This past weekend, I had the distinct honor of sitting down and talking to a student performer on campus and learn what it is like to be a “local celebrity” (according to this student). For confidentiality reasons requested by this student, his name and musical affiliation will be anonymized in the below interview.
RADISH: How did you get into music?
SHREDDER: Honestly it just happened off the rip, natural talent, little bit of hard work. I started playing guitar the second I could hold one. Some people have it, some don’t, so I feel very fortunate that I do.
RADISH: Who are your inspirations?
SHREDDER: I’ve always looked up to any kind of jam band. As long as the song is over ten minutes, I’m a fan.
RADISH: Tell me a little bit about your musical journey at Washington and Lee.
SHREDDER: Oh yeah. So when I got here I brought my guitar and would play it all the time, and people always asked me about it. Usually they asked me to play inside my room with the door closed, but whatever gets the people talking right? A few months later I met some like-minded, chill, musically gifted people and we started a band. We mostly played with each other at first but over some time we got a few fraternity gigs and now we’re selling out massive shows.
RADISH: I didn’t realize! What massive events are you booking?
SHREDDER: We did a three song set in third year for GAB last year. It was electric and turned us into local celebrities.
RADISH: Local celebrities? What is that like on campus?
SHREDDER: People are usually too shy to ask for a picture or autograph or anything, but they always say hello when I pass them on campus. I always like to meet a fan, so I really appreciate it.
At this point in the interview Shredder lit a cigarette. It is important to note that it was Shredder’s request to include that, as he “wants people to know [he’s] laid back and chill like that”.
SHREDDER: Do you mind if I do this? It gets the creative juices flowing.
RADISH: Are you working on anything specific right now?
SHREDDER: Yeah just trying to look cool smoking a cigarette.
RADISH: Sorry I meant music.
SHREDDER: Oh yeah, I’m working on something the crowd can really bob their heads to and look at each other like “is this song still going? How many guitar solos do we need?”
RADISH: Exciting! What are your plans for the future of your career and songwriting?
SHREDDER: In all honesty I really just like living in the moment with it. I’ll probably end up quitting to go work in a bank or consulting. Oh sorry I see my bandmates pulling up for practice, would you mind heading out?
Instead of concluding our interview, Shredder ushered me out of the back door before his bandmates could see. While looking back towards my subject and his bandmates’ practice, I realized Shredder was not playing the songs, he was grabbing drinks, adjusting sound levels, and setting up equipment. Did I just interview an intern?
The Radish 