Parenting Panel with Best Not Broken
In the symphony of life and music, the members of Best Not Broken find themselves navigating the complex landscape of parenthood while continuing their artistic journey. As Eric, one of the band members, candidly shares his experiences, we uncover a fascinating fusion of the creative and parental realms within the band's narrative. With a collective total of six kids among them, Eric personally embraces fatherhood with two children—a 7-year-old boy and a 3-year-old girl. His introspective journey begins with the profound fears and concerns that gripped him as he contemplated the intersection of parenting and the inherently cool and relevant world of music. What unfolds is a nuanced exploration of how these concerns have manifested, with a poignant realization that the newfound adulthood forged by parenthood is, in fact, an irreplaceable and rewarding experience. The interview unravels the delicate dance of balancing creative and performing time with the commitments of parenthood, showcasing the band's resilience, commitment, and the vital role of a robust support system in navigating the intricacies of maintaining an active artistic presence.
As the conversation delves deeper, Eric reflects on the transformative impact of parenthood on creativity, offering insights into how this new perspective, with its fragility, heightened value of time, and deepened relationships, has become a wellspring of inspiration. The challenges of juggling family and a music career are laid bare, emphasizing the dedication, organization, and planning required to keep both aspects thriving. With a nod to the evolving nature of creativity and a glimpse into the band's upcoming EP, Eric shares the subtle shifts in perspective that parenthood has brought to their music.
Dive into the deeper interview, below.
How many children do you have? And what are their names and ages?
The band collectively has 6 kids. Personally, I have 2 – a 7-year-old boy and a 3-year-old girl. (Eric is writing this.)
Did you have fears or concerns about how becoming a parent would interfere with your artistic endeavors?
Definitely. It felt like having kids would cause me to move into a completely new phase of “adulthood” – one that didn’t seem cool or relevant as a musician. Also, I had no idea how it would impact my creative time and my available time for performing/promoting, etc. HUGE fears.
Have those fears come true, Yes or No? Please expand
Yes and no. Having kids DID move me into a new phase of adulthood and it DID have an impact on creative and performing time. Having said that, with this newfound adulthood comes the realization that having children is an amazing and rewarding experience – irreplaceable. And so there’s a level of acceptance that has made it “okay”. What I once thought was entirely uncool, is actually totally fine. I kind of see the industry from a different and what feels like more mature perspective now – and I realize I’m not alone. The biggest impact is on creative and performing time. What used to be “free” time is now gone, so fitting in creative time and performing time takes a huge commitment, organization, advanced planning, and a support system – none of which is easy. This is where the rubber hits the road. You only persevere as an “active” artist if you reach deep and find ways to make it work.
In what ways has parenthood helped your creativity?
Parenthood definitely give you a new perspective on life. It becomes a bit more fragile. Time becomes more valuable. Relationships become a bit more important. Love becomes bigger and more meaningful. Obviously these all have an impact on creativity. If channeled correctly, it can be very helpful – and it allows you to create from a different perspective. The big challenge is making the time to do it.
Have you ever written a song for or about your kids? If so please share a description and a link.
Actually no. I’m not there yet. Partly because there are so many ways for kids to be exposed and vulnerable – with social media and the pervasive selfie-culture. So part of it is protection. But part of it is my writing hasn’t taken me there yet. Having said that, a couple of the songs on our new EP are written from this “new adult perspective” with references to ideas that probably wouldn’t have surfaced had I not been a parent. So it’s in there – and it’s coming.
Not every artist parent chooses to incorporate their children into their art - if you do not is this a conscious decision?
Generally I don’t. As noted above, partly for protection, but partly because my creativity has always come from different places and while it’s evolving, I’m still not in a place where it has happened. I see it coming and the new perspective is valuable, but it hasn’t happened. Although I’m getting to the point where I may more actively cultivate it. For me, it’s been an evolution and a process of “growing up”.
Do you have advice for other parents balancing parenting and creative endeavors?
First, be a good parent. That’s the priority. Second, recognize that it is possible to maintain your creativity and be willing to explore new ways to make it work. You’ll have to – but it will be worth it!
Best Not Broken originally formed as a cover band playing contemporary and classic rock and pop. The band quickly became buzzed-about for its strong musicianship, powerful vocals, and its frenetic performances. Eventually, the guys decided to slip in some originals alongside the covers. Gradually and organically, BNB eased out covers in favor of its own finely-crafted indie pop-rock. The band’s latest EP, If It Feels Right, might be Best Not Broken’s catchiest release. The songs feature instantly-familiar melodies and hooks, recalling anthemic 1990s alt-rock. The EP’s lyrics cover fresh territory for the guys, exploring themes of nostalgia with playful and relatable self-deprecating humor.
Best Not Broken's journey becomes a beacon for fellow parents navigating the intricate dance between nurturing a family and fostering a vibrant artistic life. The interview concludes with invaluable advice for parents, urging them to prioritize being good parents while recognizing the feasibility of maintaining creativity with a willingness to explore new avenues—a testament to the harmonious coexistence of parenthood and artistic passion.