The Lifer

Today I tread on new earth.  I had studiously avoided musician interviews because … well, isn’t that what the “real DJ’s” at WUSB are for?  They do it all the time and often musician-to-musician magic happens.   I made an exception this time because: 1) I had attended a Todd Snider concert at CPI's in Hampton Bays, LI in the late 90’s and have stayed a fan; 2)  Da Capo Press had him in their catalog under “soon to be completed novel”; I requested a copy; 3)  Read his very special stories of  “life on the road."

I did some quick math on time zones.  Yes, my interview segment usually begins at 1:30PM Eastern; but Todd is in Nashville.  So … will this guy be in any shape (ESPECIALLY after reading his book!) for an interview at 12:30PM his time?  Well, long story short, I had to “fill” for many minutes while they rousted this rascal from his slumbers.  Good thing I had plenty of fine music to play – Todd Snider tunes of course!

He was great fun and told some of his stories from his recently released novel: “I Never Met A Story I Didn’t Like … Mostly True Tall Tales.”  He was totally honest about his preference for addiction over “recovering” and likewise about the stereotypes of backstage women - “groupies”.  He has met some real characters on the road and has cast a very wide net that keeps him linked to many of them. 

Todd set off, as a very young man, focused on being a music biz “lifer” – he loves the travel, the hotels, the venues and most importantly, the stage time, the applause.  He loves an audience that knows his stuff; the ones that share or at least understand his progressive politics and lifestyle.   

As a WUSB Spring Radiothon gift to the station, Todd is sending us an autographed copy of his book.  First 50-buck donation at WUSB.fm wins the book!

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