So, Joey Cape is making me pancakes for breakfast. This, is going to be a very interesting day! It's been a few months since I've seen my friend, singer/songwriter, frontman for the legendary Fat Wreck Chords' band, Lagwagon.

I'm on tour right now with my band In The Red. On this particular day I'm in San Francisco. I'm quite honored to be welcomed into the Cape family's home for a long overdue visit before heading out to our show. We're not like two grown men sitting down for a cup of coffee or some shit like that. For the first hour I'm there while Joey is cooking and doing a few morning chores. I'm in the playroom with his almost 5 year old daughter, Violet, reading children's books and rolling around on the floor with the dogs. It's really nice and a really relaxing place to be. Most little kids are freaked out by grown men with long hair and a full beard. You know? It's the bearded lady syndrome. Joey's wife Kristen and I spend a little time catching up on the life and times in Santa Barbara, where we have all spent years living, and discuss how some mutual friends are doing. These are good people and I am quite comfortable here.

I should back up for a minute, I should explain this. I've received a lot of questions about what the title "For Those Still Standing" is supposed to mean. It is simply meant to be a kind of tribute of sorts to those who have never given up, those who strive relentlessly to continue on in their pursuit of making music. Despite all obstacles.

Now that we have that cleared up let me start again. Joey and I are on the same record label, Suburban Home Records. He is fully aware of my recent decision to dedicate myself to being a full time musician and knows I'm scared. This isn't going to be an easy thing to do. It's pretty obvious I need council, and encouragement. Here in front of me is a man who has dedicated his professional life to making music. Touching lives all over the world in an amazing career that spans two decades. And, at the same time, is still just starting. The latest release for Joey on Suburban Home is the album titled BRIDGE. I do want to say that this is one of the most beautiful acoustic albums I've heard in a long, long time and includes one of my favorite songs "Canoe". It's almost overwhelming, and strikes a very personal chord with me. YEAH, I'm a fan. Fuckin proud of it! I'm proud to have friends who have dedicated themselves to following their dreams. Whether it be playing in a rock band, playing solo, or both.

This visit wasn't meant to be an interview, but in light of this column starting, it did seem appropriate to talk about the idea of pulling up stakes and trying to give yourself the life you want regardless of age or position in life. This guy is really into being a good parent and my questions were put to rest when he said, "I hope, with all my heart, that my little girl tries to live for what makes her happy. Whether it be the desire to dance or be a doctor, and as long as she isn't hurting anyone I will support her every step of the way. Kind of awesome to hear considering that my parents don't even know the name of my current band, and me and Matt have been playing under the name In The Red for, like, four years now. My dad still asks, "what's the name of that rock group of yours again? Gunmoll or something?"

There's a home studio in the basement of the house. It's not all crazy and elaborate like one might expect. It's a humble home studio. Just perfect for what he does while at home. I took a small video camera with me to document a particular part of our morning/afternoon together. I liked the idea of revisiting this discussion in video format. More specifically, I had every intention of making Joey play me a private concert so I could share it with anyone who cared to read this very article.

Playing guitar and singing early in the morning isn't always the easiest thing to do. It takes a while to get your fingers moving and warmed up. And even worse, eating a stack of pancakes is kind of like pouring a gallon of cement down your throat. Not so good if you want to get someone to play some songs for ya.. But, he did it. And I got it on video. SCORE! And I got to tell you this guy is certainly a pro if I've ever seen one. In a basement, around 10 am, as if it were a concert for hundreds. Same emotion and heartfelt connection. Even if for an audience of only one.

I'm intending on doing this sort of thing as often as I can. so I'm going to have to work on thinking about where to put the camera. Although it sounds great, I didn't put set up in a place to catch the best lighting angle. So basically… the sound is great, but the video sucks. I moved the camera just in time to catch a much better view of one of my favorite songs, "Minus", an older song, but I'm quite sure this one is destined to be a classic. I hope you like it.

The morning passes way too quickly. Conversation is very easy between us and before I know it, I'm already late. Once I realize what time it is, I pack up my shit and get set to haul ass. I'm kind of bummed. I don't know when we'll get a chance to hang out again seeing how we're always traveling in different directions. I get a big hugs from the and family an affirming last comment: "Don't give up. If this is what you want for your life, fight for it"!