Try not to put too much stock into all those other hyperbolic lists that plague the Internet these days. Most of them are manipulated into irrelevant drivel, and only serve to cater to those who will receive the most benefit out of leaning results. If anything, you should spend your time reading our lists, because ours make more sense, and quite frankly, they make us look really good to the rest of the country. Here’s a list of things Colorado does best:
– Badassery.
– Recreational sorcery.
– Mind prosperity.
– Looking good.
– Feeling good.
– Offering a second home to touring musicians.
There’s more – lots more – of course, but we only have a short word count to get to this morning. As for the touring musicians part of it, ya, we’re pretty good at it. In fact we’re getting so good now that a band coming into town for more than a few nights is becoming commonplace. It’s not an unlikely scenario for a band to stay for a week or longer, meandering its way up and down, left and right, and jamming out for everyone in between.
Papadosio, an Athens, OH born act has managed to carve a niche into the fans of Colorado with its relentless touring and genre popularity. With its self-described hybrids of progressive, electronica, psychedelia and rock, Papadosio has remained a touring band for some time and comes back this week for another round in the squarest of states.
The band sat down with Rooster Magazine before its weeklong stay in our accommodating abode.
At what point did you feel as an artist that you could do music full time?
(Rob McConnell) That moment came when I switched from guitar to bass. I was 16 and in love with rock and roll.
Do you have any advice for younger artists who are struggling between jumping into full-time artistry and working a job they’re not excited about?
(Rob McConnell) Never comprise what you want to do artistically to try and catch a break. Stay true to your art and don't be a jerk. People hate jerks.
(Anthony Thogmartin) Anything is possible if you hunker down and work hard at it. Maybe this isn't the most sparkling answer, but we aren't special people, we have had a blue-collar approach to our craft the whole time. We have been gone from home around 200 days a year for the past 5. We have heard some incredible music on the road, and the only reason most bands don't grow continuously is because they aren't 100% committed to the work. They share space in two worlds, like a day job. The real question any musician has to ask themselves is: Am I a full time musician or a member of the work force? In order to create music full time, there is no middle ground. The one consistent thing we see is that 40 hours of hard work into anything will yield results. So work for someone else's dream or work for your own.
(Mike Healy) My advice for younger artists is to play from your heart and don't worry about getting in debt with getting on the road. It can be such a financial challenge to make it all work but if you a persistent and play lots of shows it eventually gets better.
Some critics say that the festival culture is ruining touring musicians because they have to schedule to closely around them in the summer. Do you think any of that is true?
(Anthony Thogmartin) We usually don't tour in the summer because we are playing so many outdoor events. I can imagine that it would be difficult for touring musicians to draw as well in the summer. I think music fans save summer money for bigger events and vacations. It just doesn't seem like a good time to tour clubs anyway, people should be outside enjoying the weather and each other.
(Mike Healy) I think it is an incredible opportunity for bands to play festivals. It makes you a better musician to have to play all the time. Always keeping you on your feet on stage. It only keeps promoting the music surge we are currently seeing. There are so many people playing music now and it's a beautiful thing to be a part of this ever-growing community.
What do you think helps bands the most while they’re on tour?
(Rob McConnell) Having amazing crew is so key to what we do. Without our awesome team we would sound and look like hacks.
(Anthony Thogmartin) Appreciation I would say. Sometimes you get so caught up in trying to get a musical part down or you’re so tired you don't know what city you’re in or where you just came from. But all of a sudden someone tells you how the music has helped them through some serious stuff and it’s the best thing you will hear. Its real fuel man. Makes you remember why you do what you do.
Why do you think Colorado is so Papadosio friendly?
(Mike Healy) This is like our 14th time or so out here on tour. It's become like our second home with friends from all over the country that we've gotten to know over the years. Such a beautiful state.
Is there anything you plan on doing while you’re out here for so long?
(Sam Brouse ) We are going to hit some hot springs tonight for a soak. Then a few of us are snowboarding tomorrow. It feels nice to just be outside here, but there is always Internet and music shredding to do as we'll. We have a lot of friends here too so some hang is definitely due.
What can we expect out of the future of Papadosio?
(Sam Brouse) We are really excited for the next chapter of our musical career. We have a lot of songs we haven't recorded and we have some awesome ideas for how we can release them. We also are beginning to plan a new album. We are all very giddy to begin writing new stuff. But other than that, more touring and maybe a new approach to touring. We like the idea of two night runs in cities, so we'll see how this one goes in Boulder
03/04 | Durango – Animas City Theatre
03/05 | Aspen – The Belly Up
03/06 | Copper Mountain – Copper Mountain Conference Ctr
03/07 | Boulder – The Fox Theatre
03/08 | Boulder – The Fox Theatre
03/09 | Ft. Collins – Aggie Theatre
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