Stephan Jenkins, where have you gone?

As I traveled out of my twenties, I left behind many experiences and occurrences which will remain exciting memories, but memories nonetheless. The days of synthetic trances and thought provoking, smoke-filled rooms of enhanced understanding are becoming incredibly few and far between. Life progresses... Enter the world of corporations, 401Ks, and responsibility. And, although the world, at times, can really grab you by the balls, those of us that are still are alive inside must learn to perpetuate the magic. Must keep on hearing the beautiful music....

So go on, turn on the radio, and listen to the music. What's the matter? Lady Gaga not doing it for you? Miley Cyrus not really sending blood to the places it should? Jonas Brothers make you want to tear your fucking face off? Believe me, i understand each and every single sentiment. Today's radio and music is so incredibly lacking of soul and creativity - and it doesn't look to be getting any better.

I came into my own during the times of Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and the rest of that 90s scene. The music was new and fresh, and it was damn good. But, beyond the sound, there was this depth to the lyrics and this passion in the writing that would allow me to completely adhere to the music. It wasn't about just shaking my head to a great beat, or a clever hook that was catchy and easy to remember, it was about the artist allowing us to come along for a ride. A journey through their experiences, their impressions, and most poignantly, their pains...I have often said that the more damaged and fragile an individual, the more brilliant their music. And, I still live by this today.

And, when it comes to damaged individuals, I'm fairly certain that San Francisco's own, Stephan Jenkins takes the cake. Coming onto the scene after the major swell of the grunge wave, Third Eye Blind gifted us with what I believe to be one of the best albums ever. To this day, I listen, and remain impressed by the brilliant poetic writing, clearly created from the darkest areas of this man's heart and soul. This guy's apparent anguish and turmoil has been a major gift and blessing for us all, and it is because of this that I raise a big middle finger to the likes of all the bullshit that is American Idol and similar vehicles. The raising and cultivation of these young teenager stars, and the endless force-fed mainstream perpetuation is killing the music industry...and it is killing me.

A true artist must live through something...something...fucking anything for that matter. And I will be damned if I allow Ryan Seacrest, KISS FM, and Z-100 to reshape my musical views in their efforts to blur my lines of raw authenticity. For me it is pretty simple...a quiet room, a car, or headphones...music on...eyes closed. When I focus again on the world around, if I haven't felt like I just took a drug induced ride through wonderland, and I'm not working to wipe away the goosebumps from my chilled arms, well then...my friend...you have failed.

Luckily, it isn't all lost...but it is never easy. Bands like Kings and 30 seconds have struggled like mad to create a following, and its finally starting to pay off. And, there are still bands coming onto the scene that will blow your fucking doors off - but I promise you, Ryan Seacrest does not know who they are. And, I really hope it stays that way because nothing really worth it comes to you - there is a hunt involved...happy hunting everyone....