At certain moments, one can be forgiven for not believing that Babyshambles is a band with three other members besides Pete Doherty, who seems to just naturally attract tabloid oddness and exploding limb stories. Yes, it’s all true – and one of these oh-so-patient blokes, Adam Ficek, is defined by the Urban Dictionary as such:
The glue that hold Babyshambles together and a very talented drummer.
. . . .
“I saw Adam Ficek, the drummer from babyshambles, he’s quite sexy!”
Besides all of the sexiness and musical talent, Adam is also a really super nice guy, and I just discovered a pretty cool interview at For Folk’s Sake, where Adam talks about all sorts of things from his September 2008 debut solo album (under the Roses Kings Castles moniker) to the second album that he’s beginning work upon. Although Ficek is touring at present, he occasionally does some insightful blogging thing too, including this particular passage about the challenges facing indie musicians:
It is, and always will be, a sickly place at times (the music industry) and it challenges you in many ways but I’m lucky to be making a living in this arena and thus, I’m going to be making an effort not to focus on the sharks, but give some thought to the fluffy goldfish out there who do exist in this industry.
I have met and continue to meet those who are in this industry for the better reasons, and it’s these that I should really be focussing on.
From journos to management teams, there are good bananas out there – I have just been a little blinkered of late, it’s too easy to be dragged into the fear and loathing.
In darker moments, It’s easy to forget all the fans that help me out with stuff for nothing in return, and the favours I pull in from various contacts who have little to gain from helping me. Along with the sharks there are good people out there and although this blog probably focusses on the darker elements I just wanted to bring some attention to the good guys.
You know who you all are, nice one.
I’m starting to gather a good circle of friends who are all helping me out, they all know my budget has ran dry, yet they have stepped forward to help. I feel like Robin Hood gathering a group of vagabonds and pirates with hearts of gold, ready to give to the cause.
A four hour Journey is the perfect place to get a good chunk of clear thinking time in…
As I said earlier, it’s easy to lose sight of how lucky I am to be playing music for a living, I thought the closest I would ever come to making a living in music would be teaching and playing in covers bands. I never imagined I would be performing on this scale and be given the opportunities I have had. I meet kids everyday that would give their right arm to be in my position.
Go and listen to Roses, Kings, Castles. Give it a whirl – for the sake of all indie rockers and, not least of all, for the lovely music too.
