George Potter, Maintenance Shop co-director, described Steve Poltz as quirky, realist and hilarious.

Poltz, who will perform at the M-Shop Sept. 24, has been in the music business for years as a singer-songwriter and member of the band, The Rugburns, providing the world with his unique sound and clever sense of humor.

Whether it is starting a band, booking shows or writing music, Steve Poltz has done it all.

“The cool thing about today is you can be whatever you want, and that goes for anything in life,” Poltz said.

Poltz encourages anyone who wants to be in the music industry to stop making excuses and do it.

“You just say, ‘I’m in the music business and write a song tomorrow.’ Once you start doing things for yourself, you’ll realize these people are just like [you], only they’re actually doing it,” Poltz said.

To keep his songwriting muscle strong, Poltz said he creates challenges with his friends to write a song every week with a specific phrase.

“It’s every Sunday,” Poltz said. “This week you have to say ‘snowflake.’ It gets you in the habit of finishing your work.”

Not only does Poltz write his own music, but he is self-managed. He also founded The Rugburns and believes that when it comes to starting up a band, all it takes is cool people to be around and work hard with.

Poltz recommends all musicians make use of social media and its networking potential.

“Build your tribe, whether you’re a DJ, electronica, rap, you’ve gotta build it,” said Poltz.

George Potter also agrees that communication and people skills are must-haves for success in the music business.

“Working with nice managers and musicians makes the night go better,” Potter said.

Poltz will play at the M-Shop on Sept. 24. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. This will be a seated show.

Tickets are $10 with a student ID or $12 for the public with a $2 increase the day of the show. Tickets can be purchased at the M-Shop or online at midwestix.com.