Producing is to me what video games are to most people. It passes the time and occasionally gives a sense of pride. Playing an instrument, especially with someone else, is transcendent.
To have a lot of people like my music, maybe play some more shows, but definitely find a jam buddy or two for the long haul.
More... chill. Less cynical.
Thriller. Maybe. Mmm Bop? Little drummer boy? I dunno. "Are we really happy with who we are right now?" by Moneen, "Slaves to the pavement" by Belvedere, "These Colours Don't Run" - Protest The Hero.. A lot of local acts in my formative years are memorable as hell.
brand new, circa survive, the used, tsoaf, OF, childish gambino, architects, northlane, saosin, underoath, Silverstein, Moneen, Sydney, the holly springs disaster, every time I die, my chemical romance, blink 182, taking back Sunday, alexisonfire, gorillaz, Marilyn Manson, third eye blind, bombs over providence, closet monster, refused, panic at the disco, dance Gavin dance, minus the bear.......
Cheaper than therapy.
Chill, yo.
Punk/Hardcore? Comfortable. Stoked. Softer stuff? Pfft. I don't know. A little more intimidating I guess. But I'm more comfortable on stage than anywhere else in public.
The reality is that if you want to make music for a living, you have to be okay with being broke, probably forever. I think that makes for better music under the surface of the mainstream, but if there's a renaissance and truly talented artists get a larger piece of the pie, great. Just hope they don't forget the quality control is what got them there and the paradigm shift can quickly swing the other way.
Slow.
The distance from other musicians lol.
I did. More than anyone I know. I did my part.
Patience, perseverance, ambition... money?
The Sound of Animals Fighting, Brand New, Circa Survive, Thrice, Minus The Bear, Saosin, Underoath, Every Time I Die, Northlane, Architects, Moneen, Boys Night Out, Refused, Motion City Soundtrack, The Academy Is, The Morning Of, Dance Gavin Dance, Proceed, HRVRD .........