Do the phrases “hard working” and “living the dream” go together? For some lucky ones, they actually do.
Lenny Morris is one of the hardest working musicians around town, but to him, working hard at what you love is not work at all. He’s your average guy really; the football fan, poker playing, guitar strumming, Star Wars and video game dude. Raised by a single mother, Lenny never really knew his father, other than a brief phone call in his late teens when he found out his dad was living on the streets.
Lenny played over 100 shows last year alone, and still gets nervous a little each time he plays. It’s inspiring since he really never thought being a professional musician was possible. He’s worked his way through various management positions in the food and service industry, as well as visits through the world of insurance. But happily, he's found his place right here in San Diego, doing this thang up on stage.
So where do you stand with your dad now? How did you find him after all those years?
“We found him through his family and through a church. Found out he is a homeless alcoholic, and had been living on the streets for a few years in Washington state. He was able to talk because the church gave him a phone card and there was a pay phone near by. He promised he would stop drinking and change his ways, as the fact that I was a musician really made him feel proud. I even sent him a CD of me. His stint in rehab didn't last long. I haven't spoken to him since and have no idea if he's alive, to tell you the truth. But thanks to his absence, I didn't follow in his footsteps and head to prison.”
Did he ever get the CD? do u think u want to talk to him again ever?
“He did get the CD and told me how he bragged about me. It was bittersweet, obviously...”
What do u think about nervousness? Is it something that you like about playing music, or do you hope it goes away one day?
“I think I kind of like having it. Since it's not anything major, it keeps me kind of on edge. Keeps me striving for a perfect performance. I honestly always try my absolute best and a dash of nervousness definitely helps.”
What made you decide to turn to music full time?
“As a result of the economic downfall, I ended up being laid off from two different positions, albeit with severance. But when it all came down to it, the turning point came when I realized how to best utilize my time. I wasn't really passionate about working 160 hours a month managing a bunch of high schoolers making smoothies. It really just came down to the fact that I would much rather work less hours total and make more money doing what I love to do. I work very hard at what I do and I'm truly passionate about it. Truly. It also helps that I have a beautiful and wonderful and supporting wife who makes me want to work even harder so I can ultimately provide her with anything she could ever want.”
What do u do about health care now? Are you OK with going the rest of your life doing what you’re doing now if you didn't ever get any further?
“My wife has a great health care plan through her work, and I'm sure I'll eventually get my own plan down the line. I've never had medical insurance on a regular basis, it is what it is. I make a lot of phone calls, write a lot of emails. Do a lot of self marketing. I can't ever really relax because of it. I'm always thinking about my next move, my next gig, my next performance, my next song. But it really is worth it. Even if i don't "make it", I have no problem doing what I'm doing now full time.”
What’s the best thing about it?
“I get to entertain people, watch kids smile, partake in special moments, hang out with friends and family, eat and drink. I'm blessed to be able to confidently say I'm a professional musician. Money isn't everything. But when you have a wife and a desire to have kids, priorities are there. So I take my business very seriously and I know what I'm worth. And I know what a wonderful future for my wife is worth. I will continue to work hard and try and push my message along the way.”
What are your favorite kinds of venues to play?
“Honestly, it just depends. I love playing venues where everyone is staring at you and you have the full audiences attention. It gives me the opportunity to really showcase what I'm about and engage with the audience a little. I also like the freedom of playing in a restaurant environment where 50-60 people are eating dinner. I can just kind of play whatever I want and turn some heads when I play something that hits a chord with a particular demographic."
What kind of stuff do you play when it's a small private event where people are are mingling and doing stuff, eating, and TALKING, but you are supposed to be playing?
“When it's a private event, like a wedding or engagement dinner, I try and keep it classy. I like to play stuff that people know. I'll pull out Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, you name it. When I have the audiences attention, I will play my own stuff, maybe something where I'm saying something important and I really want them to delve into my thought process. "Take A Stand" is one of those songs for me. I wrote it with the idea of being an "anthem" for all artists. My band has a blast playing that song. We really let loose and it definitely is a representation of our original music.”
How do you think your music career will change after you decide to have kids?
"When I have the opportunity to become a Father, I'm going to work even harder that I am now (if that's even possible). All I know is that the chance to become a parent and hold my child in my arms is something I greatly look forward to. I can't wait. I know we will have to wait a little longer than anticipated, but the motivation to give that child the best life possible will be insurmountable. every week as an outlet. My wife has been to every show she can possibly make and having her by my side has been the best thing a man could ever ask for."
I think a lot of people can relate to something you said : “I don’t think a lot of people have the patience for the business side. Most musicians just want to play music.” What advice can you give musicians to get in touch with the serious side of being a musician?
“The best advice I can give is this: No matter what else music represents, never forget that music is also a BUSINESS. If you forget that for one second, you might as well get out of the industry right now and try something else. Utilize your time intelligently, logically, and to the best of your ability. Playing music at restaurants may not give you the particular attention you desire, but the experience gained is almost priceless. Hours of stage time, extra practice, the ability to meet anybody and make a connection, etc. And of course the ability to generate full time income. If you do it right, it's almost a no-brainer. I have a lot more mental freedom than I would if I was working 8 hours a day, 5 days a week at a job I couldn't care less about. Believe me, I've been there. Hopefully, I'll never have to go back.”
Well he doesn't have to go back! Seems like he's on the high road to success through good ol' fashioned hard work. Hear hear. Check him out this Wednesday night at the Go Lounge at 8pm.
