The first time That Thing You Do is on the radio.
One of the best scenes in the movie.
Faye is dropping off a letter in the public mailbox on the street, listening to the radio on her headphones, when she hears the drum beat and That Thing You Do starts playing.
She freaks, picks up T.B. Player at the Army/Navy store, they run down to Guy’s appliance store, Lenny and Jimmy show up (leaving their car parked in the street), and everyone runs around celebrating, laughing, Lenny smooching the lady cardboard cut out.
Even Guy’s mom does a little sitting-down-mom-dance towards the end of the scene.
Magical.
A real, honest moment.
This business is draining. There’s always a new problem, the next thing, another email, another crisis.
The one big celebratory moment used to be signing a record deal, because that meant you were going to become super famous (right?) and make lots of money.
I’m not sure if that particular moment/reasoning exists anymore.
But you have other moments worth celebrating.
Hearing your song on the radio. Still awesome, especially for the first time.
Releasing a new single or record, even through TuneCore. You put something out into the world, take a few mins or a dinner for that.
Playing a gig where everyone in the band thought it went really really well. Call it out, say something about it. Why? Because life doesn’t owe you another show like that.
When you get a heartfelt email from a fan expressing real love for your band. Read it out loud with your band and appreciate the reality that you made a difference.
When you get a song on TV. It’s ok to have everyone over and watch the show! Goodness sakes, it’s a song you wrote on the edge of your bed in your undies and now it’s being heard. Make a night of it.
I don’t care what you celebrate along the way, but don’t forget to celebrate.
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I’m always interested in your perspective, whether affirming or dissenting. Continue the conversation anytime: gabethebassplayer@gmail.com