December 16, 2010
The Life and Times of a Mediocre Band
What It's Like to Fail as a Musician in This Town
Joan Hiller Depper
Tools
In the spring of 2007, I moved to Seattle along with the other three devastatingly good-looking members of my band. A year and a half later, after endless months of cripplingly horrible shows, desperate attempts to cobble together part-time jobs, and Oasis-worthy internecine squabbling, one of us finally broke.
"Guys," our guitarist said one night at a band meeting, "I'm gonna play out the shows we have booked, and then I'm done. I can't keep going on like this."
Stranger Personals
We had thought that moving to a bigger city might help actualize our dream, never mind the fact that we knew exactly one person in Seattle. Emboldened by a blissfully naive confidence, laughing off the idea of vitamin D deficiency with quips about Flintstone vitamins, we had disentangled ourselves from our sleepy California town, packed our minivan, and driven north into the leprous arms of impending doom.
We played our Seattle debut the week we arrived, a show I'd booked from out of state. Our ignorance as to which clubs (not) to play was profound. On that first night, we found ourselves unloading a trailer full of gear into the friendly confines of the Central Saloon in the teeth of a driving rain. An hour and a half later, we'd performed a full set of contemplative indie rock for the bartender and our single friend, been blasted with jock metal for every second of the experience we weren't actually playing, and seen our group morale sink to previously unimaginable depths.
You'd think this holocaust of a coming-out party would have led to a tempering of my freewheeling booking strategy. Fool me once, and all that. Instead, I continued to engage in shameless, ill-fated MySpace binges, hitting up reputable bands (Thao with the Get Down Stay Down, the Cave Singers, even—oh, good grief—Fleet Foxes), none of which I ever heard back from. I imagined them lazily scrolling through their inboxes while eating oysters purchased with the sort of royalty checks I would never see, skimming my pleas while thinking, Who're these assholes? They only have two plays today.
So it went. Playing a community center in Kirkland for a crowd with an average age of 12? Check. Agreeing to play a "festival" that turned out to be a Mennonite farmers market in Central Washington at 11 in the morning? Double check. Having the bartender at the Comet Tavern put on an extreme grind record in the middle of our final song because he didn't even realize we were still playing? If it hadn't happened to me, I wouldn't believe the story.
Ours were trials robust enough to shake the faith of even the most committed troubadours. Which we weren't.
After a while, I had to wonder: Was this the dream for which I'd given up my job, the comfort of my mother's green-bean salad, a chance at making out with Genevieve Flaversham? In hindsight... I guess it was. Nobody had guaranteed us anything. True, people had told us we had a spark, a great live show, a facility for interesting arrangements. Who cares if half those people were our parents? Who were we to argue?! We believed in the pot of PBR-soaked gold at the end of the Sub Pop rainbow. We had been drunk on the idea of making it as a band.
They say that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. If there is some fantastic mathematics through which debt, relational strain, public humiliation, and endless frustration may be transmuted into strength, then I'm Hulk Hogan. That may be. But for a long time—and I say this with real regret—I got a bitter pinch in my stomach every time I heard about the buzz springing up around local bands we'd played with or that I thought we were at least as good as, whatever that means.
I can still remember a party I attended in the fall of 2004 at my friend's Orange County ranch house. I was milling among a throng in the backyard, when a group of four young men emerged from the house and picked up some instruments leaning against the toolshed. Unbeknownst to me, I'd shown up at what turned out to be the first show ever put on by my soon-to-be-famous schoolmates Cold War Kids.
Over the next several years, I fawned over the band publicly while whining in private. Why did the Cold War Kids of the world get to strut like beautiful flamingos across David Letterman's stage while I was trying to convince the bartender at Chop Suey to let me have a bottled water? Hadn't we worked our asses off? Weren't we paying our dues? The deck was stacked against us! I mean, how could we make connections when we were locked in the basement four nights a week writing songs with hooks so dreamy Ben Gibbard could only fantasize about them? He had Zooey to comfort him. I only had bandmates I'd grown tired of seeing, a house with no central heating, and a hamper full of dirty clothes the smell of which permeated my bedroom so profoundly that I was often kept awake at night—as much by the smell of moldering long johns as by my endless second-guessing of our decision to leave Santa Cruz.
It's been almost three years since we broke up and no answer to my questions has been forthcoming, unless of course you count my growing awareness of how grotesque my sense of entitlement was. Part of me seems to have assumed that I had the right to be paid to play music. Turns out that's not how life works.
I still find myself occasionally pining for the sour-beer smell of a club before it opens, a greenroom fridge full of skunky Heinekens, and a 40-minute time slot. Alas, our bass player moved back to California, where he now works nights in the vast walk-in refrigerator of the local Safeway. Sometimes I imagine him stocking gallons of 2 percent milk in that freezing, dark cavern that smells like a mausoleum, and I wonder how big a cemetery you would need to inter the savaged hopes, burned-out dreams, and low-quality merch of all the forgotten bands that've ever played the High Dive on a Monday night. 
Ben Bishop is the former pianist and singer in Caravel.
1
Oh for fuck's sake. Who are the Cold War Kids? They are famous?
Also, as someone who has continued to play live shows every single year since 1985, and every single week since 2000, if you aren't doing it because you love playing music, QUIT! You are never going to be "famous" or whatever Cold War Kids are. And who cares? Eat your mom's salad in your home town and play your shows there and kiss your girlfriends there and make your life there. Or not! Do it in Seattle! But do it because it's what you love!
All of your little "horror stories" add up to some minor inconveniences for a young man who has a lot to learn and not much to lose. So lose! And learn! Good fucking luck! Ha ha!
Also, as someone who has continued to play live shows every single year since 1985, and every single week since 2000, if you aren't doing it because you love playing music, QUIT! You are never going to be "famous" or whatever Cold War Kids are. And who cares? Eat your mom's salad in your home town and play your shows there and kiss your girlfriends there and make your life there. Or not! Do it in Seattle! But do it because it's what you love!
All of your little "horror stories" add up to some minor inconveniences for a young man who has a lot to learn and not much to lose. So lose! And learn! Good fucking luck! Ha ha!
2
Making a living as a musician is hard no matter what, but it doesn't help that you guys clearly never did your homework. Seriously - you run off to Seattle to become bigshots, but you didn't take the time to figure out what clubs would provide a friendly crowd? Or what bands would be good to connect with? WTF? You're coming to a new city with a new music community; you can't just expect success to fall into your lap. If you seek a serious career in music, then treat it like a serious career already. That's the thing too many musicians don't seem to get.
3
I'm with #1. The music scene has changed so dramatically that unless you're in it for the love of it, there's really no point to go on with the mentality of "making it big" someday. I love playing music BECAUSE of places/experiences like The Comet or the local coffee shop that pushes aside enough tables to fit a drum kit and a few amps.
4
this is like an extended version of
i anon , a bad one . this guy's story in no different than a million other bands . you have a better chance of winning the lottery than being a hit rock band . frankly dude the big name producers left town after the grunge fad went south , like 5 minutes later . you were better off in cali than seattle . its more than who you know , some times its who you blow . i don't think you blew anybody let alone the right some body . if you were into rap i could tell you how to pull that off. you make a bunch of money selling coke . you buy 8 sets of lyrics from mnm for 200k , then you drop the same money to dr. dre plus a cut of the back side for the beats , and rip a cd . then you drop that cd with a check for 50k off at virgin or capitol and wait 6 weeks . tadah ! rap star !
i anon , a bad one . this guy's story in no different than a million other bands . you have a better chance of winning the lottery than being a hit rock band . frankly dude the big name producers left town after the grunge fad went south , like 5 minutes later . you were better off in cali than seattle . its more than who you know , some times its who you blow . i don't think you blew anybody let alone the right some body . if you were into rap i could tell you how to pull that off. you make a bunch of money selling coke . you buy 8 sets of lyrics from mnm for 200k , then you drop the same money to dr. dre plus a cut of the back side for the beats , and rip a cd . then you drop that cd with a check for 50k off at virgin or capitol and wait 6 weeks . tadah ! rap star !
5
I'm glad you came to terms with your crushing sense of entitlement, because it was pretty suffocating the first 2/3rds of your piece. 99 percent of bands aren't going to "get big." Some of those that do won't deserve it and probably won't be as talented or as interesting as you perceive yourself to be. Being on a stage may get you laid once or twice, but you're not going to be snorting coke off the asses of groupies. There are thousands of people in this town and others that hold down shitty day jobs and spend their evenings practicing unremarkable songs. The good ones do it because they enjoy doing it, warts and empty rooms and late nights included. The bad ones do it for social acceptance and unrealistic ego-filled rock-star dreams. Go play some songs at an open mic night and quit bitching - no one owes you anything.
6
Your problem is that you didn't move to Portland, the promised land for whiny, self-pitying indie boys. You wouldn't have become famous, made money or got laid there either, but it's cheaper and marginally warmer than Seattle.
7
seriously.
Fuck You.
band life sucks. its hard. its supposed to be. thats why no one hardly "makes it".
"Making it"....by the way-what the fuck does that really mean in 2010 anyway?
Hopefully more idiots that start bands for ridiculous reasons will read your essay and decide not to do it, like you. Theres too much mediocrity and some serious Darwinism is needed stat.
my GOD you infuriate me
Fuck You.
band life sucks. its hard. its supposed to be. thats why no one hardly "makes it".
"Making it"....by the way-what the fuck does that really mean in 2010 anyway?
Hopefully more idiots that start bands for ridiculous reasons will read your essay and decide not to do it, like you. Theres too much mediocrity and some serious Darwinism is needed stat.
my GOD you infuriate me
8
Moving to Seattle to make it as a band? It isn't 1993. Not to mention, half of this town has bad taste in local music--look no further than the inexplicable popularity of Fences and the existence of Barsuk.
Nearly everyone struggles in their chosen field. I've been writing for 7 years and while there are moments I rue the existence of certain publications and certain writers for getting the credit I want for doing something I already did, I continue to keep nose to grindstone because I love writing and can't imagine doing anything else. As has been pointed out, if you don't love something and are in it only for a modicum of fame and some money, you're going to fail.
Nearly everyone struggles in their chosen field. I've been writing for 7 years and while there are moments I rue the existence of certain publications and certain writers for getting the credit I want for doing something I already did, I continue to keep nose to grindstone because I love writing and can't imagine doing anything else. As has been pointed out, if you don't love something and are in it only for a modicum of fame and some money, you're going to fail.
9
You shouldn't even be aloud to start a band until you read "Get In The Van". If anything, just for the lessons in disappointment and work ethic.
11
Dear Ben, The system you are participating in was functionally over with 11 years ago. I'm sorry. Now all we have is a superstition. If you do certain things they will lead to certain results. Napster, Itunes and Myspace collapsed the system your are trying to use. Its ok. Things change. That thing old never worked that well any. Say it. Its OK.
12
A year and a half isn't that long to pursue something that's important to you. If you really love it, adjust your expectations and keep doing it. Also: Learn a trade. Just in case eternal rock stardom doesn't work out as a career path.
Not saying this to put you down (like a bunch of others on this thread) just telling it straight.
Not saying this to put you down (like a bunch of others on this thread) just telling it straight.
14
Hate to join the chorus, but somebody call a WHAAAAAMBULANCE.
I've played in a band for 10+ years and never once whined about "making it." Making it is not as important as having fun playing music.
One of the biggest shows of my "career" happened at the Central Saloon on a Thursday night in what was the worst snow storm of the year.
There were 12 people there, but we rocked like there were 15.
I've played in a band for 10+ years and never once whined about "making it." Making it is not as important as having fun playing music.
One of the biggest shows of my "career" happened at the Central Saloon on a Thursday night in what was the worst snow storm of the year.
There were 12 people there, but we rocked like there were 15.
16
each and every one of you embody the sad and sometimes (though not demonstrated here) valid assertion that seattlites are passive aggressive asshats. i'm sure that you all feel wonderfully comfortable sitting by the glow of your computer telling this man how awful you think he is, but have you seriously thought about what it takes to write about your own naivete? i don't pretend to know a thing about how to make it in the music business, but i do work in it. every day i see people like the author just trying, and yes, some suck. but they try and they get up each day doing what they love. some decide on other paths in life, as it sounds like this man has, but who are you to berate someone for attempting to put words to how people struggle as he did, all the while inserting in an ever so subtle manner the humor with which he views his past. apparently you all missed the point here...
19
First of all, your timeline is fucked up. Let's say you moved at the beginning of 2007. January. A year and a half later, is midway through 2008. Which means it's almost 6 months before you hit your "3 years broken up" point...it's not almost 3 years.
Secondly, your "dues" were only 18 months on one scene. With music that the scene is SATURATED in: "contemplative indie rock." Fuck off, emo boy. That's not DUES. Did you even get around to releasing an EP? The Cold War Kids had 2. And planned their own tours.
Thirdly, you quit your fucking job to be a musician, but you weren't the most committed of troubadours?! There's another of the answers to your failure.
It's nice you have a growing awareness of the gross sense of entitlement you had. Still have, probably. Because, if you didn't...
Secondly, your "dues" were only 18 months on one scene. With music that the scene is SATURATED in: "contemplative indie rock." Fuck off, emo boy. That's not DUES. Did you even get around to releasing an EP? The Cold War Kids had 2. And planned their own tours.
Thirdly, you quit your fucking job to be a musician, but you weren't the most committed of troubadours?! There's another of the answers to your failure.
It's nice you have a growing awareness of the gross sense of entitlement you had. Still have, probably. Because, if you didn't...
20
Play in a band cause you like playing music and you'll never be disappointed. Play in a band cause you think you'll end up getting blown by Zooey whatsherface and you'll be disappointed almost most of the time.
21
Jeez, the guy wrote an already self-deprecating confessional article about his failings and realizations for the casual amusement of others. Tar and feather him!
My name is Chris and I did actually move here with a mediocre band in 1993. Wasn't much different then, either. ;-)
My name is Chris and I did actually move here with a mediocre band in 1993. Wasn't much different then, either. ;-)
22
Thank you for sharing your story. As someone who has had the very same thoughts (but in a different field), it's a nice reminder that's just not how life works. My advice to my nieces and nephews is "Get comfortable with the fact that life isn't fair."
Anyway, sharing your story made me feel better.
Anyway, sharing your story made me feel better.
25
I also moved here to start a band and I'm going through the same thing but at least I expected it. It's not supposed to be easy. It might be for some bands but this is Seattle. I think the "scene" here has been pretty stale since the early 2000's hence the horrible bumbleshoots year after year It's still a great place to be a poor ass musician. After reading the other comments....I feel like we moved to the wrong city. Fuck you assholes! It's tougher then you think.... not only has Seattle lost it's soul with the Grunge scene but this city does not rock anymore....try Austin
26
@16 The point is that he now feels entitled to get paid for writing about his grotesque sense of entitlement. Those of us who aren't so entitled, are entitled to bitch about it.
27
Yeah. You lost me at "along with the other three devastatingly good-looking members of my band." Congratulations on that at least, it's rare to lose me after the very first sentence. Then jokes about vitamin D deficiency, rain, and pining away for the glory days of high school in California? Seriously?
Or is this supposed to be some sort of post-irony-irony?
Or is this supposed to be some sort of post-irony-irony?
30
Is this Ben Bishop Jeopardy Champion from Seattle? http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/te…
I'm not a Jeopardy champion! NO FAIR NO FAIR NO FAIR
I'm not a Jeopardy champion! NO FAIR NO FAIR NO FAIR
31
I actually wouldn't have minded if this had been a longer piece, just because it was well-written.
32
Oh for god's sake ...
Go play Rock Band 3, you miserable twit.
Or move to NYC where you can moan about how hard it is to be a real band and people will give a flying fuck.
Go play Rock Band 3, you miserable twit.
Or move to NYC where you can moan about how hard it is to be a real band and people will give a flying fuck.
34
@31 - It certainly could have been a better piece if it was longer, funnier, and more of a 'series of unfortunate yet hilarious anecdotes' sans the somewhat blank-faced 'I, Anonymous' tone, but that doesn't make the author a bad person, as a majority of the other commenters seem to imply. His disillusionment and coming to terms with reality don't seem to be enough for some people - he must be punished!
37
He clearly had no idea what he was getting into - and he said so.
He's not quite sure what happened - and he said so.
This piece is a well-written peek into the confusion of folks who get into bands without even knowing their own motivations. If at the time you'd asked him if it was all for fame and fortune, I'm not sure he would have known the answer. It's a decent confessional. I like a good confessional.
He made some misguided assumptions and a lot of mistakes and had the courage to include his name when telling us about them. I've heard whining much worse than this. I'm inclined to cut him some slack.
Would you rather read a piece that says: "I did everything right and now I'm on top of the world" ?
He's not quite sure what happened - and he said so.
This piece is a well-written peek into the confusion of folks who get into bands without even knowing their own motivations. If at the time you'd asked him if it was all for fame and fortune, I'm not sure he would have known the answer. It's a decent confessional. I like a good confessional.
He made some misguided assumptions and a lot of mistakes and had the courage to include his name when telling us about them. I've heard whining much worse than this. I'm inclined to cut him some slack.
Would you rather read a piece that says: "I did everything right and now I'm on top of the world" ?
38
Is Seattle the land of angsty has been/never was musicians or what? Lighten up, assholes. Kid had a dream. Seattle shat on it. Perhaps deservedly. Maybe not. It ain't easy making a living at rock and roll is a hard earned lesson. It'sa tough one to swallow when complete and utter shit bands are making a killing.
The injustice of the music scene is massive. Even Mark Arm, who has done more for Seattle music than any jerk-off in this comment section ever has (including me), has to have a day job. Of course, bands back in the early days of the grunge scene had one huge advantage: no one in America gave a rats ass about seattle and so the rest of the world left us alone and some of those kids went on to develop something they fucking owned. and it was great.
Good on ya, Ben bishop, and the rest of you can go fuck your damn selves.
The injustice of the music scene is massive. Even Mark Arm, who has done more for Seattle music than any jerk-off in this comment section ever has (including me), has to have a day job. Of course, bands back in the early days of the grunge scene had one huge advantage: no one in America gave a rats ass about seattle and so the rest of the world left us alone and some of those kids went on to develop something they fucking owned. and it was great.
Good on ya, Ben bishop, and the rest of you can go fuck your damn selves.
39
Can we just sum this up with a "couple of gullible fucks haven't encountered the real world that - regardless of city - will attempt to shit on them at all costs"?
Not that white boy problems aren't interesting...
Not that white boy problems aren't interesting...
42
If the first adjective that comes to mind about yourself is "devastatingly good looking" -- your band is shit.
44
I can forgive the whininess and naivete as the follies of youth.
But you probably should have realized that bringing 'contemplative indie rock' was bringing sand to the beach. In Seattle, when you start a band, you're handed some Buddy Holly glasses, and accordion, and you have to pay Vampire Weekend 20 dollars.
Also, here's some free advice. Try touring first.
But you probably should have realized that bringing 'contemplative indie rock' was bringing sand to the beach. In Seattle, when you start a band, you're handed some Buddy Holly glasses, and accordion, and you have to pay Vampire Weekend 20 dollars.
Also, here's some free advice. Try touring first.
45
Interesting and funny article. Thanks for humiliting yourself one more time for the edification of...errr...someone, I'm sure ;)
On a more serious note, it's problematic how self-effacing and grovelling musicians are in the hope of getting blown or becoming famous. If we would all stop grovelling, and demand a little respect universally, perhaps we wouldn't be so universally ripped off by everyone from a greedy club owner to the big pig record companies who are more than happy to rip artists off to fatten their own wallets. We really should learn something from the actors guild. But that kind of cooperation among musicians is a ridiculous dream as long as any of us behave like crack whores for fame or affection. Oh, my apologies to crack whores. At least they get *something* back for their grovelling.
On a more serious note, it's problematic how self-effacing and grovelling musicians are in the hope of getting blown or becoming famous. If we would all stop grovelling, and demand a little respect universally, perhaps we wouldn't be so universally ripped off by everyone from a greedy club owner to the big pig record companies who are more than happy to rip artists off to fatten their own wallets. We really should learn something from the actors guild. But that kind of cooperation among musicians is a ridiculous dream as long as any of us behave like crack whores for fame or affection. Oh, my apologies to crack whores. At least they get *something* back for their grovelling.
47
Since pretentiousness seems to be the name of the game here, let me just say I hate indie rock. You failed because you came to a place where you won't stand out. The mid 2000's were all about scensters wanting to be DCFC or Joy Division, so your not really presenting a new idea. Know your role & shut your mouth you whiny ass bitch.
49
also, writing this article during the winter months when all Seattlites are grumpy, under-exercised and vitamin D deficient probably wasn't the best move.....
This isn't our most empathetic season of the year.
This isn't our most empathetic season of the year.
50
I just listened to his music and well, it's terrible. There is no other word to describe it. This guy needs to grow a pair, and learn to write songs that don't sound like a retarded combination of The Dredsen Dolls & Death Cab For Cutie. He lacks destiny... Don't believe me? Check out his page
http://www.myspace.com/caravelband/music…
http://www.myspace.com/caravelband/music…
51
I liked this story. It was funny and contemplative. I've never been in a band, but I have had the experience of moving to Seattle looking for the PBR-soaked pot of gold. I was smushed into poverty and disbelief. But I was young, naive and didn't realize how much work you have to put in to get a career going in a well-educated and creative town like Seattle. For a few years I felt righteously indignant. Then I realized righteous indignation wasn't going to pay my bills or get me out of debt so I woman-ed the fuck up and got to work. I'm proud of the small successes I've had in the five years I've been here. I bet if Ben had stuck around he could have pulled that off too.
52
Good article, understandable disappointment. Ten years ago you could have gotten a job on the record label side of things and taken all that disappointment out on younger, up and coming bands. You'd become drunk on their tears I tell you!
53
what a whiney little b*tch. Either your music sucks or you didn't try hard enough. why don't you blame everyone in washington for your problems so you can be a poor victim? this article irritated me.
55
Wow. Based on the comments, it appears Seattle's music scene is awash with jaded assholes. You're all just pissed off that you didn't write this article, which I found quite enjoyable.
56
#54, totally right.
And furthermore, I agree, your band was full of devastatingly good-looking guys.
Not to worry, Seattle will get over their obsession with The Head and The Heart soon enough and another lame band will capture their attention with nothing new or creative.
Keep writing music.
Most that commented totally missed the point and need to up their Vitamin D supplements, the moody fucks.
And furthermore, I agree, your band was full of devastatingly good-looking guys.
Not to worry, Seattle will get over their obsession with The Head and The Heart soon enough and another lame band will capture their attention with nothing new or creative.
Keep writing music.
Most that commented totally missed the point and need to up their Vitamin D supplements, the moody fucks.
57
Actually Seattle is full of hard-working, driven and smart musicians that are looking to get their hustle on.
It's called the music business for a reason. If you want it handed to you on a silver platter you are S.O.L.
Look at the Spits. That band wrote the book on how not to be a shitty local band. They work their asses off, tour relentlessly and are bigger out of Seattle then they are here.
Want something? Work for it. Ben, I'm sorry you gave up so easily. That says more about you than the rest of Seattle's local music scene.
It's called the music business for a reason. If you want it handed to you on a silver platter you are S.O.L.
Look at the Spits. That band wrote the book on how not to be a shitty local band. They work their asses off, tour relentlessly and are bigger out of Seattle then they are here.
Want something? Work for it. Ben, I'm sorry you gave up so easily. That says more about you than the rest of Seattle's local music scene.
58
As someone who has been a musician for a good long while, and has done so in a couple different places, I can assure you that seattle is a terrible place to try to make a living playing music. It is a fine place to be a hobby musician.
The only way to get ahead is to capture the attention of a taste-maker. Some bands play 3 times in a basement and get 'the deal', others play relentlessly for 10 years and get nothing but the satisfaction of a job well done. Some folks have the finances and/or wherwithal to keep plugging away with zero return, others chose to invest that energy and expense elsewhere.
The only way to get ahead is to capture the attention of a taste-maker. Some bands play 3 times in a basement and get 'the deal', others play relentlessly for 10 years and get nothing but the satisfaction of a job well done. Some folks have the finances and/or wherwithal to keep plugging away with zero return, others chose to invest that energy and expense elsewhere.
59
Well, if you'd kept playing you could have probably screwed a few hipster chicks — they dig angst.
60
Easy summary: you sucked, had no idea how to get better, and had no idea how to try to tap into an audience that would appreciate your shitty music -- and there are tons of people in Seattle and elsewhere who appreciate shitty music. Not bad as a writer, but only time will tell if you're a one-trick pony.
There have been a few great bands who have moved to Seattle and done well, but they are vastly outweighed by the mediocre shitstorm that started around 1991. If this is your announcement to the world that you are done trying to play music for other people, then it's welcome. Maybe if you played music for yourself from now on you might get somewhere.
There have been a few great bands who have moved to Seattle and done well, but they are vastly outweighed by the mediocre shitstorm that started around 1991. If this is your announcement to the world that you are done trying to play music for other people, then it's welcome. Maybe if you played music for yourself from now on you might get somewhere.
61
The article was really funny, and would make a good longer piece too, I'd think. And may I just say some of you are making me think twice about visiting Seattle, at least until I can find some kevlar underthings...
64
First, why Seattle? It had literally 1000+ bands BEFORE the recession started - probably twice that now. How many of them will 'make it' in the Dick-Clark biblical sense you allude to?
Secondly, read the news. In Seattle, you will only get respect as an original and unforgettable act if you suicide/murder/OD on heroin. That's because the taste-trenders here have incredibly immature POVs, and Seattle is very largely a repressed, parochial depression hole. (There used to be a great music magazine here called The Rocket. It died for lack of income. The trendy-posers couldn't read it.)
Feel better? Now: suppose you're actually good. Try Idaho or Utah or Oregon. When you've been recognized for greatness someplace like that (like Eliot Smith), get in touch with Bumbershoot. Play there and with that imprimatur you're gold at any of the moss-monkey shithole of your choice.
Or, you could start a record label. That worked for a couple people. Try to put out records by people likely to OD or suicide in a few years. It's even better if they sleep under freeway bridges.
Secondly, read the news. In Seattle, you will only get respect as an original and unforgettable act if you suicide/murder/OD on heroin. That's because the taste-trenders here have incredibly immature POVs, and Seattle is very largely a repressed, parochial depression hole. (There used to be a great music magazine here called The Rocket. It died for lack of income. The trendy-posers couldn't read it.)
Feel better? Now: suppose you're actually good. Try Idaho or Utah or Oregon. When you've been recognized for greatness someplace like that (like Eliot Smith), get in touch with Bumbershoot. Play there and with that imprimatur you're gold at any of the moss-monkey shithole of your choice.
Or, you could start a record label. That worked for a couple people. Try to put out records by people likely to OD or suicide in a few years. It's even better if they sleep under freeway bridges.
65
P.S. Still think Seattle's The Place? Turn on a radio and listen to the music they play. That will teach you more about what a bitchin' music scene this is than any words.
Ever notice no venues here have chairs? People don't go to listen, they go to get laid. When people in Seattle start getting laid (and monkeys ... etc.), there won't be any more "music" venues.
Ever notice no venues here have chairs? People don't go to listen, they go to get laid. When people in Seattle start getting laid (and monkeys ... etc.), there won't be any more "music" venues.
67
Wow, there are lots of tightly wound people commenting on this thread. I thought the article was hilarious, sounds like he's making fun of himself more than complaining. Apparently all the haters getting mad on here thought the Stranger actually wanted to help some guy plead his case for why his band should have made it big- oh wait, they would never do that, it's a fucking joke, Genevieve Flaversham?! No one has had a name like that since
Dickens. This made me laugh twice, once for how much it sucks to be a mediocre band, and twice for hard it is for anybody in Seattle to relax and have a laugh, you guys need to get laid. And I didnt notice this sad sap ever mention getting blown for being in the band, I bet he was jerking off into all that dirty laundry the whole time, poor guy.
Dickens. This made me laugh twice, once for how much it sucks to be a mediocre band, and twice for hard it is for anybody in Seattle to relax and have a laugh, you guys need to get laid. And I didnt notice this sad sap ever mention getting blown for being in the band, I bet he was jerking off into all that dirty laundry the whole time, poor guy.
71
Oh no! You had to move equipment in the rain? You shouldn't have to do that to play music!
Sounds like you were in it for the wrong reasons. Probably better that you hung it up. In the very least, you'll save the music scene from having to deal with yet another overpriveleged, pompous bunch of wannabe shitheads with a disproportionate sense of entitlement.
Sounds like you were in it for the wrong reasons. Probably better that you hung it up. In the very least, you'll save the music scene from having to deal with yet another overpriveleged, pompous bunch of wannabe shitheads with a disproportionate sense of entitlement.
73
When you're in a scene like Seattle's it can sometimes distort your vision. You play shows with bands that sometimes get amazing press, local radio support and a lot of "buzz" while many other bands (including yours) don't get that attention. And it makes you wonder why them and not you. Sometimes it as easy as "Band X is far more talented/prettier than you". Sometimes it's not so easy to put your finger on it. You can either go on doing what you do or you can let it consume you, and then ultimately consume your band. I think the author Ben's story is universal regardless of the scene.
@25. Don't send bands to Austin! Austin's local music scene is completely shitty. Try Houston. Much more DIY and less pretentious.
@25. Don't send bands to Austin! Austin's local music scene is completely shitty. Try Houston. Much more DIY and less pretentious.
74
Yeesh. Count me among those defending Ben. This is called a confessional piece, people.
That said, I think there is a pretty important lesson implied by this - that an all-or-nothing attitude about your music career is likely to lead to disappointment. It's much better to gig locally and concentrate on what's important - making the very best record you can. Fame doesn't always result from good songwriting and clever arrangements, but you've sure got a better shot - especially when you're mining low-energy territory like Caravel did.
That said, I think there is a pretty important lesson implied by this - that an all-or-nothing attitude about your music career is likely to lead to disappointment. It's much better to gig locally and concentrate on what's important - making the very best record you can. Fame doesn't always result from good songwriting and clever arrangements, but you've sure got a better shot - especially when you're mining low-energy territory like Caravel did.
76
The art for this article reminds me of David Brent looking at the camera after telling his secretary Dawn that she is being fired for stealing post-its.
77
Um, when somebody writed a self-deprecating piece about their naive and unrealistic expectations and "grotesque sense of entitlement", what kind of jerk feels the need to pile on and say "HEY! YOU WERE BEING NAIVE AND HAD UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS AND A GROTESQUE SENSE OF ENTITLEMENT!"?
The whole thrust of the article is how ill-advised and poorly-executed this effort was. You don't need to explain that to the person who wrote the damn thing, for fuck's sake.
I liked the piece. *shrug*
The whole thrust of the article is how ill-advised and poorly-executed this effort was. You don't need to explain that to the person who wrote the damn thing, for fuck's sake.
I liked the piece. *shrug*
78
I have to agree with what someone else said: most of you on this string are a bunch of jaded assholes. No doubt a bunch of wanna-be indie hipsters whose bands sucked, and therefore wished they had at least written this article. It's so easy to be a critic and hide behind a comment board, but really, that just makes you a sorry-ass pussy.
Sometimes you have to just take an article for what it is, and not throw your own personal failings into it.
Sometimes you have to just take an article for what it is, and not throw your own personal failings into it.
79
@16 is so right. I thought it was a funny, charming little piece. I think it was supposed to be funny.
@9 Ron, you are not *allowed* to make the rules.
@9 Ron, you are not *allowed* to make the rules.
82
If you wanna be a star of stage and screen
Look out! It's rough and mean!
It's a long way to the top
If you wanna rock 'n' roll.
Channel some of that disappointment/anger into a good song. Next to love, being pissed off about the "unfairness" of the world is one of the most fertile grounds for art.
Look out! It's rough and mean!
It's a long way to the top
If you wanna rock 'n' roll.
Channel some of that disappointment/anger into a good song. Next to love, being pissed off about the "unfairness" of the world is one of the most fertile grounds for art.
83
SORRY BUT THIS GUY STILL DOESN'T GET IT.
he saw his hometown peers get famous. he admits to thinking 'me too'.
FACT IS, YOUR NUMBER ONE REASON FOR PLAYING MUSIC IS BECAUSE YOU LOVE TO PLAY!! (just like anything else)
i hope this guy is writing now because he loves to write, not because he needs to be a famous writer.
he saw his hometown peers get famous. he admits to thinking 'me too'.
FACT IS, YOUR NUMBER ONE REASON FOR PLAYING MUSIC IS BECAUSE YOU LOVE TO PLAY!! (just like anything else)
i hope this guy is writing now because he loves to write, not because he needs to be a famous writer.
84
I'm with 16. I don't think I would have liked Caravel, but it seems pretty clear to ME at least that the first 2/3rds of the article were purposefully overplaying the sympathy card. He's clearly setting up some laughs at his own expense.
Yeah, moving to a city unprepared expecting you're going to make it is silly; but that's. exactly. the point. of this article.
Yeah, moving to a city unprepared expecting you're going to make it is silly; but that's. exactly. the point. of this article.
85
The challenges are what make this an interesting story. It's a bit unfortunate/depressing if this column is the end of the struggle. Maybe we could have a quarterly check in on how it's going. Keep at it. 80+ comments means something.
87
@64 has some very good and very true points.
Seriously, don't come to Seattle to start a band. We can't even keep tracks of the ones here already.
You are way better off staying in whatever hell hole you live in, and touring nearby, and maybe dropping in to Seattle once in a while, before you ever MOVE here.
For fuck's sake.
Seriously, don't come to Seattle to start a band. We can't even keep tracks of the ones here already.
You are way better off staying in whatever hell hole you live in, and touring nearby, and maybe dropping in to Seattle once in a while, before you ever MOVE here.
For fuck's sake.
88
I'm really confused on why someone would move away from Orange County to "make it" as a largely unoriginal band. Orange County is the nexus of unoriginality, look through any issue of Alternative Press and you'll see a bunch of SoCal dudes dressed in their closest approximation of My Chemical Romance in order to "make it". Seattle really isn't the place for musicians who go into rock simply to be adored - I can't think of one successful person from Seattle's music history that has followed this path.
Also, you kind of parred yourself by naming your band a name very close to the name of an ice cream shop. Was the name "Baskim Robbins" taken already?
Also, you kind of parred yourself by naming your band a name very close to the name of an ice cream shop. Was the name "Baskim Robbins" taken already?
89
This is what the world will now know of the "Seattle Scene"...fucking pathetic
http://fivedollarcover.mtvmusic.com/
http://fivedollarcover.mtvmusic.com/
90
Sometimes i think "the only reason i write music is because it makes me feel good" is just as trendy as "i write music because it's the only thing i know how to do. it's either write music or starve"
if you claim to not have any ego in your work and vision then you're pretty much a liar. it's only human to have hopes of leading the pack. in fact, it's more than human, it's survival of the fittest.
if you claim to not have any ego in your work and vision then you're pretty much a liar. it's only human to have hopes of leading the pack. in fact, it's more than human, it's survival of the fittest.
91
Ben, and bandmates: at least you tried. And you write well, with humor, irony, and self-awareness. Best of luck in your future endeavors!
93
If your not willing to believe in the dream till your still believing when everyone else has quit (aka ... you) then you never believed it at all. band members quit or your band breaks up? get a new one! get dicked over at a gig? book another one! don't like the weather? too fucking bad move then! as a matter of fact if the weather were nice here i'da quit playing years ago to hang out in the sunshine ... but every winter that rolls around I hole up in a sound cave and remind myself of how tough you really have to be to continue playing music in Seattle. mediocre music apathy, non-paying gigs, passive-aggressive attitudes, cynical crowds and partly cloudy with a strong chance of rain is daily routine here. and if you take the easy way out and quit ... then thats exactly what every asshole that every told you that you'd fail wanted, cuz as long as your not successful at anything you love ... then they don't have to be either. get back on the horse and write music YOU want to hear and fuck what everybody else thinks. Lionel Hampton toured internationally till age 93 with his jazz fest one year before he died. mind you he was more "successful" ... but thats because he loved it and NEVER quit! would you rather hear "nice article maybe you should just be a music writer?"
94
You left Santa Cruz? That place within an easy drive to 6+ million folks (the pop. of WA), and another 30+ million within 8 hours. We all make mistakes, but not usually that big.
Good writing though.
Good writing though.
95
what a bunch of cynical curmudgeon assholes!
most of the comments on here must have been typed by penis fingers because they are DICK.
the guy tries on a little humility & admits that the endeavor was more than he could stomach & you see it fit to shit in the open wounds.
it is sad to read that there are so many people who are aroused by the naivete of others & only took their hands out of their pants to type something shitty (& then i get all riled up & act like an asshole too).
what is wrong with trying, being an ass & failing if you can admit it, learn from it & laugh at yourself?
most of the comments on here must have been typed by penis fingers because they are DICK.
the guy tries on a little humility & admits that the endeavor was more than he could stomach & you see it fit to shit in the open wounds.
it is sad to read that there are so many people who are aroused by the naivete of others & only took their hands out of their pants to type something shitty (& then i get all riled up & act like an asshole too).
what is wrong with trying, being an ass & failing if you can admit it, learn from it & laugh at yourself?
97
my soul cries out for your sufferGO TO COLLEGE OR GET A JOB AND PLAY YOUR GIGS AFTER SCHOOL AND WORK.
98
Ben, thank you for an honest article that reflects your painful growth as an artist and a person.
My hat is off to you.
Never mind the cynical barbs that others on this thread have aimed at you; they identify with your dreams and disappointments and are ashamed of them. With that shame comes anger, and then comes the desire to bury their anger and shame with you.
You're an artist: never forget that. I ask you to take your anger and sadness and get back up there on that stage and do it anyway. I know it feels like nobody's watching, and it hurts that no one is watching, but let it out anyway. Let your COMPLAINT be your ANSWER. Do it again, in spite of, because.
Those of you who delight in stomping on this guy's piece, I pity each and every one of you, because you're beyond the point of wanting to help yourselves, and can only delight in dumping on others.
Keep at it Ben. Thanks.
My hat is off to you.
Never mind the cynical barbs that others on this thread have aimed at you; they identify with your dreams and disappointments and are ashamed of them. With that shame comes anger, and then comes the desire to bury their anger and shame with you.
You're an artist: never forget that. I ask you to take your anger and sadness and get back up there on that stage and do it anyway. I know it feels like nobody's watching, and it hurts that no one is watching, but let it out anyway. Let your COMPLAINT be your ANSWER. Do it again, in spite of, because.
Those of you who delight in stomping on this guy's piece, I pity each and every one of you, because you're beyond the point of wanting to help yourselves, and can only delight in dumping on others.
Keep at it Ben. Thanks.
99
I've been playing out for 30 years. I did a bunch of the stuff Ben did. He's right, it's a really stupid way to go.
Somebody said something about playing music because you love to play it, but even more important is to make music because you have something to say with it that people need to hear.
If you're making art, you need to find an audience. They're not at the bars. I've been the asshole in the corner with a guitar and a PA while people re-enact their volley ball spikes on the table in front of me. It's kind of your job to get them to listen, but if they're not there to listen, you're likely wasting your time.
We stopped playing clubs in 1997. We started doing small house concerts (this after two records) and defined success as playing to 11 people who were there to listen and having them enjoy it.
We kept doing house concerts and then moved up to renting the Sunset Hill Community Club, and putting out another record and being able rent out and almost fill 400 seat MOHI - ONCE A YEAR - and Meydenbauer, and some other places and eventually a few festivals where we played in front of 4,000 - 6,000 people.
But it took us eight years to get there and eventually you do something wrong, or people decide your music sucks, or the economy goes into the toilet and the highlights mostly illustrate how small the margins really are.
And once you've played in front of a crowd that roars like that, well, unless someone is buying you into major market radio, that's what you get.
Good on ya Ben, for being able to write a piece about what it's like to dip your toes into it and learn that it's not the glamour life the major labels want people to believe it is. If you can get that lesson over quickly, you might be able to find a framework that gets you past the disappointment of the numbers and into a place where you make some music that people might hear and love.
But if the music and the writing isn't driving *you* - find a passion that feeds your body and regardless do something that will put a roof over your head. The music isn't doing that for people with names these days.
More...
Somebody said something about playing music because you love to play it, but even more important is to make music because you have something to say with it that people need to hear.
If you're making art, you need to find an audience. They're not at the bars. I've been the asshole in the corner with a guitar and a PA while people re-enact their volley ball spikes on the table in front of me. It's kind of your job to get them to listen, but if they're not there to listen, you're likely wasting your time.
We stopped playing clubs in 1997. We started doing small house concerts (this after two records) and defined success as playing to 11 people who were there to listen and having them enjoy it.
We kept doing house concerts and then moved up to renting the Sunset Hill Community Club, and putting out another record and being able rent out and almost fill 400 seat MOHI - ONCE A YEAR - and Meydenbauer, and some other places and eventually a few festivals where we played in front of 4,000 - 6,000 people.
But it took us eight years to get there and eventually you do something wrong, or people decide your music sucks, or the economy goes into the toilet and the highlights mostly illustrate how small the margins really are.
And once you've played in front of a crowd that roars like that, well, unless someone is buying you into major market radio, that's what you get.
Good on ya Ben, for being able to write a piece about what it's like to dip your toes into it and learn that it's not the glamour life the major labels want people to believe it is. If you can get that lesson over quickly, you might be able to find a framework that gets you past the disappointment of the numbers and into a place where you make some music that people might hear and love.
But if the music and the writing isn't driving *you* - find a passion that feeds your body and regardless do something that will put a roof over your head. The music isn't doing that for people with names these days.
100
@PRETTYMUCHEVERYONE
Is it just me or is this article quite light-hearted and self-deprecating and entirely aware of the inherent humour in its vainglorious, frustrated struggle? And that most people, in their criticisms, appear like humorless blowhard assholes?
No, it isn't. Good article Ben. Chunklet ran a piece a few years ago about how much it sucks to go on tour; this does a great job of dismantling the ideas that come before that.
Is it just me or is this article quite light-hearted and self-deprecating and entirely aware of the inherent humour in its vainglorious, frustrated struggle? And that most people, in their criticisms, appear like humorless blowhard assholes?
No, it isn't. Good article Ben. Chunklet ran a piece a few years ago about how much it sucks to go on tour; this does a great job of dismantling the ideas that come before that.
101
There's nothing more worth doing than music. Before recording, composers (including many famous now) wrote music all their lives, never get it performed. Some of them took 50 years for the world to discover.
It's not like that any more. You can perform it, record it, and using some software put it somewhere for free where people all over the world can find it. Almost anything you can do (with some competence) will find someone who digs it. They can share it easily.
You don't need to grovel or get ripped off to find an audience any more. 15 YEARS ago I read about a guy in Edina, MN that nobody in the US knew about, because ... well it's the US. But in Europe he was BIG NEWS. (P.S. Europe has grown-up tastes. Phil Dick was right: the U.S. is still stuck in Roman times.)
Anyway, If you love music, there's nothing more worth doing. Do it. Let nothing stop you. Route around the damage. All You Need is Love.
It's not like that any more. You can perform it, record it, and using some software put it somewhere for free where people all over the world can find it. Almost anything you can do (with some competence) will find someone who digs it. They can share it easily.
You don't need to grovel or get ripped off to find an audience any more. 15 YEARS ago I read about a guy in Edina, MN that nobody in the US knew about, because ... well it's the US. But in Europe he was BIG NEWS. (P.S. Europe has grown-up tastes. Phil Dick was right: the U.S. is still stuck in Roman times.)
Anyway, If you love music, there's nothing more worth doing. Do it. Let nothing stop you. Route around the damage. All You Need is Love.
102
@17: I guess I haven't heard of the Cold War Kids because I'm 41 and have actual kids, and a wife, and a job, and a house, etc., and don't follow much music other than my own little scene in my little midwestern city. Just going along and having a nice, non-famous life with music as part of it. Playing music is important and I wish this Ben dude here luck.
One thing though: a Mennonite farmer's market actually sounds like a pretty cool deal to play. If you can find a way to connect the music thing with the whole local food, farm-core type of scene, you might be onto something!
One thing though: a Mennonite farmer's market actually sounds like a pretty cool deal to play. If you can find a way to connect the music thing with the whole local food, farm-core type of scene, you might be onto something!
103
@94 That's exactly what I thought. Then again I left Santa Cruz to move to London to 'make it big' in publishing. Had good times, but man that city drains your wallet instantly then spits on you for being poor.
Love it here, but miss that Pleasure Point Pizza. Also, Pearl Jam playing to 800 at the Catalyst Club in 93 was one of the best nights of my life.
Love it here, but miss that Pleasure Point Pizza. Also, Pearl Jam playing to 800 at the Catalyst Club in 93 was one of the best nights of my life.
104
Thanks for sharing. I laughed out loud several times. Sure did bring out a lot of comments - and a lot of bitch haters - who probably made the same mistakes but obviously haven't come to terms with it...
105
Music isn't about playing sounds, it's about shooting copious amounts of heroin in front of a microphone. Silly SoCal Kids!
106
First off, the reason your band didn't make it was because your music is awful:
http://www.myspace.com/caravelband
Second -- did this kid win a "publish my story in the Stranger" auction item? This is not up to the quality of writing I expect from a Stranger feature.
http://www.myspace.com/caravelband
Second -- did this kid win a "publish my story in the Stranger" auction item? This is not up to the quality of writing I expect from a Stranger feature.
107
First off, the reason your band didn't make it was because your music is awful:
http://www.myspace.com/caravelband
Second -- did this kid win a "publish my story in the Stranger" auction item? This is not up to the quality of writing I expect from a Stranger feature.
http://www.myspace.com/caravelband
Second -- did this kid win a "publish my story in the Stranger" auction item? This is not up to the quality of writing I expect from a Stranger feature.
110
Hahaha. You ain't seen nothin' kid. I was in a loser, bottom feeder band in '91-93, the height of the "grunge explosion", back when you were just graduating to big boy pants. Every awful combo West of the Mississippi and beyond moved to Seattle to "make it." And guess what? Like us, most all of 'em sucked. We played every, shitty, dead-end gig in town. You haven't stared into the eye of existential despair until you've played a Monday night gig at the old "Mad Dog's" in Lake City. A Tuesday night at the Colorbox offered little more solace. My favorite was a T-shirt hawked by that same club which read:
YOUR HAIR'S TOO LONG
AND SO IS YOUR SET
YOUR HAIR'S TOO LONG
AND SO IS YOUR SET
111
@107, thanks for digging that myspace page up so that we could all hear what James Taylor taking a messy shit on Ben Folds sounds like. Horrible.
112
@18: MORE FLAVERSHAM!!!
@AllTheRestOfYou: Just reading your comments makes me feel sad for you. Your smug self-satisfaction about your pitiful crucifixion of this unarmed author is thoroughly Pyrrhic; it reveals only this: you are small people.
@AllTheRestOfYou: Just reading your comments makes me feel sad for you. Your smug self-satisfaction about your pitiful crucifixion of this unarmed author is thoroughly Pyrrhic; it reveals only this: you are small people.
113
@18: MORE FLAVERSHAM!!!
@AllTheRestOfYou: Just reading your comments makes me feel sad for you. Your smug self-satisfaction about your pitiful crucifixion of this unarmed author is thoroughly Pyrrhic; it reveals only this: you are small people.
@AllTheRestOfYou: Just reading your comments makes me feel sad for you. Your smug self-satisfaction about your pitiful crucifixion of this unarmed author is thoroughly Pyrrhic; it reveals only this: you are small people.
114
@18: MORE FLAVERSHAM!!!
@AllTheRestOfYou: Just reading your comments makes me feel sad for you. Your smug self-satisfaction about your pitiful crucifixion of this unarmed author is thoroughly Pyrrhic; it reveals only this: you are small people.
@AllTheRestOfYou: Just reading your comments makes me feel sad for you. Your smug self-satisfaction about your pitiful crucifixion of this unarmed author is thoroughly Pyrrhic; it reveals only this: you are small people.
116
CMON people, this piece is funny. Self-deprecating, whiny, so what? It takes guts to paint yourself like a loser. Personally, I think any struggling musician can identify with his overarching sentiments and observations - it's a cold world out there, and it's tough finding your sweet spot...
117
Go back to California. We don't want you here. Same goes for you east coasters and midwesterners. Just go back to where the weather and food and drivers and scene and yes, even you, are so much better. We're tired of hearing you whine when you can't make it and don't fit in.
118
All I got out of this was that you wore long johns in Seattle.
It is never cold enough, long enough to wear long johns in Seattle, unless it's a brief cold snap and your job involves you being outside all night long.
It is never cold enough, long enough to wear long johns in Seattle, unless it's a brief cold snap and your job involves you being outside all night long.
119
@118 not true. i wear long johns whenever it's below 50 which is pretty much september through july...and i feel great!
just figured I couldn't let any argument on here go without a rebuttal
just figured I couldn't let any argument on here go without a rebuttal
120
thank you for your article. i liked it. the one thing i learned from the comments: how negative and cynical people are. why are so many of you angry at the world?
121
I am so far removed from the local music scene as to be positively Lawrence Welkian (or, as I prefer, Lennon Sisterian) but I just have to ask: As a genuine Cold War kid (I'm 45, and the "Iron Curtain" fell in 1989, when I was 24) how could anyone under the age of (charitably) 30 be considered a "Cold War Kid"?
Or are people at my advanced age still making music that is relevant to the youth?
Or are people at my advanced age still making music that is relevant to the youth?
122
We live in an amazing, amazing world, and it's wasted on the crappiest generation of spoiled idiots.
123
Jesus what a bunch of Seattleite hipster fuckheads! This isn't an 'I anonymous', it's a reflection piece from a guy who's actually a halfway decent writer talking about what it was once like to be naive! He's not complaining! He's writing AGAINST people with a sense of entitlement! Did you not read the fucking article?
Hey, Ben Bishop, thanks for the article. From one musician to another. None of these wannabe cocksuckers have any idea what it's like to do something creative for a living. And thy especially have no idea what it's like to have to learn from it.
Hey, Ben Bishop, thanks for the article. From one musician to another. None of these wannabe cocksuckers have any idea what it's like to do something creative for a living. And thy especially have no idea what it's like to have to learn from it.
124
Sounds like you couldnt hang kid. Flintstones vitamins, grow the fuck up. If your songs were as boring as this article its no surprise you failed.
125
Ben, just know that IT NEVER ENDS. As an old (over 25) and relatively successful band member (gold albums)your story is The Story. I too have played Tuesday nights at an empty bar, gamely improvising on "Feelin' Alright?" by Traffic to get to 11:45 p.m so we can take a break from playing to the bartender. And playing in a field to people cleaning up the day after a free festival. It's Darwin, baby. No one dreams of flipping burgers at McDonalds.
Marty Jourard
Marty Jourard
126
people are probably being such dicks because about 90% of seattlites consider themselves "failed musicians" but aren't smart enough to get paid for writing about it. and anyway, as long as you keep playing you haven't failed. technically you're still fail*ing*. i think it's an interesting story a) because so many can relate to it (myself included. drove three hours to play the ocean shores elk club in a giant empty room with a big, high stage adjacent to a tiny, packed barroom full of alcoholics) b) the guy's at least repentant. even god can forgive sinners... and it invented herpes! we can do better. i.e. take it easy ya d-bags.
127
Hahaha- I can definitely relate to this story, not alot of difference from my arrival in Seattle. Thanks for sharing Ben!
128
@117: I am from the Midwest and am fitting in here. Also, the weather is better here than there. But oh, the drivers. Suffer the poor drivers.
129
The Good News is that if you didn't make it here you were Destined to make it Nationally. That explains the derogatory comments too! The Bad News is that you and your potential Band are Unknowns...i.e. difficult and embarrasing to come out Cold to a National Audience. Also that the band up and left could mean that it's you, yourself and you that will make it and double or triple the aforesaid insecurity! I have heard of this type of Breakup where the Band that ditched out became the Successful Half, but not about to hold my breath on that one. People who make it Big tend to be Loners, I've noticed. If you try "coming out" in that context and actually Repel the Invaders, I Guarantee YOU WILL MAKE IT!!! (Good Name for a Grunge Band under Obamabama !!!)
130
I hope you read this even though it's unregistered. I enjoyed your story, and as a freelancer myself (though not a musician) I could relate. I feel for you. I guess the other folks putting you down just enjoy being mean. It can be hard to continue, and I hope to get out of the freelance racket once my current obligations are fulfilled. Good luck.
131
I liked the article.
But why would you leave Santa Cruz to try and make it in Seattle? Santa Cruz is known for its music scene; Seattle is known for its music scene circa 1993. If you were going to leave Santa Cruz to "make it", wouldn't you go to an actual *big* city like L.A., New York, or Berlin?
@117: if you think the weather's better in the midwest, you obviously have a) never been there and b) never looked at a national weather map: http://www.weather.gov/forecasts/graphic…
The fucking top of a fucking sports arena collapsed because of all the snow in Minneapolis, Chicago is windy and cold, and the whole damn midwest is unbearably hot and muggy during the summer.
My advice: switch to accordion or banjo (you don't even need to learn how to play them!) and more to New York, Minneapolis, or Portland. You'll be a star.
But why would you leave Santa Cruz to try and make it in Seattle? Santa Cruz is known for its music scene; Seattle is known for its music scene circa 1993. If you were going to leave Santa Cruz to "make it", wouldn't you go to an actual *big* city like L.A., New York, or Berlin?
@117: if you think the weather's better in the midwest, you obviously have a) never been there and b) never looked at a national weather map: http://www.weather.gov/forecasts/graphic…
The fucking top of a fucking sports arena collapsed because of all the snow in Minneapolis, Chicago is windy and cold, and the whole damn midwest is unbearably hot and muggy during the summer.
My advice: switch to accordion or banjo (you don't even need to learn how to play them!) and more to New York, Minneapolis, or Portland. You'll be a star.
132
im with you @100-- i thought this was well written, and it sounds like you've grown a lot. thanks for sharing it with us.
i think it's easier to pick things apart and whine and complain and be negative, then actually try and get something from it.
i think it's easier to pick things apart and whine and complain and be negative, then actually try and get something from it.
133
Whoa. Listened to Caravel and thought a few things:
1. Piano Lessons.
2. Find your voice. Take a moment and figure your voice out. This sounds typical and predictable.
3. Hollow sounds and mechanical intonation.
Did you play for professional people? If so, did you get notes from them? Maybe whatcha need is good feedback and coaching vs. quitting.
1. Piano Lessons.
2. Find your voice. Take a moment and figure your voice out. This sounds typical and predictable.
3. Hollow sounds and mechanical intonation.
Did you play for professional people? If so, did you get notes from them? Maybe whatcha need is good feedback and coaching vs. quitting.
134
very good article.
sounds like you loved the idea of being famous. If you were in it for the sake of making music, you'd still be doing it.
sounds like you loved the idea of being famous. If you were in it for the sake of making music, you'd still be doing it.
135
The hostility directed against this article confuses me - I'm guessing it comes from other failed 'artists' who found it hitting too close to home. I thought it was funny and well-written. Quite a relief after reading shit by Charles whatshisname.
137
I have to agree with @106, the writing was more like a fairly good high-school newspaper featurette than something I'd expect from the Stranger. If dude isn't willing to tough it out and become a better composer, then he'd damned-sure better be willing to tough it out and become a better writer! And THAT takes quite awhile!
138
Seriously, am I the only person on this thread that understands you are just painting a picture of what you experienced? Granted, I guess I am not the typical troll with nothing more to do than try to make myself feel better about my pathetic life by trying to use my half-baked wit criticizing someone else. It really doesn't take that much intelligence.
For me, I loved the article. I though you told the truth and and I found the journey interesting. Maybe because I like the idea of experiencing life a little by actually getting off the couch and doing something.
For me, I loved the article. I though you told the truth and and I found the journey interesting. Maybe because I like the idea of experiencing life a little by actually getting off the couch and doing something.
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