What Do I Do and Why Do I Do It?

At a recent show, I was asked by the band's manager why I take pictures and write about music? What's in it for me? I knew the answer was not that simple and I still needed to make a few connections before the band broke down. I said, "It's just a hobby," and left it at that.

It's a good question. Let me take this opportunity to provide a better answer.

I am not a professional musician, musicologist, or journalist. However, I have seen close to 300 acts in over 500 plus shows and the numbers keep mounting. I have followed some of my favorite big named bands during their tours and traveled around the country to regional festivals.  It's not a matter of partying with the band or my friends, I don't party and I'm no groupie. I just have insatiable appetite for live music.

Times have changed, though, haven't they? Not only is it impossible for me to fly all over the country to spend a $1,000 per weekend to get my live music on, but it's also getting more difficult for independent bands to tour as well.

As I started venturing out to the local clubs, festivals, and house concerts, I discovered  a treasure chest full of unknown (to me) artists. I also discovered that I enjoyed the intimacy of the performances, sharing a conversation with the artist, their fans or family while in the comfort and convenience of a smaller venue. I was hooked.

Not only has my live music experience improved since defecting from the Super Venue LiveNation nation, but I found more value for my limited concert dollars. More dollar value, a better live music experience, the discovery of new artists, and my southern evangelical tendencies require me to SHARE THE GOOD NEWS with others. That's all.

I pay to watch your shows and buy your merch, so chill. Just sharing the love.

GR8MUSICROX Welcomes You!

Welcome everyone.  I have quite a voracious appetite for good music that is innovative, alive, and guitar centric. I am not a fan of screaming shredding guitars that drown out a bad song or performers who take my money, show up late and inebriated; then suck.  

I am fortunate to have a vast network of folks who not only play, produce, perform, mix, write, or DJ music as a profession, but are also huge fans of good music and will be invited to contribute here as well.

These posts are dedicated to live performances, photos, videos, tech talk, house concerts, articles, links, about awesome musicians that pass through this region of the Carolinas.

You won't find any music reviews here. If I have a link to a cd, it's because I like it. I'll leave the music reviewers to the rags and mags.

If you sent me music to check out and I haven't responded, please don't be offended and send me hate mail.  Just send your CD elsewhere. If it's good you'll find the right audience.