Today is the Day Changemakers

Embrace the Rockstar Within

February 14, 2021 Jodi Season 1 Episode 8
Today is the Day Changemakers
Embrace the Rockstar Within
Show Notes Chapter Markers

Welcome to episode 8 of Today is the Day Changemakers, 'Embrace the Rockstar Within.' 

In this episode my guest is Jacob Slichter, drummer for Semisonic and the author of 'So You Wanna Be a Rock & Roll Star' (Broadway Books, 2004). He has written for the New York Times, has been a commentator for NPR’s Morning Edition, and currently teaches creative nonfiction writing at Sarah Lawrence College. He also blogs about connections between music, writing, and other art forms at portablephilosophy.com.

Imagine purchasing a drum set from a peer on the school bus for $25 and never putting the drumsticks down. Jake had no idea that would be where his journey to become a professional musician would begin. 

You can read about his journey to rock stardom in his book titled, 'So You Wanna Be a Rock & Roll Star.' When Semisonic got their first record deal, Jake was in his 30s and those attending the band's shows happened to be in a much younger age group. During those days he was faced with what he calls "imposter syndrome" and bouts of stage fright. And so, writing his book was truly a cathartic act following Jake's touring days. The experiences he details in the book are ones he knows can connect with young people who are just starting out which is why as a non-fiction creative writing professor he is able to form strong bonds with his students.  

The feeling that music gives Jake is otherworldly-- something he can only describe as an ecstatic experience that connects him to something larger than himself. In this episode, Jake discusses the experiences that aided his understanding of how live performance can transcend our relationships with others as well as with music. 

Jake's parents were scientists, his father a world famous physicist. Nobel Peace Prize winners roamed the same hallways he and his family did at various parties. From a young age, however, Jake realized that winning a Nobel would not be on his radar. He felt so connected to music, yet he struggled to feel as worthy pursuing it because he held himself to such high standards. It was his father who finally told him that if music was his passion then there was no need to compare to others' passions. 

Jake used to ask himself, "Am I a good drummer, writer, teacher?", but he realized through his inner work that you cannot give a concrete answer to that question because it is driven by opinion and everyone's opinion is different. He shares what other people think is all over the place, along with examples of a great way to phrase questions to yourself that make your answers concrete.

When writing his book 'So You Wanna Be a Rock & Roll Star,' Jake realized the correlation between writing music and writing his book. He mentions reminding himself about short intros and even gave the book a bridge. 

Semisonic released an EP in September called You're Not Alone. Due to COVID-19, the band had to cancel last summer's concert dates, yet with a new album possibly in 2021, Semisonic is planning on doing some touring post pandemic. 

A new book is on the horizon. Jake did not share a lot of information just yet, but he did share that it is a memoir about religion and he says it has a lot to do with what we discussed in this episode. 

Special thank you to Jake for taking the time to chat with me, sharing his amazing story, along with some great tools we can all learn from, and for being a Changemaker! 

Jake's book 'So You Wanna Be a Rock & Roll Star' is available at local bookstores and amazon.com.

On the next episode, I welcome my guest Michael Pizzano, CEO Kindred Hospital, South Florida. Looking so forward to sharing his amazing story with our listening audience!



Welcome Jacob Slichter
The Dynamics of Jake
The Music Connection
Jake Helps His Students Learn How to Think About Their Lives Through Writing
Music is Ecstatic
Learning from Imposter Syndrome
So You Wanna Be a Rock & Roll Star
A Semisonic Update
Teaching, Writing & Drumming is the Recipe to Jake's Success
If You Knew Then What You Know Now