don't realize is that what people are generally responding to, is the connection they feel with an artist's work.  As a result, the stars can often confuse themselves with being "above" the fans, and the subject of "worship" instead of understanding that they are purely a vessel through which the fan touches something within themselves.  In actuality, an artist is one who SERVES the fans, not the other way around.

So, then, someone explain to me why these "stars" have an attitude towards the very people who pay their hard earned money and spend their precious time supporting the artists.  For instance, why would an artist EVER, much less ROUTINELY show up an hour or more late for a performance?  Do they not realize that when they do that, they are basically telling their fans, "Screw you, I'll do it when I'm ready"?  I simply don't get it.  Why would you want to show your fans just how little they actually mean to you by forcing them to wait around for you for over an hour after they've already been waiting for you for countless hours, just up to the time you were SUPPOSED to walk onto a stage.

I don't get it.

I don't get why producers, venues, etc, find it acceptable.  I don't understand why no handlers tell them how ridiculous it is.  Basically, the sense of celebrity that has crept into the American culture is sickening to me, and it's become so pervasive, that the everyday American now simply accepts...nay, EXPECTS it to be that way.

It's depressing to me.  It bothers me that fans don't ask for more.  They just take it.  They accept that a person is going to be late, they're not going to have respect for the time and money of the fan.  No, "the fans are here to worship me" is far too often the attitude.

In my journey as an artist, you can bet your ass that will never be my attitude. I am truly thankful for every fan I have, and am humbled by your appreciation of what I do.  I love you all and hope that when you connect with my music, you will let me know...because I want to be a part of your journey, just as you are a part of mine.

Yeahcomeon!


Dukes

The Chair

This morning my mind drifted to a Thanksgiving-type memory.  Hope you enjoy it.


The Chair

It was old and wooden - brown with a sort of amber highlight running through it.  I'd guess oak, but I was never good at identifying woods.  Its legs tapered down to roughly the size of a quarter at the bottom, where little plastic discs served as feet.  It had arms - that's what really set it apart from the other chairs around the table.  Our dinner table was big - big enough to serve even more than the six in our family.  My sisters would bring boys to dinner, and they'd sit with us...and pay good attention to the man in that chair.  Growing up, I wouldn't sit in it.  If I did, I would feel the breath of God on the back of my neck.  I would feel the weight of a world on my shoulders.  There was something about that chair that told me I wasn't ready.  That seat was taken.  If you saw it in a furniture store, you wouldn't me impressed - just another dining room chair like the rest.  But where it sat in our house, it was a throne - and then it was empty.  I still recall the trepidation with which I first sat in that chair after my father's death.  My heart was heavy.  My stomach sank.  But, as many a prince has followed in the path of his King, I sat there.  I held the hands of my family and I prayed to bless our meal.  Today, I'm unsure if anyone feels the effect of that chair as I once did, but at every holiday it sits there - its emptiness reminding me of the greatness once held within.


Happy Thanksgiving, all.

Yeahcomeon


- Dukes