Prodigal Blog
Why I'm Back (Again)
I've started and stopped music projects twice. Third time's different.
Reverb Radio (2003-2004)
Internet radio station. Promoted local bands, got CDs mailed from across the country, made it onto iTunes' station list. A teenage metal band thanked me in their liner notes. The local paper interviewed me.
It was passion-driven and unsustainable. Too much partying with a day job and two young kids. Moved states, shut it down. Dark years followed.
Supplemental Sound v1 (2021-2023)
Life got better. New relationship, better job, lost 70 pounds, found music again through my partner Aimee. We started going to shows together.
Bullet journaling led to concert documentation. Posted pics, wrote brief reviews, cross-promoted on Instagram. Met great people in the KC scene, took selfies with band members, bought tons of merch. Even got on a music podcast.
But the overconsumption pattern returned. 2-3 shows per month on credit cards. Late nights. And the drinking.
Spent hundreds to see Billie Eilish, one of my all-time favorites, and got possessed by cravings to get drunk. Don't remember half her performance. Still brings me to tears. Same thing happened at a Bon Iver show—spilled wine all over myself, passed out in my seat.
Shut it down. Deleted all social media. Got my shit together.
Supplemental Sound v2 (2025-?)
Now I rarely drink, working toward "I don't drink, period." But like Lzzy Hale says, "I missed the misery." Except it's not miserable—it's amazing. Life and art.
I'm back, but only in this form. Kansas City scene coverage when shows warrant it. Concert t-shirt bingo app development—the game Aimee and I created is becoming real software.
Monday night: Apocalyptica, Lindsey Stirling, Halestorm. Didn't drink. Did a little binge-eating (baby steps). Took maybe 5 photos, just watched. Air drummed, head banged, screamed, clapped. Held horns high with the crowd singing in unison.
Music brings us together when politicians divide us. Maybe we should elect musicians instead.
What's Different This Time
Maximum 4-6 shows annually. Only artists that genuinely spark joy. No FOMO tickets. Selective documentation. Building something useful (the bingo app) instead of just consuming.
This version serves the music and the KC scene, not my ego or overconsumption patterns.
Hope to see you at a show, wearing your favorite band t-shirt.