Name: Bevan Hurd
Band: The Very Foundation
Website: theveryfoundation.com

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

Bevan – I was 12 when I started playing drums & the desire to always play music as much as possible set in almost immediately.  I didn’t have my first paying gig until I was 19 & it has always been some sort of struggle to be a musician.  The universe doesn’t really want more musicians.  But the fever set in early & has never relented.

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

Bevan – Well, every album I’ve ever put out (five now with my various bands) has been a highlight, a real culmination of a lot of effort.  I remember handing my parents a copy of my first disc.  They hated it, but I was still proud.  Doing my first recording session as a musician for hire was also a highlight.  It was very satisfying, & I felt so professional.  There have been so many live shows that it’s hard to pick a few highlights.

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

Bevan – I’m technically a stepfather, so I hope that doesn’t disqualify me.  I never had a fatherhood plan, but I always suspected there would come a time when having a child would feel right.  When I was 31, I fell in love with a woman & she had a daughter already.  It wasn’t planned, but it felt right from the start.  & it changed my life for the better.

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

Bevan – Having a solid support system & people who actually give a damn about your well-being is always a positive impact.  For me, it gives a home base, both physically & psychologically, from which to operate.  The negative impacts are the obvious ones: you have a family that both deserves & demands your time.  There just won’t be as much time for your career.  Finding a balance is a challenge.

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

Bevan – I hope there haven’t been too many negative impacts on my family.  But again, it’s the obvious stuff: sometimes I’m just not around & I miss family events. 

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

Bevan – If I have to listen to that cursed “High School Musical” soundtrack again I fear the damage will be irreparable! As for the music I make, the only thing I’ve noticed is becoming painfully aware of any obscenities or adult themes in the lyrics.  My daughter wants to hear all my music, & some of it just isn’t appropriate for her, yet. 

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

Bevan – Since I’ve had a family, I’ve also had a steady income from a day job.  & my wife is fully employed.  So I’ve been fortunate in that regard.  Steady money from music has never happened for me.

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?

Bevan – I would have just toured more just knowing now what a gift it is to be young, healthy, & full of energy.  I took it for granted when I was 25.  I don’t any more. 

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

Bevan – A father, definitely.  But it’s not like being a musician doesn’t have an impact on your community.  Art certainly impacts your community, just not in the same way as caring for & educating the next generation.  Actually, you use art to educate the next generation.  Trust me, I use music to influence to my child.

QRD – Would you rather see your children eventually become musicians or parents?

Bevan – Does it have to be one or the other? What my daughter grows to be is entirely her choice.  I’m just gonna make sure she knows her options. 

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?

Bevan – It’s all scheduling & prioritizing.  There are certain events - a birthday, for example - that I’m not willing to miss for music.  But I will have to miss some dinners & bedtimes & play dates due to practices & shows & recording.  It requires much more organization.  Having a family definitely forces you to be better organized.  & to communicate better with band mates. 

QRD – What does your daughter think of your music?

Bevan – She seems to like it, so far.  She always asks questions about who is playing what instrument or singing on a given song.  If I point out some odd thing we recorded, like accidentally recording a train in the background, she becomes fascinated with it.  & I’ve used some of her toys (usually broken) on recordings before.  She loves that. 
And there’s nothing like hearing your child randomly singing your music.  That will warm your heart.  Even if it is out of key. 

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

Bevan – Sure.  & we already get together & sing on the PA.  Or I play drums & she bangs on my bass.  I’d love to work her into a recording somehow.  But you also have to be respectful of your band mates, especially if they don’t have kids.  It may be charming to you to have your child in the studio, but maybe not for them. 

QRD – Any words of advice to young people?

Bevan – Not really.  I’m no guru.  & they won’t listen anyway.