I have a theory I would like to share. Old guys in unsigned local bands are old guys in unsigned local bands for a reason There are multiple reasons, but they are all valid and somewhat disconcerting because I am getting older and I have been in many bands. To this point I dont think I have encountered the righteous roadblocks to success, I think I have been the victim and in some cases the cause of the unsavory and ridiculous roadblocks to success.
Let us consider the righteous obstacles, the ones that can be respected and understood. At the top of the list is the band that plays what they love, are super talented, but are too far ahead of the game for anyone to care or notice. These bands tend to earn a hipster underground respect that goes unnoticed until someone in the public eye mentions them everytime someones willing to listen (The Brian Jonestown Massacre is amazing dude! They influence everything I do as an example Dig was a really good movie by the way. Although I am not a fan of Jonestown Massacre, half of their struggle is due to the fact they make great music that doesnt fit a mainstream mold But I digress). I have never experienced that. Theres a level of skill and dedication to your art that has to be pursued to fully enjoy that type of struggle.
Let us consider the ridiculous. Drug and alcohol, problems that with some people will make them play and sound like shit and be unreliable jackasses (On the other hand, it does enhance some peoples view/vision to an extent, but in the end, with all the greats, was it not destructive and somes ultimate undoing?). Never practicing or taking the time to properly learn your instrument. Being a prick or an idiot to people who are trying to help you or support you because you want to be cool (but who would ever admit that, right?) and are too much of a child to realize that its not always fun I dont do drugs or drink, I try really hard and invest lots of my time into my craft, I am infinitely grateful to the people who come to shows and say kind things about my band. I have learned a lot over the years having bands break up and witnessing bands fall apart around me. You could write a book, teach a weekend seminar and what makes bands good and what makes bands bad, and still there will be one person in your band who will blow everything.
I have been ranting to long on this On to better stuff
I went to see Kung Fu hustle this weekend It ruled, go see it Call me, Id like to see it again
Let us consider the righteous obstacles, the ones that can be respected and understood. At the top of the list is the band that plays what they love, are super talented, but are too far ahead of the game for anyone to care or notice. These bands tend to earn a hipster underground respect that goes unnoticed until someone in the public eye mentions them everytime someones willing to listen (The Brian Jonestown Massacre is amazing dude! They influence everything I do as an example Dig was a really good movie by the way. Although I am not a fan of Jonestown Massacre, half of their struggle is due to the fact they make great music that doesnt fit a mainstream mold But I digress). I have never experienced that. Theres a level of skill and dedication to your art that has to be pursued to fully enjoy that type of struggle.
Let us consider the ridiculous. Drug and alcohol, problems that with some people will make them play and sound like shit and be unreliable jackasses (On the other hand, it does enhance some peoples view/vision to an extent, but in the end, with all the greats, was it not destructive and somes ultimate undoing?). Never practicing or taking the time to properly learn your instrument. Being a prick or an idiot to people who are trying to help you or support you because you want to be cool (but who would ever admit that, right?) and are too much of a child to realize that its not always fun I dont do drugs or drink, I try really hard and invest lots of my time into my craft, I am infinitely grateful to the people who come to shows and say kind things about my band. I have learned a lot over the years having bands break up and witnessing bands fall apart around me. You could write a book, teach a weekend seminar and what makes bands good and what makes bands bad, and still there will be one person in your band who will blow everything.
I have been ranting to long on this On to better stuff
I went to see Kung Fu hustle this weekend It ruled, go see it Call me, Id like to see it again
VIEW 3 of 3 COMMENTS
so in june or.. after we should go out & drink! yep. i never see you at work. bah
XO ROAR!