The BRUTAL Truth About Being In A Metal Band w/ Andy Cizek (Monuments, Termina)

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Andy Cizek of Monument and Termina (with Nik Nocturnal) talks about the reality of being in a touring band, his recent tweet, staying grateful and more.
Andy Cizek on Twitter: / andycizek
Andy Cizek on Instagram: / andycizek
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[@FinnMckentyPRMBA]

Support the show on Patreon to get all my videos and podcasts early! www.patreon.com/thepunkrockmba

[@andycizek]

Thank you very much for having me on, Finn!

[@slamdangles]

I'm really glad to hear you come out and say these things about the people in the scene. I used to be HEAVILY involved in the NYHC scene about 10+ years ago and I walked THHHHEEEEE FUUUUUCK AWAYYYYYYY bc of the shitty people, the piss poor mental health, the bleak outlooks on life and the substance abuse. Left the scene behind and never looked back, and found myself in a great career.

[@aserabus]

Hey Andy, I tried reaching out to you awhile back about hiring you to sing vocals for a private music project. Of course I'll pay you for your services. I have demos on soundcloud if you'd like to check out the content. If your interested please let me know. Thank you.

[@bamsauce2312]

I feel like it should be made more public that people can be patrons for musicians or other forms of art. I feel as though artists in any form forget that it's a way you can make it a lifestyle. It's too often that people think the only way is to get sponsorships and deals with labels, maybe that's the most "reliable", but if becoming a patron was more romanticized we'd have a more flourishing art industry just like the renaissance era.

[@OneManCanStopTheMotorOfWorld]

Andy you and I have a lot in common. My entire dream was to play warped tour and then it happened and I was living with Ronnie radke in Vegas really became jaded with the amount of drugs and abuse going on it really ruined the dream. It took me a long time to get back to playing for the love of it but I completely feel you on everything you said. Stay up homie, and don’t allow the bs to pull you down forever

[@atanasprodatanasov9233]

Looking forward to see you in person on the 3rd of March in Sofia. Take care, stay safe, thank you for all your efforts!

[@JediNiyte]

I'm almost 50 and I've gotten to the age where I'm watching young folks that I know run into a lot of their firsts as adults: moral dilemmas, make-or-break moments, and the kind of realizations that only come with experience. And I really feel for Andy here. One of the hardest things for folks with a strong sense of ethics (I was one of those kids) is the realization that you only have so much emotional bandwidth, and if you don't dial it back a little bit and take care of yourself, you really won't be able to help the people in your life when they really need you. Also, having to come to terms with how little control we have over the actions of others - and the circumstances he's talking about - are VERY hard lessons to learn. None of this is easy, and no one can really tell you how to navigate it. I'm a Jiu Jitsu hobbyist and it's surprising how much of life is like grappling. You can watch a technique, but most of the learning comes from wallowing around on the floor until you figure something out. Seems like that's where Andy is in this interview. We've all been there, Bud, and it's never easy.

[@TheAnteros999]

This was beautiful, I just got laid off from my first engineering job and im in my mid Twenties. To say the least I needed to hear this

[@janelle7778]

Hey Finn, I really appreciate how compassionate you are with Andy here. I really enjoyed this conversation and appreciate where he is coming from. He’s absolutely right about toxic positivity and finding a balance between gratitude and acknowledging the difficulties of life and allowing yourself to sit with your feelings.

[@MrKjDrake]

Listening to Andy reminded me perfectly of why I quit touring. People always thought it must be amazing to get to see different states/countries on a daily basis, likening it to a never ending vacation and i explain to them that everyone loves to go see a new destination but they dread the actual traveling (driving, flying) parts. Being on tour is like constantly being in an airport or stuck in a moving bus with little privacy for months on end just to end up back home as your destination. And still it was a tough choice to leave it behind because the 1-2hr a night dopamine hit you get from a screaming crowd can make the 20hrs of dreaded travel seem worth it. My hat goes off to any touring musician because it takes a special kind of person to be able to deal with such highs and lows daily.

[@bryanholzer2782]

Even getting paid decently well to travel is a drag, I can't imagine how it is when you're worried about all these other issues on top. I used to be jealous because I never got to do much when I was younger but now that I do it normally it's not anything to write home about. I feel for people in the music industry trying to make it.

[@d77sauce]

@Jamie DeLorenzo Rappers are just performing off the stage, too.

[@SoilentGr33n]

@@bryanholzer2782 Exactly. I use to be a corporate trainer and traveled around to train police, EMTs, firefighters and 911 dispatches on emergency software. I did it for 7 years. When the pandemic happened and there was no travel I felt like a giant weight had been lifted off my shoulders. It's only romantic for the first couple years and even then it depends how much you have to travel. I gets old really fast. When the first signs of normalcy came back I dreaded going back on the road and quit for a sedentary job. My GF of 12 years loves traveling and going on vacation somewhere felt like work. Going to see family felt like work. The trade shows were cool with all the james bond gadgets and it's an interesting field but when the day was over I always went back to my hotel room while all the unleashed boomers went to the bar. Not my style. For me it became a struggle after 3 years and the rest of it I was setting up e-learning programs to cut down on traveling. In 2020 I was all set up to keep things moving right along from home while everyone else was in a panic.

[@martyfrancis1011]

@Jamie DeLorenzo just like the other commenter said. Do rappers tour...not that I'm really aware of. Would people really go see someone that basically just talks on stage...they don't play instruments and no secret that in most cases they don't even write the music!!!

[@purpled4864]

i love the travel lol. it takes it's toll fs but I'd prefer sleeping in a van on the road to a house any day

[@KeyOfGeebz]

Andy @13:43 - that was tuff for even me to hear...... @16:52 from darkness to being grateful - LOVE THAT!!

[@Marthyboy88]

Geebz! You should give Andy a listen sometime. Check out Makari - Transient for some softer stuff with a really great sound.

[@tokin42]

Geebz!!! Awwwrightt!

[@fullswingin]

As someone in a small / growing band and working a 9-5, I completely appreciate where Andy is coming from. I would love nothing more than to drop everything and invest all my time and energy into my band, but I know how unstable a life that could be. I love creating, and I do my job so I have the financial freedom to create. I have insane respect for anyone in the industry who genuinely lives life on the road and can still create.

[@ghost_to_a_ghost]

Y'all have anything recorded? Even just a garage recording? I would love to hear it, if so. 😎 either way, good luck out there. keep on keeping on. as long as you and your band are doing what you want, that's all that really matters 👍

[@fullswingin]

@@ghost_to_a_ghost yeah mate, we dropped our debut album last year! We're called Ascent of Autumn, should be able to check us out on KZbin or Spotify etc Appreciate you asking and hope you enjoy!

[@papaidolatrine2499]

@@fullswingin your band isn’t gonna go anywhere if you are too lazy to leave a damn link LMAO

[@fullswingin]

@@papaidolatrine2499 I mean, I normally do but I figured we all know links don't work in KZbin comments - I've tried twice now to reply to you and add a link but my comments seem to get automatically removed

[@necdetcapar3996]

What a great conversation! It’s more than a media content. Like a psychotherapy. Made me feel definitely better. Two high quality person.

[@ibuiltthesky]

One of the best in the business, yet one of the most grounded, humble and down to earth. Forever a fan !!

[@x_data_x]

I was part of a touring band for 4 years, I loved every second of it, I learned to roll with the punches and I got to accomplish childhood dreams because of it. But I never made a dime, and I could no longer sustain myself financially after a while. The band was really talented, and all the dudes in the band were great. But sometimes you just have to move on to the next chapter of your life and not hang on to a bet you’ve made in yourself. This was 10 years ago, and I can only assume from what Andy said that it’s even harder now to break out and make a sustainable living as a touring musician.

[@UGLY-MONEY17]

How old are you now? This whole topic is really interesting to me.

[@derekhernandez9000]

The part when Andy was talking about how people think they ought to be grateful really resonated with me. I remember one time there was a post on an issues fan page where people were saying that in interviews, the members had revealed that they made roughly about 40 K a year. There were tons of people in the comments, saying how they would kill for their job and to be paid that much to do it and that they should just shut up and stop complaining. Meanwhile, I was saying that I made 40 K a year doing pest control, having a company vehicle, being able to go home to my wife, every night, health, insurance, retirement account, and all the other benefits. It’s hard enough to just get by for the common person nowadays, and the toxic attitude that people hold in regards to creative professionals really needs to stop. That is not a lot of money to live off of without any real security or benefits, all while having to maintain life on the road with very little family or friend time.

[@thorondrums6176]

Man I've had a very similar conversation with my band mate about how we trained our whole lives for a job that doesn't exist anymore and how all of our heroes have failed us. This was a super relatable conversation. Good stuff.

[@ianvaldes3073]

I always really liked Andy but getting to know him through this interview I have a newfound respect for the man beyond how insanely talented he is.

[@madamk1818]

What Andy is saying is 100% correct. The music scene now is a disorganized mess. Also, as far as perverts, there are MANY in music, not just in Hollywood. I grew near a fairly large city, and unfortunately, I know people who have had to "do favors" or were treated like objects by former managers or promoters just to get a main stage spot at a semi decent venue. If it wasn't abuse, they were being ripped off and became "free entertainment" even if they had to travel an hour or more. In my late teens and early 20s I thought this was the norm and "the grind." I'm turning 30 this year, and I realize how messed up it was.

[@GabiBrooks]

The thing is, it's not only happening in the music industry or entertainment. It's like really? Are we not aware people are generally bad? For example, I wanted to become a university teacher at some point and there's a good amount of identical types of people and situations like Andy is describing. I used to admire some of them myself and the dissapointment was so strong that I noped my way out of there. It's a given in every environment 🤷

[@DontTouchMePlz]

@@jamiedelorenzo5220 Say it again. Maybe someone will care this time brother!

[@pascalmai5208]

at my 9 to 5 job watching this episode and I'm not mad about it. What a great conversation between two thoughtful humans

[@brentcarlton4139]

Loved the conversation. As someone who always wanted to go the musician route in life, my friends and I all ended up finishing college and getting well paying jobs. We’re now at a point where we are trying to get back into the live scene and creating music just for the fun of it. It’s felt like something was missing in my life and now that we’re actually pursuing this project without high expectations I feel more enjoyment in my day to day

[@Enemyofthenewworldorder]

This was one of the realist conversations I’ve seen about the entertainment industry in a good while 👌🏻 very good conversation! My best friend went to go see monuments and I was supposed to go but I ended up getting really sick with Covid and I wasn’t able to go but my best friend found Andy because he knows I’ve been a fan of Andy’s for a long time now and Andy made a video for me telling me to get well Andy is a real one 🙏🏻

[@MigIgg]

@Jamie DeLorenzo Honestly man no one gives a fuck on which genre is winning or not

[@MeTakingAStand]

I met Andy at a makari show in New Orleans a long time ago. he was such a cool guy. put on a great show, too. sucks so much to see him so jaded right now. hope he knows most of us feel that way about all of our lanes. it's fuckin rough man.

[@Drumpaltracks]

Andy's a great guy, I've never met him but I've tuned into his twitch streams pretty regularly and you can tell he's a passionate dude who just loves music and is clearly dedicated to his craft as a vocalist and very skilled, I make music but I'm not in a touring band so I can't relate to his experiences but I can imagine what it must be like, especially when there's such an influx of new bands now due to the internet and how you can promote yourself with social media, there's a lot more competition to get noticed. Pursuing music full time is a huge risk and I applaud anyone who took that risk and managed some success from it.

[@justinroth3174]

Andy seems like a great dude. I’ve been touring and playing in struggling bands for nearly 20 years. I’m just now hitting a decent stride at 40, but I wake up every day wondering what in the hell I’m doing with my life. This is not a job or industry for the faint of heart. The best advice I can give up and coming musicians is to find some kind of side hustle or job that allows you to either work remote or come and go as you please. I’m a creative director now and have done freelance design work from the road for the last decade. Having a plan B (more of a safety net really) allows me to do this. Without supplemental income you’ll never make it in today’s terrible climate.

[@WinterhouseRecords]

Andy - I don't think you're bitching, dude. Anyone who has seriously tried to do this for a living knows exactly what you mean. I'm a "nobody" in the music industry, currently in the military, but I'm trying desperately to chase my dreams of music. I've spent the last 10+ years focused on all things music: playing guitar, singing/screaming, recording, songwriting, production, mixing, etc. I've barely put anything out because I felt it wasn't the quality that I know I'm capable of, and I'm only now really prepping for my first official, real release. And yet, instead of being excited about that, I'm terrified and feel exhausted by it. I LOVE the actual music part, and obviously having made no money from it for over a decade it's a passion of mine that I'll continue regardless. But being aware of all the increasing difficulties surrounding what being a musician is in 2023 is fucking overwhelming, and I haven't even had to experience first-hand so much of what's mentioned. I feel for you, like I feel for anyone else trying to do this shit today. Of course we are all privileged to even have the chance, that will always be true. But it is ironic that today, when theoretically we have the MOST opportunity that anyone has ever had in history to "make it", it feels impossible when it's marred by all the bullshit surrounding it like what's mentioned in this video and beyond. Not to diss anyone, but I don't want to be a content creator/influencer personality, and I feel so disheartened to know that I will probably have to become that in order to get anyone to listen to my music. The funny thing is, even if my music did garner success, I wouldn't even want to be in a band. At this point I really would just like to open a studio and record/mix bands, because at least that avenue of the industry feels much safer, more comfortable, and realistically is probably more financially viable. It's all a big mess. So yeah, just know that a lot of us out there DO get it, and empathize greatly with what you and Finn are both saying in this. Even now I feel like I wasted time watching this video/commenting on it when I could be working more on my stuff 😅. The hustle culture shit really does place an overwhelming burden on all of us.

[@PugzFTW]

reading this made me want to check out your channel and it looks like you already wrote the best song (for a contest)

[@WinterhouseRecords]

@@PugzFTW 😂 thanks dude! In between some new material I’m working on a second entry 👀 just started it today

[@raidermaxx2324]

i think he's pretty bitchin, dont know whatchu talking about

[@WinterhouseRecords]

@Jamie DeLorenzo While I agree that a lot of rap captures youthful energy, your take really isn’t true at all. Some of the most critically acclaimed rappers are hugely introspective and emotionally charged in their lyrics. Examples in the last decade are J Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Eminem. Whether you personally like them or not, they’re hugely successful among young/old. It’s not as simple as what you describe. But I do agree that a LOT of rock has lost the “fun” that attracted people of all ages.

[@croulantroulant3082]

90's Eminem was much more "I don't give a fuuuuuuck" than "introspective sensitive guy" haha..... Also J Cole and Kendrick may be "critically acclaimed" but that conscious style is far from representing the bigger market of mainstream rap.

[@boringstuff9302]

Truly the most honest and open industry inside interview I have ever seen. Thank you.

[@juancamilo4684]

Yeah its true, the biggest issue in touring might actually be just how anxiety induced it might be to not have security. Not knowing when shit might go south. When your van gonna get robbed, when a fight might break out, a crazy fan, the money, a cancelled show after travelling hours. Its just scary.

[@splicedbandga]

Thank y'all so much for truly showing the want to talk about this stuff. The amount of hidden nasty &/or scummy behavior that happens within the industry is jaw dropping when you first figure out some of what really happens beyond the spotlight. As a just starting band still in our local phase we still don't get to fully see behind the curtain of the industry and have to make a lot of decisions based upon trust of our peers and our gut. You know, think Courtney from Spirtbox said it best on one of yall's interview Finn. "2 simple things. Don't be an ass, Dont f*ck kids" Metal/Hardcore/Rock gave all of us a purpose in life and we want that trend to continue for the next generation. Unfortunately everytime a popular artist thats a peddo/abuser/scum gets caught without their "good person mask" on it makes the entire genre look like a very undesirable/unsafe thing to want to become apart of. More people need to stop caring about their "internet points" and start talking about these kinda things more. F*ck fake ass people.

[@mattdowling955]

Heya Finn, I believe 3/4 of the bands and content you cover I have never heard of, or im completely unaware of all together. Im a similar age to yourself and was stuck in my old school music tastes for a long time.. It's been you, your comments, call outs, and opinions that has made me listen to new things (pop and all) and also listen with more appreciation even if it doesn't quite fit for me. Forget the haters, we all need to move forward 👍

[@askamber3254]

This was actually perfectly timed for me! Glad I came across this video. This is relatable across the board in so many ways ❤

[@jakehadlock]

Awesome interview! Love the perspectives. Related to a lot of these feelings as running my own small business - nothing to do with music and yet a lot of overlap - hearing these kinds of experiences from others helps me feel less alone with my struggles

[@NightOwlVisuals]

This was really insightful and I love how well-rounded, yet in-depth this interview and or conversation is. Whether you be a musician, creative, programmer or bank teller, always go out for more. I have a dream Video Producer 9-5 job that has served my well for the past 2 out of 3 years, but now I am outgrowing it. In the meantime I have started this channel over a month ago and have 500+ subs, am getting my Master's degree, hopefully getting promoted in the Spring, but if not - I'm leaving. It is sad when chapters close, but sometimes it is a mix of being natural timing and other times there are other components or reasons as to why people leave even if there is great job security or stability etc. Follow your passions, especially while you are younger, you will have less time for yourself as life goes on. I'm 29 and experiencing a lot of this and mindset or interest shifts as well.

[@jeredblackmoor3295]

Killer interview. Love the perspective and insight. Andy has a new fan! Really cool.

[@seikonbi-music]

This was me working in film. I got the job I wanted and thought I was really going to do this but everyone I was working with was so insufferable that I just couldn’t continue it. And the same way as you said, I started helping out this church do charity work and I thought okay its going to suck but I’ll get to help the community but no, it actually wasn’t that bad and the people were great to work with

[@Tetarkall]

Church communities are great! I wish more of people knew how to be kind to each other

[@christiandauz3742]

No thanks, don't want to contribute to the Pedophile problem! Religion raped 250 THOUSAND kids in France ALONE!!!

[@seikonbi-music]

@@christiandauz3742 I’m a shintoist, not a christian but this absolutely not a hill you want to die on. Homosexuals commit 40x more molestations than all heterosexuals, including priests and other religious figures. The statistics on this are overwhelming so maybe don’t conflate religion with this.

[@christiandauz3742]

@@seikonbi-music Sure... Yet the Catholic Church molested at least 250k French kids since the 1970s. Who knows how many in Asia or the US!!!

[@christiandauz3742]

@@seikonbi-music Misinformation. Blocked

[@MitchelGMadak]

This is honestly so amazing!! An honest example of an artist speaking up about the poor work environment essentially that artists have to go through at times and also the amazing benefits. And also some inspiration to the people living a “normal 9/5 life” who may be missing the magic where they are in the moment. There is such good balance here🙌🏻

[@attaxwrongnes]

Never heard of Andy Cizek before but this is a great conversation . A must listen for any aspiring musician or fan .

[@Marthyboy88]

He's insanely talented. You should check him out.

[@Marthyboy88]

Love Andy's music. Hope everything works out for him, especially with how talented he is.

[@juancamilo4684]

yeah, I went to LA and its like a joke also, "Oh , youre in a band" (eye roll). I still love music, im still gonna be that band guy, but it does get embarrasing, but at the same time it might be a bit healthy for the culture. Musicians are not gods like they used to be.

[@connorpeppermint8635]

The other day I was thinking about the positive aspects of socialmedia/the internet and the death of celebrity godhood was one of those things. I started seeing someone like Johnny Depp for example as just another guy who would hire me to clean their house.

[@matturner6890]

@@connorpeppermint8635 If the court case was any indication, he's really gonna be putting you to work.

[@AndrewScott1337]

It's not embarrassing to be in a band at all, it's no different than someone being really into mountain climbing or chess. As long as you are not a douche people will respect that you something you love. Also I finally hit a point where my music and small tours pay for themselves and its a massively rewarding feeling that no one can take from you. I agree that artists shouldn't be put on a pedestal though, that shit is bad.

[@michaelzamora8056]

I think we're breaking through a threshold in the music industry. I believe music is getting to a point where the power can finally be in the hands of the musician. I don't know what that looks like but I have hope for the future of music and art

[@Ephremjlm1]

This was a super genuine conversation and one that isn't had enough. This was probably one of the best podcasts I have listened to in a while.

[@TheKurzzze]

I didn't know much at all about Andy, but what a nice guy! And what an infectious smile, a lot about this conversation resonated with me. Great episode

[@JohnSmith-th7lx]

This was amazing and it could've been 5 hours, honestly. All the things you talked about were really important to hear. Super interesting and I learned a lot. I have great respect for both Andy and you and now I respect you even more.

[@andrashka3]

Andy is the goat! Amazing intervew, more of him if possible at any time man! GL and great job!

[@Marcustrh]

He’s not wrong at all. Andy’s been grinding way before monuments online. I feel the same way and I’m no where near his level. Stay strong king we love you

[@duncangreen3427]

I respect Andy so much. He seems like and really great person. And fin thanks for the great conversation and content. You can't go wrong with good deep conversation 😌 👌 👏

[@MajorMoment]

Andy is such a sweet & genuine dude, much love! 🖤

[@Bigtaco6031]

This made me a fan of this guy.

[@moparjoel1]

Check out his band Termina. The guy is super underrated. I like Monuments and that’s his bigger band, but Termina is where I think he really shines.

[@dr.juerdotitsgo5119]

If your hobbies mean the world to you, punching the clock at a factory or whatever is the best work you could possibly have. You're out there 9 to 5 on working days, then your life is your own.

[@erickghoul174]

The problems come when you’re working a ton of overtime because your job demands it and you’re too exhausted to do anything when you’re off the clock

[@dr.juerdotitsgo5119]

@@erickghoul174 Sure, hence the more "assembly line" type stuff, the better, lol

[@HowtoFeelReal]

Fuck this boomer bullshit propaganda. This isn't how life actually works.

[@AVENUENIGHTS]

Andy "Keeping It Real" Cizek. More artists need to speak like this.

[@jaimeflor4181]

All of this is very relatable, as someone that was playing shows at age 16. I played for free beer at some point & had a manager that took most of our money. I definitely put in more $ than I got back. Although I definitely appreciated the few paid gigs I had. The hardest part, at least in my experience, was keeping a band together. I eventually became a decent songwriter, but it’s a volatile industry and I decided to return to college. I definitely admire my friends that are still active, but also make $ through other means. I just want something different now, as far as my life goes. Of course I still enjoy composing music on my own.

[@moparjoel1]

This is cool seeing anything with Andy. My favorite band the last 6 months has been Termina. I looked into Monuments after learning of Termina but it just doesn’t hit the same. I think Termina isn’t taken seriously, seen as maybe just a garage KZbin band but I don’t think anyone in the scene right now compares. Termina is soooo underrated and I’m happy to see Andy getting exposure. The dude has crazy huge talent!

[@yota8325]

Termina definitely has some bangers but ye I think the "youtuber band" is hard to shake

[@J1Nflo]

Finn, Andy, thank you so much. I really needed to hear this right now and the parallels to what I'm feeling/thinking with careers in general is really hitting. I think it's a meaningful conversation you guys had here that people can find value in regardless if they're in the industry or not. Cheers you guys both are so genuine!!

[@duncangreen3427]

That was a beautiful conversation between to human beings helping eachother understand. Wow truly inspiring and helpful. Thank you to both of you because in doing so you also helped me🙏

[@christostefan]

Thank you guys for your honesty. There isn't much in front of the media. No one expects to hear the misfits work for their family metal shop, Lydia Lunch is a hairdresser, monster magnet is a landscaper between tours. Covid pulled the curtains back for rock. We've seen their homes in zooms. I embrace this human element of my favorite artists. Maybe it blew some of the mystique. I love them more though.

[@newworldotter8583]

Hearing Andy Describing what touring is like and I'm thinking, "Man that sounds awful." Then he says "I'm not doing a great describing how difficult it is." Holy shit.

[@justinroth3174]

I’ve done everything from DIY van tours, playing basements and sleeping on dirty floors to bus tours with national acts in reputable venues. Every tour comes with its own set of obstacles and challenges. Buses seem like a real luxury until you realize that you’re stacked 3 high, 12 sets of unwashed feet and balls in a cramped hallway, everyone’s smelly shoes and dirty clothes piling up in the bunk area, dudes snoring, dudes farting, the occasional dude puking, and when someone gets sick, everyone gets sick. Zero privacy for a month. No ability to go your own way more than an hour or two a day. It’s basically a minimum security prison on wheels. You go where the bus goes. Van tours have slightly more freedom but of course you’re touring in a van, so goodbye food storage, sleeping during travel, etc. You have to really love what you do or it will burn you out quicker than most crummy jobs.

[@snoo50]

@@justinroth3174 agreed, but how much you love Music has nothing to do with it (it's a toxic positivity argument, like discussed). What keeps you in is literally just your tolerance to BS. "I hit you everyday babe, but if you leave, it's just that you don't love me enough" f that. Not wanting to smell the shit my adolescent 30-year old "friends" take in the bus has nothing to do with how much I love Music. Most of the people at my "job" haven't half read a book since high school, eat fries for diner, live with their parents, well, thinking all that through it makes sense that playing a venue with lights and a stupid crowd is the highlight of their lives. It is not shameful to admit you've made a mistake, it's shameful to fail and not make a change.

[@greenmatrix30seven]

Ik its 6 months late but im so glad that Finn brought up the “ disgraced perverts” bit. I can’t even imagine how certain bands deal w/ stuff like that. There’s a whole slew of examples. Needed to be said.

[@okaight7248]

This was a great conversation. There is an unfortunate reality of some people who are so incredibly talented that are secretly complete problems until it isn't a secret anymore. Also where he mentioned hoping to break even on the Europe tour, that's super painful. It's like a "free vacation", except you don't have paid time off and that's potentially 1-4 weeks of 0 income. Completely unsustainable.

[@IanVase]

I definitely can relate with a lot of this and agree that its a conversation worth having or feelings that should be expressed so they can be worked through. I was in a sort of bigger band and toured and all that and ended up quitting because I was just kind of over it. I quit and then realized how much I missed it. Loved sleeping in random places and living out of a backpack and meeting all kinds of people. I rejoined a few years later and then found out I was having a daughter so I bailed again and now I just have a solo project and a job so its a happy medium but I can look back on those times fondly. But that life definitely comes with its fair share of stress and frustrations.....and it was life changing and I'd do it all over again. But stability and income are pretty cool too lol.

[@cheekydevil3241]

G’day! Sensational conversation! Sincere gratitude for both of you guys’ willingness to share. I’m a big fan of you both, and appreciate your guys’ work. Stay positive mates! Cheers!

[@dropplett.]

Thank you, Andy and Finn. You guys both are incredibly inspiring and beautiful people. I am so sad I missed Monuments at Copenhagen last week though. Hope to make it next time. I hope all the most beautiful things come your way and you feel happiness everyday

[@sir.shreddington]

I appreciate how thoughtful and candid he was in this interview. Monuments is a killer band, and I've always liked his voice too. Awesome interview 💪

[@axlrosesson6300]

@Jamie DeLorenzo i really hope classic sounding rock bands can be a thing again

[@NickBurbeyGuitar]

I relate to this deeply. I play 4 nighta a week. Every week. Every month. Outside! It's awesome and I love it, and while it's not touring, there are definitely some unique challenges.

[@rogerxiong]

i admire and am inspired by you. stay strong and thank you for sharing your story

[@Kudabear1]

Finn I greatly appreciate what you do. I've been watching the interviews and it's been really healthy for me to watch these interviews. I really appreciate what you are saying about gratitude as well. I have alot to be grateful for too with my recording setup and guitar gear and stuff. Thank you greatly for what you do Finn and keep it up 🙏

[@aeterna_victrix]

Been playing in metal bands since the age of 15 (in my late 30's now) and even on a small/local scale I have encountered some of the biggest pieces of shit I have ever known. Been lied to, physically abused, stolen from, etc. to the point where I suffer from PTSD and have anxiety disorder. I always just thought it was my local scene that sucked but it seems it is the entertainment industry as a whole. Now I work a corporate 9-5 and while it is soul-draining, it at least pays well enough to have a good life for me and my family, nothing that would be possible playing in even a remotely "successful" band. I still love this music and write and record my own stuff from time to time but I do it at my own leisure and do not care one bit about trying to make money off of it. Anyway, that's my sob story haha.

[@darksu6947]

I'll hold you while you cry, bro.

[@phlegm5596]

The world is filled with pieces of shit, at least we have music

[@Drakeblood97]

I used to be bitter that my "friends" left me behind to go into the music industry without me, but I'm glad I stuck to my own career path and continued my education. I'm not nearly sociopathic enough to make it in such a cut throat business.

[@patrick2365]

Love both these guys. Andy is an immense talent and it's great to see him in this moment. Thanks for bringing this to us, Fin!

[@Naildown55]

This was really wholesome. Greatly appreciated for both Andy and Finn for their unique perspectives.

[@leonardooliveirapaschoal552]

Finn! You are not ugly, old and I love your hats!

[@beckyywiththegoodhair]

This sounds corny, but we are all where we are supposed to be. Your music has literally saved me from the deepest depths of depression. The world is a fucked up place and you seem like a nice, genuine person. Taking the high road is difficult but, I believe, worth it all. ❤ all the feels. Take care of yourself. You deserve all good things.

[@willfrazer2023]

This makes me feel a little better. I kick my own ass everyday because I gave up on my dreams, tallent, bands.. one of which (+10 years later) is now touring and doing what I wanted to do back then. I went to school and have a half ass decent job, and I’ll continue kicking myself in the ass, but this makes me feel better.. thank y’all..

[@spieseeboi820]

Gratitude has to be one of the top reasons that I’m happy today and I’m happy it was brought up towards the end

[@conodeen3588]

I love this. Loved Metal since I chanced to hear my first Iron Maiden song as a 14 year old back in 2007. Never been into the sex-drugs part of rock n roll (no judgement - I think the 80s were awesome also). Just love the music and love to see sincere love of the genre. Thank you for being a role model Andy!

[@G-Hobbs]

After seeing them play a show in Edmonton, I did feel pretty great to be able to experience Monuments up close an personal, but the flip side did feel like they deserve more, great band and Andy is unreal. Should be making millions.

[@shugghead8538]

Yup, same here. Amazing to see them, but at the same time, the starlight room is a dive, and they deserved better.

[@joshkuhnmusic]

I feel like these guys just expressed everything that's been in my brain for the last few years.

[@jonathanlaughlin9717]

Yooo what he said about training for a dream job that doesnt exist anymore.. Thats real 💯 felt that shit

[@concepcionisabelcastillo4627]

First seen this guy with his vocal fry vid lesson and now seeing how solid and brave he is with his opinions,Wow so admirable 👌big brain for young body🤘best wishes for your future endeavours😘

[@Sulcuryalt_Inone]

I feel like there's quite a lot of untapped potential for musicians/bands utilizing crowd funding models. Seems like a great place to meet in the middle.

[@FinnMckentyPRMBA]

That would require musicians to be organized which is… not their strong point

[@gmod8033]

@@FinnMckentyPRMBA haha right?!

[@fray3dendsofsanity]

Wow, I love this interview. I was an aspiring "gigging band musician" from age 15 to around...27ish? Did like 5 different band projects in that time. Some of them were pretty good actually, we played some great shows and if we had kept at it and everyone's ego had stayed in check, maybe it would've panned out. But goddamn, I did some light "touring" by getting in a bus and playing a handful of shows, and I dealt with the drama of "dating your bandmates" so many times...being a rockstar is not all it's cracked up to be. It's hard to make a living, there's a lot of drama potential, you have to live like a goddamn drifter. But I totally respect the people that stick with it and play those shitty bar gigs night in, night out. I don't know Andy's music but I hope he continues his dream, seems like a nice ass dude with a big heart and I appreciate his sharing of the uglier side of things

[@MountainBlade]

I don’t think being in a band trying to get off the ground and doing small tours in crappy vans is considered being a “rockstar”. Nobody envies the beginnings of what makes someone a rockstar, they envy the lifestyle and success of the final product. People like the the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and on a smaller but more modern degree The Strokes, Jack White, The Killers etc. People see the life their success has brought them and want that, because is absolutely is better than grinding it out in a corporate or labour job you hate for years on end. I work in renovations right now, and while I like many aspects of it and take satisfaction in doing good useful work, the days are long and my body hurts. I would absolutely trade this in for Paul McCartneys lifestyle.

[@matthowe768]

It’s just shows you the grass is always greener. I went to music school but I ended up a construction worker. I’ll get bummed I didn’t make it but I have 2 beautiful boys, a wonderful wife, and a house.

[@wickedillusion66]

I feel what he is saying, I have been in the music business as a photographer since 2002 and I have seen the music scene change drastically but like him I have been privileged to some amazing things, wouldn't trade it for anything.

[@jordancarral]

Pretty good conversation

[@RandyBadour]

Andy speaking facts right out the gate! Awesome content fellas, thank you!

[@tooernn]

What an open and awesome guy!

[@MadMan123654]

33:30 I think there's a bit of a barrier-to-entry that allows musicians in other genres to continue to thrive. You can make a rap album by yourself, for example, and if it's fire people will buy it and the executives/labels/venues will swim in cash. It's pretty hard to to join a band, make an album, and tour in rock/metal as a shunned or solo act.

[@Screwdriver4o]

Nice interview! Thank you both Andy and Finn! :)

[@peterlendak1688]

This was incredibly insightful and eye-opening experience. Much love to Andy, I hope I'll bump into him on the European tour, seeing them in March (I'll bring some healthy snack for him lol). Much love to you Finn too, fuck Reddit. I wouldn't be able to put up with all of it and handle it as great as you do. Kudos, much respect.

[@reformedstoic1581]

Chasing a "metal career" chewed me up and spit me out. An endless sea of pointing fingers if I ever try to tell the story. Hats off to anyone who "made it" (tours endlessly like this testimony). I think the only purpose my bitter comment could serve is to find young hungry eyes. If you are 18-20 chasing this dream, SERIOUSLY consider having something to fall back on. Learn a trade, get a degree in something that you can build a life on. The music life will likely take EVERYthing from you, and give you little to nothing in return, and everyone will tar and feather you and give you boomer bootstraps lectures if you speak out on it at all. You want the wife and kids and picket fence? Chances are you just need to peruse something else young bucks. I will never get lectured again by a talent buyer making 100k a year telling me to "play for the glory sport". It's essentially slavery. Good luck, and god bless.

[@JMDPYT]

Great interview! I am a big fan of this message. Please keep doing what you do on both channels. Please teach someone to do what you do, so I can watch everyday. YOU ROCK!

[@robiu013]

which reminds me there's a local show of them in my area end of month and I might go check it out.

[@andre8273]

They're touring with Leprous which is definitely another band worth checking out live. I'm going to the show in my city

[@ITALIANN1NJA1]

Definitely go. You’ll really regret it if you don’t!

[@spikestoyou]

I don’t even really listen to Monuments but this dude gets it. Great conversation.

[@omind1]

Awesome. You guys are thoughtful and aware of the greater culture and how you interact with it.

[@jonesyDRUMZ]

So much respect for this guy now. Very eye opening convo

[@angelaaltman864]

Great interview with insight that doesn't really ever come out in the music industry. Keep on keeping on🤘

[@misleadmachine1908]

Although I agree with the sentiment that star power jobs have changed a lot, as well as what is now known of industries, and just communication in general, people like Andy are truly heroes in my view.

[@awakelingsignals]

"it is necessary to feel the pain of disillusionment...but it is progress" Andy Cizek 34:57

[@richardspillers6282]

He's not the only metal fan and musician that feels that way.

[@maxv658]

Amazing discussion. In journalistic terms, people who "seek the limelight" are always going to have a spotlight on them for a variety of reasons. You guys are two people that a lot of other people hear and see everyday and for whatever reason it bothers people. Maybe it's jealousy or envy or maybe just projection. It's wrong and unfair regardless, but unfortunately people will be people. I especially enjoyed the discussion about the grass always being greener. I personally have always been someone that really doesn't like to work. I don't want to do something I love for a job for fear of it becoming something I loathe, so I've always wanted a "soulless," white-collar job where I can come in at 9, do my job, "F" off(thanks KZbin) at 5, and hardly anybody I work with knows I exist. That's more or less what I have now(software developer and QA engineer) although I work at a smaller company so most people know I exist. My life certainly doesn't suck, so I'm not gonna say that, but I do have days where I'm like, "this sucks. There's gotta be something better out there than this," and it is very "the grass is always greener." I like that Andy mentioned "nourishing your soul." You won't always find fulfillment or a "greater purpose" in your day job, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. It just means you get to find it somewhere else. Perspective is important too in all of this. Like you said Finn, there are some people(probably a lot of people) who would kill for the work life that I and my wife and many others have and I should be thankful for what I have now instead of thinking, "well maybe there's something more/better." It's like having an existential crisis every other week and thinking, "am I really gonna do this for the rest of my life?" And the answer is, yeah, probably, and I guess that isn't so bad, is it?

[@727DropA]

I gave up on the rockstar dream back around 2017 after getting a reality check from an old friend and then went back to school in 2018 and just graduated with a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering this past December. Hardest thing I've ever put myself through. Watching what all my music industry friends went through during the pandemic made me very grateful for making that move when I did (even though I felt bad for having those thoughts). I'm about to turn 30 and I have a stable job with good pay and great benefits and I have health insurance for the first time in years. I'm much happier now than I was as a broke musician working shit day jobs. I'll never stop playing and creating music because that's what I'm actually passionate about, but I got bills to pay.

[@brandongnarlow9162]

You are taking the world for what it is. Good on you. Don't be afraid to play your instrument from time to time or jam with people. It could still be fun.

[@joeytocd]

Finn, you should bring Dennis Tvrdik and Mike Semesky on your podcast! They're two of the most underrated vocalists in the scene.

[@alexluvzfire3567]

hmm this conversation reminds me similar themes in a book by Brad Warner called "Hardcore Zen". He shares his experience about following his dream to work as a special FX tech for Godzilla movies. But once he was in his dream job he saw that it wasn't always rainbows and butterflies. It's a good read, i highly recommend.

[@necdetcapar3996]

Thanks a lot for this.

[@OBQM]

Outstanding interview from you both

[@tatt2guy86]

Coming from someone who toured 11 months out of the year about 20 years ago...nothing has changed about touring. We had a label and didn't have any real support. We just kept going into debt. Living on the road is what I love, no kids, no living relatives, no partner. Touring isn't for everyone but in today's world you can't solely rely on one thing you have to be involved in multiple avenues. There's never been money in heavy music after the 80s. I would suggest bands doing things themselves, recording, setting up tours ect. Relying on labels now is a death sentence. No job or career now especially is easy and regardless of what you do, you're not alone...most of the world is struggling one payday away from being on the streets. Albums are dead, singles are the new.... It's more work now than ever because the internet can completely ruin you or your career

[@maximilianwentz5202]

Great interview, Andy really does seem like a genuinely smart and chill dude and, as a musician myself, I definitely agree with what he is saying.