Built To Spill

Built To Spill recently played two sold out performances at the Troubadour on September 10th and 11th. Rather than playing a medley of hits, they chose to focus on their 1997 Warner Bros. debut album “Perfect From Now On”. Though Built To Spill formed in 1992, “Perfect From Now On” was their first album to accomplish critical success.  Their present day influence is clearly visible in the form of fellow pacific northwesterners Death Cab For Cutie and Modest Mouse. Built To Spill is set to begin work on their next album which will probably show up in late 2009ish, although the release date is far from certain at this point.

I treat my newly discovered bands like a fresh pair of tennis shoes. At first it can be hard to decide what I like about them, and inevitably I wear them out. But the ultimate test is whether or not I go looking for them again. For some reason I trust Built To Spill like my old pair of Asics. I don’t wear them that often, but I always have them on stand by.

Unfortunately, I missed Built To Spill in their prime. As common as that scenario is for me, it is even more common for my favorite bands to be on hiatus. Luckily Built To Spill still “brings it” as much as they probably used to. Their live performance and stage etiquette says it all…but they don’t say much. They managed to move through “Perfect From Now On” almost as if it was being played non-stop (except for short tuning breaks and a “thank you” after each song). Their performances feel honest. Rather than presenting a flashy live rock band image, they appear as a band playing in a bedroom. Each member was in their own moment, allowing themselves to feel every inch of what they were creating, as they invited the audience to be a part of the experience.

While I was not scheduled to work either night, I did voluntarily do lights for both performances. I have started to treat my lighting concepts as more of a medium to express my personal feelings from each song. In that aspect, I become part of my own nightly experience, thus creating a loop of creativity in my own mind.

I want to thank everyone in my life whos existence motivates me to capture what constantly seems impossible. You have helped me uncover something in myself that I can not begin to explain. Thank you.

Built To Spill – “Randy Describes Eternity” September 10th, 2008 at The Troubadour