The Labor Day show was a learning experience. We played on the hottest day of the year. I clocked 102 and 80% humidity at one point. The equipment started overheating almost immediately. First, the iPads stopped responding to touch. Next, the router overheated and gave out, making it impossible to connect. We ended up bringing in fans and ice packs to cool everything down, but the condensation made everything worse as water spilled out onto Aaron’s keyboard.
So, yeah. Brutal.
But, rumor has it? We sounded great. I mean – sure, maybe everyone was delirious from the heat, but after we killed the mains I had a handful of people come up to me and want to talk.
One handed me a twenty. “A tip”, he said.
The other really wanted to play with us, or at least know how to start his own band.
How to start a band … ?
“I don’t really know what to tell you,” I replied. “There’s a bit of magic involved in getting six guys with competing responsibilities together once a week.”
I’m always a little amazed when it all comes together – even for a weekly rehearsal. I’m also a little amazed that people come to me asking, “How?” Like I’m some professional musician or something. At best, I’m the most average at everything that ever walked the stage.
“Look”, I told him.
“Find one person to play with. Just one.”, I said, “You don’t have to be good. You just gotta’ show up.”
Told I was horrible when I started. Shawn, too. We both started playing together 5 years ago as I was winding down cancer treatment. I played three chords and he played drums back then – poorly.
“You have friends you used to play with, right?”, I asked, recalling what he had told me.
He nodded.
“My guess is they are just like you. They have kids, jobs, responsibilities….and they are probably looking for an outlet, too”, I said.
“So find one”, I encouraged, “Not four. Not five. Not a band – just one. If you grow too fast it’ll all fall apart.”
“And play together and try to play out”, I suggested, “because it’ll motivate you to keep doing it – even if it is just an open mic.”
He nodded and smiled.
“And get in touch with me in two months, because I want to hear how you’re doing.”, I ended.
I kinda’ hope to hear from him again.
Special thanks to “Spoiled Bananas” and “Dencity” for opening for us. Kenn, our lead singer, invited the Bananas, a 6th Grade rock band. “Dencity” has opened for us before at last years’ Halloween show. The drummer, Benji, is the son of our multi-talented guitarist/keybaordist, Aaron.
Hope to play for you all again at Rancho BEER-Nardo on Saturday, October 3rd!
Live life. Stay healthy. Support live music.
-Scott
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