 |
| about
this issue Navigate the Interviews |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
May 2015
Bands: X-Ray Vision, Thrill of a Gunfight, TwoThirteen, The Independents
Websites: https://www.facebook.com/darkwait
QRD – How old were you when you first realized you wanted to be a professional musician?
Chad – I knew from age 13 I wanted to be involved in music. Nothing made me feel the way it did. It gave me an avenue to vent any issue I had or to express my feelings about life.
QRD – What are a few highlights of your musical career?
Chad – I have been able to travel & play 40 out of 50 states & I have also been to Canada a few times. I was in a band called Thrill Of A Gunfight & we had a release on Victory Records. It was awesome to be able to go to any store & see your album on the shelves. I got to tour & play with The Independents, a band I was a fan of since I was 18. I am happy the most with my work with a band called TwoThirteen. I shared the stage with my best friend Allen Nasty Dillard until his passing. The few albums we released are what I am most proud of. Unfortunately they didn’t get the exposure they deserved, but we did have several write ups in national magazines. Currently I play in a comedy punk band called X-Ray Vision & I am just doing it for the love with no expectations other than to rock & have a good time.
QRD – At what age did you decide you wanted to become a father?
Chad – There was never really a decision made to become a dad for me. It just happened. I was still a kid at heart & I am still learning how to become a dad & a role model. Being in an active band has cost me many relationships throughout my life, but it is something I have never been able to walk away from.
QRD – What are some positive & negative impacts your family has had on your career?
Chad – Negative impact is the time apart & the dedication to music. Luckily my kids have moms that take really good care of them, so I don’t have to worry when I am away.
QRD – Have your children effected the music you make?
Chad – My children have absolutely affected my writing at times. They are a huge part of my life.
QRD – Have you had problems with the lack of steady money from a musical career providing the security you feel necessary in your household?
Chad – Being a musician in an obscure genre like punk rock is accepting that you will never make any money. You scrape by & never own or have anything in my experience.
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?
Chad – I do wish I would have toured more in my youth, but in no way do I regret having kids. The joy you feel when your kids come running to hold you is the greatest feeling in the world.
QRD – Do you think being a father or a musician has a greater impact on your community?
Chad – Being a father definitely has more of an impact on every community in my opinion. Many times I chose music when I should have chosen my kids. You don’t realize it until your kids are 10 & you are older, fatter, & still playing the same shitty 3 chords no one cares about that maybe you should have focused more on being a dad instead of a punk rocker.
QRD – Would you rather see your children eventually become musicians or parents?
Chad – I would want my kids to follow their dreams & do what they want to. I would just encourage them to wait until they are done with that to start having kids so they can devote 100% to them.
QRD – What do your kids think of your music?
Chad – My younger girls know I play the guitar & sing goofy songs to them; but the music I play, I wouldn’t want them listening to personally because of its adult content. My son however knows & has heard us play live & I have had to censor my lyrics when he is around.
QRD – Do you think you could ever do a musical project with your children?
Chad – I would absolutely be in a band with my kids! That is why I am having so many, so I have a constant flow of willing musicians that have no option but to play with me.
QRD – Any words of advice to young people?
Chad – Don’t have a kid if you are still a kid. Not talking about age, I had my first at 25 & I still was a child. I didn’t know what the fuck I was doing; I still don’t, it’s just trial & error. They do say they love me, so I must be doing a little right. Right? Also I would advise kids if they are gonna play music, pick a genre that makes money because there is none over here. Then again maybe it is because my band is shitty & I am old, fat, & bald. Hugs & kisses.
