late night in the labyrinth
late night in the labyrinth
It's late and I can't sleep. I did something I never do and went trolling the internet for feedback and criticism. I won't likely be doing that again anytime soon. :) Still, it was a pretty informative of a world I have avoided for some time. What did I learn?
I learned that I love that you all care enough to talk and occasionally fight over your views of these recordings and the respective albums that house them. In truth, I found myself siding with the majority in most cases, though I won't bother to delve too much into specifics. I suppose the point here is that I didn't end up feeling sick and affected like I assumed I would, but instead was encouraged by the amount of rational conversations going on out there about this music. It's hard to know when you've made something great, but it's good to know the bar is still high. To this day I regard transit as my most perfect record and reading everyones opinions it sounds like we more or less agree with each other on that. I have spent a good deal of my last several years in the shadow of that record and the circumstances surrounding it. When transit was conceived I was in a blissfully miserable place in my life. One that managed to look something like happiness. It was mania at it's best, really. I didn't eat, I didn't sleep and I didn't mind one bit. I had something to prove and I was intent to prove it. I could argue that I have spent the past 6 years recovering from some sickness I contracted, but that would be a half truth. The crux of my recovery has more to do with how that sickness took me from such an inspired moment in my life. It's taken me a long time to admit that, but with each new admission a foot steps in the right direction.
I learned early with Something Corporate that trying to repeat your success is a dangerous game. It's always better to shift, try new things and make progress even if it isn't what people expect or even want. As an album I believed north was superior to leaving through the window, yet it took years before people really wrapped their head around it. With passenger, I was in such a personal struggle during it's creation that when it came time to sequence it, I had to make the conscious decision to let it sound as lost as I was at the time. I have been blessed that my fans still listen to albums and don't buy into this idea of a world where the single reigns supreme. I think passenger is a great example of that commitment. With people and things I wanted to make something honest and humble. My goal was to have as many classic songs in one place as possible without over-thinking or over-doing it. As a result I think there is something refined about this album, and for that I'm truly proud. Will it be your favorite? I have no idea. Is that even my goal? not really. Do I hope you love it? of course. I am of the belief that I will be doing this for a very long time. My goal is to write and record songs until I die and put those songs onto albums in hopes that as many of them touch as many of you as is humanly possible. In a perfect world there will be serendipitous moments along the way where the right batch of songs seeps into the collective consciousness at just the right moment and people will say "that was a great record".
I love music. I spend every day of my life fighting to be near it, to create it and to bring it to the world. I am far from perfect, but I try every day to be better at what I do. When this album drops on October 4th I hope it finds it's way to your headphones. And if it does, I hope you find music there that makes you feel something. When all is said and done that's why we listen to music. To stir some emotion, to connect to some rarely spoken truth, or to simply tap a foot and smile. The halo affect of these last several years is finally waning and I must say It's been a strange honor to walk this road with all of you. I have always lived out loud, but I never expected to go through so many major life changes in such a public way. I suppose if I had to do some of this over again I probably would, but that is not how this works. With that in mind, thanks for riding it out with me. It's been a trip for sure.
Hi,
When I left JCU and began to miss my labyrinth walks, I realized just how special this place had become for me. I can think of few places that I want to go to when I feel any range of emotions–sad, confused, lost, happy, excited, silly, anything. That’s what makes the labyrinth so special and such a spiritual place for me. I don’t have to go there in a time of serious solitude or communal celebration. It’s place I can just be me. And that lets me feel closer to being the person God calls me to be. dress shop
Microsoft office 2007 word of mouth, or even far more than Office 2003, according to Microsoft's user satisfaction survey, most customers have said that Microsoft Office Professional 2007 is the best in the Office family products.
Microsoft office 2007 word of mouth, or even far more than Office 2003, according to Microsoft's user satisfaction survey, most customers have said that Microsoft Office Professional 2007 is the best in the Office family products.
But you can relive those moments and emotions because you have captured them so masterfully. And because you speak with all your truth, most often I feel like you've opened my heart, pulling out all the words I could never find and it leaves me aching. Sad Wallpaper ll Valentine's day Wallpaper
Bear with me...I do have a point to my long winded speech: The more I live in this crazy world of mine...the more I realize how short life really is. It's times like these that I'm also grateful for all of the risks I've taken in the past. I've loved too much when I wasn't being loved in return, I've worked too hard just to get back to the place I started from, I've held grudges too long when I should have let things go, and I"ve held onto friends when I should have let them go. Time happens. You can't make sense of the things that occur and the way those things change others. Some people change...some never will. Time makes you realize how little you really do know a best friend, a lover, the one who promises you the world but then destroys it for you, and how little you really know yourself. But that's life...and you're going to miss every tear you've shed, every kiss you've had, and every one that has come and gone in your life. Things are never promised in life, but could you forgive yourself if you looked back on the past and always wondered what if? That is a burden all human beings must share and something that connects us all. My point is this: No regrets....not ever.... because all occurances (good and bad) make us who we are and direct us to where we need to be. Your trying times have gotten others through theirs. It is your music that has gotten me through this roller coaster called life. My all time favorite song...."Walking By" because I'm that girl that seems to look for something more when I've already found it. Keep writing....and I will be at your next show in Chicago Jan. 24th. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It must be really difficult when your life's work and your livelihood take place under such a microscope. Also to have this really beautiful body of work come out of such a trying time in your personal life, and then carry on after that. What you do is ballsy. I like your stuff. Please keep making it.
Andrew-
Didn't know where else to put this message, so to get in touch with you, but I was at Emo's in Austin last night for your show. Let me start by saying, your music has inspired me for years! As I trained for my first marathon, "Dark Blue" kept me going at mile 22...your words eerily mirrored scenarios of my life. As I was getting pumped up for the show this week, I saw how supportive you are of Light the Night and of your battle a few years ago. I work on the oncology unit here in Austin at the children's hospital, and I know you could understand how much I hate cancer. I waited around for a few after the show, hoping I could tell you to your face how much it means to all of our kids (at the hospital) what you do. You survived. You pushed through. And now you're here with your story and are using it for something really positive. Just wanted to say a big huge Thanks for your music! Keep on doing what you're amazing at and when I'm at the Light the Night here tomorrow, I'll send a special thought out for you! Thank you Thank you Thank you!
<3, jess
Andy,
You are my go to guy when the meloncoly starts creeping in. Your words inspire me on a daily basis, and connect me to some of the most beloved people in my life. Regardless of what anyone says, in my humble opinion, you are the best. I just want to say thank you for living out loud and giving me the courage to do the same.
All the best,
Wes
Andrew;
Your sleepless night is a gift to all of us that care about you!
And yeah, you did it again! (People and Things) And you'll do it again, and again, as long as you have words left to say. Thank you, again! :D
Andrew, I would just like to let you know that you are such an inspiration to me. There is not a day that I don't listent to your music. I canstantly have your songs stuck in my head. Usually Diane, The Skyscraper for some reason. I just admire your fight and strength so much. Each one of your songs inspires me in some way. I have yet to see you play live, but I'm hoping that it will happen in the near future. I respect you so much and I know that you will continue to make wonderful and meaningful music.
-Chelsea
A-
Introspection and self critisism is never an easy path to travel, you are a great producer, artist and musician no matter what anyone says. From what I know of you so far, you seem like a very down to earth guy, and fortunately or unfortunately, you "illness" has inspired you and also given your fans and friends to see the real you. Thank you for the picture at the pony, see you again soon!
B-
It's funny that I would come across this blog today, because as I was driving to school, taking in your entire new album (that I've been waiting (im)patiently for and hadn't listened to even a clip of a single song from because I like to experience albums as a whole the first time through), I was thinking, 'Man, for how long he's been around, and how many albums he's released, and how long I've loved him, I've never once been disappointed by an album.' I've never once been disappointed by one of your albums, Something Corporate or Jack's Mannequin. And you are, literally, the only one of my favorite artists I can say that about. Your albums are the soundtrack for me of my high school years, college years, and now beyond. What you write is too honest and beautiful to ever disappoint.
Thank you.
Andrew,
One of the best blog entries I've read. So much love and respect and I can, with no hesitation, say that your music has elicited the most profound emotional response within me. Every single time; it's a truly special thing.
I just want to say that I love your music. I became a fan back when you were part of Something Corporate, and I knew then that you were something special. Your music speaks to me in a way that consumes me, the way great music should. I believe that music should not be simply heard, but experienced by the heart, mind, body, and soul. Your music came to me from a very dear friend who I lost in 2007. Every time I hear your lyrics, they touch me on a deeper level, and for a moment, bring her back to me. Thank you for everything that you have done and being courageous enough to put your heart and soul out there for everyone to hear.
Nice to hear about labyrinth.
Your honesty and thoughtfulness is really appreciated. I think that even people who don't create art can relate to the idea of not living up to a past accomplishment, whether its in our own mind or those of others. Personally, I'm psyched about this new record. From the tracks I've heard, the sound is new but still you. I also appreciate a record that talks openly about what happens when love isn't new anymore. Maybe it's not as sexy, but it's definitely more intimate, interesting, and mature, and I think the record reflects that. I can't thank you enough for making the music you do--maybe it's that I'm the same age, but I feel like with each album you've been able to capture and reflect back the different stages of growing up. We all have different experiences along the way, but I think the feeling is the same. Thank you, thank you, and I'll be jamming on the train with the new album on Oct. 4!
Andrew,
I've been listening to your music since the beginning of Something Corporate. I was 14 when I when I was listening to Leaving through the Window, I'm 22 now. I met you outside of Roseland Ballroom in NYC after the Something Corporate Reunion tour in 2010. You're my hero, so much so that when you were standing in front of me I didn't know what to say.Your music has become the soundtrack to my life and when I need a little pick-me-up, all I need to do is put on my headphones. You are amazing, please don't ever stop what you're doing. See you October 12th!
Samantha
Andrew,
I just have to say, I am truly inspired by your music and have been since your first album of Jack's Mannequin. Everything in Transit literally fell in my lap, and was introduced to me by a former friend who told me, "Listen to this story, and you will love him." So I went driving around on a summer day in 2006 the day of my high-school graduation in my beat up '97 Saturn. I fell in love with your music and your writing talent. I listened to every song that day, and I couldn't get enough! You helped me get through the toughest times in my life and I am forever grateful that you are a fighter. You are a true true true inspiration to everyone, and to music. To me you are a god with words, and I believe there is a deeper meaning to everything you have to say in your music.
I hope I get to meet you one day to shake the hand of the guy who's music is forever embedded in my heart and soul! Thank you so very much for being, well... YOU! :) Can't wait for the new album to drop!!! :D
<3kandace
I'm not an artist, so this is an 'uncredentialed' perspective.
It seems to me that any artist would have difficulty balancing the creation of a song or album between 'what will people enjoy, love and relate to' to what is naturally and artistically being formed into a song at that very moment. I think this would be hard, you want a fan base, you want people to love what you are producing, but at the same time you are creating a song from your own emotions. Not from someone elses'. Is there ever a time where you stop to ask yourself 'who am I writing this song for?' I feel like artist's best songs are those that are coming 100% from their life, their own real emotions. Sans the distraction of what others may think of it.
I say, don't read others' opinions again. Wouldn't those thoughts just get in the way of the raw, genuine and real creation of a song/album. A raw, genuine song from the artist's pure emotion most likely would get fans and listeners to "stir some emotion, to connect to some rarely spoken truth, or to simply tap a foot and smile" because don't we all experience the same emotions? I guess what I am trying to ask is, how much does wanting others to like the song get in the way of the true creation of it? Do you ever hold back?
I truly have no idea if this is ever a distraction for artists.
My other question. What breed of dog do you have?? ; )
Thanks for sticking to your passion ~ Stacey
Aww Andrew :D I'm still amazed at your immesurable talent and I haven't stopped listening to something corporate and jacks mannequin since that day in high school when I stumbled across a tv concert on idk what chanel... since then I've driven about 34 hours to watch you play 3 times. When I finally got to meet you this year in ventura, I knew that I had to text my friends that now love you because of my incessant quoting/singing/blasting/etc of your music & tell them that I could die happy haha... obviously, not literally... but I always told them that the day I met you it would happen :) anyway, now my little brother is 15 and he's just as obsessed as I am, he plays drums because of how much he loves you and brian ireland... soooo just keep being amazing because you know your fans will follow you regardless :) see you on 11-11-11 :D
Dear Andrew,
I came to your music in an unusual way. For the past year I've been in the race to find a bone marrow donor for a life long friend. I've begged, pleaded and convinced over a thousand people to join the donor registry and donate money (which I hate!) In the process, one of the professionals I was working with told me of your story. Your music has been my constant companion and inspiration ever since. I'll be there at the Bushnell. I only wish that my friend, who is now 2 months post transplant, could be there as well!
Keep doing what you're doing!
Best wishes,
Shira
Andrew,
I love your music. I love each and every song, all the lyrics, all the melodies, all the emotions that stirs up inside me. I love everything. Every one of your albums is just as exceptional as the next. You are perfect in our eyes. You are an inspiration and a hero to all. You can't let us down, we'll always be your fans, we'll always stand by you. Thank you for your hard work, determination, and perseverance. We live through your words, your songs are our anthems. Thank you for sharing your stories with us. I can't even begin to tell you how much I love hearing your voice through my speakers... You say you will record and write music until the day you die. Please know that I will be listening to your music until the day that I die. I cannot wait for the new album to drop. Thank you for everything you do!
- Jessica
Hey Andrew,
Thank you for everything. Your albums have been the soundtrack to the 5 years me and my (now) Fiance' have been together. As high school sweethearts Everything was in Transit, MFEO was our song and everything was changing quickly, every moment fleeting. We were headed to different colleges and became Glass Passengers on our journey, fragile and scared, spinning as we faced the unknown. Now after years of driving back and forth to each others cities, blasting your songs, we've found the People and Things we care most about who support us and make us who we are. We got engaged during MFEO July 15th in Oklahoma City in the front row of the crowd. Thanks for the talk after, your hard work and love. Can't wait for the new record =)
Love always,
Sarah and Nathan
This may be my favorite blog ever. I'm glad that you care about how much WE care about YOU and your music. Seriously. I miss the days when my entire day was based around your music, the next show, the message boards...a lot has changed since those days but your music always seems to fit in to whatever is going on in my life, and I love that. If you want to write and record songs until the day you die, then I will be glad to listen until the day I die. =)
-Shanel
"I love music. I spend every day of my life fighting to be near it, to create it and to bring it to the world. I am far from perfect, but I try every day to be better at what I do." >Andrew, purrfectly written from your heart. Hold on to these passionate feelings. I hear your love of music. I love music. I love your music.
Dear Andrew,
Originally I wrote a really long message. Kinda gushy, maybe a little embarrassing. I think though, to sum up, I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you so much. Your music, the effect its had on my life has been... wow. I wouldn't be where I am without it, or you. I'm so proud to be a fan of yours, and the few times I met you I have to say, you are more lovely in person than I could have hoped for! We love you, Andy. Your music, I'm sure every single fan will agree with me that each song you write has its place. Transit was this perfectly heartbreaking summer-feel album, Passenger was dark, but optimistic and this album? Well, I can't wait to see how it will fit in my life. Because it will. Because you are rare, and clever and excellent. And so is your music. Every album, every song, for a million different reasons.
Cara
I feel the exact same way, and I don't think anybody could have said that any better.
Your music lifts us up. Thank you for putting your heart and soul into what you do. We feel it, understand it and we're there with you. You are the reason I love the piano.
''I am of the belief that I will be doing this for a very long time.'' And I am of the belief that I will be there 100% percent of the way!
I love how the same music can affect so many people in different ways. I was one of those who were really sad and a bit mad when you put an end to Something Corporate. Now, I'm glad you did.
I've been following you since LTtW and I honestly think I wouldn't be the same person if I hadn't. It's like every single album showed me a perspective on life that I hadn't seen before. I grew up with those songs. I can't pick one single favorite, but Hurricane is definitely out there. But la la lie, the mixed tape, dear jack, amy I, crashing and my racing thoughts follow so close behind.
I do think this next album is going to be your best yet. To me anyways. And if it's not, we'll still have the others to hold on to until the next one.
Leaving Through the Window may have hit me harder, but North aged better. Transit may stand better as an album, but Passenger will always be the home of the song that saved my life and the song that helped me rebuild after I surfaced. I can't wait to find out what People and Things is going to be, although I already know it's going to be amazing. As long as you're making music, I'll be listening.
fan for life! love you dude
We'll always be listening, you're the best man.
Please never stop making music, you're all I listen to because its only your music that makes things quiet. I'll see you for the third time in LA this fall, looking forward to crying in Restless Dream again haha. I know I will never stop loving your music. Praying for you Andrew.
Andrew, I respect your music talent!
I can't wait to buy People & Things!
I wish I could one day see you perform live.
Greetings from South Africa.
Regards.
Andrew,
You and your music have gotten me through so much. I'm not the best with words but, the music has been one of the of the main reasons why I am still fighting, fighting with my disease, and fighting just to get out of the bed in the mornings, I have my good days and my bad days. Whether it is one of the SOCO albums or Jack's, it always puts a smile on my face. I believe music heals the soul, mind and to an extent, the body. Thank you, for all you and the music have done for fans like myself and others.
- Alanna.
Andrew-
Like the gym teacher who was never good enough to go pro, there will always be amateur critics out there trying to encapsulate exactly what a "pro" like yourself is thinking, feeling, or doing wrong. You are the best songwriter of our generation, and have been for the last decade. I'm obviously preaching to the choir as this is your fan site, but there are a lot of us who would be much worse off without your music... And that has nothing to do with "People and Things" being any "better or worse" than all of your other records.
I'd just like to say Thank You.
Dear Andrew,
You know that highly emotional feeling you get when you listen to amazing music? I get that whenever I listen to all of your albums. My story is a bit backwards. Unfortunately for myself, I was not in High School when Something Corporate was big. My first encounter with Andrew MacMahon was Last Straw by Jack's Mannequin. It's like I grew up backwards. I started listening to Something Corporate when I went to college, searched high and low for all your albums and slowly I acquired them all.
One thing that keeps me listening to your albums are the history behind them. Every single song from Hammers and Strings to Globes and Maps bring different memories back to my mind. And sometimes they aren't good memories, but it's that feeling of emotion mixed with your amazing, beautifully brilliant piano playing that causes me to go into my Itunes and listen to my "Everything Andy" playlist.
I just want to thank you for all the memories your songs played soundtracks to. You brought a little bit more emotion and talented music into my life.
Don't ever feel sick from reading feedback, for feedback makes you stronger.
Love always,
Chantal
I have been a loyal fan since I was a freshman in high school and first heard something corporate. I feel like you let us into your world through your music as well as through your sickness when you filmed Dear Jack. There has always been something about your music that I can listen to it over and over anytime of day and no matter what mood I'm in, it instantly makes me happy. Your amazing and such an inspiration.
Thank You Andrew for your music, and as long as your recording, I'll be listening!
Andrew,
Passion never dies. I can guarantee that we'll be here to listen to your music, now and later, for the next 50+ years. Your love for music inspires me to love and learn music even more than I already do, a feat I didn't think possible. Keep writing your blogs; it's always refreshing to see a new perspective.You're a new kind of classic.
Andy,
We are all moved by inspiration, its what helps drive us to creation. With SoCo being nearly at its pinnacle, trying to get a tight grip around your illness, and piecing together a masterful jigsaw which would become Transit, inspiration was readily at your fingertips. You're an exceptional songwriter, and whether its People and Things, or 7 albums from now, we'll still be here.
Regards,
Bob
Oh Andy...
I will never understand people who, when confronted with someone like you who makes such consistently amazing, truthful, heartfelt music, insist on choosing the "best" album or body of work. To me, each of them is like a perfect snapshot of a past time. They can't be reconstructed or mimicked because the moment has passed and the heart is hearing something new. And to do so merely to appease popular opinion would only cheapen them. But you can relive those moments and emotions because you have captured them so masterfully. And because you speak with all your truth, most often I feel like you've opened my heart, pulling out all the words I could never find and it leaves me aching.
I can not wait for Oct. 4th and the fall tour.
lots of love,
Therese
From the moment I first heard one of your songs, I felt a tug on my heart. I thought, this guy doesn't just write music, he feels it. He lives it. Seeing you live only proved that. You are touching people with your songs. Transit and Passenger are both perfect albums, in their own ways. Can't wait for 10-4.
I am not good with words, but thank you for everything. We all appreciate the truth and passion you put into your music.
I cannot put into words the way your music makes me feel. Please continue making music, I've been a fan for years and have never been disappointed.
With each track, each album, I am blown away. I can't wait for October 4. Thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for what you do. You make music worth it.
We fight because you put the passion in our hearts, through our headphones. Your fans are a special breed because they can sympathize/empathize with you and with what you write. I really hope you have a lifelong journey immersed in your musical career, I mean, I need something to follow. haha. Be of good cheer, Andrew!
Honestly, Hostage and the entire The Glass Passenger album have touched me more than any other piece of music in my entire life. I don't know where I'd be without them.