You know, in the past I've brought up my Uncle Rico-like athletic accomplishments to underscore a certain theme or topic, and I'm going to do so again this month. Despite my best efforts, hardest work and all-district type accolades, many athletic outcomes weren’t quite what I wanted: Playing a good game against Ladainian Tomlinson in high school only to have him run right by me for the winning score; injuring my knee to the extent I lost all interest from recruiters; and, probably most damning of all…going 1-9 my senior year. At least we won the Homecoming game!

You're probably asking yourself…what does this have to do with music?

Well, I'm getting there.

Losing that senior year taught me many lessons. It is a sports cliché that you learn more from losing than winning. And, I've found it to be exceedingly true. Losing enables you to truly appreciate the victory when it finally comes. The events of that time and season stick with me a decade later and probably always will. Learning to work past the sting of defeat and search for the optimism in things done correctly is something I utilize everyday. Losing those games helped me reach untapped potential within myself. It gave me a drive to succeed long after the last 48 minutes had elapsed on the scoreboard. It definitely made me realize there was more to life than just how our team did on Friday nights, which, prior to those few months, I almost assuredly didn't realize. Most importantly, it taught me about human nature. The non-victorious ways of that season defined and shaped my personality. I went from a cocky teenager to a thoughtful adult in the span of several months. I worked harder than ever to succeed at whatever endeavor I encountered. And more than ever, I learned to smell the proverbial roses when I reached a mountaintop.

You're still asking…what does this have to do with music?

Now, I'm there.

In music, and especially this music scene we have a lot of talented and special artists drudging through endless 1-9 seasons. They promote, produce and play their hearts out…yet still don't get the victory in the end, even when they're the more deserving person. Yet, when they finally do break through, find an audience and taste success…they will forever remember the struggle to get there.

Case in point: I remember being in the Randy Rogers crew when Randy and the guys didn't even have enough change in the ashtray to get to the next gig – a gig they were trying so hard to reach even though they knew they would probably play for less than a dozen people; a gig that cost money instead of earning it; a gig that called for several hours on the road in a less than reliable Chevy Suburban that had over 300,000 miles. They went not only willingly, but enthusiastically, because they believed in what they were doing, had a burning desire to do it, and were optimistic and perhaps even prescient enough to see the light beckoning to them in the future. This story is not exclusive to the Randy Rogers Band.

Most artists who truly struggle to make it really never forget where they came from or what they went though to reach success. Those who do lose memories of the hard times tend to flame out, not lasting.

For example, I witnessed a show one time after Randy and the guys had tasted some success. A young artist I won't name opened up the show for the guys that night. It was at a dive bar, but the crowd was huge and the exposure was great. Unfortunately, the owner of the bar didn't see fit to pay the opener very much despite the fact the opener lugged in his own PA to provide and run sound for the show, was playing for beer+tips, and had driven a long way to get there. After the show and loading out all his equipment, the opening act was chatting with Randy and Brady about what a great show it had been and thanking them for the opportunity. The topic of compensation came up. When the opener revealed that he essentially lost a sizeable chunk of cash on the gig, Randy put his hand on his shoulder and said "I've been there brother…too many times to count, and you're not going to be there tonight." He then proceeded to reach into his pocket and pull out his payment for the evening's show and hand it over to the awed support act. Brady followed suit and soon the "headliners" were the one's who'd made nothing on the show. Well - not exactly nothing. Rogers and Black did in fact gain more good karma and respect that night. However, most imperatively, they showcased the lessons learned from previous defeats that had led them to their mountaintop of musical success.

The memories and motivation of past failures should always lead you to future triumph and success.

My plea to all struggling bands and artists is simple: don't give up! And, for all those that have "made it"…step back and remember the hard times. Your heroes never forgot them. Johnny Cash was spurred on by his upbringing until he took his last breath. Waylon Jennings remembered the tough times in Littlefield, TX when he was living the high-life in Nashville. Billy Joe Shaver showcases evidence of his struggle everywhere he goes. Ray Wylie Hubbard's sobriety reminds everyone around him each day of what can be done when you really want something badly enough. Jerry Jeff Walker can and did write a book about what and what not to do as a musician. Jason Boland overcame the hardest of times and is now living up to his potential daily.

There are countless other examples. We here at Galleywinter are supporting and promoting artists in all stages of career…and there are lessons to be learned from them all.

Keep making the music ladies and gentlemen…because I'm not giving up on you…and your moment is coming…probably when you least expect it.

MINOR CHORDS:

-Spring seems to be the busiest season for our scene...Greenfest, LJTs, Celebration of Life, SXSW and so many other examples...too much going on to catch it all. But, it continually reminds you of what us so amazing about what we love so much.

-Speaking of...be sure you check out our SXSW show...we're co-hosting it with the good folks over at Americana Roots. It's at Waterloo Icehouse on Fri March 14 featuring Mando Saenz, Modern Day Drifters, Drew Kennedy, The Whipsaws and others!

-I get more and more excited about Greenfest each day. The line-up is awesome, and I get to see folks that I only see one time a year.

-I was in a deep depression over the Cowboys playoff exit for nearly a week. I don't blame Jessica Simpson, just her dad.

-We're still looking for suggestions on how to vamp this place up.

-The presidential election is still in the infancy stages and I'm still infinitely sick of it. Let's just cut to the chase and elect Norm or BWJ or Willie.

-Hoping to do updates like Tank and Nichols did from Steamboat at LJTs. Going to be a busy bee out there. Shayne Hollinger was kind enough to invite me on his radio show each day out there to re-cap/preview the goings on. LJT and crew have been gracious enough to include Galleywinter and I in a number of events. And, above all I'll be having the time of my life and mingling with folks I don't see often enough.

-This month's recommended album: Mando Saenz-Bucket. Quite possibly the coolest thing I've heard from a songwriter. Mando's debut effort was superb and his latest expands on that supreme release. Bucket has been in the works for nearly three years and the end result is worth it. Each song is impeccable. Mando's smooth voice is equally matched by the catchy music cranked out by the musicians. His songs are still so vivid and attainable. Simply put, this is an early and likely contender for album of the year.

-This month's recommended film: Juno. I wanted to see it months ago when I caught Ellen Page on Best Week Ever, before I knew anything about it. Then when I find out Reitman was behind it, I knew it was a must. His first film, Thank You For Smoking was brilliant. So, I knew with the buzz this one was getting it was a must-see. And, it definitely was. Diablo Cody's script is a bit unconventional but heartwarming and hilarious all the same. Check this movie out. The buzz is correct.

-"Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most."-Mark Twain