#68: Life with the Band:

Path to Progress with Paul Heintzman and John Ackerman

The band Wilderado is made up, as their About Us would suggest on their website: "Four Dudes." Those four dudes are Maxim Helmerich (vocals, guitar), Tyler Wimpee (guitar, vocals), Colton Dearing (percussion, keys, vocals) and Justin Kila (drums). While touring with Mt. Joy, I was lucky enough to catch them while they were in Louisville for a few beers and a quick podcast.

After a few beers, we delved into these questions to truly understand what makes a band:

• How did you meet?
• When did you start playing music?
• How do you write new songs?
• What's a day in the life of a touring band?
• How do you stay healthy on the road?
• How will you know you've made it as a band?
• How do you avoid burnout?
• What advice do you have for aspiring bands?
• What's the next big thing for the band?

SPOILER ALERT: their biggest piece of advice: don't give up. Words for life. John and I tell ourselves that every day.

Last call questions:

• What's the best thing you've spent money on the last six months?
  • Tyler: 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  • Colton: 1964 Hofner Red Guitar
  • Max: Plane tickets to see my wife
• What's the best long-form piece of information you've digested?
  • Colton: The First of the Dark Tower Series (Gunslinger)
  • Max: Stephen King's On Writing or Alan Watt's The Wisdom of Insecurity
  • Tyler: Harry Potter
• What advice would your 60 year old self give you today?
  • Max: stop worrying about the future
  • Tyler: don't try to invest in too many things
  • Colton: don't wear such tight pants............
• What's your favorite drink?
  • Colton: BEER
  • Tyler: BEER (or Negronis)
  • Max: Casa Dragones

S/O to Sam Adams and MB Roland for providing some great drinks for the episode!

Have any topics you want covered or amazing people you'd like for us to interview? Let us know! You can email us at [e-mail]. You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Please be sure to subscribe to our weekly mailing list at www.drunkenmoney.com.