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  <a href="/news/blog/6053104/goodbye-tom-petty">Goodbye, Tom Petty</a>&nbsp;
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  <div class="message"><p><span class="font_small">I bought my first Tom Petty album in 1980. It was <em>Damn the Torpedoes</em>, his latest at that time. I loved what I heard... songs like "Refugee", "Here Comes My Girl", "Don't Do Me Like That" and "Even the Losers" had a somehow raw-yet-at-the-same-time-polished sound to which I gravitated. As a new songwriter, I wanted to create music like he did. And I liked his attitude... strongly opinionated, but not forceful or rude. In fact, he was quite the laid-back dude. And he loved The Beatles, and he loved Elvis, and I did too. He also reminded me a bit of my first guitarist, Rick Glenna, in looks and in attitude. I loved that he battled his record company when they were going to charge a dollar more per unit for his about-to-be-released record just because he was a hot commodity and they knew they could get it, and he withheld the master tapes until they agreed to keep it at the going rate for albums, $8.98 at the time. In fact, he threatened to title the album "$8.98" ...and he would have, I'm sure, had they not backed down! (And perhaps that's where the inspiration for <em>that</em> song came from...?) My bands through the years have covered several of his songs, including "I Won't Back Down", "Free Fallin'", "Runnin' Down a Dream", "The Waiting" and "Refugee" to name a few. "The Waiting" is still in my solo show repertoire, and methinks I'll be adding another title or two. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_small">So, another music legend, another influence on my own craft, has passed. Though I've never met any of my true music idols, they become a part of me, of my psyche... a part of my life. Thankfully we have recordings and video and the internet to keep our legends alive. If you think about it, before these mediums came about, when an artist was gone, they were gone... period. No way to ever hear them again. So I thank God for records, I thank him for films and photos, and I thank him for Tom Petty.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_small">P.S. If you want to see an excellent film biography of Petty's life, check out <em>Runnin' Down a Dream</em>, directed by Peter Bogdanovich. It plays like a good movie... as Tom's life surely did.  </span></p></div>
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    <p class="post-info"><span data-time="2017-10-02T19:00:00-05:00" title="October 02, 2017 19:00">10/02/2017</span></p>

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  <a href="/news/blog/6053103/my-sincere-thanks">My Sincere Thanks</a>&nbsp;
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  <div class="message"><p><span class="font_small">So here I am, over a year and a half into my return to self-employment as a musician. To say I'm thankful for the way things have gone would be an understatement. I've been blessed with the freedom, and financial provision, to work at what I love, and I don't take it lightly. I had, of course, hoped and prayed things would turn out, but this summer has been CRAZY beyond expectation! I played 18 shows in July and am booked for 18 this month (August). I'm getting to travel to all sorts of different places and have met so many great people along the way. I've not had to rob my savings account for several months, and my bills are all paid (except for a chunk I still owe the IRS... boo, hiss:) Of course, living in Minnesota, many gigs are seasonal... bar &amp; restaurant patios, music fests, outdoor parties, etc... so winter can be tough. I've been focusing (or trying to focus, busy as I am) on more writing and recording in my home studio, and submitting material to music libraries, who provide songs for movies, TV, advertising, etc.  I recently had 4 of my tunes licensed, which is exciting, though for these particular uses I won't see royalties until next year. Yes, there were times I doubted that this would work... and I still have to be careful of letting doubt creep in... but mostly, I live in the expectation that God is going to take care of me no matter what. If it all ends tomorrow, if I have to go back to a corporate job, I won't like it, but I'll have no regrets... only gratefulness for the time I was able to spend making a living sharing my gifts and talents with whoever was listening. My sincere thanks to every one of you who has come to a show, bought my music or merchandise, befriended me and/or encouraged me in some way along the way... or hired me to play! God bless you!</span></p></div>
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  <a href="/news/blog/6053102/gearing-up-for-summer-shows-house-concerts">Gearing Up for Summer Shows / House Concerts</a>&nbsp;
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  <div class="message"><p><span class="font_small">I've worked hard over the winter adding venues to my list of places to perform. Happily, my summer is booked fairly solid (53 shows booked through the end of September), though I still have some dates I'd like to fill... if you've ever thought of hosting a House Concert, talk to me! It's the new 'thing' in parties. Generally, what happens is, a number of people kick in a certain amount per person to hire a music artist to come and perform in the house, or outdoors, or whatever setting they choose (within reason:) Donations are often taken as well, to help offset the cost of hiring the performer. The artist usually will play about an hour or so, then offer CD's and other merchandise for sale, autographing the items and posing for pictures, as the guests desire. It's a really fun way for artists and music lovers to connect on a personal level. If this is something you'd like to consider, let's talk! </span></p>
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  <a href="/news/blog/6053101/i-m-one-of-those-weirdos">I&#39;m One of Those Weirdos...</a>&nbsp;
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  <div class="message"><p><span class="font_small">...that actually loves winter! I've heard a couple of people in the last few days say they're ready for spring. I'm like, "I'm ready for another blizzard!" I think cold air is refreshing (to a certain extent)... freshly fallen snow is gorgeous... the world seems quieter. Having said all that, as December turns into January turns into February, and March rolls around, I'm as ready as anybody for warmth and budding trees and sunshine. But here's a thought: If you're feeling a bit of cabin fever, a little shopping might lift your spirits. I invite you to click on the "shop" link here on this website, where you'll find all kinds of goodies. There's my latest album, <em>The Road So Far</em>, a best-of collection featuring 18 hand-picked songs (three previously unreleased) that define my 20-year recording career; T-shirts with a cool drawing of me in the recording studio and the saying, "Music Happens... when a heart and mind expose the soul"; for hard rock fans there's Savior Rock, a 2-CD set featuring tracks by Lou Gramm of Foreigner, Michael Sweet of Stryper, and many other artists, including my band From Ordinary (our song opens the album); if you want to get a jump on the 2017 Holiday Season (!) there's my Christmas album; you can also pick up my earlier solo CDs and singles. Happy shopping... and Happy Winter! :) </span></p></div>
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  <a href="/news/blog/6053100/christmas-tinglies">Christmas Tinglies</a>&nbsp;
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<p>'Tis the Season once again. I love this time of year, though I do find myself sometimes wishing I could go back and experience Christmas as a young boy again. (I expressed this in my song "Kid Again at Christmas", which you can find here: <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/tommyhipps?_ga=1.153234618.368353044.1477542239" data-imported="1">http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/tommyhipps</a>). It was so much fun getting together with the extended family at my grandparents' house... uncles, aunts, cousins, a tall, brightly decorated tree, a mountain of presents and food galore. We weren't well off growing up, so getting presents was an event generally reserved for birthdays and Christmas... and oh, what a thrill. I could hardly contain my excitement on Christmas Eve. I'd lie in bed, listening for Santa, thinking the morning would never come (we were an "open the presents on Christmas morning" family). And an encore of the Thanksgiving meal... we did it all again on Christmas, turkey with all the trimmings. Even school was always more fun around Christmas time... we would make decorations for the classroom, have a little party, sing Christmas carols... and of course, get two weeks off for vacation! Snow seemed deeper, cold weather didn't bother me a bit, winter was a magical playground.</p>
<p>Having said all that about childhood, there is still joy to be found at Christmas. Even when life hasn't turned out like you may have expected... when you've lost loved ones in the past year... when you're struggling financially... whatever difficulties may be happening in your life. When you get older, there seems to be more to worry about, and aging itself is generally unwelcome. But every now and then, I get what we in our family call a "Christmas tinglie"... a sudden, brief wave of joy that washes over me. A feeling that even with all the trouble in the world, and whatever challenges I'm facing in my own life, that there is a God, a Savior, and he came to earth to live among us. "For unto you a Savior is born..." It's amazing how a firm belief in all this can change your perspective. Sure, we want to live happy, healthy lives, but in the end it's all so very temporary. We live out our time on earth, and that's that. But heaven is amazing, wonderful, peaceful... and <em>forever</em> (though our minds can't really grasp that). So why not celebrate the birth of the One who makes it all happen (and who cares if it wasn't really on December 25)? Why not allow ourselves some deep-seated, honest-to-goodness Christmas joy? It's fitting!  </p>
<p>Someone once suggested we imagine each and every Christmas light we see... every one of them on every house and on every tree... as a soul who's found heaven. When I look at a Christmas display with that mindset, it's worth a good "tinglie".</p>
<p>Merry Christmas, everyone, and may God bless you.   </p>
<p>P.S. My <em>Christmas Peace</em> album is available at: <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/tomhipps3" data-imported="1">http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/tomhipps3</a> I'd be honored if my music was part of your soundtrack to the Holiday Season!</p>

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  <a href="/news/blog/6053099/it-s-working-so-far">It&#39;s working... So far...</a>&nbsp;
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<p>I'm now 8 1/2 months into my self-employment adventure. Man, I AM LOVING IT!!! I can't believe I took such a long-lasting detour from the music business. This is what I love, what I'm good at, what I feel I was meant to do. Have there been challenges? You bet! It's not easy to have to build a calendar of dates, get out there and perform whether you feel like it or not (usually I do though:) and scrape together enough to pay the bills... but it is absolutely the best way I can think of to make a living. I love working from home (the business end of it)... my office/studio I've set up, having coffee out on my deck, soaking in the beautiful sights and sounds of my yard, the quietness of the neighborhood during the day... such peace. God has been very good to me, and I give back by volunteering at the Humphrey Cancer Center and North Memorial Hospital, playing music for patients, and by giving faithfully to my church. I also volunteered at the Hamline Dining Hall at the MN State Fair... that was fun! I sincerely believe that the more we give, whether out of love or out of a sense of duty, the more we get back in the form of blessing and peace of mind and heart. If you have a dream, don't give up on it no matter what. I worked in property management for about 16 years, always wanting to get back into full-time music... but the timing never felt right until late last year, when I finally gave my notice of resignation and took that leap of faith. Yes, I had some savings; yes, I planned and plotted out a course; you don't want to jump in blindly, or out of frustration. But eventually, you've just gotta decide it's TIME and DO IT! Like my sister told me, "Life is too short to spend it doing something you don't like!"  </p>
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    <p class="post-info"><span data-time="2016-09-13T19:00:00-05:00" title="September 13, 2016 19:00">09/13/2016</span></p>

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<p>As of late, I'm adding some new and different types of venues to my schedule of performance dates, and I'm really enjoying it. I'm now a regular performer at a fun &amp; friendly place called Up The Creek Bar &amp; Grill in Silver Creek, MN (great burgers); I provided music for the wonderful, welcoming residents of The Waters Senior Community in St. Paul; I made my debut at the renowned Aster Cafe, located along the historic cobble-stoned street of St. Anthony Main; I performed in the rotunda of Capella Tower in downtown Minneapolis; on Sunday afternoon, May 29, I'll be entertaining at Maple Island Brewing in scenic Stillwater for the first time; and I've recently returned (or will soon be returning) to some places I've played in the past, like the 318 Cafe in Excelsior, Ginkgo's in St. Paul, the Mississippi Pub in Eden Prairie, and Wellington's in Winona. Then of course, there are my regular spots I've been playing for years, like the Freight House, the Waterfront, and Piggy's in La Crosse, WI, and the Canadian Honker in Rochester, MN. I'm loving the variety of venues and different types of shows! If you know of a place that would enjoy my brand of music, tell them they should book me, then let me know! :)</p>
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<p>My last day in the property management business was December 31. Meaning, of course, that my first day as a newly self-employed writer/musician was New Year's Day. What better day to begin a New Adventure! So far I am LOVING self-employment. The key is keeping busy and not letting myself get lazy or bored. So far I've booked three new venues to perform at, have been accepted as a songwriter to three music libraries (these are the companies that provide songs to movies, TV, advertising, etc.) and have gotten some good pitches... an Old Navy commercial, NCIS LA, and a couple of other network TV shows. Nothing has "popped" yet, but I'm in the ballgame, libraries are pitching my stuff, and that feels really good. Winter is a nice time of year for this, too... it's nice to sit inside and watch the snow fall. I love the scenery in wintertime... it sparks my creativity and inspires me. I'm really feeling blessed and thankful. Obviously, there's a bit of anxiety too... after all, my nest egg won't last forever. But I'm faithful and confident I'll find enough work to make a living. And if I don't, well, I made a run at it and will have no regrets.</p>
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<p>After thinking about it for many years, I finally got around to making a Christmas album! I don't know what took me so long... music is such an integral part of the Holiday Season for myself and many others. It puts people in the Holiday spirit like nothing else. I've recorded a Christmas song here and there in years past, but I decided it was time to bring those songs together, and record some new ones, to produce an album that would inspire feelings of peace, joy, and the deeper meaning of Christmas (no "Frosty the Snowman" to be found here:) My sincere hope is that this collection touches your spirit, and becomes part of your Christmas tradition. Click on the "Buy" page to get yours now!</p>
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<p>At one time, I made my living as a full-time musician. For nearly 9 years, I toured the US and Canada, playing shows in every kind of venue imaginable. Several years ago, I decided to get off the road and try the 9 to 5 lifestyle, a "normal" way of life that at the time seemed appealing and more stable. I found work in property management, and began making a pretty good salary and started enjoying good benefits like health &amp; dental &amp; life insurance, paid vacation and sick time, and a retirement plan. I bought a house, have driven nice vehicles, and have enjoyed some great vacations. I still write &amp; record, and perform on weekends, but yet, I'm feeling like I'm not doing what I'm MEANT to do. I truthfully have gotten very little fulfillment from my job (other than the relationships I've formed along the way with many wonderful people), let alone excitement. I feel like I'm "selling out" in a way by not devoting my full attention to what I really love... the music business... and working at it full-time, giving it all my energy and commitment, rather than just being a "weekend warrior". So, as the New Year dawns, I begin my new adventure... I've given my notice at my job and will re-enter the world of self-employment as a musician as of January. I will focus on songwriting &amp; working to get songs placed in TV shows, ads, and movies (I've gotten a couple of songs signed to a high-profile music library, which is a good start); focus more on marketing my music and art; finish the book I'm working on, which I will self-publish and market; and of course, performing as much as possible. I may do some temp work or take part-time job to supplement my income, but nothing that will take too much time or focus away from my career. I'm excited and nervous and happy and anxious and unsure and confident, all at the same time. I can only have faith that God has led me to this place, is behind me (and ahead of me) and will not let me down. As a dear friend of mine said, "Even if you end up going back to work full-time, you haven't failed because you tried." Amen to that!</p>
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