#relativeminds

Every night in the bar I work at is devastating to someone in some special way. I officially fall under the umbrella of “industry people”, so watching people drink themselves into the 5th dimension is generally part of my job. There are so many ways I can touch on this subject, but tonight, I’d really only like to point my proverbial finger towards one type of person, feeling one type of devastation - the crowd-less musician.

It strikes a chord with me when I look into the black of musician’s (especially older musicians) eyes and see them truly questioning why they drove such a long distance to play for zero people. It’s mostly because I know the feeling roots deeper than that. The question, in actuality, is:

“Why did I choose to play music instead of ___________ ? (insert anything)”.

I don't feel this reaction anymore. I've played my fair share of ghost-towns and after awhile of doing it, I learned one important mantra. You are never going to be able make anything work for yourself if you're constantly concerned with your surroundings. People spend their whole lives chasing around a fruitless shadow. It doesn't make any sort of logical sense. So when I see this gaze in any artist's eyes, I don't feel the sympathy I should. I don't feel the need to spend all of my money to help them along. I feel pity. I feel frustrated at their lack of compassion and perseverance. 

To be the only one in the room while a band is playing is quite a strange negotiation. These people don't know me. They don't know if my opinion is of any importance. I understand that. I do not think that makes it acceptable to give 15-30% of their normal performance. This applies to every artist. It's not acceptable. If it's the only chance you've got to feel good about your emotional release medium, then it's not about who is watching. It's about you.  Cast a shadow, no matter the cost, at all times. 

We're coming up on November 1st. I'm off traveling and touring, so, the release of the third and fourth trailers will be slightly delayed. I'm sorry about that! Please spread the word about the zine, it's release, and all the great contributors we have on board for it. Also, Relative Minds (run by Garrett Van Brunt) has put together a beautiful zine that you can check out here. The zine ships for free if you buy a Relative Minds shirt.

Otherwise, a couple of related happenings to the November issue to mention -

St. Jeanne has a new EP for download. Pick it up here. It features the track from the November Compilation. 

Elephant Rifle has posted their new LP for streaming here. It too has a track from the Nov. Compilation. 

Remember! Pre-ordering a $6.00 zine will get you:

• A 30-35 page mecca of art, culture and writings

• Free entry to the Nov. 8th Release Show

• Download of the Nov. Comp

Stay warm,