Prodigal Blog
Around 2003-2004, I started up an internet radio station called Reverb Radio. I learned how internet streaming worked, music licensing, all the software we had back then—WinAmp, Shoutcast, SAM. I think I was influenced by Radio Paradise and some other internet stations. It was nice having a break from the commercialism of FM radio. I was bored with my CDs and wanted new music, so I tuned in and listened.
I began promoting local bands in my area, then beyond. Had to set up a PO Box where bands mailed me their CDs to play on the stream from all over the country. I started going to see live, local music because I loved it, not because they just happened to be playing at the bar where I was drinking. I even helped promote a show with 5-6 bands and handed out bumper stickers. Hired voice artists to make station IDs and fun, sexy station promos. Got interviewed by the local newspaper. A metal band of a few very talented young teenagers thanked me in the liner notes of one of their CDs they released. Got myself on iTunes' list of internet radio stations.
It was a lot of fun and a passion of mine. But it was also a lot of partying while maintaining a day job with a newborn baby and a three-year-old. Ended up moving to another state for a better job market and shut it down.
Many years of drinking and relationships gone bad. Dark times clouded my days for quite a while.
Fast forward many years to 2021. I found myself in a new relationship, the best job I'd had in my career, and life was getting better as I aged. I became a support hub for my now adult-aged kids. Drank more diet soda and less alcohol. Started losing the weight I'd put on during the dark years—about 70 pounds total. Walked daily, went vegan for a while, began to love gardening, cooking, and my partner. Her and I loved music and went to many concerts together. We still do.
I was bullet-journal crazy around that time and began printing pictures of shows and writing in my journal about the night after. An idea hit me in the head to revisit my passion I had with Reverb Radio, but not with streaming music. Spotify, Apple Music, etc. had taken that market over. No one would listen. It'd be just for me. And I don't need to pay for licensing to stream music for just me when I have all-you-can-eat subscription music. The younger me looks at this future and feels sick to his stomach.
I started Supplemental Sound around then and began posting pics from the shows we went to along with very brief, half-assed write-ups. Posted it all on Instagram as well for cross-promotion. Met many awesome people in the metro area and took many selfies with band members after the shows. Bought tons of merch. This time, instead of being interviewed by the local newspaper, I got to be a guest on a music-based podcast. That was an honor for me. Nervous energy flowed through me as I put myself out there. Had so many plans for the blog. Created a concert t-shirt bingo game online and began to have fun with that at shows.
But the concert vibe began to bite me again. The drinking. Purchasing tickets to 2-3 shows per month on my credit cards. The late nights, again. Juggling schedules between daily life, vacations, and concerts.
I spent hundreds of dollars to see one of my all-time favorite artists, Billie Eilish, and I was possessed that night by cravings for getting drunk. I could see myself drinking more and more, like the old me, even though I didn't want it. Could feel embarrassment for myself looking at myself. And yet, I continued. I don't remember all of her performance and it still brings me to tears today. The same thing happened before that at a Bon Iver show. Love his music, but I spilled wine all over myself and passed out in my seat at the show. So fucking gross to look back now.
I shut down the website, deleted all social media, and got my shit together.
Now I rarely drink, and I'm working on making that an identity of "I don't drink." Period.
But like Lzzy Hale says in her metal opera voice, "I missed the misery." But it's not miserable. It's amazing. All of it. Life. And art. So I'm back. But only in this form. Pouring out my heart about my love of music in any form and life that happens between the concerts. Keep coming back and reading, if you're a freak like me. Because you are. Admit it.
I went to a show with my partner Monday night and while I didn't drink, I did a little binge-eating. But hey, baby steps. We saw Apocalyptica open up for Lindsey Stirling who opened up for Halestorm. I didn't take many photos. Maybe 4-5 total. For my own use. I just watched. And air drummed. And head banged, so to speak. And screamed. And clapped. And enjoyed the music, the vibe, the cool night air and the togetherness of the crowd as we all sang the lyrics in unison to the call of the bands. We held our horns high in the sky for the love of heavy metal music and the outlet the show provided us to let our hair down in times when we all need a break from politics and division. It was special because it brought us together. Something our politicians seem to be too stupid to do. Cheers to the musicians who know how to get us all to sing together and get along. Let's elect them instead.
Notes on the show? Meh. The bands speak for themselves and I encourage you to check out their music on all streaming platforms, their photos from the show on Instagram and wherever else, and buy their merch from the shows or their websites to help support them. They sure ain't getting rich off of Spotify.
I doubt we'll see any more shows in 2025, but it's been a great year as we slowed down and saw maybe one every two months. Next year I look forward to only buying tickets to the bands that spark joy for me, as Marie Kondo would say. I hope to see you at the show. Wearing your favorite band t-shirt. Rocking out with me by your side.