I spent the weekend in Nashville attending the Next Big Nashville Music Conference. I saw several great bands from that fine city, but the two that stood out the most were from here in Atlanta. It’s always good to see a band from my town playing in another city because there’s a much different energy to the show. I’ve seen Death on Two Wheels and Ponderosa play in Atlanta countless times, and I’m always impressed to say the least, as are most Atlantans, which is why both bands have become a staple in this city. But seeing them in another town was different. I tried to put my finger on it as both bands played their hearts out. Maybe it’s the edge that bands get when playing in unfamiliar territory to unfamiliar faces, or maybe it’s the bottled up energy from so much time in the van in the hours and days leading up to the show. Regardless, there’s a certain amount of grit and hunger that these bands in particular, and most touring bands in general bring to the table when they are out of their element. As I watched Death on Two Wheels play to what was at first a very cold, jaded crowd, I saw their drive and determination to win that crowd over increase with every note. I was reminded once again that that is why I like bands to have some touring under their belt before even considering them for a record deal. These guys literally live and breathe their music. There’s a sincerity and passion in both of those bands, and several like them, that is born from a lifestyle that can only be found on the road. When you’re not sure what floor you’re crashing on that night, and when you shop at the Salvation Army out of necessity and not because of the ironic t-shirt you might find, and when you’re depending on Top Ramen and PBR to sustain you each day, your drive to succeed inevitably increases and each show gets better because all you want to do is win over a few new fans in the hopes that one day they will multiply into a bona fide following and eventually a living can actually be made as a result of the hard labor. And by the way, while to a very small degree it might make it easier financially, getting a record deal doesn’t end the grind of the road; in fact it actually increases the need to stay out even longer than before.
The circuit continues, not just here in Atlanta or Nashville, but all over the country. Some bands break through, others break-up, but everyone I know who has experienced the grind wouldn’t trade it for anything.
-jay harren
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