Way back in the summer of 2007, after nearly a year off, I decided to hit the stage again with a solo project (named after a bastardization of my birthday) called The Virgo 9. Within 2 weeks, I was on stage with a trio and the shows kept rolling in. In fact, they haven't stopped. If I had a dime for every hour I've spent working on this project, I would have a healthy little nest egg.
Within the first year, we had a drummer go M.I.A., a slew of fill-ins, and I had to wing a number of shows solo or as a duo because of the lead guitar player's inability to commit. I was unable to even entertain recording because I feared it would just create more problems. To eliminate some of the uncertainties, I brought back our very first drummer, Gavin, because he's solid and has a great musical work ethic. I'm still amazed I have survived the instability of it all without losing my mind. But, no matter what, I was determined I would not let my ship sink.
Previously being a duo called The Veldas, I knew this would alleviate the challenge of wondering if I would even have band mates for shows which were booked. Still, last fall, I became so frustrated, I began lashing out at people, but could never really put my finger on what the problem actually was or why my heart suddenly felt so black. I knew that something had to be done.
I've been playing music for a long time and projects have a way of evolving. You get more band mates, try new styles, shake up your existing songs, etc. But, my grand plan to slow down didn't help. So, I decided to take a break for evaluation, recording and to find a bass player. Luckily, finding Jim "Bass" Burrow was not only easier than I thought, but also an even better addition than I could have imagined. I knew within 2 songs, he was "the one." Within a few practices, I found myself in awe of both Jim and Gavin. Not only were they helping me find the sound I have been seeking, but they also offered to help me with the behind the scenes stuff too. Sad but true, getting help (even the offer of help) from anyone except Misbehaved Records, was so unfamiliar to me, it set off a light bulb. The problem became obvious.
Music should be made from your heart. In my case, it is. However, sometimes, the lines between loving music and caring about the people you play with get blurry. In my lengthy way, I suppose I'm saying I enjoyed every note Darby and I played together, every conversation we ever had, and every drink we ever shared. But, as time went on and we got more shows, deeper into the recordings, and with my desire to tour growing, I realized that we were very different in our approaches to being in a band. I do not doubt that Darby loves playing. It became apparent my drive was bigger than playing when it's convenient. I'm not saying that it is a misguided philosophy or that it's wrong to approach music in whatever way you choose. It is just not a shared philosophy. I believe in running with the luck we've been blessed to have and I believe in working myself to the bone to make my simple (no rock star fantasies here) dreams come true.
The Virgo 9 now consists of Gavin on drums, Jim on bass, and me doing what I've always done. Our first show as The "newly evolved" Virgo 9 will be Saturday, May 16 @ Pick 'n Bitch. Hosted by the lovely Pinhook.
Hope to see you there!
Teresa
