So Sad, or Is It?

I was reading an article in the new issue of PASTE magazine, if you like music I recommend this mag, it's better than the shitty Rolling Stone/Spin/Blender variety, and I'm confused about how I feel. One of my favorite bands Grandaddy has called it quits right before they release their 5th full length album in a couple weeks. Jason Lytle, the singer, laments that the decision was based on the 14 years committed to becoming "the next big thing" all the while never making a cent at music. Most of the members just tired of making music for the same fans and have taken up real jobs to pay the bills.

Now as a fan of the band, I'm sad to see them pack it in, but as a former starving musician I have to respect the decision to give up something you love to get control of your life. I made not one red cent for 6 years of my life, and although I didn't exactly appreciate what music I was making, I did enjoy the life. And then again, I frigging hated it. Not having a clue when you will get your next sum of money all the time can really dillute your sense of worth, and it's a rough life living on the road or in a house like a prisoner because you have no money to go anywhere.

Grandaddy make their mark in my mind. I became a fan. And I'm sad it's over. But the reality is that you can't make money doing music unless you are appealing to the 12 year old set anymore. 14 years is a lot of time to devote to experimental synth pop that will never get radio play. Not everyone gets to be Madonna.

In my case, I appear to have left my band right before the dividends were reaped, and so it would seem I lost out. I'm not convinced of that since here's a band that did great music for 14 years and never truly succeeded, and I was in a band that did terrible music and have moderately succeeded in Europe. Who really is the winner and who is the loser? All I can say is that for me, I would have preferred to remain part of a band no one knew outside of their intensely devoted fan base if it meant that I could really focus on making great music. But in all reality I would not have enjoyed being poor for 14 years.

And so it ends. So long Grandaddy.