Post-“The Bamboozle”-Post
It’s been a little too long since I’ve updated my blog, and for that I blame night drives and a large festival of 50,000 or so people - Bamboozle.
I ‘m not a fan of Warped, there’s a dust that sticks to my sweat and the inside of my mouth, forming a disgusting film of mud…yuck. I much prefer the brief downpour and constant drizzle we were cursed with on Sunday at Bamboozle. I was actually there for both days, and despite the sunburn and rain, I thoroughly LOVED it.
Festivals are so great at putting music into new perspectives. There’s a sense of community that far out-weighs any competition and it’s always so exciting when I see my friends. I just can’t get enough of my boys in The Morning Light, for example, those guys crack me up and I feel like I’m at home when I’m with them. If you haven’t heard their music, make sure you have a listen or two. Their songs stand out in the midst of our often mind numbingly fluorescent scene.
It occurred to me this weekend that most of my closest friends are in bands, which is bittersweet. I can’t just call them up and see them whenever, but when we tour together it’s like a high school summer camp or something along those lines…ha!
I also managed to see the importance of music in a new light. Here’s a thought - Even if I think a band is writing insincere music that doesn’t mean anything to them, it often means the world to their fans. It’s a shame that a songwriter would stoop this low. But this is actually a baffling and beautiful thing; a song can be greater than its writer. Music has a way of working itself out, it helps people get through life. It it means something to someone, it’s valuable…
However, when a song is written with genuine passion, it goes a lot further. This allows an artist to connect with their fans on a level that no other relationship can share. In this way our show at Bamboozle was a divine medicine. It helped show me where we fit into this whole music thing. I looked out on our crowd and saw individuals who were sharing that connection with us. We are now 3 records deep into our career, and I discovered a strong sense of pride as I watched people sing along to songs I had written in my bedroom. I have intentionally written songs to expose my weaknesses so that other people can relate and benefit from it. My eyes were opened that night to see my dreams become a reality.
I really enjoyed meeting many of you, probably for the 3rd or 4th time (maybe more). I’m sorry that I am so bad with names. We’ve been touring for so long and have met so many people! There are bazillions of Katy’s and Nick’s, I get confused, I think I may have met most of them. Thank you for a wonderful weekend, Bamshmoozlers.
-Dan
P.S. Here’s some pictures from the weekend.
Seeing The Get Up Kids for the first time was moving. This band is so important to music. Think about how many bands played this weekend that claim The Get Up Kids as a major influence!
Us at the Fueled By Ramen tent signing some shight.
P.P.S. I met a great new band called Action Item, also saw and heard Tinted Windows for the first time, which was pretty cool.
Did anyone find any new bands I should fall in love with?
