Pat Ogl has always been one of those “tell it like it is” rockers.  When I was a kid & met him on tour he said things like, “Anyone who wants to make money touring’s a moron.”  Now it’s ten years later & Pat is still just telling it like it is.

Name: Patrick Ogle
Band: Thanatos
Website: http://www.patrickogle.com

QRD – How old were you when you first realized you wanted to be a professional musician?

Pat – I never really did want to be one.…  I was sort of a quasi-professional... made money, but never a LOT.…

QRD – What are a few highlights of your musical career?

Pat – I really enjoyed our tours in the South.  Always had a great time in Texas.  Aside from that, oddly, the release of my lowest selling record I Am Not Job.…  For personal reasons it seemed like that record would never even get done... but it did.  It was miraculous... William Tucker died, I moved, I was broke... then I cut my hand & required surgery... etc. etc... but it got done.

QRD – At what age did you decide you wanted to become a father?

Pat – I always wanted to in some abstract way.  In part because of the respect & love I had for my Dad.

QRD – What are some positive & negative impacts your family has had on your career?

Pat – They have always been supportive if not overly so.  I remember my Dad telling me that he had three things he had wanted to be, a writer, a painter or a teacher.  He became a teacher but he still painted (covers of three of my records are by him).  He said he knew now he could have done any of them & that I needed to do what I felt I should regardless of money, what anyone else said... etc.  I am not someone in need of a lot of support & backslapping though.  My SON is very pleased with the idea I did music.  His mom thinks it is a waste of time.

QRD – What are some positive & negative impacts your career has had on your family?

Pat – Can’t think of a single thing.

QRD – Have your children effected the music you make &/or listen to?

Pat – Not really.  I have, for years, wanted to record some music for kids.  My son, when he was really little, had a strong liking for The Ramones & David Bowie.

QRD – Have you had problems with the lack of steady money from a musical career providing the security you feel necessary in your household?

Pat – I have always had a lack of money, but that has little to do with music.  I do not do music as my CAREER really.  The thing is you can make it work & using a family as an excuse to not do music is just that ? an excuse ? & a sorry one because you will wind up blaming the people who should be closest to you for your NOT doing music.

QRD – Given the limitations having a family has on being a touring musician, would you have toured more earlier in life if you’d known?

Pat – I would have toured more regardless.  I would tour now if anyone gave a shit about my music!

QRD – Do you think being a father or a musician has a greater impact on your community?

Pat – No.

QRD – Would you rather see your son eventually become a musician or parent?

Pat – I want him to do what he wants to do, what he finds he loves.  What I WANT him to do is meaningless.  I would like him to play an instrument because I think that opens up new ways of thinking… whether you use it to make your own music or not.

QRD – Both family & music seem like things that will take up as much of your time as you’re willing to put in.  How do you end up dividing your time?

Pat – I always do music sort of when inspiration hits & I rarely play live these days.  I have had no problem with scheduling.

QRD – Do you have a split/secret life between being a parent & being a musician?

Pat – Not at all.

QRD – What does your son think of your music?

Pat – He likes stuff a little more rocking than what I do!

QRD – Do you think you could ever do a musical project with your son?

Pat – Sure… that would be fun.

QRD – Any words of advice to young people?

Pat – Whatever you do... do not let yourself get old.

Another QRD interview with Pat:
Thanatos interview (december 1996)