Behind the Music: A Spotlight on Guitarist Trey Hawkins from Set // Adrift and Light The Fire

I recently had the chance to engage in a conversation with Trey Hawkins, the skilled guitarist of Sett//Adrift. During our discussion, we explored his musical path, the harmony within the band, and his personal hobbies.

AA: Please share your background with us. I'd love to learn about where you're from, your upbringing, and how your cultural heritage has influenced who you are today. Also, what significant life experiences have played a crucial role in shaping your identity?

TH: So was born in San Diego California, but my dad was military, so growing up I lived all over the country. Most of my time was spent off and on in Florida though; I know that having that semi-unique experience affected how I made friends, what things I prioritize in life, the perspective I have, etc. I’ve had a few experiences in life that have solidified my worldview and identity in faith, and that’s been a tremendously important aspect of who I am. I don’t even necessarily mean in a religious sense but just maintaining a view of myself and life that there *are* wonders in the world and beyond and I think that’s beautiful.

AA: I am genuinely fascinated by the story behind your musical journey. I would love to know what specific moment or experience ignited your passion for music and how you decided to pursue it. What were your challenges, and what steps did you take to turn your passion into a successful musical journey?

TH: When I was 13 I lived across the street from a guy that was a musician. He played in a band here in DFW called Backseat Driver, and they were in that kinda Good Charlotte era pop punk/alt/emo vein. I just remember hearing him talk about it, the occasional practice, and I think that’s really where I got bitten by the bug for music. I’m not even sure he knows how much of an impact he had on me, but it for sure changed the trajectory of my life. Fast forward a bit, life and school and parents got in the way…but I got my first guitar when I was a junior in high school and that kinda brought me back to the original idea of starting a band. I started my first band at 18 the summer before college and it was….bad. It was a steppingstone though and I for sure had no idea that I’d literally be making music for the rest of my life (so far). As far as obstacles, I’d say the biggest hurdle has been people. So many “friends” and people I met along the way either just let me down or actively worked against me (or more so just in their own self-interest) and that was a hard lesson to learn. I think the only thing I really did to turn this into something was to take it seriously, make decisions as if they have lasting effects, and choose my circle carefully!

AA: Is there a particular artist whose music and personal journey have profoundly influenced your decision to pursue your passion for music? Did their story inspire you to take the leap and form your band? Please share how their experiences and artistry have shaped your musical path.

TH: Oh gosh there are so many! Early on I’d say I had all the same guitar idols that most people have: David Gilmore, Andy Summers, Alex Lifeson, etc. I think the thing that I set myself apart a bit with though was I always knew I wanted to write songs, and that guitar was just a vehicle for that. So, the bands that I’ve been drawn to as inspirations aren’t always super guitar heavy. I’d say one of the most influential artists for me and particularly Set//Adrift is Being as an Ocean. I remember hearing them for the first time and just being in awe of the art they had created; and the lyrical value behind it…they’re incredible. It’s a little out of left field, but I’d say the artist that contributed the most to my overall outlook on music and having a band would be Thrice. The Alchemy Index legitimately changed my perspective on what I’d eventually call a “complete art piece.” That meaning, where every aspect and detail of the release serves the greater purpose of the art. If you’re not familiar I highly recommend diving into the details of that. The songs, the lyrics, the instrumentation and textures they used, song titles, artwork, marketing….it helped it transcend to more than just an album (or in this case 4 EPs). So, I for sure have always been chasing that level of detail in my work.

AA: I’m intrigued by your journey—could you share how you first became involved with Light The Fire and Set Adrift? What motivated you to join these projects, and what experiences or moments during your involvement have stood out to you the most?

TH: I moved to Texas in 2015 and had been in bands from 2008 to 2014 in Florida…so naturally I wanted to continue writing and playing and I looked at this as a fresh start. I had a friend that worked at Guitar Center with me when I first moved to Fort Worth, and he asked me to help get a new band off the ground. That band eventually became The Great Line, which was the precursor to Set//Adrift. It was really more a studio project as it was only two of us writing, and although we did get an EP recorded and released, it never really got off the ground. While I was waiting on that, Light the Fire happened to be needing a fill-in guitarist and so I hopped on with them purely because I liked the guys and it was a chance to be on stage again. I ended up really becoming close with all them and so they eventually asked me to stay on as a full-time member. I helped write the 2019 album “Compassion in Unlikely Places” and took an even greater role in the writing in the singles/EPs we’ve done since. I’ve had some of my favorite memories in music with the LTF guys and we really are more of a family than just a band these days.

Band | LIGHTHEFIRE

TH: We recently got to record our upcoming EP with Beau from Saosin and that was an experience I could never have dreamed of when I was 13 listening to that self-titled record. Set//Adrift really took shape out of songs I had been writing for The Great Line before we broke up, and in 2019 myself, my friend Taylor (from my old band in Florida), and one of his friends Andrew got together as the first legitimate incarnation of the band. We asked our other friend Cody (originally in the band Dispositions) to record vocals and those became the Narcissit//Bloom single. Eventually Cody needed to follow a different path professionally and another friend from Florida, Josh, joined on vocals. His addition really created the dynamic and creative direction we have now and it’s been awesome. As soon as we knew we were gonna play shows we added Jacob on other guitar and he’s….and absolute monster of a player. We’re so lucky to have such great musicians and even better dudes be a part of this now.

Band | SET//ADRIFT

AA: Could you share more about your other band, Light The Fire, for which you provide the guitar riffs? I'm curious about how the band formed and what inspired you to start it. Additionally, what's the story behind the name Light The Fire? What genre of music do you play, and what themes or messages do you explore in your songs?

TH: So, I touched on it a little in the last question, but I was the final addition to the band. The name and artistic direction predated me, by quite a few years. They were signed to Standby Records in 2015 and I joined in late 2017. Ltf’s founding member Andrew would have to speak to the early days, but since I joined Seth (vocalist) has been the main creative force lyrically. I’d call it metalcore I suppose? I try to add as much melodic hardcore as is reasonable, but I think at its core, Light the Fire is a metalcore band. Seth is a great lyricist and has a lot to pull from in personal experiences as well as social observations. Our newest material is probably the most vulnerable he’s written, and it’s been much more intrapersonal than our last album “Compassion in Unlikely Places”. I feel like that record was written much more from a place of activism. That’s still a part of who we are, like the song “Barriers” is very societally charged, but he flexed more of his emotional vulnerability on a lot of these new songs.

AA: Could you share your experiences as a musician, particularly as a guitar player? What specific challenges do you face on your journey, such as mastering techniques, managing stage anxiety, or navigating the business aspects of music? What rewards have you discovered, such as connecting with an audience, expressing yourself creatively, or collaborating with other musicians? How do these experiences, both challenging and rewarding, influence your development as an artist and shape your overall musical journey?

TH: You know I still don’t really think of myself as a guitar player. I know I am, but I feel like I’ve always been a songwriter first. In fact, most of the leaps I’ve taken over the years as a player has been to be able to play the things I’ve written. I usually write just above my current skill level, and I’ve always made sure to surround myself with musicians that are better that me so I rise to the occasion. Stage anxiety is a big thing, but if I’m honest my secret is simple; I take my glasses off when I’m performing. I can’t see specific people in the crowd, I can really only see to the edge of the stage, my guitar, and the guys on stage with me.

TH: So, it feels like I’m just playing with my friends and the crowd is there…but I’m not looking anyone in the eye unless I'm really close. So, it becomes much more manageable. I think the most important takeaway for me as a musician has been getting to create art with people I care about (both in my bands and beyond), as well as feel like I’ve been able to contribute to someone else’s experience in life; like so many of my favorite artists have done for me. Sometimes it's hard to remember the impact we have as artists because we have to worry about numbers and algorithms and streams and staying visible on platforms that want artists to pay to reach their audiences…but then we play a show, and I get to connect with someone, and it makes it all worth it.

AA: Could you elaborate on your recent EP, "A Monument to Absence,” which you released this year? I'm quite curious about the inspiration and story that influenced the EP. Can you explain what each song means to you personally and the emotions or experiences that contributed to their creation? Furthermore, I would love to learn about the behind-the-scenes work regarding the guitar sounds and riffs you used to enhance the overall sound of each track. What techniques or equipment did you utilize to create the distinct textures and atmospheres in the music?

TH: So like I said before, I started writing these songs back in 2017/2018, so in particular ‘Wake’ and ‘Rot’ are pretty old musically, ‘Absence’ and ‘Monument’ are actually the newest, and we finished writing monument a week before we hit the studio to record it. When Josh joined the band, he brought his own lyric writing expertise and style, but it meshed so well with mine it was incredible. We had multiple moments writing the vocals for these songs where things just *clicked* and its like we were in each other’s heads. He wrote the lyrics for ‘Wake’ about on of his good friends that took his own life. It’s been a crowd favorite and it’s been really good to see Josh get such catharsis out of recording and performing that one. ‘Rot’ we wrote the lyrics together and It’s essentially about moving on from broken relationships; letting the memories and old parts of you *rot* away. When I first wrote this song it was one of my favorites, but with Josh adding his flavor to it, it really took on a whole new life which has been incredible to see. ‘Absence’ is probably my favorite song on the EP personally.

TH: I wrote it around the start of the pandemic (musically) and it was inspired by a really rough breakup/relationship that happened literally days before Texas shut down for covid. I wrote the lyrics a little later after I had processed a bunch, and they were inspired by the book/movie “The Little Prince”. It’s technically a kids book but it has SO many incredible lessons and perspectives about life, relationships, love, and loss. The rose in the single artwork was a nod to that. ‘Monument’ being the newest was probably also the most collaborative musically, but it felt so good with everyone bringing bits to the table. Although ‘absence’ my be my favorite overall, I think ‘monument’ may be my favorite lyrically. It’s about how as we move on from relationships and through life, we become monuments to our former selves that aren’t there anymore; both in our own perspectives and to those that we love/loved.

TH: In terms of production, by good friend Dave Alcan is the recording mastermind behind all the Set//Adrift music. His ear and just sense of how to make things better is impeccable. We used a Mesa Boogie Badlander 50w head for all the rhythm guitar tones, and we actually used my Neural Quad Cortex for the clean tones and a lot of the leads. I know he added some additional details with some of his amps in his studio later, but the bulk of the tones were that combination. Reverb and delay are probably the thing I’m the pickiest about, and for the ambient sections I used the Walrus Audio Slöer reverb, and the Chase Bliss Thermae analog delay. I can do almost anything with the QC, but those two are still on my board because they’re so unique. For the guitars I used my Suhr custom JM, and Suhr Classic T, and those are just unbeatable in terms of playability and the tones I can get out of them.

AA: Who is the guitarist you admire most who encouraged you to begin playing the instrument? What aspects of their playing style or musical talent do you find inspiring and drive you to seek a professional music career?

TH: When I started playing, my main inspiration was David Gilmour from Pink Floyd. His ability to add textures to his guitar work and do so much with so few notes…it’s hard not to be inspired by that. His guitar lines are memorable and have such a mastery of melody and phrasing, I could go on and on. Playing heavier music though I’d say I’m the most inspired by Aaron Marshall of Intervals, actually for very similar reasons as my affinity for David. Aaron’s legato lines and catchiness to his leads and song structures are still some of the best I’ve ever heard. Of course I’d be doing myself a disservice if I also didn’t mention the guitar work on any of the Misery Signals albums. I know they’ve had a few guitarists over the years, but their arrangements and guitar acrobatics for sure are a big part of how I think about guitar in the context of writing for both Set//Adrift and Light the Fire.

AA: Can you recall the details of your very first live performance? Describe the setting, the crowd’s energy, and the anticipation leading up to that moment. What were your thoughts and feelings as you stepped onto the stage, and how did it impact you both during the performance and afterward?

TH: Oh gosh, my first live performance ever was on a tiny stage on the side of a gas station outside…it was terrible. The crowd’s energy was pretty non-existent since it was mostly our parents begrudgingly sitting in lawn chairs in the middle of Floridian summer haha. I think the takeaway for me from that experience was “I have to get better at this.” I needed that embarrassing experience to give me the perspective of what I’d be willing to accept from myself. So, everything I’ve done since, I’ve attempted to make it as professional as I could in the situation.

AA: Can you share a funny or embarrassing moment from a live performance?

TH: Oh gosh. Light the fire played in either Flint or Detroit…I can’t remember. The band we were out with had a fill in drummer and he became friends with us, and that night it was his birthday and he and I got…*way* too drunk…before we played our set haha. So we’re waiting back stage to come out for our intro, and right before we go out on stage I leaned over to Seth (our singer) and said “hey…I don’t remember how the first song starts…” and then walked out on stage haha. As soon as the song started muscle memory took over and it was fine but in that moment he and I both panicked; it was hilarious in retrospect.

AA: What's your strategy for networking and forging connections in the vibrant world of the music industry?

TH: This is one aspect of the internet I have found very helpful. I’m naturally an introvert, and at shows I usually have pretty bad anxiety. So if you’ve ever come up to me at a show and I seem standoffish, I promise I’m not…I’m just struggling haha. Instagram and Tiktok have helped me connect with so many like-minded musicians and fans and its been almost effortless to do so. I talked with a friend once about how our internet persona can be different from who we are in real life, but I really do think its a good way to open that door to beginning to understand someone if you have the desire to.

AA: Could you tell me about any upcoming projects, tours, or collaborations you’re looking forward to? I'm eager to hear what you're most excited about and any details you can share about these initiatives!

TH: So coming up, Set//Adrift has our first single off of our second EP (sort of a part 2) coming out December 13th. I don’t know if this will be out before then, but it’s the start of the second phase for us as a band and this will be the last of the songs I had written before the rest of the guys joined. Light the Fire is currently in the studio for our next release as well, and will be putting the final single of our upcoming EP out November 22nd. Death Won’t Be The End Of Me was originally going to be a full record, but we go so excited and off-the-wall creatively that we decided to do a part 1 and part 2. So Nov. 22nd will be the release for part 1. 2025 will be a lot of fun for both bands, but I think Set//Adrift will be starting to get out on the road and out of Texas. At least, that’s my goal.

AA: What does success look like to you?

TH: I think for me, it’s being able to make music with my friends and have it available to as many people as we can; based on how much we put into it. We’re all right around 30, so I don’t think any of us want to be on the road 300 days out of the year, so if we got to tour a couple months out of the year, play with our friends, maybe make some of our heroes our peers, I’d consider this successful.

AA: How do you define happiness in your own life? I think for myself, I’d define happiness as synonymous with fulfillment.

TH: Having people, I love and care about around; me enriching their lives, and vice versa. Of course, being an artist/musician is a part of that, but that’s not *all* it is. Especially if it comes at the cost of the other personal part of my life. But to me, they’re parallel lines that can add to each other but should never take away from each other.

AA: What are some activities you enjoy doing in your free time?

TH: I’m a pretty big nerd, so I just love watching movies/shows, playing the occasional video game, magic the gathering, and then my wild card is I love bouldering/rock climbing! It’s like a mental puzzle where I get to climb on cool stuff haha.

AA: What hobbies or pastimes do you find particularly enjoyable when you’re not immersed in your music? Are there specific activities that allow you to unwind and express yourself differently?

TH: For the people that have known me for years, I’m sure this always comes as a little bit of a strange pastime, but my favorite thing to do and turn my brain off to is watch football. I *hated* football as a kid, but my stepdad was really into it and it ended up being a bonding thing with us. After his passing, it became a way for me to keep him alive in me. Now I have my own independent love of the sport, and how it connects me to others. Big Green Bay fan, but I do enjoy just watching a few games on a Sunday after I’ve eaten too much and don’t want to move.

AA: Share three individuals who have significantly influenced your life, positively or negatively, and explain why.

TH: There are literally SO many, but I’ll try and limit it to 3 haha. The first is my high school biology teacher Mark, he was the first person to believe in me as a musician/guitar player and I 100% would not be who I am without his support and influence. Second would be my stepdad. He passed when I was 19 but he also believed in me when he didn’t have to, and was the best example of what being a good man is. Third is cliche, but it would have to be my mom. She practically raised me all by herself for most of my life, and I am who I am today because of her. All the good I see in myself I get from her.

AA: When it comes to movies, what are some of your all-time favorites? What is it about these particular movies that resonate with you? Is it the storytelling, the characters, the cinematography, or something else?

TH: Well, I’m a huge fantasy/Sci Fi guy. Star Wars and Lord of the Rings are lifestyles, so I usually put them above even my favorite movies. In terms of traditional cinema, Christopher Nolan is my favorite director, so Interstellar, Inception, The Prestige, etc…all incredible. Oblivion I think is my favorite standalone movie though; both the story, the message, the execution…how the filmed it, all of it. It’s perfect to me. I also really enjoy historical dramas, because of the gravity they naturally get from being things that actually happened. Movies like Munich, The Imitation Game, Black Hawk Down, October Sky, the list could go on and on. I’d say The Last Samurai, Big Fish, and No Country for Old Men should belong as honorable mentions as well. All three of those affected me profoundly in one way or another.

AA: As for TV shows, which ones do you find yourself eagerly tuning in to? What about these shows captivates you—could it be the plot twists, character development, or the overall production quality?

TH: I really like anything with a good story and execution. My favorite series of all time is probably “The Newsroom” with Jeff Daniels. Aaron Sorkin is one of the best screenwriters of all time, and his marriage of real-world events, idealist, and drama/fiction in that show is truly a masterclass. I enjoy all the typical comfort shows as well; Ted Lasso, The Office, How I Met Your Mother, Parks and Rec, etc. Any kind of epic story spanning multiple seasons I’m here for; The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, Lost, I’m here for it all! Really and truly, I just love good storytelling in any medium.

AA: Regarding books, which ones are at the top of your list? What makes these books stand out to you? Is it the writing style, the themes, or the emotions they evoke?

TH: My favorite author is Stephen King, and The Dark Tower series is a masterpiece. I love how all of his writing connects back to the dark tower series in some way, and he just does such a good job of world building and making characters both relatable and unreliable in all the ways the reader would want. If you don’t want to jump into the series, I’d recommend: Cell, The Institute, or Salem’s Lot. All are incredible stand a lone novels. I grew up reading Harry Potter and later when my vocabulary was up to snuff, the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, all classics and cannot recommend enough if fantasy is your thing. I want to read to escape, similarly to when I watch movies or shows…so the more fantastic the world to get lost in the better.

AA: Which podcasts do you highly recommend and why? What sets these podcasts apart from others, in your opinion? Do they offer valuable insights, entertaining content, or something else that keeps you hooked?

TH: I’m not a *huge* podcast guy to be honest. During the pandemic I did follow one called “Thank the Maker: A Star Wars Podcast” that was started by Ryan from Yellowcard, Adam from Story of the Year, and Nick from Bayside. It was really cool to feel connected to these guys talking about one of my favorite things, especially at a time when I felt so disconnected from the rest of the world. Cannot recommend highly enough if you’re into Star Wars at all. And with them being all band dudes, it was like chatting with my bandmates or someone at a show about the super fine details about Star Wars.

AA: I'm interested in learning about your favorite bands or music artists that you're passionate about. Additionally, I'd love to hear all the details about your most memorable concert experience - the atmosphere, the performance, the venue, and anything else that made it special for you.

TH: Favorite bands is so hard to nail down…I know it’s always asked but still haha. I think if I *had* to pick, my top ones would be: Being as an Ocean, Misery Signals, The 1975, Hot Mulligan, The Weeknd, and Chvrches. Some of it is for lyrical and emotional content, some is for inspiration, and some is just because I love the songs and the way they make me feel. My favorite concert I’ve ever been to was actually the 1975 on their “at their very best” tour when they played Dallas. Seeing the songs I loved delivered so masterfully, with the production they had…it was an incredible experience I’ll never forget. True artists through and through.

AA: What three standout qualities make you truly exceptional as a guitarist?

TH: Oh, I don’t think I’m “exceptional” at all haha. I think I have a good ear for tone and for chord voicing, but that’s where I feel my strengths are.

AA: Could you delve into your experiences with mental health and share how those experiences have influenced and shaped various aspects of your life? I'm particularly interested in specific moments or challenges you've faced, how you've navigated them, and the lessons you've learned.

TH: Mental health is such an important topic and I’m not sure I’ll give it the justice it deserves, but it's something I’ve struggled with from a pretty early age. Depression, and anxiety have played a huge part in my music, and I don’t know many of my peers and musicians I look up to that it hasn’t. I know that in my late teens/early 20s I messed up a lot of my relationships and friendships because of a lack of awareness, so once I got the knowledge, I’ve made sure to use it to make myself as a competent as I can be for those around me. Last thing I ever want to be is a burden or use it as a crutch…but at the same time I think its very important to help one another and give grace to those that are struggling. Mental health is a marathon, not a sprint and if I can help others the way some have helped me, I’ll feel okay about it.

AA: Imagine you can step back in time and live in any historical period. Which era would you choose, and what draws you to it? Dive into the allure of the past and let your imagination wander!

TH: What a great question! I think if I had to choose any period it’d have to be specifically the Meji era of Japan. Obviously, my experience would be different as a westerner, but to be a fly on the wall or to experience it as someone of Japanese descent I feel like would be so enriching. I think the experience and perspective would make the world feel simultaneously larger and smaller all at the same time. Give focus to the day to day but also make the world outside of my sphere seem infinite.

AA: If you were allowed to explore a completely different career path, what would it be, and what motivates you to choose? Consider the aspects of this new profession that intrigue you, such as the skills you’d like to develop, the impact you wish to have, or the personal fulfillment you seek. What experiences or passions drive you toward this alternate career, and how do you envision it aligning with your values and aspirations?

TH: In another life I would have been a lawyer. It’s actually the career path I intended going into college before I changed my major to music. So, if I had the ability to do anything else, I’d follow that original path. I always loved the challenge and puzzle of courtroom and contract law, and I really do believe in our legal system, even with its flaws. Maybe I’d be too idealistic to make any real money doing it, but I feel like in any multiverse I’d choose passion over money.

AA: How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals during times of uncertainty or change?

TH: Well, I’ve had this internal pull to do what I’m dong since I was 13, so there are times when it literally comes down to the idea that can’t *not* do this. Life is hard, change is often followed by pain, and the music industry is one of the most vulnerable and cruel places t be as an artist or even just as a person. I fall back on the faith in myself and my friends that are on this journey with me, and at the end of the day believing that what we’re doing matters. Even in some small way making a difference for someone, even if we never know it.

AA: If you had the opportunity to sit down with your 18-year-old self and share some wisdom, what advice would you offer? Are there particular experiences or lessons you wish you had known earlier that could have shaped your journey differently?

TH: I would say that everything will happen as it's supposed to, and don’t stress out so much about the future that you miss out on the experiences in the present. I’d also tell him to not be too afraid of losing people that you allow toxic friendships to ruin the good you have going on in your life. The good people that are meant to be in your life will find their way to you if you leave space for them.

AA: How do you stay inspired and motivated during creative block or burnout?

TH: This is probably the most difficult part if I’m honest. Burnout is REAL, especially since when I’m not playing with either band I’m working at a guitar shop. Although being around music all the time is awesome, sometimes the *last* thing I want to do when I get home is play more. To combat it I compartmentalize a bit, and I make sure to make time for friends and activities outside of music. You can’t force creativity or recover from burnout without time; so, a lot of it is having the mindset that being in that state is *okay* sometimes and that I’ll pass.

AA: What message would you share with everyone if you had the world's attention for five minutes?

TH: Just that life is hard, and complex, and messy; and to give yourself and others grace for that. And we should define ourselves by how we love each other.

AA: We are grateful to Trey Hawkins from Set // Adrift and Light The Fire for graciously sharing his story and interests with us.

Trey Hawkins | Guitarist

If you want to know more about Trey Hawkins and the band he's in, just check out these links:

Trey Hawkins Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/treyfromthepath/

SET//ADRIFT Linktree:

https://linktr.ee/setadriftfbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabU1HJ7LmFqCcwrDlLYn27X973Etp4g3Mn6QFjH6yyXJATKl0uYieczFdM_aem_6d6rQCgx0LEPDhrNUQDonw

LighttheFire:

https://www.instagram.com/lightthefire_tx/

*** All photos by Trey Hawkins and video by Set//Adrift - unless otherwise noted **

Exploring the Creative Mind: A Conversation with Robert Marx

Recently, I had the opportunity to engage in a conversation with the renowned artist Robert Marx. Our discussion delved into his artistic journey and personal experiences. It's a read that's sure to captivate and enlighten any art enthusiast.

AA: I would love to learn more about you! Please share your background with me and tell me where you're from. I'm interested in hearing about your upbringing, cultural heritage, and significant life experiences that have shaped who you are today.

RM: I was born in Arkansas only living there for a short time before ending up in Illinois. Culturally, I have lived all over the United States, North, South, East and West. Getting to take in all of these regions' culture has led me to have a very eclectic attitude and pallet. School was never a strong point academically, in my youth I was more concerned with social life, but as I grew older, I realized the need to have a broader understanding of the work I lived in. From a cultural standpoint, I always accepted and hung out with cultures that were not my own with a great appreciation for all cultures. Through my youth I generally moved every 2 to three years, living in more than 20 places nationwide, before getting married and settling down in New Hampshire and raising my daughter with my wife.

AA: How has your upbringing shaped your career in art?

RM: My upbringing shaped my art in that I always had support in what I do from those I love. This support always gave me the confidence to pursue my love and being a creative type. There may also be something in the fact of moving around so much that also allowed my mind to be open to moving freely from place to place in order to sell my art and myself in regard to working on creative projects.

AA: What inspired you to pursue an art career?

RM: Since I was a child, I have always loved to draw and paint. My own internal drive is the main push for me to continue to be an inquisitive creative type.

AA: Are there any artists in your family or anyone who pursues other art forms?

RM: No, no one in my family that I know of had pursued a career in art, although I have one member on my wifes side who does graphic art.

AA: Could you share your journey and experience in the art world with us?

RM: Art it-self is a very solitary existence; from studies they say that artists spend more time alone than any profession. I am very comfortable with being alone and thrive on it to focus my creative energies. I have dealt with art communities but in the end, I have become more of a hermit working on myself and my own ideas sometimes failing and sometimes succeeding. Both failure and success and both a learning endeavor.

AA: When you first started your art career, what challenges did you have to overcome?

RM: Beginning in the pursuit of being a creative type, many people gave me great platitudes, while other shot down everything I did. More than anything, my own longing is the vehicle that has drawn me through everything in this pursuit. Sometimes I stand in my own way while on other levels, finances are also an obstacle to being able to move freely in any direction of production. Moreso that anything has been my love of creating more than anything.

AA: What specific style of art do you tend to focus on personally?

RM: I generally focus on creating my own style based on my own perceptions. Most people classify me as a psychedelic artist, but I think art goes way beyond that in that artistic expression is a matter of imagination. Overall, my way of thinking and creating are outside of many peoples' general conception of what reality can be which I guess is why perceptually my work can be seen as “out there.

AA: Are there any illustrators who have inspired you to pursue this craft?

RM: Some of my biggest inspirations in the field of art would have to be Heronimous Bosh, Gustave Dore and Rick Griffin.

AA: How can you ensure that your artwork stands out from the rest?

RM: I don't work to make my art stand out; I work to make my art beautiful in my own mind's eye. In this way maybe it makes it unique enough for people to recognize my style. While I also believe that every person who creates things has their own style which naturally surfaces in their own works.

AA: Could you please walk me through your typical creative process from the initial idea to the finished product?

RM: As far as creative process, first i congeal an idea into its own form in my mind. Second it is a matter of drawing/ sketching the ideas out. Once the base of the sketch is brought to the refined for where in it becomes acceptable, I will then work to bring it to a finished state. This finished state can be from ink to watercolor with-in the analog aspects for creation, while for many projects digitization is required.

AA: Could you share a few of your favorite pieces or projects with me and explain why they are so meaningful to you?

RM: Some of my most meaningful projects i work on are for non-profit organizations for the purpose of helping communities in need or feeding those who go without. For over 20 years I have been working with the organization Conscious Alliance. Conscious Alliance is a youth outreach organization helping those in need by exchanging gig posters for non perishables to help feed communities in need. I encourage everyone to check them out to see if you can help as well at Conscious Alliance.org . I have done artwork for many other non-prophets for fundraising over the years as well.

AA: Could you explain what analog art is?

RM: Analog art is the traditional act of creating art in the real world. Doing such things as drawing on paper or painting with watercolors. Whereas virtual art is done in the digital space and can be output into an analog form such as prints or other products.

AA: How has your creative process evolved over the years?

RM: Other than a stylistic evolution of my work which has come with age and experience, in my younger days I would isolate myself and draw and paint in silence. As I have gotten older and have the need to work while I travel, I now will make art anywhere, generally blocking out the outside world through focus. In my younger days I was only concerned with my own output, but as I have progressed in a career of professional art, I have also allowed myself to become very malleable in order to make images for clients.

AA: Have you ever teamed up with other artists or professionals on a project? If yes, how was the experience?

RM: Most of the time when I have worked with other artists in a background setting. I have added text to poster art for artists that could not, refined and cleaned up stuff for presswork and more technical aspects of production and reproduction. I have many times been offered to collaborate with other artists but schedules have generally kept me on the production of my own work. Most of the collaboration i have done with other artists consists of creating a poster of tee design for a band of musicians.

AA: Throughout your artistic journey, you have undoubtedly created numerous pieces of artwork. Can you take a moment to reflect and identify the top 5 artworks that brought you the most joy and satisfaction during the creative process?

RM: Looking back some of the most satisfying moments have been getting to work with some top tier clients that are essential bands i know and love. These high moments from working with the likes of Pink Floyd, the Grateful Dead, and Widespread Panic, as well as doing work for the 50th anniversary of Woodstock and the Fuji Rock Fest in Japan. I generally enjoy all the projects that I work on, but especially when they are for some of my favorite bands.

AA: Which art festival has been the most memorable for showcasing and selling your artwork?

RM: The most memorable was going down to Florida for a Big Phish festival in Big Cypress with about 80,000 people and i completely sold out of all the art i had in my van in one day. A very fun and exciting show with Phish playing for over 16 hours straight as well as the entire crowed getting in the Guinness book of world records for the most people doing the same dance at the same time.

AA: Do you have a piece of artwork that you've created with a special story behind it?

RM: Every piece of artwork I create has a special story behind it. I like to incorporate things like moon phases, stars from the night sky at said location, aspects of the event and bands into the works themselves. Artwork in its essential form is a storytelling device.

AA: What Impact Do You Hope to Have on Viewers or Society Through Your Art?

RM: Most ideally high art conveys beauty and contrast. In my opinion, in its essential form art is meant to elevate the minds of the viewer through a series of symbols to tell an abstract story or idea of sorts. This idea or story being told through color, line, rhythm, balance and imagery as a whole. Hopefully those who view my art see something that elevates their mind and spirit.

AA: How do you define success as an artist?

RM: Success is subjective. If someone can spend their time doing what they love and being productive is the most evident type of success to me.

AA: Does art help you in other areas of your life?

RM: To me art is my life. All aspects of my life involve art, from unloading the dishwasher and doing the job well to focusing on creating art for my self or a client. Life itself can be an art form if you so choose.

AA: Imagine your ultimate art passion project. What does it look like? Describe your dream project in vivid detail.

RM: Currently, besides working on my art for clients and myself, my brother Richard and I are talking about working to build a small publishing house selling books and prints.

AA: I'm interested in learning more about the Solomon Temple. Could you provide us the comprehensive information on its history, architecture, religious significance, and any other relevant details? Additionally, I want to understand why studying this topic is important for people to gain a deeper understanding of history, culture, and religion.

RM: The thing about Solomon's Temple I guess that is the grounding factor would be that it is the Temple that is the base of influencing much of the modern world in the west. It has influenced the ideas of Judaism, coming out of Zoroastrianism, and has influenced the ideas leading to modern Christianity and Islam. If Solomon's Temple is something that is interesting to you, for a more indepth look at its histor and its relationship with concepts of Magic, Banking and Religion, please check out the 5 part series of around 15 hours of material on my MettaMindCast podcast on all major platforms.

AA: Regarding books, which ones are at the top of your list? What makes these books stand out to you? Is it the writing style, the themes, or the emotions they evoke?

RM: Books are something I have fallen in love with as I get older. I currently collect a variety of Books on many subjects. Some of my favorite reads are various ancient texts from Samaria to India. The Enuma Elish, The Bible including The Book of Enoch and all the apocryphal, The Bhagavad Gita, the writing of Herodotus, Plato, Aristotle and on and on. Books I believe add to the understanding of the human condition and lend to individuals having a deeper understanding of the origins of humanity.

AA: Which podcasts do you highly recommend and why? What sets these podcasts apart from others, in your opinion? Do they offer valuable insights, entertaining content, or something else that keeps you hooked?

RM: Some of my favorite podcasts are Grandtheft World and No Agenda in the political realm. I also enjoy such show as (in no particular order) the Occult Rejects, Aeon Byte, Amish Inquisition, Cocaine and Rhinestones, Hardcore History, End of Days radio, The Free Zone, William Ramsey Investigates, Grimerica, Juan on Juan, The Hawk-It podcast, TinFoil Hat, Martyr Made, Subconscious Realms, Those Conspiracy Guys, Unlimited Hangout and more. While i do skip around listening to various things, most of my time is usually listening to audio books on various historical topics. The only fiction I can really get into is the works of Philip K. Dick’s and H.P. Lovecraft.

AA: I know you have a passion for traveling and have been on many exciting trips. Could you share specific details about some of your most memorable travel experiences? I'd love to hear about the destinations you visited, the activities you enjoyed, and the delicious foods you savored during your journeys, etc

RM: At this point in my travels I have been to every state multiple times and have to say that everywhere you can go is filled with wonderful people who want to show you the best parts of their lives. From scenery, to food and other pleasures, everywhere has its own unique beauty. Some of my favorite places would have to be the North West and the North east. The seafood on and beautiful autumn on the North East coast is a favorite. While the The Pacific Coast Highway in the Northwest is my favorite drive in the states.

AA: Could you share the story of how you and your wife first met? Also, does she share your passion for art?

RM: My wife and I met initially at the Memphis in May festival, but did not get together until we were hanging out in Rhode Island. My wife is my biggest patron and supports me in all of my artistic endeavors from drawing and printing to writing.

AA: What was something about her that made me think, "This is the woman I want to marry and start a family with?

RM: When we started hanging out the most important aspect was that we became friends and as the years went by with me taking her from New Orleans to Las Vegas and beyond, we have grown close and more patient with one another. We were together for almost five years when we decided to get married and spend the rest of our lives together. If you can manage to live out of a car with someone while traveling and running a business for three or more months at a time, they're a keeper.

AA: What bands or artists do you enjoy listening to? Also, I'd love to hear about your favorite concert experience!

RM: I enjoy all types of music and often relate that there are two kinds of music, good music and Bad music. I enjoy all genres from Classical to Rock and Roll. Some of my favorite bands are Leftover Salmon, Lefty Frizzell, the String Cheese Incident, alot of old school hip-hop and old school western swing like Bob Wills. One of my most memorable concerts was seeing the Flaming Lips on the beach in Alabama where I ended up on stage with the band while they were playing Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon and when the song Eclypse came on there was an actual solar Eclipse in the sky. While simultaneously Wayne, the lead singer, was in a blow-up ball walking on the crowd, confetti cannons blasting every few minutes and a semblance of Dorthies and multiple Lion, Tinmen and Scarecrows dancing all around me while the band played.

AA: What are your favorite ways to spend your free time?

RM: My favorite way to spend my free time is hanging out with the people I know and love. On the other hand, when I'm alone, my favorite way to pass the time is reading books.

AA: I'd love to hear about three people who have had a significant impact on your life, whether positive or negative

RM: The people who have had the most significant effect on my life are by far my Mother, My Wife and My Daughter lending to help me develop Morals, Stability and Love.

AA: What would you say if you had the world's attention for 5 minutes?

RM: Know they self and all good things will follow. Love over Will.

AA: Robert Marx, thank you for sharing so much about yourself and your artistic journey! I wish you all the best in your future endeavors!

Robert Marx- Artist

For comprehensive details about artist Robert Marx, please click on the link below.

https://linktr.ee/rmarx

*** All photos by Robert Marx, unless otherwise noted **

Behind the Music: An Exclusive Interview with Mary Mendoza from Feel Good Band

I recently had the opportunity to chat with Mary Mendonza of the Feel Good Band. We explored her musical journey, the inspirations behind her art, and the passions that drive her creative process. It was a conversation that proved to be as insightful as it was enjoyable, and I think it's something you'd really appreciate.

AA: Please tell me about your background, where you're from, your upbringing, cultural heritage, and significant life experiences that have shaped who you are today.

MM: I was born and raised in deep south Texas! McAllen, Texas to be specific – practically in Mexico when looking at it on the map. I’m super proud of that though, being submersed in such a cool culture for the first 13 years of my life. I’m the youngest of 4 kids and extremely close with my family. We were raised to be kind, open-minded, emotionally driven and authentic.

MM: My family moved to Omaha, NE in 2008. That was a huge change for us and for me, but I’m glad for it. Omaha has great people, education, annnddd most important for me now – a dope music scene.

MM: In terms of significant life experiences, more recently I suffered the largest loss of my life. My big brother Alex passed away tragically, and it’s been absolutely world changing. It’s still really fresh and depressing (sorry lol) but it would feel wrong not to mention it. Sad emo bangers coming your way! Back to fun stuff haha

AA: I'm curious about the music scene in Omaha, Nebraska. Can you tell me about the types of music venues, popular local bands, and any unique or distinctive aspects of the music culture in the city?

MM: Omaha is not what you’d expect – it’s rich in culture and celebrates the arts beautifully. There’s a range of venues from dive bar to arena with everything in between. We entered the scene in the midst of COVID and were so stoked to see how the community came back together once the world was opened up again. There’s a ton of support and genuinely cool people in it for the love of the music and spreading it as far and wide as possible.

AA: Is there a specific artist whose music and journey inspired you to pursue your passion for music and eventually start your band?

MM: Who immediately comes to mind for me is Demi Lovato. When I think back to my most impressionable years, she stands out the most for me in terms of singing and acting AND being so close with the Jonas Brothers haha.

MM: She’s always been a massive inspiration for me vocally and since I’ve also had interest in acting, I couldn’t believe she got to do both at the same time. We are about the same age, so she made me think maybe it was possible for me too. It just took me a lot longer haha

AA: I am genuinely fascinated by the story behind your musical journey. I would love to know what specific moment or experience ignited your passion for music and how you decided to pursue it. What were the challenges you faced, and what steps did you take to turn your passion into a successful musical journey?

MM: I realized this was something I could do but I didn’t want to do it alone. I had notebooks full of lyrics but no music to put them to. My brother Mack, who’s now the keyboardist/composer for our band, had played the piano by ear and suddenly we had an abundance of free time after moving to a new city. We found ourselves meeting at the piano and writing music together.

MACK BRUMMEL | KEYS, MUSIC COMPOSITION

AA: I'm interested in learning about the origins of your band, Feel Good. How did the members first connect and decide to form the group? What's the story behind the band's name, and why was it chosen? Additionally, I'm eager to hear about your journey and the experiences you've had since the band was established.

MM: Mack and I have been tied since I was born of course! We then met Mark (guitar) through a mutual friend who said he was looking for a band to join. Mark introduced us to Tanner (bassist/engineer/producer) when we were looking for someone to record our demos. Once Tanner heard the music, he fell in love with the project and quickly volunteered to be our missing bassist. We rotated through a couple different drummers before we landed with Drew and have a match made in heaven ever since!

MM: A big part of our collaboration is playing by ear and just going off of what feels good – which is where the name comes from.

MARK HECK | GUITAR

TANNER STAUFFACHER | BASS, ENGINEERING, PRODUCTION

DREW KOHLER | DRUMS

AA: As I was exploring the collection of albums you have released, I became curious about which specific album was your favorite to work on. Additionally, I am interested in learning about the sources that inspire your lyrics. Where do you typically draw your ideas for lyrics from?

MM: This last album, Bluebird, was my favorite. Each song came together so effortlessly and was a direct reflection of where I was at in my life at that time. The lyrics poured out of me almost without thought. Specifically before bed, I’d be laying there about to drift off and suddenly a stream of lyrics would pop in my head and I’d have to write them down or make a quick video to captiure the harmony. I was in an emotional rough patch and absolutely used music to process it and work through my emotions.

AA: I'd love to hear about four of your favorite songs you enjoyed working on and performing. Can you also share why these songs are your favorites and if they have any meaningful messages behind them?

MM: Smiling From The Heart is one of my favorite live – when I wrote it, I didn’t’ entirely mean the words I was writing and promised myself I would mean them the first time I sang them on stage. That one is a healthy reminder for me of how far I’ve come with my mental health journey.

MM: Cognitive Dissonance is a fun one live, the beginning is always emotional. The crowd is so still and respectful.

MM: Full Bloom is our opener for the set and really sets the bar high for what the crowd can expect. Such an uplifting song, too.

MM: Perfect Match is our closer for live sets because it’s SO fun. The energy is amazing!

AA: Imagine you are in a situation where you have to describe the unique qualities of your music to someone who has never heard it before. How would you go about explaining this to them?

MM: I’m so bad at this hahaha I’d say our music is ballad style rock with pop punk energy. It’s raw, powerful and captivating.

AA: Can you share what it's like to be a musician, especially as the frontwoman of your band?

MM: It’s the best! Haha it can be a bit overwhelming at times, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Because of my background and my full-time job as a graphic designer, I handle all of our social media which is a job in itself. Nowadays, you can’t just be a talented band. You have to be a content creator, an online personality, a manager, all in one. You have to wear a lot of hats but I’m happy to do it. At the end of the day, you gotta earn your stripes and work for it. The grind is a real thing lol.

AA: How do you manage the emotional and financial fluctuations of being a musician, including the highs of performing and creating music and the lows of uncertainty and financial instability?

MM: Because of the instability, we have yet to quit our full-time jobs outside of music. Long-term touring right now isn’t as profitable as we’d need it to be to quit or day jobs, but we’d love for our music careers to be lucrative enough to be our ONLY careers. That’s the goal! To get around the financial stress of a longer tour, we’re planning on shorter stints around the Midwest to extend our reach beyond Omaha in a live setting.

AA: For individuals who are looking to make their mark in the music industry, what specific advice or tips would you provide to help them navigate their way into the music scene and establish a successful career?

MM: I’m no sure we’re qualified to answer this hahah but I’ll give it a go! I guess I would say just keep going. Even when it feels like no one is listening, no one is watching, nobody cares – someone does. And even if that someone is you, isn’t that enough? Keep making your music, keep playing your shows, keep posting on social media. If you’re genuine and make music you love, you can’t go wrong.

AA: As you've pursued your music career, I'm curious to know about the travel opportunities that have come your way. What are some of the memorable places you've had the chance to visit or perform in? Are there specific states or cities that your band particularly enjoys visiting or performing in?

MM: So far, we’ve only played in our hometown and in Lincoln, Nebraska. And technically Council Bluffs, Iowa but that’s like 15 minutes away haha.

AA: Could you recall the first show or performance you were involved in? What thoughts and emotions were racing your mind as you stepped onto the stage for the first time?

MM: I remember doing a talent show for my friend's church when I was in 8th grade. I was absolutely terrified and had a stomachache the entire week leading up to it. But once I started singing, I didn’t want to stop.

AA: If you had the opportunity to share the stage with any artist from any genre, who would you choose to collaborate with and why?"

MM: I would love to work with so many artists, but I think our fans would be most stoked if we did a collab with Paramore. We are compared to them most often and it would be cool to have a little sister/big sister moment with Hayley Williams.

AA: What does success look like to you? How do you define happiness in your own life?

MM: Success to me is knowing our music has made as much of an impact on other peoples lives as it has our own. I can confidently say we have succeeded in that based on the messages we’ve received. I’m happy when I’m fulfilled in mind, body and spirit – music does a lot of that!

AA: What are some activities you enjoy doing in your free time?

MM: Oooooo fun time!! I love to go to the gym or move my body in some way lol I hang out with my family; my husband and I do puzzles and snuggle with our pets. I play sand volleyball and like to do freelance design when I can. I keep myself busy with work and the band though!

AA: Share three individuals who have significantly influenced your life, positively or negatively, and explain why.

MM: My parents have absolutely shaped who I am. They’ve shown me what true love is and how to care for your family. I can never repay them for what they’ve been able to give me, not in materials but in life lessons.

MM: My husband Hugo has been in my life for 10 years now! We’ve totally grown together and made each other who we are. We challenge each other and support each other, and I love him for that. And hes cute 😊

MM: My brother Alex who passed away has significantly influenced me in his life and in his death. He was such a fierce lover of everyone he met and didn’t know a stranger. I aspire to be more like him in so many regards, but in his openness and lack of judgement for others. He was the brightest light in every room.

AA: When it comes to movies, what are some of your all-time favorites? What is it about these particular movies that resonate with you? Is it the storytelling, the characters, the cinematography, or something else?

MM: I have a hard time picking favorites, but I tend to like movies that either make you think really hard, or make you laugh really hard. I love all Judd Apatow movies for humor – although, Pineapple Express is my go-to for a laugh. Shutter Island stands out to me as one of the first movies that shocked me which I LOVE. Being a storyteller, I tend to predict how a story ends and ruin it for myself, so I LOVE when I’m surprised 😊

AA: As for TV shows, which ones do you find yourself eagerly tuning in to? What about these shows captivates you—could it be the plot twists, character development, or the overall production quality?

MM: PI watch an insane amount of TV, but I tend to be drawn to dramas or trash reality tv hahah Love Island and Love Is Blind are up my alley. For my day job, I put in headphones and watch whatever I want, so I can go through a whole season pretty easily.

AA: Regarding books, which ones are at the top of your list? What makes these books stand out to you? Is it the writing style, the themes, or the emotions they evoke?

MM: Nowadays, my reading is mainly recommended by my therapist hahahah. The Body Keeps The Score is beyond interesting and insightful, I highly suggest it for anyone on a mental health journey.

AA: Regarding books, which ones are at the top of your list? What makes these books stand out to you? Is it the writing style, the themes, or the emotions they evoke?

MM: Nowadays, my reading is mainly recommended by my therapist hahahah. The Body Keeps The Score is beyond interesting and insightful, I highly suggest it for anyone on a mental health journey.

AA: Could you share some insights into your personal journey with mental health and the ways in which it has shaped your life?

MM: I spent most of my life not liking myself. And I didn’t even know. But it showed in the ways I treated myself and let other treat me. Once I took control of my mental health, I learned to love myself and it seems like everything else just fell into place after that.

AA: Which podcasts do you highly recommend and why? What sets these podcasts apart from others, in your opinion? Do they offer valuable insights, entertaining content, or something else that keeps you hooked?

MM: Podcasts are my jam!!! Armchair Expert is my holy grail. There are a few subseries within the umbrella of shows and they are all equally amazing. The hosts interview celebrities and experts in different areas just the same. They go past surface level convo and get straight to the nitty gritty which I love. The experts share so much knowledge on things I otherwise wouldn’t have ever been exposed to.

AA: I'm interested in learning about your favorite bands or music artists that you're passionate about. Additionally, I'd love to hear all the details about your most memorable concert experience - the atmosphere, the performance, the venue, and anything else that made it special for you.

MM: Mayday Parade is band that we all hold in extremely high regards. From the amazing music to the performances to who they are as people and to their fans. They’ve set an awesome example of who we aspire to be as a band.

MM: My most memorable concert experience was our most recent show when we opened for Judah and the Lion. It was my first time at this brand-new venue in our town and it was incredible as a show-goer, much less as a performer!

AA: If you could live in any historical period, which would you choose and why?

MM: I’m actually so happy with my generation hahaha maybe I’d just go back to the early 90’s or 2000’s.

AA: If you had the world's attention for five minutes, what message would you share with everyone?"

MM: We are all human. Kindness is free to give yet priceless to receive – share it wildly and with authenticity. Life is too short to dwell on the bad days when we could find the good in them. Tell the people you love that you love them. Be good.

AA: Mary Mendoza, I appreciate you sharing a lot about yourself and your musical journey! I wish you the best of luck in all your future pursuits!

The Feel Good Band

MARY MENDOZA | VOCALS

Please access the link below to find detailed information about The Feel Good Band.

https://linktr.ee/feelgoodofficial?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYxfC0a6HloEZqnYvwI6X0_BxAMtkZh-r4riOZqV9R-ueR8qwwHRBwsg4U_aem_XxkX6dhRrvVVfTtI9pEsqQ

*** All photos and videos by Feel Good Band and Photographer, Jasmaine of Endless Photography Omaha, unless otherwise noted **