Not any more. Been there done that. It's a young man's sport...

Turned it upside down. Record stores are mostly gone. Music is perceived as free internet content. The upside for home-recording musicians is world-wide free exposure. I like that.

Only if the food is really good...

The first album that I owned was James Taylor's 'Mud Slide Slim'. It was the only album I had for 6 months. I played that so much, I can still sing all the lines. It gave me a lasting appreciation for effective melody and harmony. If the lyrics are intriguing - then it's magical. Robert Cray showed me how much I LOVE the Blues. I'm not a blues artist - but I love to lean in that direction... when I can... just ever slightly...

Although I've worn out a few Lyle Lovett CD's, I've never considered myself a country songwriter. Ironically, the first song I record on my own is... well kinda country. I prefer the instruments and harmonies of bluegrass over country. The lyrics of country music have historically been some of the finest across all genres.

Melody, harmony, simple stories, and when I can.. a touch of blue. Yeah...

I live in a small town by choice. But I love big cities. Lots of energy - good and bad. Chicago, New York, San Francisco thrill me like no feeling I get anywhere else. Port Richey, Florida is where I want to be when I'm not in NC.

Mark: Fender Jazz and Precision basses. Taylor 514ce and Seagull Entourage Mini-Jumbo Guitars.

Mike Shelton's WMD's: Martin D16 cutaway electric, Rainsong AWS1000, Tacoma Papoose, Alvarez Jumbo Cutaway Electric 12 String, National ResoRocket(metal body roundneck), Beard Mike Auldridge MA6 Dobro, Custom Schoonover Tiger Maple Dobro

Recording: Yamaha AW16 multitrack. Imported then edited/mixed in Reaper software on an old Gateway laptop w/Presonus firewire interface.