What matters?
Hello, It might be obvious, but I still think it’s worth saying, playing music should be fun! It’s rarely easy, but always rewarding…provided you keep the right attitude. I’ve been through countless phases where being in this band was only stressful and depressing. That’s a waste. When I look back on those times it’s clear to me now, I lacked the right perspective. I was focusing on the numbers, on rankings, sales and status. Obviously these things can’t be ignored, a person has make a living, that’s just business. However, at the end of the day, that’s not what matters to me. What matters is the music. I didn’t choose a career in music to get rich (though it would be nice), I chose music because it had always been so good to me, so necessary. (I also wanted to be an cartoonist, but found zero natural aptitude for drawing, haha). Music is what got me to where I am now. It was my comfort when I was a kid, it was a way of connecting with people, it was something to do with my time instead of playing video games. I could get through a whole day of high school (which I hated), as long as I started the day with some jams on the bus in the morning. Those songs would rattle around in my head during class, allowing me to escape those wretched surroundings. Haha, maybe that wasn’t healthy, but I think I’ve made my point. Music is sweet, it shouldn’t be cheapened by numbers and sales. That should always come second to the genuine success, which is doing music right. Making it with friends, writing music to be proud of, and having a good time doing it. If we do this, everyone benefits from it, the musician and the listener. Now you’re not just presented with some lifeless product, you’re given something that breathes life. Something with soul. It really is a thing of beauty! Dan
Recently we spent 10 days at a friends place in San Diego writing new music, it was grand. Getting away from all the distractions at home was just what we needed. Not only did we get more done than anticipated, we also had a splendid time! We consider ourselves fortunate to be in a band with 3 other people we love. It’s something you dream about as a kid who wants to be in a band, making music with your best friends. That way it feels like you’re just hanging out, having a good time. It doesn’t feel much like a job, it’s more like a professional hobby.
