The Here and Now

There is something very disturbing that is occurring in the music scene that I have noticed as of recently. I have been watching this pick up steam over the years o from being a promoter and being in the industry in general, but it has truly reached a point of serious concern. The issue I am talking about is, drug addiction and excessive use. I know that drugs and rock and roll go hand in hand but this is becoming an epidemic FAST! This summer my job has been to promote Magic Hat at music festivals and I have gotten a sober view "at least until the works done then a couple of brews" of what is going on. This has left me with a deep burden on my heart. The use of extremely addictive substances like cocaine, Ketamine, Nitrous Oxide, and oxycotin. Not to forget the abuse of psychedelics, ancient sacraments considered a holy state by centuries of shamans and almost all of our religious prophets. I am so disgusted and honestly hurt to see this happening to the self proclaimed “Children of Love and Light” BULL SHIT! This game that these scenes are playing is dangerous, deadly and will lead this generation to the ground. I remember my first festival and being so encouraged by the demeanor of the people! Happy, willing to learn, having a good time, and most of all, not hunting down the next high. I honestly am having a serious issue thinking about my nephews going to festivals and being thrown into these awful drugs and circles of BAD PEOPLE. Some of you will read this and think I am full of shit and this is coming from some “Corporate minded dude who “used to get it” Will I hate to break it to you, but if you think that, then you are part of this problem. I have seen some bad things when I was on my tour for Dog Bite, rolling through the worst hoods in America, but I am truly more scared of these flat brimmed, dready dealers slinging whatever concoction of drugs they can get their hands on to silly college kids trying to fit in. The electronic scene and festival circuit in general needs a wake up call. We are supposed to be helping the young guys learn morals, teach them what’s not cool, teach them to stay SAFE! I’ve lost two friends this week, one to drugs and one to suicide. I am scared that this number is nowhere near over as the summer festival circuit is not over yet. What is it going to take you guys? Who will grow a pair and stand up to your friends, and say STOP! Nobody has any courage to say no! It seems that sleep, and turning down a line of the drug of the hour isn’t acceptable behavior anymore. Im tired, tired of watching good kids just fuck their worlds up! Tired of hearing stories of who’s in jail and who got arrested instead of who graduated and who just got a great opportunity! Tired of hearing about what awesome drug experience someone had instead of what amazing spiritual experience they had hiking or looking at a sunset. This scene was once something I looked at with pride to associate myself with, now I breath a sigh of deep disappointment. What happened is not the question anymore, now we must look at ourselves and our friends(FAMILY) and say, “Are we making something happen for the better, or are we just watching others do it while we get high on the sidelines? “ I know that we ALL have vices but please as Family, can we step up? I love you all so much and I feel this is the best way I can show my love, by saying, GET THE FUCK UP AND DO SOMETHING WITH YOUR LIFE! Put down the pipe, brush the powder off the table, cut the ties, and lets get back to what we were put here to do. I’ll see you at the top of the mountain.