#1023 - I, Prevail - The Trades You Make to Live Your Dreams

Overview

This episode dives into the personal and professional challenges faced by the band I Prevail, exploring the sacrifices, emotional toll, and creative processes involved in pursuing a career in music. The conversation touches on the dynamics of touring, the evolution of their sound, the impact of personal tragedies, and the broader challenges of balancing ambition with personal relationships.

Notable Quotes

- Unspoken expectations are premeditated resentments. – Neil Strauss, as referenced by Chris Williamson, on the importance of clear communication.

- This house, I paid for by screaming at people. – Eric Vanlerberghe, reflecting on the surreal nature of his career.

- What pain do you want in your life? Because there's pain on both sides. – Gabe Helguera, on the sacrifices required to pursue passion.

🎭 The Emotional Toll of Touring

- Touring is both a dream and a challenge. The band members discuss the physical and emotional toll of being on the road for months, missing significant life events like weddings and funerals.

- Eric Vanlerberghe shares the difficulty of performing after personal tragedies, emphasizing the need to suit up for fans who rely on their music as an escape.

- Gabe Helguera highlights the unique camaraderie of touring, describing it as sleepovers with your 30-year-old bros, but also acknowledges the strain it places on personal relationships.

🎸 The Evolution of I Prevail's Sound

- The band reflects on the challenges of evolving their sound while staying true to their roots. Eric Vanlerberghe notes the difficulty of feeling like a stranger to his own band due to external perceptions of change.

- They discuss the creative freedom and risks involved in experimenting with new styles, acknowledging that fans often have conflicting expectations.

- The release of an acoustic track, initially debated internally, became a surprising fan favorite, showcasing the unpredictability of audience reception.

💔 Coping with Personal Loss

- The tragic loss of their manager just before a major single release reshaped their perspective on success and priorities.

- Gabe Helguera describes the emotional whiplash of balancing grief with the demands of their career, emphasizing the importance of relationships over professional milestones.

- The band draws parallels to other artists, like Architects, who have channeled personal loss into their music, creating deeply resonant work.

🛠️ Navigating Band Dynamics

- The band employs a system called Sunday SmackDowns, a weekly forum for open, nonjudgmental feedback to address tensions and improve communication.

- This practice helps prevent unspoken frustrations from escalating into resentment, fostering a healthier group dynamic.

- They emphasize the importance of being emotionally attuned to each other, especially during challenging times on tour.

🤖 The Role of Obsession and Balance

- The conversation explores the double-edged sword of obsession in creative pursuits. While it drives excellence, it can also lead to chronic imbalance.

- Chris Williamson reflects on his own struggles with obsession, advocating for a more balanced approach to life and work.

- The band acknowledges the pressure to constantly innovate and the fear of failure, but they also recognize the need to step back and prioritize personal well-being.