Reflections in the Attic

This construct used to be like a physical place. I used to be kind of a writer. A dreamer. Sometimes a decoder.

It was a framework of things I loved. It still can be. No one’s really watching, right? Just a few cobwebs to clear out and this headspace becomes my magic attic again: a spaceship, a wasteland, a ritual bonfire, even.

Some place where I think aloud about the useless shit I get up to, like playing at the Marquis Theater on a Tuesday night and getting banned from re-entering the venue before Dr. Death & Mr. Vile were even halfway through their set. That happened because the doorman was an idiot, but I was an even bigger idiot. I regret making his job more difficult. I’m sorry for being arrogant enough to think he’d remember me – dressed in black like everyone else – coming and going.

We had a fun set, though. Half hour of power in front of an enthusiastic floor with whom we were ecstatically engaged. I loved it. We got asked for hugs, pictures, and autographs afterwards. Ecstatic was the word for it, too, especially when one of our guitarists’ strings broke and he said Fuck it, jumped off the stage and started a pit. That was everything.

I’m right fucking pissed that I missed the other acts, brooding out in my hot car for the rest of the night like the loser I am, too angry to try to confront the doorman again. I heard Arcanium was excellent and of course, One-Eyed Doll was sublime. I did get to meet Kimberly Freeman before the doors opened, and she was even more sweet and friendly than you’d imagine after checking out some of their tunes and watching a full set on Youtube. We didn’t have enough cash to get me back into the venue and get some of their merch, so we opted for some autographed awesome.

Lots of lessons learned that night, as it should be: Don’t fidget with your wristband to the point where it can be easily ripped off. Do take advantage of the free drinks offered to performers. Don’t let anyone borrow your car the day you play a show. Do try to bring your merchandise. Don’t be an asshole. Do support the other bands on the bill.

This latter is something I personally feel my band could improve on. I tend to follow the boys’ leads when it comes to other local acts because I don’t like leaving my house for anything that resembles a social event. But I feel like a deer in headlights when feuds passively erupt on Facebook like a zit you kind of saw coming but didn’t do anything to prevent. Feuds between some members of my band and other local bands or production companies. I have no idea what’s going on, so it’s beyond time I actively engaged with the scene to figure it out.

Wish me luck, imaginary friends.