vctralan asked: I want to be famous. I can be famous. I know you might get that a lot from musicians that aren't very good, but I think I'm an exception. Most importantly, I want my name and music to be forever remembered. I would greatly appreciate advice.

I thought for a long time before answering your question because I want to tell you something that you might find helpful and I don’t want to come off mean spirited.

It’s a loaded question though, because:

A. I’m not famous, and

B. I don’t know that I ever want to be famous.  

I suppose FAME is okay as long as it is a byproduct of being good at your craft or touching people’s lives in some way, but FAME on it’s own is all icing, no cake.  

At the same time, if you really are looking for fame only, I don’t want you to think I’m belittling your pursuit.  I’m just not your guy.

As for trying to be good and touching people’s lives…..I try to peel back as many layers of cliche and bravado as I can without ruining the meaning of the songs I write. (If you peel away ALL the layers of the onion, there’s no onion left.)  I’m trying to find new ways to say things that we all feel, but can’t express.  I’m trying to bare as much of my soul in song as I can. People seem to connect with that.  That’s what I know.

If you want fame, tackle Paris Hilton.

If you want the other stuff, tackle YOU.