records – Bradley Minnigan

Our New Tour (Camper) Bus!

Jessie and I have been talking about a pop up camper for a while. It would make it so easy to pack up and tour, save money that we would have spent on hotels, and we can take a little bit of home with us wherever we go! So several weeks ago, we bought a pop up.

We found one on Craigslist that was just right for us, and that was ready for some work. We have found a little website called ThePopUpPrincess.com that gave us the confidence that we can make a pop up our own. We have big dreams for this little thing, and I can't wait to get started.

The camper is in good condition, and I think we can do quite a bit with it. Some of the first things we would like to do are replace the floor with some faux-wood vinyl (or something similar) and paint or replace the cabinets. When we do this, I also want to carve out space to build-in our mini fridge. Eventually, we want to redo counter tops, upholstery, curtains, paint the exterior, and a laundry list of other things as well.

Shortly after we bought the camper (just days after), we headed off on our maiden voyage. We had a show at our favorite venue on the Gulf of Mexico – the Green Door Music Hall in Ft. Walton Beach. Jessie survived the heat and humidity in the camper for two nights, and we called the trip (and the show) a success! We had so much fun!

We love the quiet peacefulness of the camp sights we've found so far, and we can't wait for the adventures that await us. As I write this, we are currently on a week tour across Wisconsin in our camper, playing our music for the wonderful people in this state. We have yet to meet people that are better friends or love music like these cheese heads! I can't wait to update you with our latest adventures when we return. Until then, I'll enjoy the ride and reminisce about the awesome times we've had like lunch at the Back Porch a few weeks ago.

I'll do my best to log our adventures, both on the road and in remodeling the camper, right here.

Time to Ramble

It’s 5:15 am.

I can’t sleep.

So it is time to ramble.

Golf has become my latest hobby. Dad told me long ago, “Business is done either over a meal or on the golf course.” He chose over meals because he wasn’t very good at golf.

Here we are, he’s making a conscious effort to be healthier, taking up golf, getting pretty good, and now I have a coach down the street. He knows just enough to get me pointed in the right direction, and I love sports too much to look back.

I have always loved sports. Baseball was, is, and will continue to be my first love. Football is way up there too. Golf never appealed to me until now. It’s an opportunity to get outside and once again swing a stick at a little white ball.

At the same time, my wife and I are expecting!

Expecting to go back into the studio, that is. Later this month, we go in to record 3 new songs that will be released as singles. We can’t wait!

After a tumultuous first EP recording experience, we have found a producer we like, admire, and most of all trust. We are very excited about what is coming down the pike!

Finally, I’ll say that a lake is heaven for me. I love going on the weekends to a place where time doesn’t matter. Wake up when you wake up. Eat when you’re hungry. Do what you want. Little to no Internet and connectivity to the outside world. Heaven.

All It Takes Is a Little Progress

Sometimes music gets hard. It gets frustrating. It feels like it is going nowhere. Fast.

That’s when a little progress can help.

This last week, we found a little progress. My wife has written some new songs and found one by a fantastic and well-decorated songwriter here in town, and we are itching to get them recorded. This week, we made progress on finding a producer/engineer to help us make those songs come to life. There is still much to do, but every little bit helps.

On top of that, several shows are coming together. A show here, a show there. Each one means another $1 in tips (really, that’s what we average – Nashville apparently doesn’t believe in tipping for music), more exposure, and if we are lucky, one CD sale. Riveting stuff here, folks.

One day at a time. One show at a time. One song at a time. It all starts with a song, and then that song must be sung. That song must be heard. That song must be loved. Then that song can be sung back. I can’t wait for that last one.

Can’t wait.