Well… another year wrapped up and things are looking good.
The political climate in our country looks like it's about to make some significant changes. I can't really say whether I agree or disagree with the current tide, however I do feel that things are not working and something has got to give. If it takes a new party in power, more world leaders working together or something as simple as the common man taking responsibility for his actions, then I'm all for it. With that said, I can honestly say that I myself have had a terrific year both financially, professionally and personally. I just finished up a meeting with my account/ tax guy/advisor/attorney, and I am walking out of 2007 way ahead of where I entered. As some of you know I work as a graphic designer for a firm that will remain nameless. I pride myself on excelling in that field and this past year I have finally begun to reap the financial rewards of my years of dedication the trade. Let's just say that my house hold income is finally approaching the goal of six digits that I placed on myself a few years back. Sounds like a lot, but remember that more you make the more they take. I pay more in taxes now than I was taking home just a few years ago. Ugh…
My wife and I have a new home that is awesome, big and spacious, with a full basement that has been converted to a studio, of course. We also have an awesome little girls who is about to turn 2 in few months. She is so smart, I already have her tinkering with a keyboard and my Mom got her a harmonica. It's only a matter of time before she has her own group and is rockin' the nation, like Dad. I have really backed off the pursuit of the music end of my life. On that note, I have kinda semi-retired from performing music. After the whole Twisted Thoughts endeavor came to an end, I didn't really have the desire to start a new group, and I actually stated that at the inception of TT. This would be my last group. Plus what the underground scene has become is real joke. This is especially apparent in this area of the country, it really only takes a couple guys acting the part of a fool to drag a scene down. But on the other hand it only takes a couple guys doing things right and legit to make it explode. I passed the torch.
On the magazine front Empire Extreme is making huge strides, we are topping 20,000 unique visitors per month and it's growing almost every week. I have built up relationships with some people whom I have admired for years in the music industry and met and hung out with musical icons that most people only dream of meeting. There are many big things coming around the bend. We have extended the staff in the last few months and are looking to add a couple foreign people along with some prospects in Detroit, Philly, LA and Phoenix. It's an amazing time for all of us involved. I'm proud of all the work and effort that everybody has put into make Empire Extreme the strong and noble force that it is. This is just the beginning.