The Wandering Endorphin: Endorphin Blog

Just the other day I was told by someone who owned a wine bar that they really liked my music and would love for us to play at their place. She then told me the gig paid $50. She then informed me I had to bring 25 people minimum. Didn’t even offer any extra money if I brought 25 people. I would have laughed other than it’s not the first time I’ve gotten this proposal from club owners. But are there musicians really doing this? Yes. They are so desperate to play, they will do anything. But lets think about this for a second and turn this around a little bit. What if I told the wine bar owner that I have a great band and we are going to rent a hall for the night. I need someone to provide and pour wine while we play. I can’t pay much, just $50 and you must bring at least 25 people who are willing to pay a $10 cover charge at the door. Now wouldn’t they look at you like you are crazy?
"Why would I do that?"
they would ask. Well because it’s great exposure [...]

I recently read the following article from http://www.jmichaeldolan.com that as a musician made me feel rather content in my career and I thought I'd share.
THE LONG RUN (Read time 0:39)                    
In the old world, the big impossible dream was to make a record, get it into the hands of an A&R person, fasten your seatbelt and “hopefully” blast off to the stars. Today the chances of that happening are non-existent because that o’l worn out, antique formula has reluctantly retired. Besides, the result of that illusion left too many great artists frustrated, angry and broke. In the new world, the big impossible dream is a much smarter one: quit your day job and make a decent living doing your art full time—for the rest of your life! If your ship blasts to the stars that’s great, but if it doesn’t, you’ll still be very content raising your family, buying your house and living the life [...]

John Michaels is a gifted Alternative Folk songwriter from Chicago I’ve been recording with these past couple years. He has asked me to come up with and record all the electric guitar parts (harmonica to, as it turns out) for his newest recording titled, The Other Side of The Stars. I’ve put so much of myself into this project I feel it’s worth mentioning this one time. The CD is scheduled to be released this spring and I’m as proud of this record as of anything else I’ve previously been a part of. Every musician involved in the project comes from a different spectrum of the musical world. This has made for a unique collaboration, all coming together to serve each individual song, under the critical ear and vision of both John and producer Brian Zieske. How much would you pay for this quality music? $20? $30?? BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE!! With this CD you’ll hear: * Great song writing * A 1st chair violinist from the Chicago Orchestra [...]

I have this love hate relationship with coffee. I’ve tried to give it up so many times only to start drinking it again. I love the taste, but hate how it affects my stomach. I love the kick in the morning but hate how it gives me the shakes. A lot of good things have been said and have been well publicized about caffeine but most folks don’t know or never heard about the bad. Such as, how it increases cortisol levels in the body with cause mental and physical stress. Or how it has the opposite effect of testosterone and actually breaks down muscle tissue.
I’m now mentally preparing myself to give it up yet again. Considering I’m now living in Tel Aviv this will be harder than ever. Walking around this city it’s like every other store is a café or coffeehouse with people outside sipping on crack… ahhh, I mean coffee. Whoa, Freudian slip. I have such an addiction! How will I get through this with a Barista on every street corner whispering to me [...]