At this point, I've realize that success has NOTHING to do with how talented you are, nor how hard you work. I play in a band with 4 of the most talented and hard working guys I've ever met in my entire life. They are my brothers. And my best friends. And I'm constantly seeing bands form and become "successful" literally over night. Not that these bands aren't talented or hard working, but it seems to be more of a fad than anything. I'm one of the most competitive people that I know, and I'm starting to realize that worrying over album sales and plays on MySpace only make me jaded and resentful towards music. I don't wanna become that guy, but with my personality it's nearly impossible. I'm a "numbers guy". I'm constantly trying to think of new ways to sell MORE merch, and to get MORE kids at our shows, and to sell MORE records, and to get MORE MySpace plays. But I'm afraid this is a battle that I can't win, because like I said before....none of those things are based on talent or work ethic. Which leaves me with the question, "WHAT and WHO determines those things?"
I have so much respect for bands who can consistently draw large crowds of people all across the country. That is a very difficult thing for us to do. It seems to almost be effortless for some bands to sell out shows and to sell tons of CDs and merch. I don't believe that Oh, Sleeper is a trendy band, and we certainly aren't a MySpace hype band. We've literally had to work our ass off for every album sold and fan we've ever gotten, which rules. I think we also appreciate our fans more than most bands because of that. We have a very real and personal connection with our fans, and I wouldn't trade that for any amount of money in the world. It's just discouraging sometimes, because I've put my entire life on hold (family, friends, relationships, jobs, money, etc.) to play music for people, and sometimes we'll be driving in the van and look at each other and ask, "Are we forcing this?"
A recent example....on 3 different occasions, we were booked a show in McAllen, Texas. The first two times, we weren't able to make it due to unforeseen circumstances that were out of our hands. We got tons of emails and messages asking us to PLEASE reschedule a McAllen show. So finally, this past week we make it to McAllen, Texas. It's a Saturday night, so we're all thinking it's going to be a great show. MAYBE 50 people paid that night, and we played for a hand full of awesome people in a room that holds 1,200 people. I'm not trying to sound ungrateful or downplay the people who DID come to the show, because I met a ton of great people that night who I will remember forever. But it blew my mind that we played a show on a Saturday night in the same state that we live in, and very few people even seemed to care. But it's not just McAllen. I'd say we get those same emails from places all across the country, and the same thing happens nearly everytime. I'm just confused, I guess. What are we doing wrong? What's the secret to drawing people to shows and selling records? That's obviously not all I care about, but it makes things tricky when you're nearly 25, living at your parents house, and simply trying to afford to live!
I apologize if it sounds like I'm complaining. This is why I made this blog, though. For the dudes in this band to spill their guts. And there mine are! All out in the open for everyone to see. I guess I said all of this to say, Success for me is being remembered for doing something great. If Oh, Sleeper is remembered in 10 years for changing someone's life, then please just disregard this entire post. And if you made it this far, thank you for reading my ramblings. :) You guys keep me afloat and I love you for that.
Lucas Starr
