KC, or maybe not, Michael Jordan, Vegas again, and muddy feet 7/18/2008

Guess what? I got A-1 today for my flight to Las Vegas!!! One would think I'd be stretched out enjoying a couple packs of Oreo's and a nice glass of orange juice, but you would be greatly mistaken. I was so proud as I stood up and walked to the beginning of the line, folks wondering who this young kid in pink shorts and a Cardinals cap backwards who has the 1. I mean there must have been 15 pre-boarders, but I was feeling better when the lady announced that no pre-boarder could sit in the exit row. So when I walked onto the plane to see some 40 plus people on the plane already, sweat began to soak the inside of my favorite hat. What will it take for me to finally sit comfortably? Obviously our flight originated somewhere else, and let the previous people move around before we boarded. The moral to this story is I'm extremely unlucky, and that buying business class is pointless.

The good news is I moved two rows up to an aisle seat next to a nice young couple who are much more enjoyable to sit next to if you catch the hint…

The new Eli Young Band record is unreal. I sincerely believe in those guys!!!

I'm a natural athlete. I like to remind myself of that from time to time.

So I'm on my way to Vegas for a dinner tonight and to sing for the station tomorrow morning at a radio remote. I will then head straight to the airport to catch a flight across country to Philadelphia. Quite the weekend if I say so myself. It's a bit different flying to Vegas on a plane full of senior citizens who I'm sure are about to take the casino's over. Makes me think of my grandparents, who make this trip a few times a year.

I have chewed the skin off both sides of my fingernails on my right hand. I don't know why I do this, I've done it forever, but I've drawn blood today, and it's pretty painful. The only time I can remember it any worse is maybe during a close hockey game in Nashville when I can't take the intensity.

So Philly should be a good time. I'm actually looking forward to a good steak dinner and my favorite cheese steak ever… Oh, and that Kenny guy should be good in concert too!!!

"She's got a bumper like a billboard covered in stickers of her favorite band, she's got a handful of records she that turns to when she needs to land." Guinevere – Eli Young Band

Those are two of the best lines ever…

So we got a few shows left for the year with Memphis coming up next. I think I'm going back in the studio to record a couple new songs the label's found, one of which I think is really special.

So now for my randomness…

I mean I couldn't quit watching the All-Star game the other night, though my National leaguers continue to just devastate me. The Cardinals' own Ryan Ludwick had several chances to win the game and just couldn't get it done.

Jake Hamilton better be in Memphis!!! It could be the after party of the year!!!

I love vintage Nikes!!!

I'm officially obsessed with Michael Jordan. Catherine and I don't have cable, so I've been watching a lot of youtube videos, and yesterday I managed to watch every commercial he's ever done. I couldn't help but want to know the budget on some of those that were nearly a minute long.

I can remember when flying used to excite me. It's now one of the most boring things ever. There are simply no interesting people on here to people-watch.

I wonder if any of these people will actually win money while they're in Las Vegas. I certainly won't, seeing as you have to gamble to win. I don't enjoy giving money away, even if it's 20 bucks.

I wish I were going to be home early enough Sunday to go to church, I really enjoy our preacher.

The Josh Hamilton story is the greatest of all-time. If I had millions, and I mean many millions, I would buy the rights to his story. It will make an amazing movie someday… If you haven't read or seen anything on it, Google his name and prepare to be very moved.

I want and need a vacation. It looks like it'll be in Detroit again this year.

This lady beside me has headphones on and has a movie playing, but I don't think she has watched one second of it. She keeps looking around, I think trying to see if I'm writing anything about her. Well bam, I did!!!
I really want to lean over real and ask her what just happened in the movie, just to see if she has any clue.

Does anyone have a correct answer to what flight attendants make a year? I think it'd be fun for a year!

Did I say that I'm a natural athlete already?

I wish I could afford to go to Chapill Hill, NC for a three-day weekend this fall. I've never been there in the fall, and I bet it's beautiful!!!

I think if they could find a healthy way to do it, that tanning should be mandatory for everyone 40 and under. Pale white is not a good color for anyone!

Holy Cow! The guy in front of me just got up, I know this because his seat almost fell into my lap, and it looked like he ran through a muddy cotton field before coming to the airport! Gross! Even his jeans had dry mud on the bottoms.

I don't mean to discriminate, but if one is going to Sin City, he should at least go showered with a set of clean clothes on!!!

I wonder what I'd look like if I didn't shave for a year. Yep, the guy in front of me!!!

I think NASA should come do a study on how he chooses to get in and out of his seat. He's not a big guy, but for some reason he chooses to make it as difficult as possible!

It'd be hilarious if this guy were a regular reader of my blogs!!!

Hey Ward, I know you're a regular reader. Oh and here's an exclamation point for you!!!

I wish the Phillies were in town this weekend; I'd stay Sunday and go to a game.

We are above Amarillo currently, 700 miles from Las Vegas the pilot added.

Brad and Angelina have enough kids!

I just gave the drink coupon that I got for my business class ticket to a lady diagonally (thanks spell check) from me. She then proceeded to order her fourth cocktail. The flight attendant then told her he wasn't allowed to provide someone with four drinks on this flight. I hope she knows it's only going to be two in the afternoon Vegas time when we get there. She's going to need help carrying her luggage.

Does anyone know if they still make BMX bikes?

I'm quite bored!!

Marlene, I want some real expensive grub tonight!!!

K, I'll check in tomorrow as I fly cross-country and jump three time zones to Philadelphia!!!

So the KC show last Friday was without a doubt the most fun I've ever had playing!


Will post about KC show tomorrow, or at some point this weekend!!!

Dallas, Kennett, Missouri, Coldplay, and NO MORE SHERATONS 6/23/2008

Dallas, Kennett, Missouri, Coldplay, and NO MORE SHERATONS

So I feel like I've been going 100 miles an hour the last week to 10 days, so I'm extremely excited to be on a Southwest jet headed home via Houston. I'm in the process of moving to a new apartment, so between moving boxes from the old to the new place, and then bussing to a few gigs the past two weekends, I AM WORN OUT!

Moving sucks! There's no real way to sugar coat the concept in any way or fashion. I HATE IT! Despite my hatred for the process, I'm very thrilled to be out of my old building downtown. I suppose it was great to be 26, 27, and 28 living in a loft about 300 yards from the Tin Roof, but something clicked at 29, and I'm ready to be among the civilized young adults again!

So this past Tuesday was an exciting day because the much-hyped new Coldplay record was finally released. I'm a huge Chris Martin (front man) fan and have been eagerly awaiting the release after falling in love with the first two singles. I'm already trying to figure out what song I want to cover in my shows first. I have to say at the moment I'm leaning towards either "Yes" or "Lost?"! 

So the three days in Dallas were met with mixed feelings. Anytime I get to hop on a bus that's mine is the most thrilling feeling for me as a recording artist. It's something I dreamed of since I first began this journey, and to roll up to a parking lot starring at a group of buses knowing one is David Nail's leaves my heart pounding. This past weekend was especially cool as Danielle Peck was leaving the same parking lot for her weekend run. I can remember when Danielle was a waiting tables at Virago before the Tin Roof was born and became my spot to hang. Danielle and I are within a few months of the same age, and I'm pretty sure we moved to town about the same time. I hadn't seen her in quite awhile, so it was good to hop on her bus for a short visit before heading to opposite parts of the country. I will say that I did feel a little like I was a PIKE pledge again as she peer pressured me into trying all this Thai food that someone from her band had brought. It was okay, but she was hell bent on me eating a bit of it all before getting off the bus. It was a good way to start the weekend.

My bus was Carolina Blue this weekend!!! Go Tarheels, we need one more against the Bulldogs of Fresno State, and then it's off to defeat the Bulldogs of Georgia next.

"When it started we had high hopes, now my back's on the line, my back's on the ropes" "Yes" – Coldplay – Viva La Vida 

So the show at The Glass Cactus in Grapevine was great. My friend Kara brought her parents, who brought some of their friends which made it have a homey kind of feel to the show. We got to hang at the club afterwards on an outside balcony that had an incredible view of Lake Grapevine. 

Grapevine Set List:

This Time Around
Again
Follow Me
Clouds
Boys Of Summer
In The Ghetto (acoustic)
Dinosaur (acoustic)
Missouri (acoustic)
I'm About To Come Alive
I Don't Want To Be
Turning Home

There was a moment in "Alive" right before the bridge where the band really hit a groove and I almost got lost and forgot where I was and what words were coming next, but I recovered just in time to spit out "In every frame upon our wall".

I hope Taylor Swift's next record sells a million the first week.

I really, really hope North Carolina wins the CWS.

I have a bit of a sore throat this morning; I think I maybe over sang a bit!

Catherine and I got to go home to Missouri for a few days before I came to Texas. It was good to see Mom, Dad, and my grandparents. I spent some time with one of my oldest friends Matt Bodkins and his family, which is always very rewarding.

I can't recall, though I'm sure there's been a time, when I've been more ready to sleep in my own bed.

I'm heading to Kansas City this week to play in Mike Kennedy's golf tournament for his station there. I'm a St. Louis guy through and through, but KC has such a refreshing vibe, and I absolutely cherish my time there. I have some friends from Kennett who I hope to see while there mid week. KC has been real good to me over my career!!!

TJ, be nice to me now!

I'm kind of digging on this new Adam Hood guy we signed at Carnival!

I had a dream last night about Frisbee, Missouri, which is where my father grew up. It was odd to say the least. I don't know if 20 people even live there these days.

Well I'm about to be home for a few much-needed days off, and hope to get back to running a bit more. I've kind of gotten lazy. Hope to continue to meet off of you out at the shows, thanks again, David


Numbers 5, 6, and 7 are worth the ten bucks alone!!! But get it on Itunes for the bonus tracks

CMA Fest, Charlotte, The Band, Texas We’re A Coming!!!6/18/2008

So I've had the past three days off here in Nashville and haven't known quite what to do with all the free time. I think I'm going to be heading home to Missouri this weekend before going back out on the road next week for a few shows in Texas.

I'm currently listening to the new 3 Doors Down record and I don't know if it's just a change, or that I really dig it, but I'm more than entertained.

So the summer is shaping up with quite a few dates each month with the band. We just played back to back dates with Nashville and Charlotte. Nashville was part of the CMA Music Fest and to say it was hot would be the understatement of the year, however it was good to have my folks in town. I think it'd been 6 years since they'd seen me with a full band.

Let me say how much I love the guys I'm out with now. Thanks Charlie, Colin, Eric, Kyle, Matt, and Patrick...

Charlotte was a blast. To everyone at WSOC, thanks so much for bringing me in for my first headlining gig. DJ, you are the absolute best!!! It was good to have Catherine out on the bus. The guys didn't seem to mind, and it was almost more exciting to watch her as the only female presence on a bus full of guys being guys. She's wonderful with people, so I wasn't surprised to see all the guys take to her so well.

Charlotte Set List :

This Time Around

Again

Follow Me

Clouds

I Don't Want To Be

Missouri (acoustic)

In The Ghetto (acoustic)

I'm About To Come Alive

Boys Of Summer

Turning Home

I can't wait to have more time out on the road to rehearse more songs, both covers and from the record. I don't ever want to have the same set list two shows in a row. I feel like it keeps you relaxed, and I think it's best to have small changes to keep you on your toes.

So this week we're heading to Texas for a show in Grapevine, and then a private gig in Dallas. I've only played in Texas twice, both at the House of Blues in Dallas, and with it not being hockey season, my crowd will certainly be less-famous, but I'm excited to be down there nonetheless. I've never payed much attention to the "Texas music" label thing. Some of my best friends in the business are from Texas, and are very much a part of that scene. I hope to maybe catch a show Friday night somewhere in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. We have Kansas City, Memphis and Knoxville coming up, so I'm completely stoked about all three. Kansas City is kind of like home. Memphis will be a lot of friends and family, and Knoxville is home to the Vols and my dear friend Ashley King Marsh, who's supported me for almost 6 years now.

I'm enjoying the slow building train, and thanks again for all of your messages. This has been an unbelievable right thus far, and one that hope doesn't end anytime soon. Thanks again, DN

P.S. Seems worth the ten bucks, which is rare these days!!!

NE Penn, Vegas, West Coast Pt. 1, I’m now 29, oh and NKOTB5/26/2008

6:49am Thursday May 15th 2008

So I'm lying in bed watching Good Morning America like I do most mornings when I'm home. I'm leaving for Las Vegas later this afternoon and I must say I thought I'd be more excited than I am at the moment. I've been home since late Saturday night, which has been the longest break I've had over the past seven plus weeks I've been out visiting radio stations across the country. I really enjoyed the past few days, but I take my job extremely serious, so I very much realize the need to be back out there continuing to spread the word.

I spent last week with Putnam in Northeast PA, Delaware, and Maryland. The week ended in Baltimore where I played a stage outside of the Kenny Chesney stadium show. I was really surprised by the amount of people who were there while I was playing. You can only thank radio for that. I had so many people come up and say they'd heard the song several times the past couple weeks in the area in and around Baltimore. Thanks Meg!

It looks like I was right about my Pittsburg Penguins prediction. Come on Dallas, I'd look like a genius if you'd come back and win the West!

I haven't watched one entire baseball game on TV all year! That's when I know I've been busy. Go Cards.

I'm ready to find a new home, the Gulch has run its course!

Looking like there's some storms in the area this morning, I really hope this doesn't affect our flight. 

11:23am Wednesday May 22nd 2008

Ward and I are just now recovered from Las Vegas, and 29 doesn't feel any different than 28. We're flying somewhere north of San Francisco at the moment. I could barely see the Golden Gate Bridge from the sky. I have to admit I'm really tired today and find myself yearning for home more and more with every passing hour. I am excited to see Seattle as it's been on the top of my list for a few years, but I've been gone for seven straight days and won't be home until early Saturday morning, so I'm running on fumes. 

My love for baseball is no real secret, and Ward and I got to go see a Sacramento River Cats AAA game Monday night, and then went by the San Jose Giants A-ball stadium yesterday afternoon after lunch. The team was actually getting on a bus heading out on the road, but they opened up the stadium shop so I could get an official hat, which is without a doubt my new favorite. 

Make fun if you wish, but the new NKOTB song is addictive… I was actually kind of excited to hear they're coming back…

After a few 100 plus degree-days in Vegas, northern California has been jacket weather, and I'm sure Seattle will be more of the same if not worse. 

We played Sacramento Tuesday night and I could see some people out there singing the words to "I'm About To Come Alive". I think any singer dreams about that moment from the first time they ever step on a stage, and it was borderline emotional for me.

Speaking of emotions, I almost lost control while playing the MCA suite Saturday night in Vegas. The room was packed full of radio and staff from the label, who I've grown quite close to the past year. Both of my producers were there as well as Natalie Hemby who sang on a lot of my record. I began to thank everyone for showing up and spoke of how as a kid growing up; I never dreamed I'd be in Las Vegas as an artist, and staying in such a nice place. As I looked up and saw the faces of those who are so responsible for my being there, I started to tear up. When I realized what was happening, I quickly got control of myself before going into the single, but the secret was out.

After the awards, I played the All-Star Jam where I got a chance to congratulate Miranda for winning Album of the Year. When they announced that award, I couldn't keep from jumping into the air and screaming random words of excitement. We had a short moment and she hugged me and said how great my song sounded on the radio. I'm truly thankful for that friendship. I got a nice introduction from John Rich before walking on stage in front of a crowd some said was nearly 10 thousand as the house band began the intro. I was without a doubt more nervous than I've ever been performing. It was actually kind of funny afterwards as Catherine, Ward, B-Dub and I walked back to the Universal party. It was my birthday and the label had such an amazing awards night, but when the adrenaline emptied from singing, I looked at Catherine and she knew it was time for bed. 

So here we are almost to Seattle, and I've run out of things to say. Not sure if this will be the end of this particular blog, but if so, I thank and love you all!!!!!!

What's this life I live?

My Top 5 Hotels (thus far)5/8/2008

The Graves - Minneapolis (I knew it would be nice when we walked in and Andrew Bogut of the Milwaukee Bucks was walking out. Ward said it best when he sent me a text from his room to say he was scared to use the bathroom... Very modern and spacious, downtown, unbelievable bathroom... Hands down the nicest and not even close to be honest…

Loews – Philadelphia (Head and shoulders the best fitness room in a hotel I've seen, unbelievable service, great location downtown, great bathroom and beds. The view outside from the 30th floor out across the city and over into New Jersey is completely inspirational… Thanks Tonia!)

Sandia Resort and Casino – Albuquerque (Let's start with the view. We weren't in a rush the first morning we were here so I got up early and took advantage of the resort and the huge Olympic size pool with outdoor bar all with a breathtaking view of the mountains. I'm not a huge gambler, but there is a nice quaint casino available. The spa area and fitness room are as good as I've seen. The huge steam room would have been enough, but overall it was really, really nice…

Intercontinental – Kansas City (Based on just hotel, this could easily be at the top. Great location in Plaza area walking distance from one of my favorite stores Halls. The Plaza is one of my favorite areas period, so that alone makes it great. Any Intercontinental will be wonderful, they have great beds and big rooms, and I had a great view overlooking the Plaza. It's special!!!


Hyatt – Tampa (Great views of the bay, big rooms, big comfortable beds. Huge outdoor pool area with cabana bar in the middle, and a very nice and accommodating staff!)