Hello!

My name is Mike and I'm an aspiring musician.  I've got a few things here, here, here and here.

But this blog will not soley be about my music.  You see, I've recently been asked by Jason and Kim of One-Eyed Doll to be a roadie for them during their upcoming tour with Otep!  45 cities, 2 months (March and April) and I'm guessing a shit ton of coffee. (FRESH POTS)

Why is this awesome?

1. ROAD EXPERIENCE  

Road experience is invaluable and it's long past due that I bust my touring cherry.  Considering this will be my first tour, 45 cities in two months seems almost daunting but I say fuck it!  I'm both excited and apprehensive about being on the road for that long.  Jason said people sometimes snap halfway through the tour.  Hahaha!  I'm looking forward to it!

2. NETWORKING

In any kind of venture, networking is usually how you progress in your career.  The phrase, "It's not what you know, it's who you know." is repeated over and over ad nauseum for a reason...you gotta build those relationships to move your piece forward in The Game.  I'm hoping that through being a roadie for OED I meet some people along the way that can help me move forward.  Hell, ya never know, there's always bands looking for drummers and making them aware of your existence is half the battle.  This is a golden opportunity to meet players already deep in The Game.

3. 2 MONTHS WITH JASON AND KIM

Kim and Jason are two of the coolest, most hardworking, nicest and downright badass people I've ever met.  They've taken the Do-It-Yourself business model to a whole 'nother level and I couldn't hope for better people to intern with and learn from.  I cannot begin to thank them enough for this life changing opportunity.  

4. TRAVEL

I've always wanted to travel and have never been able to.  That's all going to change in about 21 days!  45 cities in 2 months is going to be a whirlwind.  I haven't been this excited since I realize Brad forgot that he lent me Okami...

5. LEVELING UP

I love reading.  Specifically fantasy novels.  In my fantasy novels the main characters usually travel The Roads and come across all sorts of good and bad adventures.  Through the trials and tribulations they face out on the road they become stronger people, more sure of themselves by the end of the book.  I'm hoping that by the end of this 2 month journey I come away from it with a little more perspective on how life as a touring musician works and level up in my music career.

I'll be posting pictures, videos and blog updates during my 2 month journey.  I hope you'll come along for the ride.

Can't wait!

-mh