Warped Tour 2017 @ Jones Beach

I could feel the anticipation building up inside me as I quickly got dressed and prepared for a day that I hoped would rejuvenate my spirit. My longtime friend, Christian, had invited me to Warped Tour at Jones Beach, alongside some friends who were familiar faces from my past. I knew that the live music and camaraderie would be a welcome distraction from the struggles I had been facing lately. As I climbed into the car, I was greeted by the smiling faces of Thunder, a key supporter during my early years performing in New York City, and Justin, also known as Whang!, an extraordinary guitarist and successful YouTuber. The energy in the car was incredible, and I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and nostalgia as we made our way to the festival. Upon our arrival at Warped Tour, Whang!’s fame was immediately apparent. He was recognized by crowds of people, drawing attention and admiration wherever we went. I tried to soak in the atmosphere, hoping that being surrounded by this creative energy would help me feel alive again. However, as we wandered through the festival grounds, I could feel my anxiety creeping in. I texted my wife, Brenna, telling her how different I felt in this atmosphere. The chaotic energy of the festival, which had once been a source of inspiration for me, now left me feeling overwhelmed and out of place. I used to thrive in the mosh-pits of metal concerts, but now I found myself seeking refuge in a quiet corner, watching reruns of To Catch A Predator on YouTube and texting Brenna for comfort. Despite my internal struggles, I forced myself to move from stage to stage, hoping that the performances of the bands I had grown up listening to would reignite my passion for music. I watched in awe as they played, their energy and enthusiasm captivating the audience. Yet, as much as I loved the music, I couldn’t shake the feeling of depression that had taken hold of me. I realized that the thought of not being on stage was consuming me, making it impossible to fully enjoy the festival. The artist in me was hitting a wall, and I knew I needed to find a way to break through it. As I paced around the festival grounds, I tried to absorb the ambiance and draw inspiration from the incredible talent surrounding me. As the day drew to a close, I was left with a mix of emotions. The Warped Tour had reminded me of what I loved about music and the creative community, but it had also shone a light on my own insecurities and struggles as an artist. I knew that I had to find a way to overcome these challenges, to push through the wall that was holding me back and rediscover the passion that I once had.