There are a lot of great things about being a professional musician. You get to make your own hours, you live what you love, the constant search for that perfect burst of creativity, etc. There are also some things that are not so great. Being a musician is a completely self-serving profession. You’re not working for the greater good of a team, you’re constantly trying to convince people to like you, and every fan/agent/manager’s sole focus is you. It’s not hard to see why so many people in the entertainment industry have a reputation as being self-absorbed assholes. It’s also the reason why so many entertainers battle depression. After all, they say that depression is the result of a hyper focus on one’s self.
While I don’t think I’ve become one of “them,” I have noticed a huge void in my life recently. Prior to being a “professional” musician, every job I ever had involved working with children. In my opinion, it’s the most rewarding thing you can do with your time. Getting paid for it was a bonus.
I’ve decided it’s time to start volunteering, and I’m actively looking for places to do it. A friend of mine recently introduced me to the Helping Hand Home in Austin, and I think it’s a good start. Among other things, volunteers can read bedtime stories to children who have been abused. As you can imagine, nights are the scariest time for these kids, and having a volunteer come in and read stories to them not only allows them to develop trust in people outside of the home, it also helps them through the hardest part of their day. The problem is you have to dedicate one hour a week for six months, and I haven’t decided where I’ll be living yet. If it is Austin, I can’t wait to lend a helping hand. I’m writing this in hopes that some of you will email me some other good suggestions. I’ve checked out Hands On Central Texas, and plan to start doing some work there while I’m home. If you have any other ideas (Portland, LA, Austin) PLEASE send them to me: reed@reedturner.com
Like Dylan said, “you’re gonna have to serve somebody.” If you think that means yourself, you’ve lost sight of what makes the world go round. I’m also trying my hardest not to make a masturbation joke right now.
On another note:
To all my Marble Falls folks, this will crack you up. I recently did a shoot for the city of Marble Falls, where my beloved Camp Champions resides. If you’re looking through a Marble Falls travel brochure, you just might see a familiar face: 
And yes, they did make me wear that stupid hat, and that stupid wrist band (what am I, Nickelback?). And yes, the crowd is photoshopped in, because they definitely had me singing to a gigantic empty theater for the shoot. Regardless, my image is now forever linked to Marble Falls. “Marble Falls: For a weekend or a lifetime.”
AND
Before I forget, check out this Sony promotional video featuring “Tyburn’s Gallows.” Shot by Darren Dyk. Pretty sweet.
MOMO’S TOMORROW AUSTIN! 8PM. We always have so much fun together. I wonder…could it ever last?
