Page 56 - ION Indie Magazine MarchApril 2019

I always had a connection with music. My Mom instilled her love for The Beatles and Elvis
into me. I used to pretend that I had a radio show and would record my 45s after introducing
the songs on my tape recorder. Friends would come over and we had a blast making up
different silly radio programs. Here, from these memories, my future unfolded.

Having no money and plenty of time, I started doing an internet-based radio show on a free
platform. Indie on Air featured music from independent artists that I discovered online. I also
invited various music-business folks onto my show so I could interview them. I was really,
really bad. I stumbled. I mumbled. Yet, somehow, I persevered. I learned from my guests. I
continued on this blind musical journey while soaking up all the information I could. During
this period of life, I took a lot of flak and heard plenty of negative comments and jokes from
“friends” and family alike. Jen carried the financial burden while I was “playing” on my pretend
radio show. I let nothing deter me and Jen stood by my side.

It was now 2010. I had only a couple of part-time jobs and still could not find any substantial
work despite my education, experience, and qualifications. But, I had a stirring thought during
one of my frequent meditations. I decided I was going to utilize my virtual music connections
and merge it with the physical. I brought up the subject with a couple guys from a Los Angeles
record label that had been on my program. They loved the idea. We put together a team to
help figure it all out. The big questions were -- where and how?