I’m trying to ask all the hard business questions about where I fit  in the music world. I try to continually remind myself that the goal is to find a niche, and better yet, to define a niche.
So here’s the current hypothesis: My niche is palm-tree poetry. Good lyrics, upbeat, laid-back song for enjoying warm weather outside, a sunny day by the water.
What is the need?
I am the anti-dote to fast, frenetic, noisy songs that leave you with nothing: no memorable lines, no sweet melodies. You can’t hear the singer, the lyrics are crap, and there’s too much going on. The need is for classic songwriting, easily heard and understood. The need is for music outside the box, outside noisy venues, outside on a gorgeous day.
What is my answer?
Laid-back literate reggae, roots, and soul music, with horns and backup singers. The message is mystical, thankful, thoughtful and loving. Â The answer is for a break from the noise, the job, being inside, being busy. The need is for nature, celebration, community.
Who’s in this space?
- The international laid-back reggae, soul, folk-rock scene: Â Ziggy Marley, Jason Mraz, Jack Johnson
- The local reggae, soul, world/folk scene: Grimy Stiles, Suzanna Choffell, Killer Bees (Papa Mali), Dan Dyer?
- The outside, outdoors, beach music feel: Bob Marley, Jimmy Buffet,
- The doodling poet: John Lennon, Bob Dylan, Jason Mraz, Hugh MacLeod, Austin Kleon
- The local channels: Flamingo Cantina, KUT, KOOP, KGSR, The Chronicle, Flipside