Part two of three in a conversation with Daniel Blue of Motopony;
As we journey into the processes and philosophy of Blue and Motopony, it moves even further away from the norm stereotype of “rockstar”.
I asked his opinion of the indie band Foster the People, which I found the same way as Motopony. Independent radio such as WFPK embraces such genres, whereas mainstream radio dejects it. Honestly, personally, I was peeved that the FTP song “pumped up kicks” made it to hot a/c radio. To me, it means burn out, one hit wonder and too much pop infused future influence by the record labels. Blue had similar opinions;
“Is that what they wanted? Is it too fast of an overnight pop sensation that will burn out with this hit? I hope, really wish that their second release will be successful, “ Blue states.
“And maybe that’s their dream. Our label tried to land them, and they signed with their current.” Eluding to the state of push that mainstream labels have in the formation of a hit, rather than longevity.
They recently played the Basement Theatre, literally in the basement of the Columbus Arena. They thought perhaps 25-30 people would show up for the show. Upstairs, there was a poster for Foster the People, which read ‘ sold out’.
Collectively, Motopony said “Wtf? How do we do that? Don’t we want that? How do we emulate it?!”
It got passed around in conversation, and Blue realized, he’s happy to be where they are, who they are in the slow rise, shifting into being stars and adapting to the life.
“We all went from day jobs, to night jobs. It’s a big jump.”
“ I would rather shoot for being a My Morning Jacket, Wilco, Flaming Lips with longevity than a one hit quick rise to the top. What does fame do? And is that really what you want?”
Blue was leery of letting his talent shine. Picking up the guitar at the late age of 27, he admits the “music was in there, I just didn’t know how it would come out.” The entire first album was written by Blue on a three string guitar, which may be why some songs are ghostly and deep, because of the lack of over processing.
Sadly, he reiterates what I knew about the industry, that supposedly at 35 you’re washed up, too late for the quest for youth Hollywood wants to sell. The quick rise to fame is a burn out waiting to happen, but what every musician strives for, except Blue.
“ My mother said to me before her passing, ‘Your talent will get you where you are supposed to be, but character will keep you there. Work on your character’.”
These words ring true for Blue each day, in everything he does.
“ A woman on our video shoot said I had the pass to be the star. I could do anything I wanted from drugs to women, and never be judged because I am a rockstar. Who wants THAT on your soul?” Amen, brother.
Admittedly, his position and talent offers him things, chances that the average Joe doesn’t get. And for what? “That guy works harder than I do in 2 hours for his 10 hours, and he doesn’t get the spoils offered to me.’ His character and belief system does and will keep him from becoming a rock and roll statistic.
Humble? Lead singer? Yes. Daniel Blue.
“Why would you want that on your soul? Don’t we all want to hold each other up? Not use each other? Create a brighter community?” To Blue, he is not righteous as an “old man” in the scene, but yet, he speaks with the wisdom and character of one.
In the song “27” the song harkens back to the wisdom of his Mother, instilled in him with soulful awareness of what his future held, before it manifested itself.
Just because it’s not about winning
Doesn’t mean that you’re never gonna win
Just because it’s not about money
Doesn’t mean that you’ll never get rich
Winning’s just the beginning
Of learning how to win
Some of them will love you and
Some will just pretend
We take this philosophy and apply it to the band life, and where Motopony is going. Again, the song “wake up” takes the what if about situations and life and applies it to the path of the band and its growth.
Asking about his life in the PNW, and the outlook and connection to the vast natural setting of the green, the mountains, the outdoors and if he has a muse.
“I have a relationship with a spirit world which is shocking and divine. Not to say its not God, but its bigger than the world, and a reminder about the things around us are not just things.”
Part three will explore and conclude with the relationship with the divine, how the band was named “Motopony” and where the next chapter lies with the group.
