I think there’s a fear that strikes most people when they find out someone they know plays music. It’s the fear of “how do I manage to pretend they don’t suck?” It used to be one of my favorite compliments when someone would come up after a show and admit to that fear and say, “but you were actually good!” When you play music, that fear is larger, because you also have to worry about them sucking and then wanting to, you know, jam sometime!
Funnily enough, my fears on this are usually unfounded. A long time ago I heard about a friend of a friend who played music and I pretty much ignored the information as I usually do (see: fear). Then one day I actually downloaded a song and bothered to listen and felt like an idiot, again as I usually do. The songwriting was strong as hell and the voice was just incredible. I replayed it a few more times and then downloaded the rest of what was available. That was the first time I heard Juliana Finch.
I emailed her that same day and let her know if she ever needed vocals or guitar or someone to detail her car to let me know. That was over a year ago. In the interim we sang together at last year’s 500 Songs For Kids (“Wouldn’t It Be Nice” by the Beach Boys) and she’s been slowly putting together a backing band called the Noonday Drunks, which I’m happy to say I’m part of. As uncertain as I’ve been over the past few years about pursuing my own career, I’ve never been hesitant to be a part of this.
Anyway, before the year is out you should have a chance to see us live. But meanwhile, you can see Juliana tonight at Smith’s Olde bar in Atlanta. Doors at 7pm and she’s on at 7:30. Get out there if you can!
