10 Reasons I’m Taking the RPM Challenge in February

February is shaping up to be the most insane month I will see so far. Tonight is the first date of a 20 date February tour that will take me from Wisconsin to Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. That’s crazy enough as is, but on top of that I’ve decided to take the RPM Challenge and record an album in the month of February. RPM Challenge has outlined an album as 10 songs or 35 minutes (Is that whichever comes first?). There is no real incentive to take the challenge. I suppose the big goal is to motivate artists to stop procrastinating, make an effort, and do something. Like my song “Oceans of Blood” says, “The perfect moment will never come. Is that what we’re waiting for?” So here are my top ten reasons why I’m taking the RPM Challenge. 01. To stay in touch with friends. I’m going to collaborate with some of my various musician friends scattered across the map. Nothing brings people together like a common goal. 02. I want my mind to be fresh. Doing something new with music will keep me on my toes. Hopefully it will open some new horizons and maybe some untapped talent I didn’t know I have. 03. There’s no time to second guess. This is both exciting and scary. Having to produce something in a short order will force me to make quick decisions, some which I will no doubt regret, but this will help me develop my “under-pressure” skills. 04. Recording will be good practice. Who can’t use a little practice. Tiger Woods has said that he often practices up to 14 hours a day – sun up to sun down even! 05. Why not? Besides it making my life hectic, what’s there to worry about? Gotta fill time in February somehow. 06. I’ve been wanting to experiment with some ideas anyway. This is just a good excuse to make new music. 07. I’m trying to adopt a can-do attitude. That’s what makes life enjoyable and the American life so attractive. I’m determined to make 2008 the best year of my life so far. 08. I can’t not do it. Seriously, I just felt really compelled. I know I’m in over my head, but all the more reason to start swimming. 09. Good will come of it. Unknown benefits will come from this. I can’t wait to find out what. 10. Community. By participating, I’m becoming part of something larger than myself. If myself is the only thing I live for, then I lead a sad life. This project will get me involved in a greater community of artists. That’s it. I’ll try to post something here on a regular basis, though probably not daily, as I did in January. It’s only day one, but there’s already a plot developing and conspiring telephone calls. Ooooo, so mysterious! Even I’m intrigued – and I know what’s going on!