Interview:

When I was asked to discuss my opinions of the connection between music and spirituality I found myself in an unfamiliar position. I was at a loss for words. I realized I wasn’t even sure what spirituality meant to me, let alone it’s connection to the art form I’ve dedicated my life to. Plus, I felt like I was in school writing a report that I hadn’t read up on. I suppose in the literal sense spirituality is an emotional connection to a higher power, and I am a rather literal-minded person. Does that, however, limit my spirituality? Perhaps, because I find it hard to believe when musicians claim they go off into a Zenlike state while writing music, and while in said state, they connect to spiritual energy field that flows through everyone. During this trance is when they compose their intricate masterpiece. The music they create is still coming from them. Myself being a sub-par guitarist, it doesn’t matter how much of an emotional bond with a higher power I could achieve, I would still be left playing a few bar chords when I awoken, so I’ll skip that angle.

There is the idea that spirituality connects to the religion or ideologies you believe in. While I don’t question the fact that music is a wonderful tool for expressing your joy, fear, or praise, I didn’t think this applied to me either. I’ve always used art as a tool to examine, and question. I don’t recall too many church-sanctioned hymns questioning the nature of God. All of a sudden it hits me. I do like questioning things, and I also like to tell abstract stories. Each song I write is an extension of my own personality. Which is basically the essence of me. Which in turn is my own spirituality! Every piece of art created captures the essence and spirituality of the artist that created it! Every doodle someone draws while talking on the phone captures a piece of that person’s spirituality. Even a graphic artist that is commissioned to create a corporate logo still puts his essence behind what he eventually turns in. Even Weird Al put the essence of his sense of humor into every parody! Every bad song every written by a fourteen year old kid trying to sound like his idols still holds their essence!

Even a band like Puddle Of Mudd puts their thought and essence into every song they… Um, no wait… Puddle Of Mudd sucks. I mean really… “She Hates Me”? That has to be one of the worst songs ever written by anyone, anywhere, ever. How could anyone with an IQ over thirty ever utter the phrase, “I sure do like that “She Hates Me” song by Puddle Of Mudd”? In conclusion, music plus spirituality = Puddle Of Mudd sucks.

“Every piece of art created captures
the essence and spirituality of the artist.”
– Kevin Gibson, vocalist in Tub Ring