Revolutionary Acts

I watched a music documentary and it made me think about being in a band, and the album as a work of art and how it relates to what we're doing here in this channel.
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[@mcolville]

My comments about wishing I'd made the decision to start or join a band when I was a kid doesn't have anything to do with any dissatisfaction with my career choices (choices?). It's purely just a romantic attachment to an ideal.

[@100nodog]

100% understand that. My father is a painter, and he's really good. He studies Drew Struzan for composition, has his own eye for things like color and depth. I always think about how I wish I would paint, it feels more permanent then my games I've run. But as I sit here typing, my box full of binders of characters, campaign notes, maps and minis sits in the corner of my room. Beside that, my bag full of everything I need to run my current game.

[@Ozai75]

It's disturbing to hear that from Paramount, but so, so not surprising at all.

[@legendaryg367]

RPGs are as much an art form as writing. Only the artist can control their own art. Any attempt to do so by a third party will inevitably fail.

[@Giganfan2k1]

Stretch the metaphor a little more... Matt, what would you tell someone you age that have never picked up a D20 and wanted to make an RPG? I would assume you would tell them it is never too take to make your first character. All you have to do to make an album is record sounds. It can be as simple or raw as you want it.

[@TheRockinDonkey]

I’m with you. I play guitar. I didn’t take it seriously until I was 25. From that day forward, I wished I had done it when I was in high school. I still do. I wouldn’t want to make a living as a musician, even if I could be as successful as Van Halen (well, maybe if I could be that successful). I like the job I have. But I still wish I had at least taken the instrument seriously at that age, because I missed out on the experience of jamming with a bunch of guys. To the larger discussion, businesses will do anything they can to squeeze every last cent out of their products. If that means stymying the competition and forcing their customers into only being able to choose their products, they’ll do everything they can to ensure that happens. Table top rpg players are at a crossroads at this moment. They can either roll over and let the behemoth call all of the shots, or they can stand together in favor of a democratic environment. Yes, you can still play at your physical table and not pay in to the behemoth. That will always be an option. But many others prefer a virtual table top experience. I prefer the convenience of digital tools that streamline the process of character creation and gameplay. And I know those tools are better when there is competition in the market. Anyone defending the behemoth at this stage clearly doesn’t understand how competition fosters innovation.

[@punyfrog]

This is the most insightful critique of the OGL debacle I have heard. Thanks for your insights about life, our hobby, and perhaps coincidentally, the state of the suits who want to control our art.

[@stevenneiman1554]

The scariest part is the line about technology, because the technology DOES exist now.

[@tommihaapanen846]

@@stevenneiman1554 We don't need to use the technology. We never had to and we never do. All you need is a friend a die and your wit. Virtual tabletops, electronic character sheets, miniatures, paper character sheets, hell even the rules are just extra.

[@jchunick]

@@tommihaapanen846 My experience and reality differ in this, because, at 47 my friends that I would normally play with (and still do) live in other cities. The technology exists today to make it possible for me to play with them despite those distances. Though while that same technology exists to attempt to stifle and control how I play online with my friends, there's still nothing stopping me from going old school in ways that would stymie them and allow us to play, online, unfettered as if we were all still sitting around a table.

[@spectilia3566]

@@tommihaapanen846 With all due respect, I see 2 issues with this perspective. 1) It isn't just the players. The creatives being stifled are also the 3rd parties who make a living writing. Yes, they could just go to another system, but this still necessitates an OGL, CC, or this new ORC thing from THAT system. There still needs to be some sort of protection for creators. 2) Alright, while you're not technically wrong that you only need a die (during the stanic panic, they actually used pencils to roll), a friend, and your wits, that's kiiiiind of missing the bigger issue. It's like saying a story will never die because someone knows it and can just tell the story verbally, meanwhile, all physical copies of the story are being actively burned and destroyed. Sure, the story CAN live on with just an oral tradition...maybe...but, idk, maybe just fight against the lunatics burning everything instead? You can't deny that accessibility through electronic aids has been a benefit for the community, both preexisting members and as a tool to bring new people in.

[@nomindseye]

@@spectilia3566 1) It doesn't really "necessitate" an OGL/ORC license. Depending on how tight the system integration is, SRD might be useful. But technically, none of that is actually necessary. It does, however, make everyone feel legally more secure. But technically speaking there's absolutely zero legal prohibition on making something that is compatible with a system. Might be difficult to market it with that in mind, though. 2) You can fight, and probably should. But you're missing the point. RPG's are an oral tradition and have always been. Making them rely on technology is making them, at best, into boardgames and at worst into computer games.

[@Tark-qs4mu]

This is hilarious. It's so funny to me because I was just, literally, earlier today likening what's happening with the OGL to Lespal or Fender trying to make Chuck Berry pay them royalties for the music he made using their instruments. And, then, this comes along. I'm sure you can see the humor in the situation. Nicely said, by the way, all of it.

[@alananimus9145]

I feel like saying "matt blink twice if they are holding you at gun point"

[@MorinehtarTheBlue]

Not me Alan. Not at all. It's a great allegory. And it doesn't matter that he's not presenting it straight forwardly. That's the whole point. It resonates. Like a novel or the album he refers to. What we get is the pure idea. And it gets around the instinctual rejection that our soulless would be overloads would throw up if they had been able to see it coming. That's the beauty of it. You engage with it before you can decide what it is or what you might do with it. Sure with Them being the way they are they might shrug it off and try to forget it. But like most great art you really can't forget a thing like this. And why? Because there really wasn't any artifice to it. It's s collision of ideas that happens and all that has to be done is recognize it for what it is and pass it on. I really can't like this enough frankly. Matt Colville just made the only statement that he needed to make. And the context and the details get filled in for themselves if you have an ear to hear it.

[@jeremydelaporte3770]

My best friends and I made music in high school, recorded EPs, toured the midwest. After we broke up, I had a second chance a couple years later to try it again and I joined a new band, made new best friends, made a full length album, toured full time, lived in a van, the whole thing. And then I fell in love with the woman who would become my wife and I chose to give that dream up to be with her. I love my wife more than anyone or anything in this world...but I still have that "romantic attachment to an ideal". And here I sit almost 10 years and two children later, working a job that bores me and that I hate, just making ends meet to keep enabling my wife to have *her* dream and my kids to have *their* dreams. And it feels so incredibly selfish and stupid, but I frequently wish I could go back and do music again. I frequently miss it, miss creating, miss doing work that has some grander purpose and meaning than turning computers off and on again every day. It's been an incredibly hard couple of years as I've slipped into creative despondency and I find myself continuing to look back. Not really with regret, because I don't regret marrying my wife or having children or giving up any of this for them. As I said, I love them so much...but I look back with a deep, painful longing. This video...is such immense, unspeakable relief for me, Matt. I can't really put it into words but sharing your experience has truly touched me and it's causing me to change my perspective. I'm in a D&D group with my friends. We write stories every week. I'm in my church worship band. We play music together. I very, very occasionally write short stories...I need to do it more often. Because it's not too late. When is it too late to create? When I'm not here anymore. I need to stop being afraid that what I create, the stories I tell, the music I write -- I need to stop being afraid that it won't be meaningful. It doesn't need to reach an audience of thousands or millions of people to be meaningful. It can be meaningful just because it was meaningful *to me*. Thank you, Matt. Not sure if you'll read this among the hundreds of comments, but...thanks.

[@cogspace]

> When is it too late to create? When you're dead and buried, and not a second sooner, and maybe not even then. Keep on making music, friend. =)

[@andrewhildner]

What was your band? I often think of the bands I used to see at shows in Chicago and Milwaukee that just stopped touring?

[@_bats_]

This is a truly wonderful comment. This guy gets it.

[@JoSteezo]

The creative soul will find a way.

[@liamcullen3035]

Thanks for sharing your story, in response to this video. I think many in the world have similar feelings, and would benefit from reading what you’ve shared here. Lots of love ❤

[@gabrielgottlieb5267]

Always blown away by how captivated I get when I listen to you tell a story or explain an idea, Matt. You speak with empathy and heart, and it's a clear mark of a good person who loves to tell awesome tales that can wrench out every emotion under the sun. Thank you for being a fantastic creator, and an awesome person.

[@georgecook83]

Right!? I remember listening to a podcast about various cults and being blown away about the fact that people fall for them. After the last couple of more philosophical videos from Matt I realized that I would listen to him discuss toothpicks and I already send him money every month…so…😂

[@imperialadvisor4880]

We're Gettin the Band Back Together !

[@dergrauewachter634]

Very true!!

[@BeckJoseR]

👏

[@Campfire_Bandit]

+

[@roanfotsch3218]

I actually teared up a bit at this one. The notion that, yes, you have been creating these moments, these living, ephemeral collaborations with folks. I may have regret for not creating my own works in another medium , yet, but it's foolish to think what I have done with others and what we created together is any less valid. Thanks uncle Matt.

[@Squeekysquid]

He's definitely the cool uncle.

[@satyrosphilbrucato9140]

For whatever this is worth, I was 53 when a band I was in finally recorded and released an album. We did two of them before the band broke up. So 50 is not too old to record an album!

[@russellstephens3580]

I absolutely love that you had that experience! I despise the idea that people think they cannot pursue dream because their "youth is behind them". I'm only 30 and already a lot of my peers are beginning to think their best years have already gone. It's almost never too late to re-train or commit to your passion.

[@satyrosphilbrucato9140]

@@russellstephens3580 Thank you! And yes. Absolutely.

[@Nethare]

I've often used a similar example whenever I have to explain what D&D is to someone: "My friends and I are writing an ongoing TV show together. I control the plot, minor characters, settings, and situations. They are the main cast." This seems to concisely communicate the idea of a persistent, evolving world made from our combined imaginations better than anything else I've tried. But, I think if I asked my players, they'd agree we are a band, too. These few minutes of your thoughts and memories made my day better today. Thanks Matt!

[@dustinthewind369]

This is a fantastic way of describing TTRPGs in general. Definitely going to use this to explain to people in the future when they ask what I do every Thursday night.

[@Wildstag]

It ain’t called “the five man band” for nothing. We call musical groups “bands” but the word has evolved to imply “of musicians”. We’re just a band of roleplayers.

[@AreaCode000]

This might be the greatest RPG explanation of all time.

[@gabeharwin7481]

The subtext about what has been happening with dnd is great

[@alananimus9145]

Subtext? Lmao. Sure we can call it that. He all but said "I have a gun to my head but really want to tell the evil wizard to screw off". My mouth dropped open at this. Thanks matt

[@TheGreatDanish]

"Subtext" Yeah right. Its *the* text.

[@allenwalsh9799]

That smile when you say "I've been in lots of bands" I could literally feel decades of TTRPG playing love and friendships radiating off the phone screen.

[@Nyadnar]

That paramount story just fucking ignited my blood. Had a very similar experience with Disney back in the day. Something about hearing someone else have to go through the same bullshit you did makes it more real somehow.

[@maxherzog3287]

i love albums, front to back no shuffle, as intended by the artist that created it

[@andernimbus]

Yes! Which is exactly how you read a book!

[@josiahp.6960]

Yeah, they don't make albums any more. It's just a set of potential hits. That being said, it's tough to get a perfect album, so when you've got one, it's a real treasure. Fleetwood Mac's Rumours, Led Zeppelin 2 and 4, pretty much anything by Marvin Gaye....

[@nogy8884]

It’s my favorite way to consume music

[@icarussyndrome]

So many incredible albums that need to be played in the proper order so that you can fully enjoy it. Although throwing an album on shuffle is also quite the experience to itself, and yet another way to show how the consumption of art itself can be so transformative to the art

[@AnathemaMysticalcel]

Love the old rock opera style albums that tell a story.

[@big53mac38]

King crimson is also a really cool stand

[@kenanbrown3147]

I literally laughing out loud when Matt said "Some people played in their living rooms-- We called those people weirdos". It felt similar to those scenes in Shakespearean dramas or tragedies where a moment of humor is used to give a release, a moment of levity to break up the tension.

[@AlphastreamRPG]

And isn't that a lot like a garage band? There's a reason Weezer's "In My Garage" resonates so well.

[@yeetoburrito9972]

Its called catharsis! Its a term/technique used from as long ago as the Greek tragedies :)

[@nuttm3gg]

Matt as a younger lad who hasn't had the time to reflect like you have, I will say while you might not have a backlog of albums or art. You have a massive log of people you have affected in so many more ways. I think it's amazing how much one person can do for an entire industry and an entire community. I never would have been a dm if it wasn't for you. I never would have made subclasses that are balanced if it wasn't for the basic principles you instilled in me. And my friends would never have the years long experiences that have been shared. I don't consider youtubers/entertainers to affect me but you have. Thank you Matt and I will support you throughout the future.

[@blackbarnz]

I got off stage @BSP in Kingston NY when this guy grabs me by the arm & says "great set man, I really enjoyed it" Tony Levin. I was pretty floored, never forgot it. I know Zachary too, he was in that band from your High School at one time but he's played with everyone.

[@mcolville]

OH MY GOD! I would SHIT MYSELF if Tony even TALKED to me!!!

[@bl00dywelld0ne]

As a musician and avid TTRPG player, I can confirm that there's no difference. They both come from the same well of creativity. The only difference I found was that after a great session of D&D, I felt an immense feeling of satisfaction and connectedness, something I was always chasing with music. TTRPGs are absolutely ART. The only difference is that the audience is also the band. And I think that's amazing. We all get to create together

[@FeebleAntelope]

The audience is also the band...... I like this. Filing that one away.

[@bl00dywelld0ne]

@@FeebleAntelope Absolutely. Take it with you, good traveller

[@Regult]

I am also an avid role player and a musician. There is also a parallel experience I had while I was a hockey player, the camaraderie and the skill of playing as a group reflected my life’s other avocations.

[@bl00dywelld0ne]

@@Regult Yes, exactly!

[@Morgwll]

I concur

[@MostLikelyMortal]

Truly a river to his people

[@angelalewis3645]

❤ yes

[@Well_Meaning]

The part about corporate interests near the end reminded me of one of my favorite William Blake quotes, in his preface to Milton (paraphrased) "believe, that there is a class of men whose whole delight is in destroying." We saw it in this hobby recently-- in events looming large enough that they don't even need to be named

[@GuilhermeTobal5150]

this is class is called bourgeoisie

[@nerosparda5]

So it is written.

[@jonathanmarth6426]

If only it was the destruction they were delighting in, then at least they would have a passion besides money. The destruction of what you love is merely a by-product of their money games.

[@tuomasronnberg5244]

Late stage capitalism at work. Avoid it like the poison it is.

[@jonathanmarth6426]

@@trequor It's neither malice nor stupidity, it's apathy. Corporations want your dosh, they don't care what they have to do to get it.

[@KingRammy]

Man, this hit me right down in the deepest part of me that just wants to make beautiful, wonderful, terrible art with my friends. In whatever way that means for as long as I have the opportunity and the friends to do it. And I wanna do it our way. Thanks, Matt, for sharing. You’re a legend.

[@john_champion]

Great example of gems that appear in the livestream chats!

[@Graelcase]

I had the privilege of playing bass in highschool with a couple of lifelong friends with a passion for music. Getting into the RPG hobby in college I explained to them how similar it was to jamming with a band. Scheduling is the hardest thing but if you're lucky to find people who get it, it's an incredible experience. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.

[@MrCraftingchannel]

Your thought pieces are some of my favorite videos. Thank you not only for helping many of us become better GMs, designers, writers and much more, but also for bringing these thoughts about art and culture forth, because these help with much more!

[@tordsy1537]

Honestly, I'm at a loss for words. The letters that form this sentence are the ones that hide the multitudes of how I'm feeling. I just don't know what to say... Thank you.

[@FinsterDexter]

A bunch of old friends who I used to play AD&D with are getting together for a Pathfinder campaign. It absolutely feels like "getting the band back together" and that is exactly how I've been describing it to people. So, this video is spot on.

[@mikececconi2677]

This spoke to me greatly on a number of levels but more than anything, it reminded me of something. My father, God rest his soul, and I once went to watch Adrian Belew do a solo acoustic thing in Albany and there was a Q&A as a part of the thing and every single question seemed to be able the people he'd been side-men for... and while he handled it with aplomb, he knew that's what people were paying for, to learn about... oh... David Bowie or Robert Fripp or Frank Zappa or whatever from a man whose hands touched the hands in Catholic parlance... you could see it wear on him. So I raised my hand and asked him instead why he used the symbology of trains so often in his solo work, and the whole crowd of Albanians looked at me like I was the most boring asshole on Earth but, man, Belew perked up and beamed, to be asked something about himself, not as a moon reflecting some other sun's light. And I think about it, time to time, there's something about human nature I learned that night in a public radio station's auditorium at the farthest edge of what anyone from Manhattan might consider civilization.

[@dajanala]

Interesting story, and you've put it in words so nicely. You picked up how this musician was feeling when he experienced that most of the audience was more interested in the people he worked with than his own creative process. You've put yourself in the musician's shoes, and unterstood what the creative process was like, probably because you yourself have been creating things. You understood just how much of one's inner self and energy one puts in the things one creates, and how it must feel to experience that the people opposite who just witnessed you present your creations to them are at best superficially interested. I've been in this situation myself as I love to create all kinds of things in my free time, mostly woodworking. I tend to put an immensely unreasonable amount of thought into every unnecessary little detail, which mostly goes completely unnoticed when I show something I made to friends and family. You realized this, but instead of just getting silently annoyed at others, you decided to act, and asked a different question with one of the primary intentions to just make the musician feel better, even if it made you look silly in the eyes of many other people. I get the feeling that you are a very kind, observant and empathic individual. It is very much appreciated.

[@Kolchakk]

“A moon reflecting some other sun’s light.” What a beautiful, sad story written in a single line.

[@cogspace]

You have a hell of a way with words, Mike. What was his answer to the train question?

[@mikececconi2677]

@@cogspace he said he grew up in the Mid South when the trains passing through were still very common and they were one of the most powerful sonic forces around when he was young, so there was just something romantic about them, especially in music. Which I thought was a very fair answer, especially having grown up in the 80s in the Mohawk Valley myself, back when there were a lot more freight trains echoing through the hills on either side of the town where I grew up. It made sense to me!

[@thorinbane]

@@mikececconi2677 I to have a connection with trains, music, and RPG's. I remember we use to have a shunt yard across the street from my best friend and fellow nerd. No fences at the time, just a ditch. We obviously were told to never play on the tracks, but they had a magical quality. They didn't use roads, they saw you from the back of your house, they gave you a changed perspective on a viewpoint. My grandmother (meme en francais) would always call the front of the cabin the side on the river, while the back is where we parked the cars just off the road and entered from. People with alley garage understand this more than those that grew up in the suburbs. Rivers once being the lifeblood of transportation and later rails before the autos that followed were seen as the front of the home, while the woods and walking paths were behind. A small change in perspective that fuelled many ideas.

[@purplemur]

That LCD Soundsystem quote at the end really did tie it all together, man. Love you and the team you have assembled. Keep going with the Inevitable. You've got this. :)

[@CallumFergy]

I caught that too and it gave me shivers

[@wchart]

Recently, I was on medical leave from my normal job due to a surgery. While I was recovering, I started working as a substitute teacher. For several days I filled in as an art teacher. I love art and I love to draw, paint, sculpt, etc. It's a big part of my life. It got me really thinking about what it would be like just to be an art teacher. I don't regret my current career. I just realize I would've enjoy that one too. It's an unique feeling.

[@stevenneiman1554]

This video made me happy for a slightly weird reason. I've commissioned a few pieces of art, mostly of TTRPGs. Not for any specific reason, just because they were cool moments that I wanted to see made into something I could hold on to, and spending a hundred bucks or so of money that I could afford on something that brings me joy is something I am willing to do. And what I realized from watching this video is that in a way two of those pieces kind of are "album covers" for campaigns. Both campaigns with serious flaws, several of which were my fault, but still campaigns that brought a lot of joy to me and my players.

[@traviscoe6351]

Others have already said it, but I love how this is about the OGL in an insightful, creative, revolutionary, and meaningful way. Thank you! I also have been explaining the OGL issues to my three children, and I explained this video to them too. They got it almost immediately. Thank you for that too.

[@nazteeb]

Absolutely…it’s when the coldness of money outweighs the pleasure of watching somebody enjoy art, in any form, that we feel sadness. I don’t mean that art shouldn’t be paid for as that has to be part of it, but when the greed and control takes over we all suffer. Very good vid and extremely well put.

[@SwingingRobin]

I actually cried watching this. It was something I really needed to hear, partially bc its relevance to the OGL and the current trajectory of modern media, but mostly because other personal reasons regarding regrets and creativity. Thanks for your insights and wisdom.

[@jeffcallahan5467]

You should know that while I prep my adventures and work on characters and write my novel I usually listen to you in the background. When people ask me how to start or need advice I share your albums. When I'm uninspired or feeling down I often play back your streams. You're not the only artist I listen to, but you're my favorite. You got me interested in playing, in running, and I wanted to let you know. Thanks for the music.

[@golfpants]

Wow, Matt. What a gem. Literally…polished…multifaceted…allegorical…and beautiful. I watched this post three times. Goosebumps.

[@DnDOldGuard]

Absolutely profound. From one rock, prog rock, and metal NERD to another...I feel this deeply. I feel this. I aspired to be a musician, took that as far as I could. But here I see your wisdom. We ARE making albums, one dice roll at a time.

[@Kevin-hq6wo]

You’ve got me tearing up again, Matt. Thinking about friends I’ve lost, immortalized at the table when we all sat around creating together.

[@DMKen]

Matt is one of those people that can sit down and chat about anything and be thoroughly engaging.

[@treymclemore3418]

I don't have anything too interesting to add except thanks for your time and perspective. We say it a lot but you truly are a river to your people. I appreciate you brother

[@Silas1865]

The digital age means that there's exponentially more content to consume, and media is this often manufactured in a way to speak to everyone who might run across it. Matthews content is something very rare and special in that I never feel as if he's speaking to an audience. I never feel that the content is tailored or neutered. I feel each and every time as if I'm being spoken to directly, it's a hard feeling to describe but instantly recognizable. Thank you for being genuine.

[@screamingtongue]

Matthew Colville, we've never met but you are my hero, and videos like this are why. I've followed Running the Game for years and proudly backed both Strongholds and Followers and Kingdoms and Warfare. Then I ran out of money and couldn't back Flee Mortals. Whenever someone asks me where to begin as a Dungeon Master, I point them straight to this channel. Thank you for everything you've given me and this community at large.

[@paulbigbee]

Deeply moving Matt. Watched Zee Bashew's short meditation on art from earlier this week, and feels like there's some deeper currents at work I don't understand.

[@gildedlink]

What a way to indirectly reference the current wider concerns and set out your thoughts so elegantly without even having to name them. Masterful wordcraft, no doubt the direction you chose for yourself was one you have always been uniquely suited to succeed in.

[@emmasilver2332]

I'm both a musician and a D&D enthusiast. This video resonated with my very soul. Thank you.

[@sheatanner9935]

As a musician and a TTRPG fanatic... damn this did hit me hard. It's never too late, Matt. Make glorious noise... it's the only voice you truly have. Be it music or stories or some other medium, express yourself and do it freely and with honesty. After all, a silent heart is a dead one.

[@gregcampbell2977]

Amazing. As a singer who's never sung in a band and a geek who's played D&D since 2e, I get this. Now I play D&D with my three sons, two of whom are in a band (about to do their first headline gig) and two of whom DM my games that I play in. The other is an accomplished shakespearean actor. No regrets. Life is good 👍 😌 Art is art.

[@Silent_Library]

The band sold all their guitars and bought synthesizers. That notion packs a punch. Thanks for this talk, it was very insightful.

[@Xenibalt]

switch to pathfinder suggestion/reference?

[@adamdorris7104]

@@Xenibalt This made me laugh. And while perhaps not untrue, it seems just a tiny piece of treasuring what we have. We can take a spark from anywhere to make something all our own together.

[@Wyocaster]

Man, I know you said that your comments about the band wasn't a comment about dissatisfaction about career choices, but going through a quarter life crisis right now that hit really hard for me. Very beautiful statement about our campaigns being different albums and our groups being bands

[@azurewraith2585]

Possibly the worst part of living is you only live once and cannot live “right”. No matter how much you do you can never take every path presented to you. And for every path you look at with wanderlust of what could have been there are 10 looking back at you with the same wonder.

[@Jay_Hendrix]

So the moment you said you've been in lots of bands was the moment I started to cry. Maybe that's just me cuz I'm in a state lately. But that just triggered this flood of emotions and memories in me. It felt good. Cathartic. Thanks Matt.

[@SofaKingDead]

You know what else is similar? If you have been with a group for a long time, you have to deal with the fact that you are not the same people as you were in the past. So you may not be able do things the same way as the past. You have to make the best of times you have now.

[@HiNi.]

I have been sitting and thinking about how to properly convey what this video did for me, but I think this will do; I love you Matt. Thank you.

[@vegetablewildman]

I spent many years playing and touring in bands, and now that I've stopped, I don't miss it like I thought I would, simply because my creative outlet of TTRPGs feels so similar. Art permeates any medium.

[@FrederikRexDesign]

You’re someone great, Matt. I deeply, profoundly appreciate everything you do

[@crypticmedicine]

Jesus, this punched me in the face. My mom was a touring rock musician in the 80s. We listened to her music every day, mostly so I could learn to imitate her singing style. She put me on the stage at age 4 and started a new family folk-rock band with her sister when I was 11, which I started fronting for them a few years later. I burnt out when I was 17. I have a heart condition now and walk with crutches; Mom and I don't talk much. It wasn’t until I got sick and moved out to live with my fiancé that I realize how much of a prop I was, and that chasing that _feeling_ of making art had kept me treading water for over a decade. I don't think I fully understood what drew me to TTRPGs until I watched this. The kids I knew in band or drama who ran games growing up (I'm a zoomer in my early 20s) were considered the "cool kids," and none of us normies were ever allowed in. It made me think of D&D as something elite and remote, not for kids like me. And yet, and yet. I wonder how we learn to recognize that art-impulse in the first place? Is it just determined by how we're brought up, our first exposures? I've always felt bad thinking about TTRPGs as a creative outlet, since my first exposures were to albums and films and artworks as measures of "creative genius" and, therefore, true art. I've decided to stop feeling that way, now. I tend to think of everything that can't be monetized as relatively worthless; if I am not the product, I don't feel secure. TTRPGs melt that away in an instant, that hijacks my people-please-y performer brain and makes me give in to the mkment and taking care of the table in front of me, and I think I can't afford to let go of that. TTRPGs are slowly re-art-ing my life. I have a lot to reevaluate, and I don't think I would have figured out why quite so easily without this. Thanks, Matt, for doing what you do.

[@thecommenttater7026]

The great thing about our hobby is that you don’t need rules. Just need a couple people to get together and tell each other stories

[@Akeldama1570]

"You can't be everything you want to be before your time"

[@fitz394]

No one owns our stories or our minds. Even if they really want to monetize them. Rock on Matt.

[@SeattleFira]

I grew up in bands and had the great fortune and pleasure of release many records in my life. The moment Critical Role blew up, I realized they were just like me. Their band of misfits, traveling the world exploring and experiencing what life had in store for them. Well said Matt. I’ve often cited d&d groups as modern day local bands.

[@dittrich04]

This is why I look forward to a MCDM rpg. You are artists AND the executives over the game. We don't need c level finance types telling us how to have fun while milking us for more money. We want another artist to provoke our imagination then set us free to run wild with creativity.

[@s37747]

Nailed it. To hell with anyone who says they can own your art because they designed the framework in which it is enshrined. The musician is not taxed by piano maker.

[@AlystrZelland]

As a musician who is new to game design, you absolutely were making albums with those folks, Matt

[@Johnny_Isometric]

Thanks Matt, I needed to hear this.

[@Reevahn]

I seem to recall a certain someone paraphrasing a famous rock star, and opening a video with the line "We are MCDM and we play DnD"

[@z0mbyz624]

I'm a professional musician and I'm actually running DnD as well. There were clues here in there in your videos that hinted you were passionate about music. Yes albums in the back, the Police T-shirts etc. This video was super cool, I didn't know to which extent you were interested in the craft. Funnily enough one of my favorite genre while studyin music was actually progressive rock! All I could think while watching this was: man talking to this guy would be so fun. Thank you very much for teaching me how to DM, this is one of the only things that give me as much creative freedom as improvising a solo or composing a song. Cheers from Canada!

[@OopsAllStupid]

I'm always happy to see these contemplative, insightful videos about life in addition to your TTRPG content. Thanks for sharing this

[@tonyr.546]

I gave this a thumbs up as soon as you started talking about King Crimson. Not because they're my favorite band but because I respect their incredibly longevity, influence, and legacy over 5 decades and a dozen amazing musicians. Greg Lake is one of my all time favorite singer/songwriters and his musical prowess had so much influence over King Crimson and ELP as well as all progressive rock, really. The ideas you've brought up with this discussion have not fallen on deaf ears, btw. Thank you for sharing these thoughts and feelings.

[@alex2legit66]

I feel so connected to this, it’s unreal. I started my RPG journey well after I started my career in music. King Crimson has been a super influential part of my music palette, and one of the things that progressive bands like them, and a lot of modern prog metal bands, jazz, and so many other genres of music that I love have in common is the connection to improvisation. When I first saw people sitting around a table at my local game store rolling dice, playing dungeons and dragons, I thought to myself “they’re just making that shit up”. And then I saw the beauty. I definitely love my current band that I am so privileged to GM for

[@johnadams-kf3my]

I once heard someone say that every artist secretly believes there is a 'higher' form of art then the one they develop

[@jacksonbachman2486]

Once again, your insight has inspired me. A river to your people indeed.

[@deanlol]

I'm a cheap bastard and THIS made me decide to support your patreon.

[@thecarpeteer4107]

The bit about the Star Trek RPG had me livid. The final lines stung. I often forget that we live in a pyramid with sociopaths at the top.

[@NoahKunin]

I just want to say I love these Twitch clips which cover such a broad and interesting scope of topics. I try to catch the livestreams as much as possible, but half of these clips are from ones I missed and seeing it in the main KZbin feed is an amazing service to the community!

[@sudonickx]

Watched this talk live earlier today. You always make me think man. Glad you decided to upload this.

[@Jayce_Alexander]

This videos captures the beauty of the OGL so well. And it doesn't even mention the OGL. What an amazing thing it has been so see all these local "bands" rise to stardom, and leaving us some of the greatest "albums" this medium, the tabletop RPG, has ever seen. My own garage band has never quite made it so far, in spite of our intentions. But we've recorded some really nice stuff over the years that we all look back on very fondly.

[@tupalev]

I’m still working through why this 11 minute video moved me so much. Thanks Matt - your insightful comments and unique perspective always manage to make me think - and in this case stir the soul.

[@hotdogskid]

Im currently in my early 20s, and i spent the past couple years both playing in different bands as a musician and playing at different dnd tables as a dm/player. I cant believe i didnt realize until now just how similar the experiences are!

[@insertwittynameherez]

You're a super good content creator, Matt Colville

[@ShadicXCIV]

He really is a national treasure.

[@thei9372]

Thanks for this. I really appreciate your more pensive, meditative videos. It always helps cut through the noise in my head.

[@damian4590]

As an amateur musician (love king crimson a ton) and amateur dm this video was very interesting. It's impressive how much you conveyed about the ogl drama without even mentioning it. I always tell people that making art is about passion and the feeling you get when doing so, People who control the money will never understand that.

[@AnathemaMysticalcel]

I like that phrase, "the only reason they backed down is they didn't have the technology to police it". That 100% explains what hasbro is doing to the D&D IP.

[@Ozai75]

Always good to see a new video, Matt.

[@thing2572]

These types of videos from Matt always make me happy

[@truthsleuthpi]

...Uncle Matt's most profound insight to date, which, as everyone knows, is saying something. I'm thankful for all the joy you've brought into my life, and appreciate all the times you've inspired me to think...

[@morganbush7775]

Thank you so much for everything you do, Matt. You have such a brilliant mind and force of personality.

[@yeetoburrito9972]

Thanks for introducing me to Rush Matt!

[@grahamcarpenter691]

Matt Colville may have been pleased to discover King Crimson, but Bucciarati certainly wasn’t.

[@100nodog]

Is that a f****** JOJO REFERENCE

[@chromenewt]

You just made me feel like the front man of a band that has 25+ years of album covers to put up on the wall. Thank you. X

[@calebfeliciano2099]

It's absolutely mind boggling to me that I've been playing in a DND campaign that is so intrucate, that rivals that of GOT in terms of writing, that has such amazing characters that me and my friends have made, and has been the main topic of convorsation for my friend group for years now; will one day end, with only the players and DM remembering it, and once we all pass away, will cease to exist in any conceivable way entirely. I used to think that it's almost a waste of writing, to have it inevitably end with nothing like a book to preserve its memory. But then I realized that it created such a powerful bond between use college friends, one that will hopefully keep us together for years and years, and THAT, I say THAT, is the beauty of the games we made. It's quite literally the friends we made along the way. One hell of a band we're in.

[@legendaryg367]

I should probably listen and some of their songs. 1:36

[@Calebgoblin]

Perhaps now is the day that many flourishing TTRPGs take the place of the dying culture of video games

[@scholartist]

This is perhaps the most beautiful meditation I've encountered on what it means to sit down with your friends and throw some dice. Thank you, Matt!!

[@johnperry8716]

Every town should have their own musicians. Every group of friends should have their own games with stories to tell. We don't have to let them monetize everything. I love what you said.

[@Austin-kh1sv]

I was hoping this video was going to be Matt calling for a violent revolution to overthrow capitalism and the state... Good video, but I can't say I'm not a little disappointed lol

[@antochaotica]

Sell the synthesizer, buy a guitar.

[@angelalewis3645]

@@antochaotica Yes.

[@JeffreyDoran314]

When I heard this in the livestream, I was hoping you'd highlight or post it. Cheers.

[@Curiosity_Engaged]

I've never been so sure I understood what I was listening to only to have to listen to it twice to actually get it. Well said.

[@trikepilot101]

"we called those people weirdos" is a great name for an album.

[@Zemkezis]

In this video there was a moment of love and acceptance that I really needed.

[@alexorhuxley]

I’m a late-comer to the Matt Colville fan club, but jeez oh Pete, man. You blow it out of the water and I really appreciate your insights. Thanks for doing what you do.

[@2pppppppppppppp657]

The other night, I was hangout out with friends, when we decided to explore the local record shop, and something about seeing album art on these massive record sleeves rather than on a little thumbnail on spotify or even on a CD case gave me a new appreciation for the artistic statement that a good album cover can really make

[@WezzAndStuffs]

When you open up a MColville video and expect to get gritty and nerdy and instead sit pondering philosophically over the campaigns DMed for and participated in. I knew that was something strangely wholesome and important about the time I spend playing and preparing for D&D. But I don't think I'd have managed to phrase it nearly as succinctly or with such sonder. Well said, sir.