Making the Most of a Short Summer

If you’re anything like me, your summer has likely felt like a high-speed sprint. Here in Wisconsin, those fleeting long days push us to squeeze every ounce of creativity, work, and family time into a few short months.

When you’re balancing professional marketing work, live music performances, and family milestones, finding creative flow can be a challenge—but June proved that the hustle is always worth it.

The Art of the Live Build: Soundscapes & Looping

For the musicians in the house: I recently shared the stage with singer-songwriter Dave Tamkin. Beyond his stellar songwriting, Dave’s set was a masterclass in dynamic live performance. Using looping and sound-bending pedals, he transformed a single acoustic set into a massive, fully orchestrated soundscape—ranging from original tracks to reimagined classics by Hendrix and The Police. It was a great reminder of how much sonic space a solo artist can own with the right gear and arrangement.

Marketing Meets Maker Culture

At the Peace Farm Collective art fair in Spring Green, WI (hosted by fellow artists Melissa Frey and Mike Chamberlin), I had the chance to perform solo while displaying some of my upcycled guitars. For the visual artists and marketers reading this, the real magic was watching how creators engaged their audience—not just by selling a finished piece, but by inviting people into their process. Transparency and storytelling remain the ultimate connection tools, whether you're selling a painting, a song, or a service.

Reconnecting with the Core

On a personal creative note:

The Return of Gemini’s Rival: My best friend and high school songwriting partner, Dan Lezama, and I re-formed our indie rock duo for our first live performance in 25 years at Lone Girl Brewing Company.

Left to right: Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers, Gemini’s Rival (Nick & Dan), Ike Reilly (opener for Roger Clyne) & Nick.

Front-Row Inspiration: Dan and I also took a “school-of-rock” educational field trip to a recent Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers show at a cool small Madison, WI venue (this band is the current incarnation of one of our favorite ‘90s band, The Refreshments). Getting within feet of the stage and connecting with opening artist, Ike Reilly reinforced something every performer knows: staying a fan of the craft is what keeps your own energy fresh.

What About You?

Between major corporate event launches at the day-job, family college visits, and gigging, June and July have been a whirlwind. How are you balancing your professional goals with your creative projects this season?

Hit reply and let me know what you’re working on—I’d love to hear about your latest projects, gigs, or marketing campaigns!