We were lucky to catch up with Alex Goettel recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Alex, thanks for joining us today. What’s the best or worst investment you’ve made (either in terms of time or money)? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)
The best investment I ever made was getting a day job. I think that might sound like a swear word to a lot of creatives. I was definitely someone who announced to anyone who would listen that I could “never have a full time job.”
Unfortunately, COVID-19 had other plans for me and for so many others. There was just no way I could avoid getting a job in a moment when all of my income disappeared. I was lucky in so many ways because I had a degree and valuable experience, but at the time it felt like the end of the world.
Fast forward to now, three years later. Weirdly enough, I’ve actually embraced a parallel career path in tech sales. It challenges me in new ways, and I’ve found an environment that allows me to express my analytic and creative side at the same time.
Here’s why this is the best time investment I’ve made – having a well-paying job is allowing me to invest monetarily in my music career. Three years ago I could pay my bills but never imagined having the financial means to invest in gear, merch, studio time, networking, etc. I was up against the wall.
I don’t think I’ll have a day job forever, but I can’t deny the positive impact it’s had on me as a musician and human. And trust me, I’m just as surprised as you are!
Alex, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My main creative endeavor is my band, The Byways…but I’ve been playing music my whole life in more ways than I can count!
I started playing the violin at age 5, which meant weekly lessons and primarily playing classical music. I continued on this path for about 20 years, studying music in college and becoming a high school orchestra director shortly after.
To be honest, I never fully bought into the world of classical music. It felt exclusive and stuffy, and I never quite fit the mold.
Even as young as 10, I was taking a parallel path of self-teaching myself piano, guitar, and bass (my primary instrument now). During time that I was supposed to be practicing violin, I was learning Beatles songs and starting to write my own. In early 2019, I left teaching to make songwriting and rock music my main path.
My songwriting has drawn on everything from classic rock and country to alternative and indie music. I use my writing to explore my own history and psychology as well as make sense of the world and the people in it. I also write for fun…exploring the many dualities and absurdities of daily life. If you songs by John Lennon, Chris Cornell, Jeff Tweedy, Jason Isbell, and 2020’s Taylor Swift, you might like my songs as well.
Fast forward to today, The Byways have three EP’s out and are working on plans for a new record in 2024. We play clubs, festivals, and large events throughout western and upstate New York.
People love seeing us play not just for the music, but because we’re just a bunch of friends hanging out, making music, and trying not to take life too seriously. But also very seriously.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
All creative people should read Jeff Tweedy’s book ‘How to Write One Song.’ For those unfamiliar, Jeff Tweedy is the songwriting powerhouse behind Wilco, and previously Uncle Tupelo. To me, his music has always had a secret sauce that I was always curious about…and after reading his book, it’s almost clear to me what it is.
Essentially, ‘How to Write One Song’ is equally parts instructional manual and self-help book. It provides exercises and guides for unlocking creativity. More importantly, it tears down the walls that so many people put up that stifle their growth as writers.
Here’s a takeaway that I love – “writer’s block” is just overwhelming self-judgement that leaves people feeling unable to even put pen to paper. The solution? Write the crappy lyrics down and move on. It’s weirdly freeing.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Self-exploration. And also other-exploration. It’s like a safe space to put all your thoughts about yourself, your partner, your family, the world, politics, etc.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bywaysroc.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bywaysroc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BywaysRoc/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC64QwHOLR9RIOqula7x8wuA?reload=9
- Other: https://bywaysroc.bandcamp.com/