At 1am as I practiced I could hear some plonkers outside my window. I decided to stop and take a nosey. Lucky I did, because I opened my curtains to see that they had stolen my bin and were about to chuck it at a car opposite (which also turned out to be mine). As he raised his arms to chuck it, I banged on the window to tell him to f*** off. He looked at me like a dog looks at you when he’s been told off….and promptly scarpered…with my bin under his arm. It was quite clear he thought he was THE MAN, as his girly friends giggled. What a Bee Turd, I’m off to find my bin.
First of all, I’ll tell you a little of the background. First of all, it was to re-inspire me, to give me hope and to help re-ignite my passion for what I do.* Secondly it was to make some progression by meeting with people, writing with people and learning from watching as many bands as possible. Thirdly, it was an adventure and a getaway. I booked the trip myself and flew 5550 miles round the world solo. Travelling alone is the only way to ensure that you meet new people. I went to Los Angeles (Venice Beach) for a week, then South By South West (SXSW is probably the biggest festival for new music. Austin, TX), then back to Los Angeles (Santa Monica & Hollywood).
The main thing I’ve been telling everyone is how many incredible people I met. Alex Da Kid was quoted saying “If you want to be the best, you have to be around the best”; I certainly felt like I was around the best. I was hanging out with people so far ahead of me; it feels strange knowing I can contact all these people, but not knowing how to lift myself onto the same platform as them. Anyway, at least I know it’s achievable again.
I saw some awesome bands and was particularly happy to see and talk to City and Colour – I was shocked at how few Americans knew who they were though, what’s up with that?!?!
Anyway, to conclude. My passion is re-ignited and my hope restored. Progression was made as the business card spread, songs were written and some unbelievably refreshing music was heard. Finally, it was an adventure, and possibly an unexpected reward was the freedom it has given me.
There’s a lot more to be said for the trip, but I think I’ll keep that to my personal diary. To all of you, I recommend you travel alone at least once. I’d highly recommend Austin as a place to go for music lovers.
Much love,
HARRISON
*Note: None of this had completely died. However, my life as a musician was becoming more and more strained. As much as I love hard work, it’s difficult working when you feel like you’re not moving forward.
First of all, I’ll tell you a little of the background. First of all, it was to re-inspire me, to give me hope and to help re-ignite my passion for what I do.* Secondly it was to make some progression by meeting with people, writing with people and learning from watching as many bands as possible. Thirdly, it was an adventure and a getaway. I booked the trip myself and flew 5550 miles round the world solo. Travelling alone is the only way to ensure that you meet new people. I went to Los Angeles (Venice Beach) for a week, then South By South West (SXSW is probably the biggest festival for new music. Austin, TX), then back to Los Angeles (Santa Monica & Hollywood).
The main thing I’ve been telling everyone is how many incredible people I met. Alex Da Kid was quoted saying “If you want to be the best, you have to be around the best”; I certainly felt like I was around the best. I was hanging out with people so far ahead of me; it feels strange knowing I can contact all these people, but not knowing how to lift myself onto the same platform as them. Anyway, at least I know it’s achievable again.
I saw some awesome bands and was particularly happy to see and talk to City and Colour – I was shocked at how few Americans knew who they were though, what’s up with that?!?!
Anyway, to conclude. My passion is re-ignited and my hope restored. Progression was made as the business card spread, songs were written and some unbelievably refreshing music was heard. Finally, it was an adventure, and possibly an unexpected reward was the freedom it has given me.
There’s a lot more to be said for the trip, but I think I’ll keep that to my personal diary. To all of you, I recommend you travel alone at least once. I’d highly recommend Austin as a place to go for music lovers.
Much love,
HARRISON
*Note: None of this had completely died. However, my life as a musician was becoming more and more strained. As much as I love hard work, it’s difficult working when you feel like you’re not moving forward.
