APFO NEWSLETTER #15
new years blues, a dream deferred makes the heart sick, and Denver Emo Bands
My Dearest Boos and Beauties,
Shout out to everyone who’s doing their best in the midst of a profound case of post-New Years seasonal depression! Please keep in mind that winter will not last forever, and even though you’re cooped up inside more, remember you have a large and expansive life filled with people who love you. The work you are doing is meaningful, especially if you’re in service to others.
Maybe invite some buddies over to your house, make some good food, drink fine drinks. Might do wonders for your spirits.
Sharpen those dead dreams
I’ve been thinking a lot about all the small and large dreams we let die over the course of a life. And the dreams we hold onto, sometimes for unknown and unclear reasons!
The world, as it is, tries to break us, especially those of us who feel things deeply. Every 4 year old kid you meet is an artist — drawing, singing, dancing — but by 14 we’re self-conscious about our own creativity. And by 24 we’re taught to get serious and join the real world.
But sometimes there’s dreams and sparks and holy desires that stay with us over the long haul, and we’d be fools not to listen to them!! Absolute buffoons!!
And I have to be careful here, I don’t mean shallow dreams like “I want to be famous and universally celebrated.” I mean deep and pure dreams like “I’d like to make delicious food for others,” or “I want to spend a significant portion of my life making Good and Beautiful and True music and also afford food and housing.”
So if you are working to chase a dream that feels like it’s been with you for a long time, I wish you good fortune and faithfulness as you steward your precious and holy ambitions.
Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.
And if you are frustrated and disappointed because you are ignoring some sort of long-delayed dream, I would strongly and kindly encourage you to start doing something about it. Especially if your dream will add beauty to the world and help others.
Denver Emo Takeover at the Marquis
We are headlining at the Marquis for the very first time! Marquis might be my favorite place to see music. Last year we opened for Mae and Foxing in that room, and I’ve seen some of the best shows of my life (I saw mewithoutYou there once and it absolutely destroyed me).
We’re playing with Denver Emo Band Broken Record (who we just released a Jimmy Eat World covers split with), and Denver Emo Band Buddy Bench (who we got to play with at our album release show in November). Also a Secret Fourth Denver Emo Band is playing! Mysterious, who could it be!
What about you?
Are you dealing with the post-New Years blues? Is your heart sick because of a dream deferred? What holy ambitions are you chasing? Any new album recommendations? Made any good soups recently? Send me a note, I want to hear from you.
With love,
- Ben from APFO