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11-hour drive to Chicago? Yep, not flying.

REED

If for some reason, if we ever end up on the same flight, and have to sit next to me, I’m sorry.

Change seats if you can.  Change flights.  Even if you aren’t afraid to fly, I will inadvertently make you nervous.  It’s contagious.

Two days ago I received huge news.  On April 19th, I will be traveling to Chicago to be featured on 103.5 KISS FM on the Special K Radio Show (thank you to anyone reading this who has supported me).  I’ve been told thousands of people try to get on, but they have only featured and introduced an unknown for less than ten people.  The broadcast will essentially be my Chicago/National (and anyone streaming on iheartradio) debut.  I’m honored, excited, and very grateful.

fly-or-driveI feel like I’ve been given a keycard into the next level of the music business – a pass that essentially says, “Hey, you don’t suck.  You’re legit.  But, we’re still not going to hand you anything.  Now, what are you going to do?”

You know I love breakdowns/lists.

I think there are four levels of musicians trying to/making it in the industry.

Each jump is even harder than the previous to make:

  • Level 1:  The “hey I have a mixtape” or “guess what I make music” person who professionally creates music, but never really gets anywhere. Varying popularity and avenues to possibly make money.  Unknown legitimacy, not proven.
    • About 98 percent of musicians.  Me as of a few weeks ago.
  • Level 2:  The “Some people know who you are, you’ve been featured on TV/radio/internet.  A legit musician with some credibility.”  These guys have the ability to turn music into an actual career, but haven’t totally figured it out yet.
    • About 1.5 percent of musicians.  (Me in a few weeks).
  • Level 3:  Established act, minor celebrity.  Consistently earning fans by touring, creating new material, etc.  Music is their true, full time gig.  The Weeknd, Mikky Ekko.
    • Less than 0.5 percent of musicians.
  • Level 4:  Celebrity/Icon.  Rich and Famous.  Robin Thicke, JT, Usher, Alicia Keys, Lady Gaga.
    • Less than .0000000000000000001 percent.

So here I am, about to break my way into Level 2, and my first thought was:

“Chicago is an eleven hour drive.  Shit.  Whatever.  Not flying.”

That’s why you don’t want to sit next to me, EVER on a flight.  (list time):

  • I am terrified of heights.  I don’t think the plane is going to crash.  I just can’t stand how high we are.
  • I usually have a 2-3 week beard before I clean-shave, see picture.  This is me, bored at my desk at my day job.  Likelihood of being stopped for a “random inspection” is above average.
  • I don’t move on the flight.  Don’t want to talk to anyone.  Don’t touch me.
  • Until the captain comes on and says “We will begin our descent in XX minutes,” I’m in a nightmare.  Ironically, I feel safest during the most “dangerous” part of a flight.
Yeah, this is me - bored at my day job.
Yeah, this is me – bored at my day job.

I need therapy, but I have a hard time believing someone is going to be able to convince me to get over this (probably the biggest ).

I know all the statistics.  A therapist convincing me a plane is not going to crash does not change the fact that we are anywhere from 20-30,000 feet above the ground, and I can’t…get…out.  I have no control.  It’s a combination of claustrophobia and fear of death and heights.

I have been trying to rent the movie “Flight” for the past two months, but every time my girlfriend stops the purchase.  I want to see Denzel!  We’re gonna rowwll it!

I know that the day will come where I will have to fly again.  Hopefully, the reason that happens is because I’ve made it in this business.  That’s an equal trade.

Until then, if anyone has ANY ideas, let me know.  I’ll have plenty of time during my eleven-hour drive to look it over.

Reed

Here’s the song that will be featured on 103.5, “AA”