What’s in a move?
Many of you already know I learned a lot about moving around as a kid. 33 schools growing up was tough. But as an adult songwriter, I find moving around to be a good thing. Why? I’m pretty sure it has to do with beliefs and identity.
I was a broken person moving to New York over ten years ago. Struggling with alcohol, struggling with everything. I had to change who I was. My family except Keri and Dad had given up on me, at least here. In New York? I was the songwriter from Texas.
“I’m the dude, so that’s what you call me.”
That turned out to be a huge gift from Upstate. They called me songwriter from Texas so much I ended up believing I was a songwriter from Texas. I am. But I don’t get that affirmation here in Texas. I have to move around for it.
As I was changing inside, I was getting called new things outside. It wasn’t bad. It was great. I didn’t know it at the time, but moving helped me a lot.
“He’s a songwriter? I just thought he was a crazy trucker.”
Artists can have a difficult time where they grow up. “You’re never a prophet in your hometown,” folks say. It’s true. A lot of that simply has to do with what you’re called. If they call you a songwriter from out of town, by chance, you end up carrying that with you. That’s not bad in my case. More than I get here in North Texas! Haha.🤣
If you’re like I was, I recommend thinking about changing geography. But if you’re poor, or even like I am now, maybe it’s not a great idea.
Moving and school.
As a child moving around, moving had the opposite effect. My identity was wrapped up in trying not to be the “new kid,” but I always was. I wanted friends for years like all the kids had at every school I went to. Kids seemed to come from much more stable homes most places. I felt awkward a lot. Out of place. I was out of place. I wasn’t just feeling it.
The money.
Also, as an adult, the financial toll to moving can be astronomical. I don’t recommend that for anyone unless they’re feeling good about how much it costs.
I happened to be in a good spot to get what moving can give you. But most of the times I moved, it wasn’t such a positive experience. I can’t see the circumstances out there, just relating my own.
Key thought.
I don’t feel artistic endeavors are worth life-changing financial investments. It’s just not going to pay off. I do feel art is worth changes. The balance there is up to you.
What’s in a name?
I needed folks to call me a songwriter, and I got that a whole lot. But if I didn’t need that, I’d probably have more money. I don’t know if I recommend getting that recognition for yourself, or simply not needing it. Probably a case by case basis. I’d consider both and do what’s right for you if you’re in that position.
New York was wonderful. I played a lot with just an acoustic guitar. Grew my hair out. Made a folk record with a buddy and my wife. I needed that. I needed that experience. If I didn’t need all that, New York might have sucked.
It’s not about geography anymore. It’s about permanence. There’s no such thing today, almost always.
I’m very fortunate to have wound up with permanent people in my life. Moving around so much, I met countless folks. 33 schools is a burden. I didn’t even finish school. I think my brother may have gone to more. Not sure. But it took its toll on both of us. I do not recommend that if you can help it. It was rough for this growing extroverted kid.
When you come to a new town folks ask you, “what do you do?” If the first thing you tell them is “songwriter,” it’s begun. That’s what they call you. In my case, that’s what I needed to hear. For you it could be different. It’s worth a thought over coffee. ☕️
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