#68: Life with the Band:

Path to Progress with Paul Heintzman and John Ackerman

The band Wilderado is made up, as their About Us would suggest on their website: "Four Dudes." Those four dudes are Maxim Helmerich (vocals, guitar), Tyler Wimpee (guitar, vocals), Colton Dearing (percussion, keys, vocals) and Justin Kila (drums). While touring with Mt. Joy, I was lucky enough to catch them while they were in Louisville for a few beers and a quick podcast.

After a few beers, we delved into these questions to truly understand what makes a band:

• How did you meet?
• When did you start playing music?
• How do you write new songs?
• What's a day in the life of a touring band?
• How do you stay healthy on the road?
• How will you know you've made it as a band?
• How do you avoid burnout?
• What advice do you have for aspiring bands?
• What's the next big thing for the band?

SPOILER ALERT: their biggest piece of advice: don't give up. Words for life. John and I tell ourselves that every day.

Last call questions:

• What's the best thing you've spent money on the last six months?
  • Tyler: 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  • Colton: 1964 Hofner Red Guitar
  • Max: Plane tickets to see my wife
• What's the best long-form piece of information you've digested?
  • Colton: The First of the Dark Tower Series (Gunslinger)
  • Max: Stephen King's On Writing or Alan Watt's The Wisdom of Insecurity
  • Tyler: Harry Potter
• What advice would your 60 year old self give you today?
  • Max: stop worrying about the future
  • Tyler: don't try to invest in too many things
  • Colton: don't wear such tight pants............
• What's your favorite drink?
  • Colton: BEER
  • Tyler: BEER (or Negronis)
  • Max: Casa Dragones

S/O to Sam Adams and MB Roland for providing some great drinks for the episode!

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