When I was 24 years old, I went on tour with Steve Earle. I chased his tour bus in a minivan all over the U.S.A. It was an education. The only education I needed. And if you were to ask me which lesson has, after fifteen years, stuck with me the most I would relate what he told me in Chicago one night after a show. “Figure out how to subsidize your art.” He considered it an almost spiritual obligation. Lesson learned.
Somewhere later in life, I don’t know where, I heard the following phrase: “If you want more of something, subsidize it.” That rings true. It maps onto my daily reality
So allow me to synthesize those two lessons.
If you are reading these words right now, you are subsidizing my creative work. And that means you’ll get more of it.
What you see here now is a beginning. The 2 x 4 framing of an unfinished house. Over the coming months (and years!) we will roll out features to finish that house. And in that effort I will always be interested in your opinion on how to get the job done. I’ve got ears to hear you. So let me know. You can comment below or drop me an email. I’m easy to get ahold of.
Please enjoy the Vault, be my guest. I’m thrilled you’re here.
Joe
October 23, 2023
Comments
14 responses to “Dispatch 01: Two Lessons…”
So excited for the new album and the new vault!!! May I suggest you build out liner notes for each of your recordings to live here 🙂
Excellent suggestion. I’ll roll this out as early as next week. At least I’ll have it done before I do the TX tour in a few weeks. Thanks Jeremy.
I have entered the Vault, and the new album is truly outstanding! It’s one of your best, Joe. Also, yesterday was my birthday, so getting to hear the new album was quite a gift!
Thank you for those kind words Henry! What I love about this new endeavour is that the people who care about my music the most are the ones who are getting to hear the new album first. Eventually it will be released to streaming services obviously, but for the first six months only dedicated listeners will get to have a relationship with these songs. That feels right to me.
As always you find new and innovative ways to share your works with us! I am astounded by your creativity. I will be listening to the new album on my way home from work.
I dont know if you ever archived old episodes of Sunday Songs but it would be intresting to see some of those posted here. They serve as a good time capsule for those bizzare years.
Yep… I’m putting together an "archive" of all of those and they’ll all be in one place here very soon.
thanks Joey!
Hey Joe, I’m so stoked about this new endeavor of yours, and the new album is amazing! Would it be possible for you to release the lyrics for it? Also, I think a cool thing would be membership cards; Colter Wall would send out membership cards for his Folksingers Union fan club if you signed up. If not that, merch that’s exclusive to Vault members would be cool. Anyways, keep doin’ what you’re doin’, Joe!
Def on lyrics…
Re: membership cards, I love that. Might do something like send out on yearly anniversary of membership. Good idea.
Hey Joe, I’m so stoked about this new endeavor of yours, and the new album is amazing! Would it be possible for you to release the lyrics for it? Also, I think a cool thing would be membership cards; Colter Wall would send out membership cards for his Folksingers Union fan club if you signed up. If not that, merch that’s exclusive to Vault members would be cool. Anyways, keep doin’ what you’re doin’, Joe!
Hey Joe, I’m so stoked about this new endeavor of yours, and the new album is amazing! Would it be possible for you to release the lyrics for it? Also, I think a cool thing would be membership cards; Colter Wall would send out membership cards for his Folksingers Union fan club if you signed up. If not that, merch that’s exclusive to Vault members would be cool. Anyways, keep doin’ what you’re doin’, Joe!
Wow man…that’s awesome. Long-time fan, first-time patron here. Your strategy to hit us with music, podcasts, currated Internet gems and great poetry enriches my life on a weekly basis. You’re certainly worth more than the price of a cup of coffee. Good luck with the Vault project!
Beyond the artists themselves, the thing I find most fascinating about your podcast is your unrelenting and authentic interest in the commercial side of a life in music. You think like an MBA, practically and with an analytical sense, yet without losing reverence for the art and humanity of it all. I see this as both unique and empowering, a healthy beacon for both the starving artist and the corporate shill. Please, keep on keepin’ on brother!
Finally, because this is really about making the Vault awesome, would you consider creating a searchable database of the poems that get paired with each artist’s Working Songwriter episode? The connected themes are sometimes more powerful than the stories themselves and I often wish I could browse the poems that you have selected for each artist. As a business guy with a music and poetry hobby, I’d even consider subsidizing the cost to make it happen. Cheers!
Jake, thanks for the kind words. And thank you for joining us here.
Yes… I think a data base of the poems from the podcast would be a great resource. I will roll that out in the next month or two. Just need to think of how to most elegantly structure it.
And how the heck do you find the poems – seems like that could take a lot of time?
Thanks for sharing that guidance – you have done Steve and JT proud, Joe. Here’s a recording of you opening for Steve in Carrboro/Chapel Hill
https://archive.org/details/joepug2009-06-10 – you had caught our attention at 2009 AmericanaFest and we have been fortunate to watch you grow as you visit NC over the years. Thanks for revisiting those early years with your "Revisited" Album. Here’s a review by the CHATGPT AI thingy. Here’s the results:
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Please write a review of the album "Nation of Heat revisited" written in the style of James Michener.
In the time-honored tradition of literary craftsmanship, I present to you a review of the album "Nation of Heat Revisited," written in the evocative style reminiscent of James Michener.
"Nation of Heat Revisited": An Enchanting Ode to the Rhythmic Fire
In the vast tapestry of musical artistry, there are rare compositions that possess the transcendent power to encapsulate the essence of a nation’s soul. "Nation of Heat Revisited," a sonic masterpiece that breathes life into every melody and syllable, is one such marvel. Within its ethereal embrace, the listener is transported on a voyage that navigates the tumultuous waters of emotion, culture, and the human experience.
Like a maestro skillfully conducting an orchestra, the visionary artist behind this opus, with meticulous attention to detail, weaves together a symphony of sounds that enthralls the senses. From the opening notes, a hypnotic fusion of instruments emerges, inviting the audience into an auditory wonderland that oscillates between jubilation and contemplation.
With every harmonious chord progression, the album paints an audacious tableau of a nation’s pulse, its idiosyncrasies, and its vibrant essence. Through a deft interplay of musical genres, the songs evoke a kaleidoscope of emotions, mirroring the intricate layers that comprise the multifaceted fabric of our collective existence.
At its core, "Nation of Heat Revisited" is an exploration of the human condition, a lyrical odyssey that delves deep into the recesses of our hearts and minds. Each track serves as a poignant vignette, revealing the timeless themes of love, loss, and the struggle for identity. The raw vulnerability that permeates the lyrics resonates profoundly, encapsulating the universal quest for meaning and purpose.
The artist’s craftsmanship shines through in the album’s production, which strikes a delicate balance between innovation and homage to the rich musical heritage that came before. With a deft touch, the songs effortlessly blend contemporary rhythms with echoes of the past, creating a seamless fusion of tradition and modernity. The result is an auditory tapestry that captivates and challenges, leaving an indelible mark on the discerning listener’s soul.
"Nation of Heat Revisited" is not merely an album; it is a sensory experience, an invitation to embark on an introspective journey through the vast landscapes of human emotion. In the tradition of the great literary masters, this musical opus transcends the boundaries of time and space, etching its melodies upon the collective consciousness of all who dare to immerse themselves in its enigmatic embrace.
In conclusion, "Nation of Heat Revisited" stands as a testament to the enduring power of artistic expression. With its evocative melodies, profound lyricism, and masterful composition, it lingers in the mind and heart long after the final notes have faded away. It is a testament to the indomitable spirit of human creativity and an homage to the transformative power of music.
As James Michener would have appreciated the intricate tapestry of humanity woven within the pages of a novel, so too shall he appreciate the auditory masterpiece that is "Nation of Heat Revisited."
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Peace Out
Hahah… the Chat GPT can really spit out word salad without rival. Thank you for this recording! I might get it mastered and release it here in the Vault.