Running Into Bands

It’s easier to run into someone from NSYNC than it is to run into Justin Timberlake.

More people have stories of running into someone from The Killers than they do to Brandon Flowers.

And security can keep track of a solo artist. But in a band there’s at least someone who doesn’t want to be kept track of…and that person gets run into more.

Another interesting thing is that there’s a usually a hierarchy of who you run into. The lead singer is almost always the ultimate…but some people like the more understated drummer, or the more available bass player. But they each count as an impression on behalf of the band.

And one more…when you run into all the band members at once, you feel the weight of the soul of the band. A truly unique experience.

A band has more interactions. Therefore more people walking around with stories. A wider net of influence. More excitement.

 

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Being In A Band

Started my first band with some homemade lighting gels. Clear sheets of plastic colored with sharpies, taped over some desk lamps. The money wasn’t great, the music was non-existent, but we had a band.

Shortly after that we made a kick drum out of a plastic barrel and a snare from an ice cream pail. Getting some rhythm together. Not making any money, but our drum set was free.

Next we got lucky and scored an acoustic from the lost and found and then I washed dishes just long enough to buy the cheapest bass guitar from the local music shop. Still no money but at least everyone in the band now had something to play.

A few instrument upgrades later we played the talent show. There was an entry fee, and arguments about which song we should play in order to win. We lost.

Then we played a battle of the bands. That costed us money too but at least we got to play five songs instead of one. Still lost.

That first band went on to the heights of playing the Chili Cook Off, two different county fairs, a few school dances, throwing a New Year’s Eve party, and a few more middling finishes at battle of the bands.

But we were a band. And that’s what we wanted to be.

It turns out the main thing you need to have a band is people who want to be in a band.

 

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When Things Just Work...

It’s hard to notice all the work that went into it.

That’s why it feels like magic. Even to the magician.

So if you want things to just work…If you want it to feel like magic…Do all the work that goes into it.

 

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Drifting Together

I’m not sure we drift together

I don’t think meander into success

And we don’t wander out of debt

Rather, good relationships, success, and financial stability (like many good things) come from doing them on purpose.

 

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Own The Show

When you get up there you might have big waves of feeling honored, insecure, surprised, thankful, concerned, excited…but the only thing that matters to the audience is that you put on a good show.

Don’t think you shouldn’t be up there. Don’t cower at the spotlight. Don’t act humble to mask insecurity.

You’re playing the show. Own the show. Own the space. Lift the room.

 

Hum Love on Spotify and Apple