Waful House
"Going For Broke"
by Jeff Waful - waful@unclesammy.com
"Don't Quit your day job." It's one of the ultimate clichés of the
entertainment business. For those of you who missed my column last
month, I didn't quit, but was laid off by Corporate America. January
4th marked my last day at the office. Aside from the lack of money
coming in, unemployed life has been quite delightful. It reminds me
of being in college again, but without all of the home work.
The past month has been very liberating. My sleep schedule has once
again gotten to the point where waking up by noon is an early day. On
an average "morning", I make it to the kitchen somewhere between 2 and
3PM for some breakfast. It's such a different experience not having
to rush through my egg sandwich while constantly watching the clock.
Usually by around 4, I'll check my voice mail and returning all of the
calls I slept through. Then I'll book a few Uncle Sammy gigs which
has become my life. If I'm lucky, I'll make it to the post office
before 6 and mail off some tapes and press kits. Before I know it,
it's time to go out again and catch some live music. Unlike the days
when I had early mornings and paychecks, I can actually stay for the
second set of concerts and not have to worry about the consequences.
Well, it seems that all of the fun is coming to an end. I will have
to face reality again. By the time you read this, I will have started
my new job. It's back to the office. Rent in Boston's Back Bay is
just too expensive. My lifestyle is too expensive. Although I've
become addicted to this drug called rock and roll, I can no longer
afford the habit without a salary. Although I was offered a job
booking a few bands, there simply is not enough revenue generated by
young jam bands to survive on. It's really a shame. I love the music
so much. I want to do something for a living that makes me happy.
I received several emails in regards to my soul- searching article
from a month ago. It was very comforting to learn that many of you can
relate to my dilemma: Do I follow my dream of working in the music
biz and be broke or cash in that college degree for a well-paying
office job? For now, it seems that I'll have to head back to the 9 to
5 gig. It's not so bad, I guess. Hell, As soon as I complete my
first day of work, I'm off to see Trey's solo show. I'll
still find the time to take in live music, it will just be more of a
challenge. My hours of sleep will dwindle, but I'll survive.
Last night Uncle Sammy played at a bar appropriately called Empty
Pockets in Portland, Maine. On the ride up there, we could barely
afford to pay the tolls. We were scrounging for dimes and nickles
under the seats and celebrating if we found a quarter. However, by
the end of the night, the trip seemed worth it. It was our first time
playing in Maine and we got some new fans. These fans were absolutely
loving the music. There was only a handful, but that's a victory for a
young band in a new market. For us to go into a new bar and have the
audience dancing by last call was a great feeling. There have been a
lot of great feelings over the past month. I have been managing and
booking the band full time. Some gigs are amazing while others are
tougher. There are ups and downs and I'd be a fool to think that I
could just decide on a career and have it happen over night. It's
impossible to estimate, but I would hope that in 5 years, I can afford
to quit the day job and live the dream life. Until then, I'll live
vicariously through those of you who are still able to go on tour and
sleep late. Enjoy it while you can.
