Humility, Good Perspective and a Ghetto Van
Last weekend we drove (in the van, thank you) to Atlanta and played AtlantaFest…we were the opening band on Wednesday night, and the only band… had quite the nice crowd despite the intense heat and the sky looking a bit sketchy. Fun show, until about 4 songs from the end when we were pulled offstage because apparently there was lightning surrounding the stage. I just hadn’t noticed, I guess. Sadly we didn’t get to play the last 4 songs in the set, which happen to be the top singles we’ve had and the ones that most people know, and ironically enough, the last song would’ve been Stand In the Rain. Haha, it happens! Ask me how funny it is when we pull up to festivals in our ghetto old van and park it in the spot where they thought we’d park our bus next to all the other buses. Pretty amazing moments. I need to write a book.
We drove about 6 hours after the show into Kentucky and had a hotel room for about 2 hours before we had to check-out. It wasn’t the nicest hotel (or should I say motel) we’ve stayed at, so not being there long didn’t make me sad apart from the lack of sleep. This is what being in a band living on a budget looks like, friends. The truth is, we had years we were making more and when the economy wasn’t falling apart, and we didn’t always spend it wisely. I see bands taking out multiple buses and flying home when they have a couple days off, and you know what I think? First, that $300 you just spent on that flight is right out of your own pocket, and every time you decide to splurge on the nicer hotel or more rooms to be more comfy or first class seats, that’s a vacation you could’ve spent with family, it’s money that could be in a savings account that could put a kid through college or sponsor a child for a whole year… well, you get my point. And second, everything unravels eventually. Especially in this career; if you’re doing well, save what you make for the time – which could be soon – when people suddenly don’t think you’re as cool, don’t buy as many albums, don’t race to your shows and don’t treat you like royalty.
Do I sound jaded? Honestly, I don’t feel jaded, I just feel like someone who’s been working in a career for 11 years and seen plenty of success, amazing times, and seen the album I’m still proud of not do well. It happens. It’s perspective, I think, not jadism… haha, I’m sure that’s not a word but I like it. It’s a “Trishism.”
While I’m off the topic… the other day we got to a show and saw the promoter, who we’ve worked with quite a bit. After our last tour we sent out thank-you’s to all the promoters who brought us into their towns. We each wrote a little something inside. When we first saw the promoters, they thanked us for the card and said that in 12 years, it was the first thank-you note they’d ever received. We do feel like these people work so hard, take a gamble to bring us into their towns, pray for these events, and then sometimes we get to the show and dread being social, hide out in our buses or at our hotels til the last minute, treat the volunteers like they should be happy to wait on us because of who we are… The truth is, if we’re really doing this with the right hearts, we should walk out of the bus ready to meet new people, to reach out to someone who’s in need and expect God to use us that day. I’m preaching to myself here too. I have hide-out days, guys. I think it’s tough to find balance between giving until you lose your voice and emotionally can’t handle another smile and not giving at all and just letting people serve you and even expecting it. I don’t tell the story to say we’re amazing people every day. I’m still just amazed and saddened that ours was the first card they’ve ever received.
So, Thursday we played Ichthus. Very hot but beautiful day in Kentucky. Our parents got to come out, and we got to see some great friends. The crowds at Ichthus are always super energetic and sweet, but we particularly liked this year’s. Really fun show and none of us passed out. =) A friend of mine from high school got to play the festival too, which was cool. His name is Brent Reed. Such a great, talented guy and I’m happy to see things moving forward for him. I also got to meet Dave Ramsey, Mr. Financial Guy. He wasn’t actually all that friendly, but I get being busy and tired and wanting to just eat and not be social all day long. He’s helping a lot of people stop the mentality of living on credit cards and get DEBT FREE!! haha. It’s a good thing.
After the show we made the roadtrip back to Nashville with our parents… they came to visit for a couple nights for Father’s Day weekend. It’s such a cool thing to be friends with your parents, to enjoy them, to have adult conversation and be able to make silly jokes and have fun together. I love my parents. I love sharing what I do with them, because I know how proud they are of us, and I know I am who I am because of the 18+ years they raised and nurtured and loved and worried and didn’t sleep and learned to let go and know I was ready to go… and I imagine that’s one of the toughest moments for a parent. I look forward to them being an amazing grandma and grandpa to our kids someday… And after Father’s Day, in honor of them, I say to myself and all of us:
Don’t wait for one Hallmark holiday a year to tell the people you love and treasure who they are to you. We all need to hear those words. We need to be needed. We all want to know we are valued by others and that our life matters. So let’s not hold back our emotions and words because sometimes it’s scarry to be vulnerable. Let tears flow if they need to, apologize, say I love you, hug someone longer… because all we have is today. It’s a gift. It’s not worth it to hold grudges and to be stubborn and to refuse the smallest 2 words that can heal so many huge wounds.
Tomorrow we have a meeting and then I’m writing for my worship album. I welcome your prayers for this album that I’ve always known would happen. I pray for creativity and inspiration from God. I feel small and humble in knowing how to worship and what we should always say… but I’m so encouraged by where it’s going and excited to release it for all of you someday soon!!!
Goodnight all– hope you’re well wherever you are.
Trish
Hello,
Okay Yal signed poster for me.My Aunt is Doris Smith and she knows your Aunt(which is pretty awesome) And I just wanted to thank you so much for the auntograph’s & the poster! It means sooooooooo much!Now my room is like beyond awesome with the poster hanging up(:
I pray for yal and hope the best!,
Rebecca
Comment by Rebecca — 6/23/2010 @ 11:30 am
Awesome entry. Thanks for your honesty. I wish more Christian bands were honest and told the facts. It doesn’t have to be always labeled as whining, just being “real”.
Comment by Ron — 6/24/2010 @ 8:28 am
ok this is a little random but…
thanks Superchick!
this week i’m doing a camp at my church called Shakespeare Camp and yesterday we got cast after our auditions on Tuesday.This year we are doing a REALLY shortened Much ado about nothing and i was aiming for Hero.(in this version she’s not that big). But i got DANCE Captian, cause i was the best dancer and they really needed me to lead the dances. I Was a little dissapointed, but i understood.
this morning when i came down stairs to eat i listened to some of your songs, and it helped me Understand that if I dont change my view on the turn out, I will never be REALLY happy with my part.And i cant let it take me down, but have as much fun at camp as i usually would.
the lyrics that really helped were from IT”S ON
And the view will never change
Unless you decide to change it
Don’t feel like it today
Just show up anyway
And though life will take you down
It only matters if you let it
Get up, go through, press on
Today’s your day
I really Feel better now
THANK YOU!
Comment by Teal — 7/8/2010 @ 6:02 am
thank you superchick! its nice to see someone truly honest in the business you are in. i lost my dad when i was a little kid, and what i wouldnt give to have one more fathers day with him. i wish there were more like you, who said and did things for a reason instead of press. true angels, if you want to put it that way. one of your songs, Hero, actually helped keep one of my friends from suicide. God bless.
Comment by Saryn — 7/11/2010 @ 4:35 am
Trish,
Thank you for an entry that delivers on humility and honesty. I cannot imagine how hard it is in your position to maintain both sometimes. God has blessed you with so much more than money!!!!
In a few days I will be bringing my older boys and some other young people to see you @Sonshine. YOUR band is the highlight for me this year. We saw you @Rock the River last summer and I was bummed your set was so short, but understand logistics!
I have a 5 year old daughter that asks all the time to listen to the Rock What You Got CD. It is a favorite for us, especially for the lyrics! You are an incredibely gifted group of writers. Thank you for inspiring women of ALL ages (including this almost 40 yr old mom) w/songs like So Beautiful! We really would be an army if we all realized how truly beautiful we are in the eyes of our Savior.
I will pray for you all as you continue on this journey! You have impacted my life in so many ways with your music ministry and I am sure many others also!
Please don’t ever stop believing in the gift God has blessed you with. Because of your music and we will Rock What We Got!
Blessings my sister in Christ!
Di<
***If we get a chance to meet, I’m the “mom” with purple hair:) Can’t wait to see what color yours is this time:):):)
Comment by Di — 7/13/2010 @ 1:45 pm
Trish,
Thanks for all your Trish-isms! I’m 44 yrs old and Superchick has remained my favorite band since “Last One Picked”! I love your music and the stand you all take!
So good to see celebrities who recognize that fame is fleeting, and it’s okay. You’re living out what you sing in “Rock Stars”. I’m trying to jump-start a writing career but know that if I ever become “rich and famous”, my life needs to be about helping people instead of helping myself. Along with saving for a rainy day … (BTW, if you ever need help writing a book about your ghetto van & other fun times, let me know.)
re: relationships w/ parents, I decided a few years ago to start calling my parents every week to build up our relationship. A few weeks later, my dad passed away. I still call my mom every week to talk for 20 minutes. It makes such a difference.
Blessings & encouragement to you and your team for all the ways you inspire so many of us! Keep rocking & singing the truth!
-RAD
Comment by Randall Allen Dunn — 7/16/2010 @ 12:54 pm
Tricia,
You have a new fan! I think I even may have a teen crush on you but I’m in my forties…no worries…I’m fine being a fan!
I love your music and don’t let the lack of success get you down. You guys are brilliant and soooo talented…sometimes it just takes time…keep doing what you’re doing…is there anyway I can help with your marketing??? Just curious…in my eyes, everybody should know and love Superchick. I’m surprised that you are not main stream yet too…I do have some ideas though on how to get you there but i have no experience in marketing music…so may not work…anyway, that is not why i’m posting…I just wanted to give you some words of encouragement and let you know that I DO SEE YOU AS A SUPER MUSIC STAR!!!!! Your music, your sound, your image, your Christian mojo just needs to catch on…hang in there…I love the band too, image and all…but you’re my favorite
…I should be at your La Cygne, KS event. I look forward to seeing you guys live. Didn’t even know this town existed so it was cool to know that you will be playing so close to Topeka & KC.
By the way, I do not do this kind of thing at all…you and your music has inspired me. Thank you and God Bless!
PS
I went to five music stores and only found one of your albums. I was looking for Beauty from Pain but no luck…no worries, I’ll find it somewhere on Internet.
Comment by JD Deines — 7/18/2010 @ 12:20 pm
hi trish,
What a very cool and honest way of expressing your feelings,
which I really appreciate.
I just discovered you. and you are awesome!
I’m an old guitarist (Beatles, Jimi, Stryper, Ozzy…
also Keith Green, Rich Mullins, Amy, Twila, Barlow Girl-
I’m all over the map)
My brother gave the wedding party dudes Slackers, the second tune played was the genius “everything to me”,
and then one of your great tunes which was every bit as great,
but way up-tempo with great guitars, and cool hook- something contrasting worldly success here with eternal life that I’m trying to recall… maybe I’ll find it on itunes.
The new slacker disappeared this morning, hopefully in church?
…don’t ask me why it was on my belt.
I usually don’t know where my car keys are hiding either.
keep up the good work.
grace and peace,
jon
Comment by Jon Lindahl Vawter — 7/18/2010 @ 10:12 pm
this little journal entry is one of the most honest and sincere comments I have ever read from a band! I am VERY impressed! I have a few of your albums and I know that you guys keep on having multiple chances at stardom but you always fall on the wrong side of the fence for some reason. It’s not your fault…it’s just reality I guess. I must say that I saw you guys perform in Albany last night for the first time (did you hear that Oregon promoters!?!?!) and was very impressed with your show and your message. Keep on doing what your doing!
Comment by Wayland — 7/24/2010 @ 12:09 pm
I thank you Superchick soooo much you have helped me in everything I do. When my brother abused me and blamed me for everything that went wrong in his house I listened to your song Hey Hey and it helped me get my anger confusion and fear out. My mom also used to take care of her paralyzed and brain-injured ex-husband(who is not my blood-dad) because God told her to. I was extremely close to him even though I didn’t know it and when he died from Leukemia it changed everything. That was a year ago and even though I am not over my grief completely over my grief the song We Live has helped me very much and I will be attending the next Superchick concert. My also am overweight and used to get teased very much to the point where I almost committed suicide and then I heard your song Rock What you got and discovered Operation beautiful.Today I am alive and kicking and trying very hard to and successfully losing weight which I no longer get teased about and that was all thanks to you Superchick! Because of you I am alive today!!
Comment by Marissa — 8/18/2010 @ 9:58 am