The focus of tour began to shift in Cologne. Not that the show’s reception became less important but the quality of people we were encountering took hold. I rarely drink before a performance but Cologne was an exception for many reasons. A celebration was in order - though it didn’t start out that way.
It was our sixth consecutive show so we were all beat. Upon arrival we learned the venue didn’t have cymbals for our drum set. Typically, I’d stress. Yet I remember turning to Drew who delivered the news and simply replied, ‘Ok.’ Maybe out of exhaustion or maybe because tour doesn’t really start ‘til something breaks. But also because if worst came to worst I could perform a track show. However, these setbacks usually get resolved. Sure enough, 15 minutes before doors, a friend of the sound guy dropped off cymbals. We refer to these people as ‘angels.’
In averting a potential change in show, knowing Joey wouldn’t play ‘air cymbals’ like we joked, I poured us all a shot of tequila to celebrate our record of six straight shows to start a tour. This came right after receiving one of those montages Apple makes of your pictures and videos. It was of my one year old daughter sent to me by her mother. The video was tough to watch as I’d been gone for a week now, with 2 more to go and mostly dismissed on FaceTime as I’m not as fun on a screen. It was a bittersweet moment celebrating our safety and success on the road.
Cologne was the appropriate place for the support of a community developed on Discord to present itself. It actually began with Adam Cully, who I worked with on ‘Out of My Head’, joining us in Dublin. Then, Miha popped up in Berlin. Then accentuated by Saum and Harbyn visiting us in Cologne. (Louis, better known as Bear., would later join us in London with a gaggle of other U of C Discord members as well!) The cultivation of genuine relationships had brought honest rewards to the job.
Earlier this year, Saum, Harbyn and myself were partnered at random for our Heat Battle competition. We came up with a song, ‘ROAM’ - a note to our children about the importance of adventure despite possible dangers. Through the collaboration process we were able to develop a more personal relationship. Harbyn actually ended up spending with weekend with Saum and his friends in Cologne! But that’s their story to tell. ‘ROAM’ didn’t make it on this semester’s final project ‘TRIPPING Vol. 1’ but here’s a sneak peek for those interested.
I’m not sure why it took ‘til Cologne, Germany to really feel the impact of our Discord community. Maybe it was the distance from home. But artists I’ve met online have been showing up all year! Nova in Columbus, OH and Marcus Smith in Lakewood. Adam Jackson in Richmond, VA. Code Will in Dallas.
I reflect on the year with acknowledgement of getting back what you give. I know it’s rare for artists with certain achievements to reach back to others closer to the starting line. In fact, I recently had to let Logic know how much I appreciate him for giving me a shout and letting ‘New Dessert’ come to light. It just doesn’t happen often. In such a transactional world, I’m delighted to have been curious enough to support others on their journey - as they so clearly were willing to support me on mine.
Happy Thanksgiving, <3
apr
Hey Mr. Asher Roth this is
Eric ‘Bubba’ ODonnell and we knew each other during our college years. Unfortunately it’s been 20 years since we’ve spoken so allow me to re-introduce myself, my name is Eric ODonnell and I’m the owner of a Facebook page with somewhere between 7000-10,000 followers, it’s called DelcoBars via facebook!
I’ve started a YouTube channel with variety of different videos posted already, but my next step is a podcast, so I’d love it if you would give me an interview and help me watch this, obviously, we can make some sort of deal, but I believe after you see some of my stupid videos you’ll understand where I’m coming from.
⭐️My channel on YouTube⭐️
⭐️-www.youtube.com/@DelcoBars -So do you think there’s any chance we could get together for lunch and catch up, even if you don’t wanna do this that’s completely fine I still want to catch up with you. Text me at
484–326–6647 & will work something out
I haven’t asked anyone for a favor like this in my entire life as I am also starting to do some comedy at some open Mic shows. Let me leave you with one last thought, back in the day at Westchester University. We were friends and I appreciated you and respected what you did, so much that I wanna try going after my dream! 20 years ago we met but honestly I HOPE WE CAN AT LEAST DO DINNER BECAUSE ID LOVE FOR YOU TO MEET ME TODAY, SO YOU CAN SEE HOW DRIVEN & OVER PREPARED FOR THIS VENTURE.
Hope to hear from you young hov jr