Spencer, why you so smart? Seriously, I appreciate the time and effort you put into this. Very enjoyable read on a Sunday morning. Keep on rocking in the free world kid.✊
Damn, you're a great writer, Spencer. And such a keen, thoughtful, open-hearted observer of the life around you.
It seems to me that the social justice movement is very much like religion over the centuries. What starts out as a well-meaning message gets corrupted through misinterpretation and misrepresentation by those too weak to fully grasp and perpetuate it.
There's nothing wrong with feeling great in the moment of creating music (or whatever you're good at). For those of us who are experiencing it for the right reasons, it's what we hope for. It's how we float above our own viper pits for a few fleeting moments...and carry the momentum along as far as possible. I'm very much in favor of "unstoppable with less extreme plumage". Nels Cline does it so well. But if the passion of creation leads to some lingering pride and confidence, so be it. Just don't walk around peacock-like on a regular basis. That's my preference anyway. And I certainly don't see it as a risk for you; you're way too grounded. The fact that you're sharing these thoughts proves it.
Keep building floors that you (we) can stand on without falling.
I was at the nashville show, it was something special for sure. those old school country musicians are another level. Next time you’re in Nashville, go to station Inn and listen to any House band. I have to add that i love you voice (on the drums or otherwise) you and Katie singing “right back to it” in mexico is why i bought the record and why i was at the Ryman.
Yes! This! I’m often moved by a chorus of voices but am equally awed by talented soloists. It doesn’t need to be an either/or situation. Supporting others’ dreams, by hanging in garages while someone practices guitar as another fumbles with lyrics, or reading shitty first drafts of novels that may never be published, is how we can invest in the creative process without even spending a dime. When the work comes to fruition, it’s pure magic! ♥️
Enjoy playing the festival today! You’re here at a good time heat-wise…it’s going to get worse. I’m hoping to see you and all of Waxahatchee back in ATL for a non-festival show sometime. I’d love to hear the new record live!
So very thoughtful and well expressed! It’s a hard thing to describe, how important it is to “put on your oxygen mask first”. If we accept ourselves and love ourselves as well as what we do, it is then that we have so much more within us to help and share with others!
Really great writing, as usual. You have a terrific sense of rhythm and timing—and I’m not talking just about your drumming. Sorry I missed you guys at the Orange Peel in Asheville.
What you just said. It’s such good shit. There’s no feeling as good as being in the (musical) pocket, part of a whole, even in rehearsal, unapologetically. Or sharing your (Spencer’s) gift of language unapologetically.
I’m going to The Mission Ballroom to get my tickets. So glad to know you are on the tour. I wanted to be a rock star but never found a band and the stars did not align. I love being part of the band from the floor, though. Creating is an outlet: a means of releasing the pressure. Flow in the spirit unapologetically for the entertainment of others and bring Light to the world, Spencer. Your smile and happy drumming are infectious.
Isn’t this the artistic way? Music….Writing….Sketching…Painting….Sculpting….Weaving…,Stitching and on and on…..however the artist within us expresses itself brings on feelings of doubt, exuberance, self belief and self doubt… all intrinsically entwined. What can we do? We give ourselves over to the flow of inspiration/connection to ( dare I say it) our universal selves when we create in solo or with others. It’s a kind of tortured magic at times….but then there’s those moments when it’s felt true and pure in the heart….. bliss. I think …..
That’s my take on your expression here Spencer. Maybe right. Maybe wrong . But at the end of the day……who is really to say? 💖
I’ve always been the ‘self effacing, keep the lights off of me, no thanks on a drum solo’ type of drummer and I’m not even from Chicago…..but, I often imagine myself as a stick twirling, monkey armed, snare slamming Tommy Lee-like stage presence yet it just doesn’t jibe with my person. Even if it’s not in me, I like to think it could be and it makes for great daydreaming…
All of us have our lights to shine, right? Some are soft and twinkly, some are steady flashlights, some are Big Ed’s Car Lot searchlights. Whether people feel inspired or diminished by our lights often has much to do with how they feel about themselves more than what we offer.
In appreciating that all lights have value, Big Ed understands he’s gotta keep the searchlight to community hours, and Twinkle String Light sometimes needs to add an extra string or two to be seen properly. And even Steady Flashlight wants to go all disco ball occasionally!
Spencer I believe that putting your music (and excellent writings) out there is an act of love for the world. Love is never lost.
What a gift to read. Beautifully written & thoughtful. Thank you, Spencer.
Spencer, why you so smart? Seriously, I appreciate the time and effort you put into this. Very enjoyable read on a Sunday morning. Keep on rocking in the free world kid.✊
Damn, you're a great writer, Spencer. And such a keen, thoughtful, open-hearted observer of the life around you.
It seems to me that the social justice movement is very much like religion over the centuries. What starts out as a well-meaning message gets corrupted through misinterpretation and misrepresentation by those too weak to fully grasp and perpetuate it.
There's nothing wrong with feeling great in the moment of creating music (or whatever you're good at). For those of us who are experiencing it for the right reasons, it's what we hope for. It's how we float above our own viper pits for a few fleeting moments...and carry the momentum along as far as possible. I'm very much in favor of "unstoppable with less extreme plumage". Nels Cline does it so well. But if the passion of creation leads to some lingering pride and confidence, so be it. Just don't walk around peacock-like on a regular basis. That's my preference anyway. And I certainly don't see it as a risk for you; you're way too grounded. The fact that you're sharing these thoughts proves it.
Keep building floors that you (we) can stand on without falling.
I was at the nashville show, it was something special for sure. those old school country musicians are another level. Next time you’re in Nashville, go to station Inn and listen to any House band. I have to add that i love you voice (on the drums or otherwise) you and Katie singing “right back to it” in mexico is why i bought the record and why i was at the Ryman.
Yes! This! I’m often moved by a chorus of voices but am equally awed by talented soloists. It doesn’t need to be an either/or situation. Supporting others’ dreams, by hanging in garages while someone practices guitar as another fumbles with lyrics, or reading shitty first drafts of novels that may never be published, is how we can invest in the creative process without even spending a dime. When the work comes to fruition, it’s pure magic! ♥️
Enjoy playing the festival today! You’re here at a good time heat-wise…it’s going to get worse. I’m hoping to see you and all of Waxahatchee back in ATL for a non-festival show sometime. I’d love to hear the new record live!
And thanks for sharing your thoughts. I love your writing
So very thoughtful and well expressed! It’s a hard thing to describe, how important it is to “put on your oxygen mask first”. If we accept ourselves and love ourselves as well as what we do, it is then that we have so much more within us to help and share with others!
Beautiful- so glad you’re taking the time to write the pieces.
Really great writing, as usual. You have a terrific sense of rhythm and timing—and I’m not talking just about your drumming. Sorry I missed you guys at the Orange Peel in Asheville.
What you just said. It’s such good shit. There’s no feeling as good as being in the (musical) pocket, part of a whole, even in rehearsal, unapologetically. Or sharing your (Spencer’s) gift of language unapologetically.
I’m going to The Mission Ballroom to get my tickets. So glad to know you are on the tour. I wanted to be a rock star but never found a band and the stars did not align. I love being part of the band from the floor, though. Creating is an outlet: a means of releasing the pressure. Flow in the spirit unapologetically for the entertainment of others and bring Light to the world, Spencer. Your smile and happy drumming are infectious.
Isn’t this the artistic way? Music….Writing….Sketching…Painting….Sculpting….Weaving…,Stitching and on and on…..however the artist within us expresses itself brings on feelings of doubt, exuberance, self belief and self doubt… all intrinsically entwined. What can we do? We give ourselves over to the flow of inspiration/connection to ( dare I say it) our universal selves when we create in solo or with others. It’s a kind of tortured magic at times….but then there’s those moments when it’s felt true and pure in the heart….. bliss. I think …..
That’s my take on your expression here Spencer. Maybe right. Maybe wrong . But at the end of the day……who is really to say? 💖
Oh and if we can brighten up someone else’s shadows in the process…..how good is that!?!?!
I’ve always been the ‘self effacing, keep the lights off of me, no thanks on a drum solo’ type of drummer and I’m not even from Chicago…..but, I often imagine myself as a stick twirling, monkey armed, snare slamming Tommy Lee-like stage presence yet it just doesn’t jibe with my person. Even if it’s not in me, I like to think it could be and it makes for great daydreaming…
I feel you, Mark. Everyone oughta play drums the way that feels best to them!
👍🏼✨🙏🏻
All of us have our lights to shine, right? Some are soft and twinkly, some are steady flashlights, some are Big Ed’s Car Lot searchlights. Whether people feel inspired or diminished by our lights often has much to do with how they feel about themselves more than what we offer.
In appreciating that all lights have value, Big Ed understands he’s gotta keep the searchlight to community hours, and Twinkle String Light sometimes needs to add an extra string or two to be seen properly. And even Steady Flashlight wants to go all disco ball occasionally!