Rock and roll isn't a career or hobby - it's a life force ... it's just something I have to do.
The EdgeRead
Starting a band is the easy part. Once you've formed the band, you have to tell a story, and that story requires songs. And not just good songs, but great songs. After a while, great songs won't do - they have to be the best. Success doesn't make it any easier. Each time I start a new record, it's a brand-new search.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Starting a band is simple, but creating exceptional music and a compelling story is the real challenge.
The quote by The Edge emphasizes the complexity of the creative process in music. While initiating a band may seem straightforward, the true difficulty lies in crafting a narrative through their songs that must transcend mere quality; they need to be outstanding. Success does not simplify this challenge; rather, each new album release presents a fresh quest for artistry, suggesting that musicians must constantly evolve and push the boundaries of their creativity.
Themes
MusicCreativitySuccessChallengeStorytelling
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech at a music conference to inspire up-and-coming bands.
More from The Edge
All quotes →Music is such a great communicator. It breaks down linguistic barriers, cultural barriers, it basically reaches out. That's when rock n' roll succeeds, and that's what virtuosity is all about.
The EdgeRead
Weirdly enough, if I'm having trouble with a guitar part - not the playing of it but the writing - I'll mess around with echo and other effects, just turn everything up and make it as crazy as can be, and it winds up taking me somewhere. I've found so many guitar parts from echo. It's limitless.
The EdgeRead
The big cop-out would be to accept popularity rather than opting to try to create potent work. It's so easy to do the popular thing, the expected thing, and that's where you start to cheat yourself - and your fans, in the end - because there's an inherent dishonesty in pandering and dishing up what everyone's expecting.
The EdgeRead
Similar quotes
I've had experiences where people say, 'I hated jazz before I heard you guys!' I'm like, 'You didn't hate jazz before you heard us; you hated the idea of jazz.'
Kamasi WashingtonRead
I am playing the violin, that's all I know, nothing else, no education, no nothing. You just practice every day.
Itzhak PerlmanRead
When the band plays fast, you play slow; when the band plays slow, you play fast.
Miles DavisRead
Everything you need to know about Iron Maiden is onstage.
Bruce DickinsonRead
If anyone was the Fifth Beatle, it was Brian [Epstein].
Paul MccartneyRead
My other family is Fleetwood Mac. I don't need the money, but there's an emotional need for me to go on the road again. There's a love there; we're a band of brothers.
Stevie NicksRead