Larrivee Guitars
I have played these guitars the entirety of my public career. Specifically the D-03 parlor with matte finish. They come with LR Baggs Anthem pickups native to the body, and this combination cannot be beat. All over the world I plug straight into boards (no pedals/EQ) and audio engineers say: “That guitar sounds amazing.” If you’re do inclined, give them a lookover.
SKB Cases
I have trusted my Larrivees to no other case company. They make molds for your specific body, and the fit like a glove. Waterproof, bulletproof, sturdy AF. It gives me such a peace of mind to jump on airplanes, check my guitar, and know it will be fine no matter what. I’ve even got a story where it came into a tug of war with a 50’s era luggage conveyor/stair banister combination in Slovenia and ripped steel clean out of concrete. Guitar was unphased. Swear by them. Get one for yourself.
Nashville Basement Stage
Jeff and Shari Harjo are salt of the Earth Oklahomans, and in 2020 when the world shut down and we couldn’t do what we do any more, they made it happen. Found a way to support artists so they could keep going in their pursuits in a difficult time. My record ‘Somewhere in Middle America’ doesn’t happen without their support. But what began as filling a need that was immediate and necessary, turned into an entire cohort of people who know that art is worth investing in, that artists need advocates, and they are finding amazing ways to grow that support, and incentivize those who might join in. Please check them out and consider supporting them or getting involved.
PORTER’s Call
There are plenty of places in Nashville that promise to give artists an ‘opportunity’. There are very few places in Nashville that are for artists. Porter’s Call is one such place, providing free counseling for artists and their immediate families for absolutely no charge in a place that is safe, welcoming, and affirming. what Al Andrews breathed into life, Beth Barcus and Chad Karger are taking into the new age. My record ‘Deep Cuts’ would not exist without this place, and I’ve been trying like hell to make good on that investment since. If you are an artist, this is a place for you. If you love artists and care about their mental health, this is a place for you to help support.