What-If?

As I sit here watching one of my favorite bands perform an intimate show on one of my favorite TV networks, I can't help but wonder "what-if?" What-if Sony took a chance on Floor 34 (my high school band), what-if I took a year off from college to attempt to make music "work," what-if social media existed when the only career option was "Rock-Star?"

Floor 34 in 2001

With Mumford & Sons performing on Palladia, I can only imagine what it feels like to be in a band that has achieved such mainstream success. Is life easy for Marcus Mumford? Does he enjoy taking the stage in a different city every night, waking up in a new hotel bed every morning, having his picture taken everywhere he goes and constantly being harassed for autographs by raving fans? Is this the life I'd want to live today?

The irony is, I'd always imagined achieving much larger commercial success than Marcus Mumford (dream big, right?) in an era where music was purchased, not stolen. Voices weren't auto-tuned, and perfection; well that was unattainable. But as more time passes, and our now digital world continues to evolve, the more I am grateful that my what-ifs never became a reality. That I woke up to get an education AND to have jam sessions, not just the latter.

I frequently attend a local concert in Hoboken, NJ that happens quarterly, and is produced by an old friend in the "industry" who I'll support until he calls it quits. Over the last three years I've seen ten or so shows, with each show having an average of four bands. They'd call themselves regional touring acts if you asked a band member, but I'd call said groups weekend warriors. Out of the forty bands I've watched perform at an establishment which has seen an ample amount of "popular" bands grace its stage, not one of the bands I've seen perform has "made-it" or even come close for that matter.

There are thousands of bands out there, each comprising of several members who all share the same goal; they all want to "make-IT." Sadly, most of them won't even make enough money to pay for gas and food on the lonely road. I'm just happy I quickly learned there are lots of ways to make-it in this world, and if I never do, well at least I'll always be able to pay the bills. As for my what-if moment, I still want to be a rock-star...a rock-star entrepreneur. You'll know when I "make-it."

"But my heart told my head, this time no" - Marcus Mumford


For those interested in watching live video footage of Floor 34's Piano Song, enjoy below:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=771677549854