music isn't everything

Okay, it's almost everything.  In fact, it can become an object of complete obsession for some people, but my ears and mind frequently need a vacation from the endless world of songs.  When my mp3 player was stolen a few years ago I had a couple of days of withdrawal.  My commute became mind-numbingly boring, the world around me didn't seem nearly as romantic, and I felt I had little control over my life.

While I still pine for those headphones, and all of those playlists at my fingertips ready to create the soundtrack of my life, I discovered everything I was missing.  Parents yelling at kids to get ready for school, seagulls overhead, a hushed "morning" from folks on the street, and the occasional cat call. 

Fortunately, as an artist, my bandmates are still total addicts and therefore have a keener ear when it comes to quality of sound and "feel" in recordings.  I think we make a good team, as I garner material from scenes on our block and they make sure it doesn't sound like crap when we get to the studio.