Luke Walton Band Blog

[Before you go any further, flip on the song “If You’re Gone” by Matchbox Twenty. It’s what I listened to while writing this. For some reason, I interpret the lyrics a little differently than what Rob Thomas intended. Regardless, I think the overall feel of the song sets a perfect mood. If you don’t own the tune, just click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eVR2jWHcLM]

Honesty.

Most of the artists I’ve known of have kept a sort of veil between who they really are and their “public” life. But, personally, what I’ve loved about all of the social networking sites (Twitter particularly) is that they bring you closer to the honest reality of the artist’s personality. I think that the whole Web 2.0 thing, in its truest form, is meant to reveal a greater depth within the artist-listener continuum. And I’m going to try to do just that.

I came home this week. I’d been away the University of So Cal for about three months and I hadn’t really seen my friends/family for that entire time. It seems apt that this is the week of Thanksgiving.

I still can’t believe the perfection of what I have here. My family is so supportive, my friends have immeasurable depth and compassion, and my hometown is incredibly beautiful. The definition of home has been so fully summed up in this last week that it kinda freaks me out that I have to leave this place again.

Here’s the interesting part: I know that the only way for me to become a good man and a good musician is to step away from this… as perfect as it may be.

While I’m here, I’m nothing but happy, nothing but content. While on the outside of my bubble, I write more, practice more, and work harder.

I may not be a Buddhist, but I really resonate with some of the stories and messages within the religion. My situation reminds me kind of Siddhartha Buddha’s situation at the beginning of his journey to enlightenment. And although I don’t think I’m anywhere as cool as Buddha, I notice that there’s a really important message underlying his early life and eventual departure.

Born as a prince, Buddha was totally sheltered from any and all evil in the world, and handed three palaces filled with rich people stuff. His existence at that point was in a word, comfortable. When he eventually began to experience the world as it was, he saw for the first time the sick and the dying. After this, he was inspired to leave his home, his riches, and his family to create his own life. When he did this, something incredible happened: he began meditating, working hard, experiencing the world, and, eventually, he attained enlightenment.

While my goal to become a great musician may be slightly less noble, I think the methods toward gaining this “sacred knowledge” are pretty damn similar. In my major, I’m working with great professors, collaborating with incredible musicians, and intensely practicing my own form of meditation: songwriting.

By leaving the perfection of my home, I think I take a giant step in the right direction, as hard as that may be.

But don’t worry family, unlike Buddha, I’ll still be coming home to visit quite a bit.

Honest,
Luke

P.S. I wrote a song. It’s called “Stay The Same.” It pretty much sums this little blog post into a song. I hope to show it to you sometime soon. :)