Well, its been a long time since I’ve posted anything here and that’s largely because I’d been cruising along enjoying the fruits of my concert touring shows, “Winter Dance Party” and “One Night in Memphis.” I was literally simply too busy to blog about anything. Who knew this would all come to a crashing halt? My last three shows were at the Southpoint Casino and Resort in Las Vegas, NV on March 13th thru the 15th.
We barely made it thru the last show on Sunday March 15th as virtually the whole town of Las Vegas shut down the next day. As of today, May 29th it still is shut down. This situation has been a terrible blow for many industries while a few of my lucky friends are still able to work from home or do work that does not involve being around a lot of people.
Unfortunately the entertainment industry will be the last in line for any return to “normalcy” as of course it requires large gatherings of crowds. Its been a hard pill to swallow but as the ancient Stoics would advise, its best to look for something you can control during this time. Of course, first things first, one must make sure food and shelter and family are taken care of. Reaching out if needed to your state’s unemployment office, arts emergency resources and if applicable the SBA.gov loan programs available. With millions applying for these resources they can be frustrating and overwhelming but stick with it. A good friend of mine and talented guitarist took on a job at Home Depot knowing that he needed to stay busy and wanted to work to help his family while he cannot tour.
With all that in order, the next best step is to take stock of the time you have on hand. “Boredom” or “I don’t know what to do with all this time!” are not advisable paths. I don’t recommend binge watching hours and hours of TV either. Sure, watch a movie or TV show every night or other night but spending hours upon hours daily in front of the TV, internet or social media will tend to make one feel even more anxious and “bored.” Its self perpetuating. No one on their deathbed ever said, “Gee, I wish I would have spent more time on the computer.”
This is a time for opportunity. Didn’t you always want to learn a new language? Try the Duolingo app, its free. Didn’t you want to read that book that’s been sitting on your shelf for years, unopened? What about learning a new instrument or how to read music? How about writing some new songs or collaborating with musicians and friends across the country on a new album? Many are connecting with seldom seen relatives on Zoom and bonding with family like never before. Taking stock of loved ones and contacting them more frequently than you would when you were so busy is great for your mental well being and theirs.
I always wanted to host a podcast and this downtime presented me with the time to undertake it. Its been fun and educational as you learn from other people’s stories and successes. Feel free to subscribe to it at wherever you listen to podcasts, Apple, Spotify, Google, Stitcher, its there, just search for “Your Buddy John” and it will pop up. You can even ask Alexa, “Play Your Buddy John podcast” and she’ll do it. You can also listen online here. Great guests so far include, Sherry Holley (Buddy Holly’s niece), Chris Montez, Freda Payne, Kentucky Headhunter Greg Martin and actress Maria Richwine. I’ve also been hard at work completing my new album You are Here.
Additionally, I’m excited to be taking a six week songwriting master class with Pat Pattison starting on June 1st. I mention these items not to brag but to remind myself there are plenty of things to accomplish during this downtime. If you have a show that is idle, NOW is the time to perhaps update your rider, your promo, your relations with clients. Check in with them, see how they’re doing during this. See if you can help them in any way. I put together a 35 minute excerpt of “One Night in Memphis” that some venues have posted for their subscribers to keep them engaged during this time. People have been very thankful which is rewarding.
In closing, this is a difficult time for everyone. All we can do is focus on things we can control and look for the opportunities. They are waiting for you.
Cheers, John Mueller Los Angeles, CA
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