Here we are, at the end of our journey through Love Bites.
The final entry: The Funeral
[stream it here]
I wrote this song during Thanksgiving. For those outside the US, this is the holiday where people travel to share a meal with their family. Nevermind the original meaning, for most it represents a time to spend with family.
So you may be thinking, “Yeesh, this is a pretty dark song for a holiday writing session.” And you would be correct!
The past couple of years I’ve been struggling with depression. In the past, I was the kind of person that would say things like “Have you tried being happier?” But a couple years ago I noticed that, despite having a well paying job, a beautiful wife, two awesome kids, a perfectly adequate house…I just couldn’t be happy about anything. I spent nights sobbing on my couch, wondering aloud why I couldn’t enjoy my wife’s company, or want to spend time with my kids. Shit got DARK, yo.
So Thanksgiving unfortunately fell right in a spot where I was trying a medication that didn’t work for me. So while everyone else was spending time with their loved ones, I was holed away in my room, making sad music on my laptop.
It’s weird, the dichotomy of being unhappy, while enjoying its fruits. Had I actually become the cliche tortured artist?
This song was also a departure for me, because, while I play plenty of guitar on my stuff, it’s not often the main vehicle for a song’s melody. I’ve managed to pull together a few nice solos, but I wasn’t sure if I was able to write a guitar part that really carried the weight of this song’s subject. I was also a little afraid some people just wouldn’t get this song. Like they would take it as some sort of masturbatory guitar diddy. But, I’ve had a few people tell me it’s their favorite on the EP, and I’m pretty proud of it.
But I do hold one deep regret. I wish I’d called it “The FUNeral.” Live and learn, kids.
Vlad, your Vampire Step-Dad
P.S. Love Bites is now available on both CD & Cassette. If you missed the first round of cassettes, here’s your chance. If you waitied for a CD, nows the time. If you already bought the digital version, but you want a physical copy, just shoot me an email and I’ll give you a coupon for the difference.
