The Stillwater "Red Dirt" Musicians and The Music They Make!
Stan Moffat
Payne County Line Promotions
Stillwater, OK.

It is with at great deal of admiration and respect that I have penned these words, trying to describe the Stillwater Red Dirt Musicians and the Music They Make!

Do I understand them? NO! Do I really truly understand what makes them tick, and how they really are on the inside, underneath the surface that most of us only see? Not sure, probably not, but I will let you be the judge!

These web pages are dedicated to the musicians, the vocalist, the original music and song, which are playing, or have played, on "the Strip" in Stillwater, Oklahoma. These pages, and their content, belong to the artist with love of music running so deep in their veins and through their souls that they cannot rest at night till the words swirling in their heads are written down on paper. These folks are so easy to spot. One only has to step into any nightspot in Stillwater. And there they are. They are the ones that can not tarry a second longer in a conversation, least they miss "catching that last note!" They are the ones involved in a conversation while at the same time writing down notes or words that come to them floating freely in their minds. Both they, and the words they chase, are as hard to catch as the wind! One may truly be engaged with one of these artist in your own way, but honestly, if one watches their baggy eyes, sees the lines on their forehead, and their muscles twitch, you will understand, you could be telling them the world was ending, and honestly, they hear you, but they never listen, because somewhere in the depths of their heart and soul, words are rushing forth, the notes are pouring out, and yet, they are trying so hard to make you think they are listening, but all the time, their internal note pad is taking notes. The internal recorder is recording the notes, their fingers rehearsing their notes on their instruments, the adrenaline is rushing through their veins pushing the lyrics and music … and they are pushing their intellect to the extreme.

These individuals are a unique breed. They not only hear the music, but they see it, they feel it and they taste it, and for some, it's even the smell! For them, fun is … jamming till 5:00am or 6:00am after playing a venue, then working all day, and being ready to play their hearts out again the very next night. These Jams are not like some that are shone of MTV. Their jams are deep and full of inspiration, not to impress anyone, and yet blowing the minds of all in attendance. To be told that a certain chord cannot be played with another, or a note cannot follow another means nothing. To be told that "so and so" in the old day played it this way or that means nothing, for together with the good Lord above and the machinery of their minds and the tweaking of their fingers, arms, and wrist muscles…they will do it again, find the road less traveled, and in turn put together something that is unbelievably fresh, full of spirit, and that can reach inside their audiences, rush through their veins, and into their hearts and souls, and inspire them to want more and more of the "quick fix" from listening to the new originals from their favorite band or vocalist.

They never know, or understand peace or solitude. They love to be with friends, so they can be alone! The peace that one finds in the quite reflection of a days activity, or while enjoying a hobby, or with the kids, never ever comes to them. They might easily be knocking on your window screen at 4am after a gig to get you up, and after visiting a bit and playing a new song they wrote, leave and be back at 5:30am to do it again!

Their one ambition in life is to play the perfect rift, or find the right note, or pen the magic words that will move the world. Yet they will tell you that they could never do that. They could never write a song, put together notes like ole' so and so…. Yet it is truly the dream they chase. For they know, it can happen and happen in big ways for some they follow. A famous artist, Garth Brooks, comes to mind as one who did it in his way in his time, and on his terms, maybe he really did not know what was at the end of the road, and poof… it happened. The ruts he left on the strip are still visible to all that come to visit. Along with the ruts left by Bob Childers, The Great Divide, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Tom Skinner, Jason Boland and the Stragglers, Stoney Larue and the Organic Boggy Band, and many more… are there, and run deep, but the most important part is the trail they leave. It is a path for others to follow, but only that, a path. For many, it is like following stepping-stones, for others, it becomes a stumbling block!

They understand that their world is not perfect, yet they choose to live in it, and to give it their all, hoping in return for a bit of appreciation and notoriety, or a "thanks, man", or for the applause or a bit of recognition at the end of a song, but these rarely come. They believe that each gig down the road will be "the one" that helps them get to the top. And they know and understand that paying your dues does not come cheap, and that the only ones who can pay them are themselves. Most importantly, they understand that the payment must be made in full, and on time, and in the proper amount. No partial payment can be made. The bones are what one gets when one plays for the first time. And it is a hard, long, tedious road, full of hardships, canceled gigs, blown equipment, and sometimes the things, or the ones they love the most, must be left behind! But at the end is the steak and lobster!

These folks are the only humans on the face of the earth that will work for almost nothing! They will jump into a 50,000.00 dollar dually or a 500.00 dollar pickup, drive 300 miles a day, play two shows, pay their own bar tab, their own meals, their own motel rooms, buy their strings, woods, instruments, paper, pencils, cell phones, sound equipment, trailers, and their good friends drinks, and then get paid by the nice owner of the venue 200.00 dollars for their time, so…divide that out. 5 members in a band, 40.00 a night for each member, and as a group they have a 100.00 dollar fuel bill and a 100,000.00 dollars worth of equipment, moving it across the state, giving up their social, and personal lives, plus putting family second to the big break right around the corner. No way would anyone in his right mind do this!!!

They know that the 20.00 dollars in their pocket will indeed buy the 15 gallons of fuel to get to the next stop and there should be change left over for a pack of chips and some salsa, but sometimes they forget that the bill in their pocket was a $10.00 instead!

They are sure that there is not a 10 A.M., only 10 p.m. For God could not have been that cruel. He is a just God that smiles down on hard working souls, and blesses all that come to know Him, even musicians and songwriters! And even though some of the heartfelt lyrics might indicate otherwise, just ask some of them about their belief in God. You will hear words like "God was with them in that wreck!" or "God was riding in the car with the band when the tire blew!" or "God blessed them with another child after the death of..."! Yes, they know, and do believe, but sometimes the hardness of the years and the nightlife indicate otherwise. But, when they need a Hand, they reach out, and Up. They see His hand in lots of things, but again, they must not let others think they do, or it might be seen as being soft!!! Got to be hardy!! Got to be tough!! Got to not let others see the soft spot! These are the guys who cry alone, feel sad alone, and celebrate with the world. Yes, tears are there sometimes. They might be held back till everyone is gone, but most will tell you they bring welcome relief to the tired sore eyes. They are the first to cry at the news of someone in their lives that has been hurt in some way, and they are the first to organize a concert to raise money to help, without being asked! They are never the first to leave but the first called upon to help. We often think they never tire out, but the truth is they never rest! The insiders know these folks are the ones you want on your side, always! These folks are the ones who care, the ones who respond, the ones who make things happen, and they do it without thought to themselves, or the cost, or the time… yes simply put, they just do it!

But, when times frown on them, and then get tough, they know the tough get going. They look for a helping hand at the end of their own elbow. They know that if tomorrow is to come, today must be finished late, fast, and hard. If sleep ever comes, as they lay down after their late night gigs, it is as welcome as death, sometimes more so, as their muscles ache from all the moving, dancing, the fidgeting, tuning, carrying equipment, and their bodies twitch from all that has been taken in during the day to ease the pain, the loneliness, the tension, the anxiety of new places and friends, new songs and music, and those eternally long lasting lyrics that cry their way into their subconscious, just before the dawn. But, again, by the grace of God, they wake in the morning to a fresh new day, breathing in their first deep breaths of the morning air, fresh with the smell of the dew on the grass, and it is as if they know that this might be the only fresh air of the day, so they take long deep breaths, and enjoy it. And they hear the wind rustling through the leaves of the trees, and realize it might be the only piece they will find that day. And, shortly, as if they lived in a movie script, they light their first cigarette of the day, slip into their clothes, and head down to the Strip to see "who is where and why and when, and if". It's just another day, another chance to earn a dollar sharing the deepest thoughts and the very being of their souls with complete strangers and friends, putting their insides on the outside, so all can see, and in the midst of all this madness comes the first lyrics, the first notes of the day.... got to catch it, got to write it down, got to "hang on for the whole 8 second ride"! The life of a "strip" musician or songwriter, a true lover of music, who plays in a band, or by themselves, is sometimes really, really good, and then some days...it's just hell! The good news is, there are many more good days than bad days, and for that, he will play on, and on, and on! Just trying to become…

Red Dirt Music is so very hard to define. Every one from Mike McClure to Bob Childers, and even before those, has tried. But it seems so simple. Red Dirt Music is a process that one goes thru while discovering one's self and the world that surrounds each one. Being born here seems to not be too important. It is the time in one's life, in which things come together. One finds oneself. The words that have been swirling in ones head now find the fingertips for release. The notes bounce out… and with the influences of the Stillwater Music Scene and the plain ole red dirt of Stillwater… The hominess, the plainness, the simplicity, the experiences that one encounters, the touch of the earth on you, … red dirt mixes into their spirits and being and bingo, no matter the genre of music, it is truly red dirt! Or from the heart and soul of someone involved in the process ….in Stillwater, OK. Stillwater may not be the home of Red Dirt Music, but as Jason Boland said at a recent concert, “Stillwater is the hatchery of red dirt music and musicians!”

Next time you are in a club, and you see these musicians play, and when they are done with each song, try to remember to clap your hands. Keep in mind that is the biggest paycheck they desire. Just knowing that you care enough to do such. Just knowing that you care! And let the club know how much you appreciate them having the great musicians of Stillwater playing live for you each night! It means more then you will ever know to both groups of folks. If you really want to freak out the artist, just walk up to them and start visiting, and tell them how much you appreciate their music. The real surprise I believe is this. You will truly be amazed at how truly shy most are! And how hard it is for them to accept compliments. Try it, I dare ya.

Do I understand the bands, and their motivation? Not really! I do have ultimate respect for what they do, and the music they make. The Lord above knew his stuff when he created the Stillwater Red Dirt Musician! He knew once the world caught on to the fantastic words and notes that would pour forth from them, they would become some of the greatest musicians on the face of the earth.

And in doing so, And no matter where they go, or what they accomplish; they are now, and always will be… Stillwater's!

Stan Moffat
Payne County Line Promotions
Stillwater, OK.

PS. I wrote this 4 years ago when my heart and soul was soaking up these wonderful Stillwater Oklahoma Artists. Today, I know this is true of all the wonderful and talented Oklahoma Artists and Musicians. Without exception, Oklahoma is a hotbed, a true breeding ground, of some of the best artists and musicians in the World! It is now and it has been and as it will continue to be… the provider to the World of the best talented Musicians and Artists ever! It is a way of life, a simple life that is so full of meaning and purpose that defines the Oklahoma Artists!