During an interview with Gerry Gittelson in 2016, he asked, “Are you tired of being almost famous?” In all honesty, I’m not. It’s not a thought that ever crosses my mind.
I’ve been on the “cusp of fame” for years, I suppose. For some musicians, I understand that that could be a source of frustration. These are usually the same people who are more concerned with a paycheck than anything else.
For me personally, I have no interest in fame. I don’t care how big the mark is that I leave on the world. I would rather do my best to ensure that it’s a meaningful mark. What I bring to the table is more important than how big that table is.
I’ll never compromise my art to fit in a box. I’ll always put my heart and soul into my lyrics. Even though my lyrics talk about topics like abuse and addiction (which are hard subjects for some people to listen to), I know for a fact that there are people who are inspired by the music. Those are the people I sing for, and the music I write is my therapy.
I’m not in it for stardom. Plain and simple. I’m in it for the music.
The Bigger Picture
I may not be “famous” in some people’s definition of the word, but I have no doubt that I’m infamous. I have an unmistakable reputation and I’m always unapologetically myself.
Besides, I have already left my mark on the world in other ways. For example, the lessons I teach my kids are lessons that are important to pass on to our world’s future generations. I teach them to love people despite their religion, race, color or sexual orientation.
The world needs more love. We’re seeing too much anger and violence, both in the news and in our everyday lives. I know there are good people out there, but there are also people who need to learn to respect other living beings.
I am a lucky man. I am happy with myself and my life. Of course, I would love for my music to touch the lives of more people who need to hear the message, but that will never be my main priority.
I do what I love, sing what I feel and hope for the best. Knowing that the art I create resonates with people on a deeper level means more to me than how much an album is worth monetarily.