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"Born and raised in Texas, Collin grew up singing in church and surrounded by music. This is why this harmony monkey plays so much with harmonies when dual streaming in SL. Good sense of humour and manners is the best description for Collin . He is the kind of guy that will let you eat your food and half of his, opens the door for you to pass , speaks low and agrees when its needed just saying "yes ma'am". With Collin there is no pretence, what you see is what you get. He is a gentleman to the core and is dedicated to giving those who take time out to come to his shows the best possible music experience" Agatha Nowles
Harlow; How did you find yourself in this wonderful world of SL and what got you interested in performing in here? Do you remember your first gig and how it felt that first time?
Collin: I was on another online chat program that had a "Live Music" room where performers took turns singing a song and then introducing the next performer. I made several friends there who are now in SL, too. One, the infamous Maia Chrome is who told me about SL and she encouraged me to check it out and give it a try. So, I did, and I was hooked!
Collin: My first gig was after about a week or two after joining SL and spending the first several days at open mics learn the mechanics of performing in SL. It was a Sunday night at Key West, and I was the first performer. I showed up early because I was terrified that I wouldn't be able to get setup on stage properly as quickly as needed, and as the time drew closer to my start time and the venue was empty, I was beginning to think I'd be singing to venue host and manager only. As the show started, people started coming in. I'd bought only a 25-person stream and very quickly into the hour, people were saying they couldn't here. Luckily for me, Toxic Darkmatter (Toxie) was in the audience and quickly realized what was happening and messaged me to offer her stream. Toxie and I didn't know each other, but I quickly setup her stream and finished the show with 70+ in the crowd. It was thrilling!
"I've heard it said that music can either make you remember everything or forget everything."
Harlow: Music means a lot of different things to different people, emotions and memories, what is it about music that makes you feel passionate?
Collin: I've heard it said that music can either make you remember everything or forget everything. Music has always been a huge part of my life, so for me, its more about the memories that a song instantly brings to mind. I can hear a song and instantly be back at a certain time of my life where that song was playing. It is powerful!
Harlow: Are there any musicians either rl or sl who inspire you and if so what qualities do you admire about them?
Collin: Probably too many to name, but in RL I admire those singer-songwriters who masterfully compose lyrics and are then able to perform them. Lyle Lovett comes to mind as does Ryan Adams. In SL, I was an immediate fan of Lyndon Heart and Max Kleene. They both are incredibly talented, but I more admired the way in which they approached the music here in SL. They are approachable, kind, and are immediately relatable to their audience. I studied them when I first arrived here and thought to myself, "That's how I want to do shows".
Harlow: What are some of the best and worst things that you have encountered within the live music community in SL?
Collin: How much time have you got? LOL Nah...for me, the good FAR exceeds the bad! Seeing the music community come together for events such as Relay For Life, Feed A Smile, etc. is incredible. So many in this community would bend over backwards to help someone and that is amazing. The bad? Can we forever bury the debate on whether or not track singers are musicians? Of course they are! There is plenty of space for all kinds of performers--music shouldn't be a competition. Let it go and stop being so insecure and petty.
Harlow: Have you played in bands in that life we call the real world? If so how many and do you have an all time fave song to play with a live band?
Collin: I have! When I was in junior high and high school, I was in a country-western band in my hometown, and we played all around on weekends. I was the drummer and though I knew I could sing, I wouldn't because I was too insecure. When I left for college, I found a classic rock band that was looking for a drummer, so I quickly found my place with them. While in that band, 3 of us from the full band would perform as a trio, playing acoustic stuff like Crosby Stills Nash, America, etc. It was during that time that I first picked up a guitar and began to play. Today I am a lead singer in a tribute band, and my favorite song to sing is "Color My World" because it is just a beautiful one-verse song that allows me to go into the audience and sing it to someone in the crowd. The connection with the crowd during that moment is sometimes just magical.
Harlow: I have been to a few of your shows where you have had technical/internet issues and have had to cancel the rest of the set. How frustrating is it when this happens through no fault of your own, knowing that not only have people come to see you but venues then have a gap between sets
Collin: That is just the most frustrating thing to have happen! I can get over the disappointment I have for myself, but I HATE it most for the venues who work so hard to attract attendees and then suddenly have to deal with a gap in their schedule.
"She makes the world a brighter place, and she makes me a better version of myself."
Harlow: You have recently become engaged to the beautiful Agatha...for what the ..hmm 3rd time? What is it about this lady that makes you want to marry her so many times lol. You know you may become the new Liz Taylor and Richard Burton of SL and seeing divorce can be costly you better keep her in the luxury she is used to this time.
Collin: Well, who keeps count?! I think this is technically only the second time, but there was that time that I lost a ring when I tried to rez it. But, seriously folks...sometimes you just meet someone that no matter what life throws at you, you find your way back to. I have such a respect for this woman and what she's accomplished in both worlds. I see her empower the women around her, I see her develop meaningful friendships with some who may not be as outgoing in either world, she is funny, she is intelligent, she is kind, she is gorgeous...what's not to love?! She makes the world a brighter place, and she makes me a better version of myself.
"Well, my feet are beautiful, I can't help it."
Colin: Well, my feet are beautiful, I can't help it. I'd never particularly thought anything about my feet, but once at a jam I was sitting in the jam room barefoot and Desiree Margulis noticed and blurted out mid-sentence, "OMG your feet are gorgeous!". To set the record straight, Agatha was the first to say my feet were cute, but I figured she was just saying so because she had to. At the last Chicago jam, Gina Stella even made a "foot model" meme which I am happy to share with anyone interested for a mere $25L.
Harlow: There seems to be an obsession by some in SL about the state of your feet. Can you explain why your feet are the subject of peoples desires?
Harlow: You have been to a few of the Jams where people from SL get together for a weekend of music in rl. How many have you been to and what's it like getting to meet and play music with the people behind the avatars? Are there RL bonds of friendship created with those that attend?
Collin: Goodness, I've lost count--I think 7 with the 8th coming up in October! The first one was Dallas in 2015, and it was weird and uncomfortable for about the first 15 seconds. Once you start talking to people, you realize you really already know them from SL and the music-making is just magical. And yes, there are some RL friendships and bonds that have come from those--that's why I keep attending them--I gotta see my tribe!
"There were moments that I had to fight back the tears while singing, and those moments will forever be cherished memories." Grateful.
Harlow: Following on from that it was a pleasure to get to see you and so many others playing together in Nashville recently.
One thing that was clear was how much the whole community was giving support to Bat Masters, sharing their sets and voices with him and accompanying him. Can you tell us what it was like to help lift your friend this way, and what would you say to others about being part of a supportive community?
Collin: One word: emotional...but emotional for so many different reasons. Bat is a beloved performer in SL and it is no secret that he's been battling some terribly aggressive health issues, so its hard to see him struggling with his health, but at the same his attitude and outlook is just so inspiring. It was incredible to get to share the stage with both he and our mutual friend, TwoStep Spiritweaver, particular during our "Avett Brothers" sets we did especially for the Nashville jam coordinator, Yvie Caproni (we love us some Avett Brothers!). Their music is deeply moving lyrically, and it just resonates with us. There were moments that I had to fight back the tears while singing, and those moments will forever be cherished memories. Grateful.
Harlow: For the record, so that it is in print..what do you really think of mustard on pizza? You can be totally honest, Agatha probably wont even read this interview lol
Collin: For the record, mustard on a pizza that has meat toppings isn't bad--for real! The woman isn't wrong (she reminds me of this often), so you should try it for yourselves!
Harlow: In closing is there anything that you would like to add about the SL Live music community and do you think that websites like Droppin The Stream provide a valuable service? Be brutally honest
Collin: I love the SL music community, and it is the true friendships I've made in this community that keep me logging in. I think websites like Droppin The Stream that give us a chance to learn more about performers we are curious about are incredibly fun and I thank you for letting me be a part of it this time.
Thank You Colin