Appreciation is a funny thing. Everyone has different tastes, values different things, and it's interesting to chart your life and see when and how you have changed, and the reasons why. Traveling and touring was a major factor for me, that immediate and transformative infusion of observation, experience, and perspective that changes the way you see the world and the way you see yourself. Fundamental questions about preconceived notions, and the reasons those preconceived notions exist. Fears, phobias, and fatigue combine in the crucible of self-examination and begin to melt away into truly experiencing life and savoring every minute of it.
A few years ago we made our way to Austin TX for South by Southwest, one of the largest music festivals in the US. It's a little over a thousand miles from Louisville to Texas, and that's a lot of hours in a car. We had a great experience, played a few shows, met some people, ate well, walked a lot, went to a few parties, and in general just soaked it up. Caught a few shows: Gomez and Nickel Creek at Stubb's; Spoon on the lawn; Jamie Cullen at the Paste party; ate at Guero's (played there too). I found myself missing the city when Quentin Tarantino's "Death Proof" came out and it was based there (including a scene at Guero's). All that to say that this year I have decided to go back. Stag. No band.
I'm not sure when or how it came about. I haven't been involved with much new music lately, and I missed most of last year due to being in the studio. I kind of feel like a dry musical sponge, and I like the idea of being surrounded by over 1800 bands to choose from. That kind of schedule is no joke. And actually, I think that the idea of not performing, not carrying equipment, not setting up drums, not worrying about attendance and performance and tuning, is extremely appealing. To be able to fully enjoy the experience of it all. It's also a great event to run a live blog from, and a local publication is going to be involved, so you may read about how it's going in multiple places. I don't want to overstate, so I'll post that info in a couple of weeks. I'm looking forward to it, looking forward to the people I'm going with, looking forward to the experience of it, looking forward to savoring every minute of it.
