It’s not easy going solo. Five years ago I quit my post-college, $36,000/year job and the part-time touring bands I was in, took a leap of faith, and put together a new solo venture. My mission was to make a living, telling the stories of my life through music. Another goal of mine was to heavily involve my band members in the arrangements, the business, and the decision-making—Billy Joel-style.

I accomplished and continue to accomplish those goals. Never stop being you. Operate with 100% integrity. Maintain your identity. Reward and embrace your band members and their ideas. Allow your band members to feel rewarded for the time, energy, and creativity they contribute. Make firm decisions. As long as your expectations are made clear, you’ll reduce the risk of hurt feelings or miscommunication. Understand, if the time comes, when a band member chooses to leave, it’s unlikely a reflection on you. Band members grow weary and restless, as band members do, and perhaps feel no different than you did before you went “solo.”

Jeff Hartman
Artistic Director