I still can’t believe we were allowed to play

We all had that high school friend that was allowed to have parties. I don’t mean like little get-togethers where their mom would bring out delicious egg salad sandwiches cut into perfect little triangles. I mean like party parties. Irresponsible, we-aren’t-old-enough-for-most-of-this kind of parties.

It was December 31st. I was a junior in high school. And that friend decided to throw a new year’s eve party. His parents knew. It was going to be fine, but I don’t think anyone realized that it was going to get loud. Really loud. Unapologetically loud.

Unprepared. Clueless. Excited.

It was our first gig. Previous Engagement could finally say that we were a gigging band. It was the first time my new drum kit was ever taken apart to be moved and yep, Luke, Aaron, and I made an entire day of it like we were seasoned rockstars that lived life on the road and couldn’t even remember what city we were in. Well, in our defense, we did live on a road. It was more of a lane, I guess. Do cul-de-sacs count?

Anyhoo, it was great. We got to Sumner’s house early. Probably way too early, and started setting up. We had an amp. We had a broken pool cue stuck in an old, ripped lampshade for a mic stand. I had my kit. We were psyched. We were ready to go, right? Sure…I mean what else do you need?

Well, turns out, a lot more. I didn’t know that setting up my kit on the hardwood floor was a bad idea as my kick drum and hihat stand would slide away from me when I played. We didn’t have a PA or monitors because “what are those?” Seriously, we didn’t know those were even things that we needed.

Everything that could have went wrong, went wrong. I played way too loudly with a snare that sounded like crap. No one could hear Luke’s keys or vocals. Aaron’s guitar was probably not even close to being in tune because, well, I don’t think it ever was.

It all went wrong…and it was one of the most fun shows I’ll ever play.

The Value of A Shared Experience

For us, it was our first time playing out. For most of the audience, it was the first time they were at a party where there was a live band. They knew it was our first show and they knew that we were counting on them as much as they were counting on us. The energy was electric. We all knew — even then in those moments — that it was going to be a party that we’d be talking about for the rest of our lives.

We celebrated in the novelty of the whole experience, knowing that it wasn’t going to be perfect, but ya damn right it was going to be fun.

No one remembers the missed notes, or the broken strings, or the awful sound quality, or how I couldn’t reach my kick drum for half the set. What everyone does remember is how it made us all feel. That’s where the value of a shared experience will always override the details.

Same, but Different

As I continue to work towards building Magic Room Brand, it’s memories like this one of our first gig that remind me to put priority on creating a shared experience. It’s not always going to be perfect and there will be a lot that can be improved each day, but as long as that feeling and energy of a shared experience is on both sides — knowing that we are counting on each other while also having each others’ backs — then I know that we (yes, you and I) will be able to build something of value.

Every day is the next gig, and with that comes chances to improve.

Instead of an audience of teenagers unsure of how to handle a few hours of freedom, there are now loyal customers that know how big of a role their support plays in this whole journey.

Then, it was putting a rug under the kit so it doesn’t slide, tuning up that guitar because the B string still seems a little flat, and marking spots on my drum hardware so it’s easier to tear down and set up. Now, it’s building a strong artist program, expanding the product portfolio, and honing brand messaging.

Same, but different.

But one thing is exactly the same: With your help, I’m still going to be loud.
Unapologetically loud.

Thanks for coming out. We’re here until the cops show up.

#bewhatyoumake