Residing in newborn-baby land for the past month, shy of any alertness or creativity, I am indeed still alive, though my communication has been equivalent to nil. This winter/spring calendar has hands-down been the bleakest I have ever known as far as getting and securing work/shows/income. In some ways for us, it’s not much different than any other month of any other year. We live in a recession each and every month, never really knowing where the next paycheck is going to come from. But church budgets are way down, and since that is where I play the vast majority of my shows, we have noticed a definite slowdown in our little cottage economy. Sweating bullets. But the flipside to all this is that I’ve been home a LOT to help (as much as a male possibly can) my wife in the transition from one to two kids. As a breadwinning male, I have found myself in the middle of a workweek playing with Ellis in the backyard sandbox or fixing peanut butter sandwiches fighting not only the noonday demon of acedia, but the very distinct and cruel head voice saying to me, “So here you are, you lazy sack. You can’t even provide for your family, you worthless loser of a phony artist.” Such are my days of late. Low self-esteem is a plague riddled with guilt.

Ben has been wrapping up a couple of other projects before we make the final push to finish my ghost of an album. I’ve officially titled the project, “Chrome“, which I will explain in a later post. The release date, obviously, won’t be anytime in March, and April is looking mighty doubtful. I’m still hopeful for a May release, but this train is, and has been, a slow one, so by now I should know better than to make any promises when it comes to these sort of things. What I can give you is a sneak peek at the album cover (or something close)….

The good folks at Under The Radar Radio are featuring my song, “Metropolis” (Scarce) this weekend. This seems appropriately coincidental since I drove past Metropolis, IL and its Superman water tower twice this week.

Under The Radar is a weekly 1-hour radio program in national syndication – highlighting some of the best undiscovered and under-appreciated music from Christian artists. “The best songs you’ve never heard.” Hosted by Dave Trout.

Hey folks:
If you’re on my mailing list, you may already be aware of this, but for those who aren’t, I’m putting out a semi-desperate plea for shows the remainder of 2009. Current economic environ considered, my calendar has never looked this grim in 15 years of doing this. With a newly expanded family of four, I would welcome any and all help, along with any and all shows (see details below). If you’ve been itching to have a concert at your church, small group, house, Young Life group, etc., now is a great time to book it. Here’s the email I sent to my list. If you’d like to be on my mailing list (show notifications, CD release info, updates), please click on the “Join the Mailing List” link.

Hello:
I hope you are well here in the dusk of winter’s days. I wish I were writing for more pleasant, less pressing reasons, but I will cut to the chase since time is of the essence.

Booking Revised
I’m sure you already know this, but as a touring singer-songwriter, the vast majority of my income comes from playing shows all across our great land. I typically require an honorarium of some agreed upon amount to travel and play these shows. As if anyone needs any more reminding, the current sour economy is hitting close to home in a big way for me and my newly expanded family of four. As a full-time artist committed to this work for over 15 years, I have never seen my calendar look this bleak (read, empty). So, I approach you, good Mailing Listees, for help in finding and securing shows.

In my desire to communicate the dark and light of myself, and, perhaps, a portion of the common story in us all, it is indeed difficult to do that without a “stage”, per se, from which to speak. Though, partially out of immediate necessity, but wholly out of my desire to further learn to trust in Heaven’s provision for my family, I am trying a new tactic in how I go about booking concerts. As you may surmise, asking for help is never an easy thing to do, but here I am, there you are, and flutter goes the sparrow, fully clothed, fed, and never wanting.

A New Tactic
I hereby offer myself to play a concert at your church, your home (a “house concert”), small group, college, school, Young Life group, etc. anytime between now and the end of 2009.

My proposal:
1. I will play for any amount, as long as my travel expenses are covered, lodging and a meal are provided, and I can sell merch(andise) at the venue.
2. If the show takes place at your home, church, or otherwise, collecting an offering or entry admission would not be considered unwelcome, either.
3. Make me an offer for a show in the amount which seems appropriate or financially feasible to your church. Again, as long as my travel expenses are covered, then the honorarium amount (if any) is of secondary importance.

If you or your church are even mildly tickled by this proposal scenario, please contact Charles (my capable agent) at booking@ericpeters.net to look at the calendar and to book a show in your town. If you know of other churches in your area/region who also might like to host a show, then you might consider teaming up with them to share/split the burden of costs and travel expenses. Current environ considered, my new mantra becomes “‘Tis better to play shows than not.” I welcome any and all help, so please don’t hesitate to ask questions. I remain humbly at your service.