The music business can be a fickle beast. Many bands are lucky to make it through their first tour, with most breaking up long before that. So what is the secret to a long and prosperous career in a heavy band? We asked a few aging Doom Metal musicians to see what they attribute their success to.
Play Slower
As you get older, your hands move slower and your memory gets worse, so why fight it? If anything, the Doom crowd might love it more than ever. Play slower. Instead of playing 10 songs in a set, play three and stretch them out as long as possible. Instead of playing a mid-tempo heavy hitter with multiple parts to a song, play the same riff over and over for nine minutes. You’ll look like a genius, but little do they know you just didn’t want to remember more than one riff.
Play Louder
If there’s one thing Doom Metal fans enjoy more than playing slow, it’s playing loud. And, let’s face it, you can barely hear that shit at this point anyway. Turn it up louder. You’ll finally be able to hear yourself and the music you’re playing, and the fans will think you are the heaviest band out right now.
Take More Naps
Now that you’ve slowed things down and turned things up, you should have some extra time in between riffs to re-energize. Sleep is very important for longevity, and it improves your mood, your memory, and your overall physical health. After you play the opening riff, take a quick nap before that second riff. Your body—and your bandmates—will thank you. Just be sure to wake up before you turn into a Drone Metal band!
