It’s funny how you can write something over and over in your head, but when you actually sit down to type it out, all words escape you. I’m definitely not excited to announce this, but it’s almost felt like a long time coming. The Cast Before the Break is calling it quits. There’s definitely a lot of moments when life suddenly catches up with you, and for the past year, that’s been the story with all five of us. Somewhere in the midst of all this, I think we all forgot how this whole thing started, and what it was all about. A couple guys in a dorm room, really really bored. And then everything started happening so quickly. People actually started listening, and it felt fantastic. People left, people joined, but every member past and present, always had a sense of passion for what this project was about. The style of music, the messages, the structures of songs, everything. And all of a sudden, as you grow up and realize that money plays a far bigger role in your life than anyone would care to admit, temporary jobs start taking up more of your time, and the first thing they replace is music. I know I’m being vague, but that’s the easiest way to start this. To put it simply, it’s become extremely hard to balance out five very different, very complicated schedules. Band practice once a week was definitely not enough for me to consider this something as serious as it used to be. For all of us, it slowly became something we had to do every week, not something we wanted to do. I know it took me a while to admit that, but I know we’ve all been feeling the same way. There’s been a lot of other things that have weighed into this decision for the five of us, but this would be a very long message should I go into every little detail of the past year. What I can’t express strongly enough is that these four guys who I have shared such an important part of my life with are the four closest friends I have ever had. And somewhere along the way, I think every single one of us forgot that. When this band began taking a toll on our friendships, it should’ve been clear. The lulls, and long periods of time during which you all didn’t hear much from us weren’t really an accident, but more of a way for us to take some much needed deep breaths. It’s really hard to pursue something like this seriously, with such little time, and almost no outside help. Exhausting is an even more appropriate word. But I want you to know this wasn’t a decision one or two of us made. To be honest, it almost wrapped itself up. We’ve changed a lot as individuals and definitely musicians since this whole thing started, and I think each one of us needs a little time to rekindle some of that old energy, and refocus before recording and performing music again.
I really can’t speak for the others on this, which is why I’ve posted this as a personal note before doing anything on behalf of the whole band. What I can tell you is that Ryan and Jeremy are going to be embarking on a long trek down to South Carolina soon. Musically, I have no clue, but I’m pretty sure if they continue playing together, it will be loud, gut-wrenching, and filled with happy noises. At least I hope. For me personally, I have been planning a lot of new music for a while, and I’m making it my own personal goal to release as much of it as possible over the next year. If all goes well, you can expect two new records from me. One will definitely be a lot more singer-songwriter focused, and one will be a lot louder. I’m not quite sure whether either (or both) of these will be released under the Cast name yet, but I do know I’m excited at the possibility of collaborating with a lot of my friends I haven’t played with in a while, and those I haven’t ever had the chance to play with. Jordan and Lars will still be living in close proximity to me, so I’m sure you’ll be seeing a lot of their faces still as well.
I know I’ve dragged this on quite a bit, considering what a tiny spec we are, but I want to end this thanking each and every one of you for the part you’ve played in the 3+ years The Cast Before the Break has existed. I still remember the first show we played together before we released “As Your Shoulders Turn On You,” which was technically held in a classroom. A well-groomed redhead kid I’d never seen before came up to me and told me how much he enjoyed our set, and all I could think was wow. I don’t know why, but that first sign of positive feedback from a complete stranger definitely indicated the importance of this band to my life, and definitely sums up how proud I am of each and every song this band has released thus far. And in what seems like a thing of irony, as I’m typing this, I’m sitting here listening to the debut full-length from a band called Athletics. For those of you that don’t already know, that redhead kid I just referred to? The founding member. This record, is just so good. Please, if for no one else, go and download it, buy it, see them live, whatever. This band has been so kind to us in every way imaginable, and I can’t thank them enough. Especially John and Garrett for even playing their role in our band for a little while.
Thank you all. Forever. <3
