The Difference

A lot of times I go see bands and try to figure out what is the difference between them and me, besides the obvious years of experience they have on me. But really, as long as you can write something catchy what really separates the great artists from the good ones or the people in the crowd? Recently I think I found the answer, the difference between the kid in the crowd that lets say plays guitar and the guy onstage is commitment. It is fun as hell to go to a bunch of shows, have some appropriate and most of the time inappropriate fun, but at some point... when you really want to put it on the line, you have to give it up. We had the opportunity to play with Family Groove Company this past summer and Roster McCabe just a couple weeks ago, and there are two groups that make you want to become a better musician. While we were pounding beers and having a good time backstage waiting to go on, they were going over licks, practicing timing, and in the case of Family Groove, showed up before the show and were all business. I'm not saying its bad to have a good time, or having a couple beers before is a bad thing, but the guys that really make it and become something special are the ones that are there for the music, and if they get to enjoy a beer or two with their friends on stage thats great. The days of Slash being propped against his amp because he's so fucked up he can't stand are over. Fans expect more, so everyone has to bring their A-game. Now when you are as big as say Phish, I'm sure there is some leeway, but for the kids that are out there trying to make it right now, you need to knuckle down and be professional, it not only goes along way with the fans, but it shows the other bands, the venue, and anyone else who could possibly help your career that you mean business and you aren't just there to get fucked up. If you're willing to commit to becoming the best musician you can be, you can drop the the dropping, stomp out the doping, and just jam. Commitment and professionalism separates those who make it and those who don't. And then some day, when you've caught your break... go ahead, have a little fun, but know you can have fun because of all the work you put in before hand. Jam on that for a while....