into october...

Well here we are into October. And what have we learned, class?

This year really FLEW!

Been super busy with teaching, and that's going well. Every student is different so it's a big challenge for me, and I enjoy it. I was teaching "Master Of Puppets" a lot this summer, thanks to STRANGER THINGS. Now the students are bored with the song. That happens. The song is too damn long anyway.

Musically, aside from compiling demos, I am not doing much. Which is okay. Mike and Brian are busy with their band Attacker, as they are wrapping up their mini-tour of sorts soon. When they come back, I know Mike will at least be on board for my ninth album. I asked Brian to play bass on it and he politely declined, yet was pleased that I asked. I really don't want to play bass on the album, would rather focus on the guitar obviously. But I have to take one for the team, even if I'm the only player on the field.

And my band was asked to play a gig in November but after going over the ridiculous demands of the headliner, we declined. If I was opening for Lita Ford or King's X again, fine. But I'm at an age where selling tickets sucks. It's a chore, and friends really won't buy until the last minute anyway. I will sound pompous for a second: I'm tired of being at the bottom of the totem pole around here. My friend Butch said that "You're a veteran on the scene and you still get crapped on" and he's right. I'm not Steve Vai, not asking for the moon and the stars, but I am asking for a bit more respect. Don't mean to sound like this, as it's not really professional. But can you blame me for feeling this way?

I am feeling really good overall though. This has been a great year for MOOD SWINGS, still selling decently, still receiving airplay across the globe. And get this: you can vote for me to win Instrumental Artist of the Month if you go to this link: ISSA Voting

When will my next album happen? 

Your guess is as good as mine.