Justin,
Your music has saved my life almost more times than I can count.
See, I was living near Dallas when "Calling you" hit local radio stations like a plague. I couldn't turn the dial without having that song shoved down my throat and it never received an honest listen. In fact, I had completely written off Blue October all together.
Well, until I saw you live.
I was at Edgefest 2004, when you came onstage and I heard the chorus for "Razorblade". You did this a capella and from the fucking heart. That's when the guitars kicked in and I became a fan. The song was everything I needed to hear at just the right moment.
A year later I was in a bad way. With the little money in my possession I bought History for Sale and it gave me the solace I was looking for. It was the only thing I listened to on a 28 hour bus ride to my new home in South Carolina.
I scoured the record stores in a desperate attempt to get some of your earlier work, but you guys were virtually unknown beyond the TX border. Then, I stumbled upon Argue with a tree and it remains the greatest live album I've ever heard. It inspired me to take some of the songs I'd written and try to get in a band with little to no success.
I was there for about another year when I found myself at the next life shattering event. It was also at this time when I heard all of the locals talking about this great new band, which of course, ending up being yours. I still can't describe the pride I felt when I saw the band's cutout and multiple rows saved for Foiled. You guys finally made it.
Soon, I was riding shotgun in my friend's car as I read the lyrics along with the tracks. Then, I heard your mom's voice mail on "Hate me" and I started crying like a little girl,yet unashamed. It sounded like the countless one's my mother has sent me. Again, you were there with just what I needed to hear.
When I was 22 I was on the way to my Mom's, because she was going to take me to a hospital so I could commit myself. It was due to many things, but it was the worst break up of my life which was the most apparent. My MP3 player chose that instant to play "HRSA" and I don't have to tell you how close to home that hit.
During my time there, I wasn't allowed to listen to my music and that was one of the only types of therapy that did me any good. I told a counselor this and, during my third group session she brought in a little boombox and hit play. She told us to draw a picture of our families. I worked diligently on mine with a glorious soundtrack of classical music. Suddenly, a familiar melody played softly through the speakers and I froze. A crayon fell from my hand as the lyrics of "Black Orchid" wrapped around me and I could no longer fight back the tears.
It was when I was released that I truly began exorcising my demons with the power of the written word. After several failed attempts at getting published I instead focused on performing my work at open mics. I ripped my heart open in front of strangers, growing more and more honest. See, it became my mission to help others as you had helped me.
That's why I created the website www.bledoutontoapage.com, to help reach out to others who feel utterly lost and alone. Your influence is proudly displayed on many of its pages.
I said earlier that you saved my life and I meant it. One of the only reasons I'm still here is due to the catharsis and inspiration Blue October is able to provide.
For that I can't thank you enough.
Sincerely,
Davlin
P.S. I now love "Calling You".
No comments:
Post a Comment