Real "Live" Adventures of Octaman

Some folks would like to know, "when can I see Octaman live?"

"OCTAMAN" means a lot of things, and part of the meaning has to do with the number 8 and it's symbolic reference to the resurrection. I sing about the resurrection, and I'm also being resurrected as an artist in this new incarnation.

Coming off the shelf after so long, I wondered if the music business would be as big of a fiasco as I remember it had always been. The answer is reflected in this blog report, as Octaman works toward live appearances - "soon come."

Here are a few recent experiences:

• I contacted a local musician who requested such contacts about linking up for live shows and possible musicians available. He wrote back and I sent in my phone number. No response.

• I contacted a local music establishment called "jazzbones" where I had played several times in the past. I gave them demo material for a future performance. I filled in all the blanks for their online submission form. No response.

• An outfit called "Seattle big time entertainment" looked interesting, claiming to hook up artists with their audiences. They did respond and said they had dates available, and rattled off about ten specific dates - all in the past. I wrote back and asked why all the dates they sent were in the past. No response.

• My old band from San Diego contacted me with great enthusiasm about me coming down to S.D. for some live shows and recording. I asked them to send me some music tracks so we could collaborate on something beforehand. No response.

• Then they sent an email weeks later asking me to come down, telling me they had a place for me to stay, and that we would record and play live, etc. I wrote back immediately saying I was ready to come down. I waited for a week. Ten days. 12 days. No response.

I finally asked, did you get my two emails saying I was ready? They said, yes, but they were not ready. They did not know I would be ready now. They needed time to organize.

A few weeks later I get another excited phone call. They've got a great drum and bass section, they've got a great jamaican singer, who sang to me on the phone, they were so excited for me to come down. They were going to instantly wire me the money for travel expenses. I was thrilled.

The next day they call back. It turns out that some things on their end were not going smoothly. We could still play though. No problem. Great. I got myself packed and ready.

I waited. And waited. No money arrived. I called and they said they were just burned out on music right now, and that they had spent too much money already, and that family was coming from out of town, yada yada ya. I was cordial and quietly understanding. I did not yell, "when were you going to tell ME? I WAS PACKED! I WAS PACKED!!!"

It reminded me of the fact that they had me traveling 80 mile commutes ten years ago for rehearsal after rehearsal, only to fail to play the advertised show when it arrived. I think the problem was someone had too much laundry to do. I have to give this band a grade of "F." That stands for "failure" and "folly" vibes. Octaman may be humble, but he's a serious artist and nobody's yo-yo on a string. I think they would be the last band I ever play with.

On a brighter note, I did receive a phone call from reggae artist Joseph Israel in Arkansas, who requested my package. On a scale of 1 to 100, his enthusiasm for me and my music was about 100. He was knowledgeable regarding Pastor Charles Taze Russell, and was very excited to learn of an artist singing the message of Truth that he presented, calling him one of the greatest people of our time. He sang my material over the phone. It was very self-affirming. It may be that we work together. He promised to get me on the bill when he travels to Washington State again for concerts. He says he will tell his manager and friends about me. We will be in touch.

Oc