Jody Whitesides

Author: Jody Whitesides

Overcoming Setbacks: My Unique Story of Progress and Perseverance!

One step forward, three steps backward. This is a type of proverb that originally spoke of one step forward, two steps backward. The concept is that progress is made, but setbacks have occurred that delay the project.
It’s likely there isn’t a person on earth that hasn’t experienced this problem.
Right now, it’s a problem I’m experiencing with getting the updated server up and running. It’s also occurring with some musical things that I’d like to be working on as well.
Today I was hoping to have the new server running the websites. Unfortunately admin user error (meaning me not understanding something about Kubernetes) caused a need to roll everything back and start over again. ARGH.
Right when I was feeling like hell yeah this is gonna happen today; the data and server gods said: NOPE!
Sadly the learning curve is proving a tad more than I had bargained for. Which is not what I’m used to and it’s tremendously disappointing.
The irony is, another artist I recently chatted with thought that my ability to even attempt such ventures for computing was wild sorcery. That’s a nice thought, and in a way it is, but alas, I’m forcing my own hand to make sure its done right.
On the musical side of things, I know that starting today, I need to get the next batch of animated cover art to the distributor. Which puts me a little behind on creating some music for a project.
On Friday I got a call asking for me to create some music similar to something I did several months ago. This is for a client abroad. The last piece of music I did in this nature was my first jump into the genre. Apparently they liked it enough they want me to do it again.
Therein is the issue. There isn’t enough time in the day to get everything done. Especially when stuff is piling up due to setbacks like the one I experienced today.
Is the server important? Yes. Is it dire? No.
However I’ve been working on this close to a month and if it was my previous method, it would have been done in a day. In order to grow, one needs to push thru the setbacks.
To that end, I appreciate that you’ve read this far to find out that today’s musical launch is the Motor City Cruise. They are the G League basketball team for Detroit. This particular animated covers is one of my favorites. It feels subtle and also appropriate. Though I do wish I could have added some motor revving sounds to the animation.
Of course once all these things come together for the server, I will quietly make it known.
Come back again, same bat time, same bat website.

2025-05-06
The Crazy Truth About Making It Big: Practical Insanity Revealed!

Little steps. Tiny bits of progress. It’s weird how music seems like someone might come out of nowhere and is suddenly popular. What people don’t tend to see is all the hard work that goes in behind it.
There’s a conversation I recall having with someone in my past who said: “I can get someone on the billboard charts. What I can’t do is keep them there.”
What they meant is that it can be easy to manipulate the chart to get people aware of an artist. But once that’s done it’s the talent and work ethic of the artist that would keep them there. It’s a tough business and one most shouldn’t jump into lightly.
Along those lines I recently had a conversation with someone and they were asking about some my journey thru this business. After telling some stories of things I’ve had happen, and people I’ve met, I mentioned that I have been writing a book about it all.
The title is based on an album title I have called Practical Insanity. Which is the crux of this industry. At times it’s practical, and at other times it’s pure insanity. There’s no if’s and’s or but’s about that.
The book isn’t a tell-all. It’s a journey. Maybe a bit of a cautionary tale. In that, sometimes it doesn’t matter what connections or how much talent an artist has, sometimes shit will go wrong. If there is anyone that knows that – it’s me.
Same can be said for sports. I have friends who played sports professionally. Some in the majors, some also in the minors, some in both. In multiple sports. Much like music, playing sports at a level like that can be practical insanity.
During this recent conversation I was asked if I had played basketball in high school or college. The answer is no. Despite my height, I did not find basketball as something I wanted to pursue. Not in the least, which might seem weird based on my athleticism.
When I got into music as a full-time profession, I certainly didn’t initially think to write sports music either. It’s one of those twists and turns in my practically insane career that happened. Based on a connection made and also on me attending a particular sporting event some time after.
Today marks the day where I’m releasing yet another version of Do You Want to Play for a basketball team. This time it’s a minor league (or rather a G League) team known as the Grand Rapids Gold. A city I have not yet had the pleasure to experience.
Mind you, I do not dislike basketball as a sport. One of my favorite movies to watch is Glory Road. It’s an amazing story of triumph in the face of great odds, on multiple fronts. A lot like the music business.
Watching basketball live is a lot more fun for me than playing it. I especially like watching those who make to those upper echelons of the sport. They make it look so much easier than it truly is; something I’ve been accused of when it comes to music and playing guitar.
If you’re a fan of the Grand Rapids Gold, I applaud you for stopping by and reading up on my musings. And for listening to the music, which I’m going to assume you’ve done.
As for the little steps of progress…
I’m still in the midst of another journey with Kubernetes and will have more to share about it before long.

2025-04-29
Celtics and Kubernetes: My Biggest Musical Challenge Yet!

Getting in over my head. It’s a rare thing that happens. Generally, if I open my mouth to say I can do something, I mean I can do it. I come from that underpromise overdeliver school of thought.
One of my most annoying qualities is that I like to research shit to make sure I understand what is needed. I then assess those needs against what I’m capable of doing and make the choice. Same concept applies when I’m looking into purchases as well. I expect the same of others.
Right now, I’m experiencing a situation that I put myself into. In that I figured I could make something happen (behind the scenes) and with limited knowledge, I forced myself into doing it. The reality is, I’m now in over my head on something that if it were the old way I’ve done it, it’s a piece of cake.
Nope, I added a whole layer of complexity. WHY?!?
Actually, I know the why. However, the situation is going to take a bit longer than I had hoped and is going to require me reaching out to people I know to see who may have the time to help, and / or give me some pointers and instructions that I can make note of and keep myself afloat once the project has been put up on stilts.
This isn’t a music thing. It’s music adjacent. Meaning directly related to my music and some extra areas of my functioning ability around tech. It’s called Kubernetes.
If you’re reading this, in a relatively short time frame from whence it was published, I’d appreciate it if you reached out to me if you’re well versed in Kubernetes.
See, I got my little server set up with the inkling of Kubernetes. The cluster is seeing itself. But I have run into a wall. There are not enough good examples of what I’m wanting to do and there’s 5 big things I need to accomplish with my cluster.
I know once I get this setup and someone can explain a few of the moving parts (as if I were a 5th grader), I can maintain it without much issue. So I won’t be a constant burden to the helpful person.
Now let’s talk a moment about Maine. I’ve unfortunately never been to Maine. I have had a roommate who was from Maine, during my university days. Yes, he had a fairly strong accent. He was very proud of his heritage as well.
After all these years, I might have a small way of paying a bit of tribute to him. Today there’s a version of Do You Want to Play for the Maine Celtics. The G League team out of Maine, duh.
What would be super fun is if the Maine Celtics got wind of this song and decide they want me to come perform it at a half-time event. One, I’d be able to see a friend I haven’t seen in many years. Two, I’d get to see yet another pro basketball team perform. Three, I’d be able to partake in some real clam chowder, which is one of my favorite soups.
Are you from Maine? Are you a fan of your Maine Celtics? Are you savvy with Kubernetes? Do you know any of the team owners? Let’s make some magic happen!

2025-04-22

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