INTERVIEW WITH ALEX MOHLER FOR THE EIY HANDBOOK

ALEX MOHLER, 26 (Los Angeles, CA)
MUSICIAN (Brave Citizens), PUBLICIST
YEARS IN MUSIC: My whole life
ON THE WEB: bravecitizens.com // bridgeportwest.com // twitter.com/theonlyalexever
CURRENT PROJECTS: Band: Brave Citizens; Company: Bridgeport West
ROLES: Brave Citizens – Drummer, Bridgeport West – Owner

WHO AND/OR WHAT FIRST GOT YOU INTERESTED IN MUSIC AS MORE THAN JUST SOMETHING ON THE RADIO?  I can’t ever remember not being into music. I was banging on pots and pans as a baby and by the time I was 5, I was asking to take piano lessons. I listened to my parents’ vinyl (I really did!). I remember listening to Billy Idol, Eddie Money, Michael Jackson, Journey, etc. My parents took me to lots of concerts as a kid and I was fascinated.

DO YOU REMEMBER THE MOMENT YOU FIGURED OUT WHAT YOU WANTED TO DO WITH YOUR LIFE?  I knew very early that I was going to pursue a career in music, as I was always listening and playing with any instrument I could get my hands on. I can’t remember ever not thinking music was what I would do with my life.

WHAT WERE YOUR GOALS WHEN YOU FIRST GOT STARTED?  I wanted to be a performer as a child. Then I started playing in garage bands when I was 12 with dudes older than me. My goal at that time was to play shows, get a van, and go on tour.

HAVE YOU ACHIEVED THOSE GOALS?  I have achieved those goals in ways I never thought possible.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS NOW? HOW HAVE THEY CHANGED?  My goals still include continuing to play shows and tour, but also include continuing to develop my company in order to help perpetuate good music. I’m driven to help make the music world a finer place and put quality art into people’s lives.

WERE YOU ALWAYS ON THE PATH THAT YOU’RE ON NOW, IN THE INDUSTRY, OR DID IT TAKE A FEW DIFFERENT PATHS TO FIND WHAT YOU LOVED TO DO?  Overall, I’ve remained on the same path through the music industry. Along the way, I’ve taken different directions that have helped to shape my career, but the love has always remained for being immersed in music, whether it be creative or business.

WHAT HAVE YOU HAD TO SACRIFICE ALONG THE WAY IN ORDER TO DO WHAT YOU LOVE?  I’ve poured so much of my life into music and my career, that there are daily sacrifices: stability for family, friends, and relationships; time; money, etc.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU ON A DAILY BASIS?  Being emotionally attached to the power of music.

HOW MUCH OF YOUR SUCCESS HAS COME FROM LUCK? TALENT? HARD WORK?  You can set yourself up for “luck” by finding your talents and working hard on them. The more prepared, the more potential there is for lucky situations. I have always worked hard and nurtured my talents in order to be prepared when I stumble upon a “right place, right time” moment.

HOW HAVE YOU MEASURED YOUR SUCCESS THROUGHOUT YOUR CAREER?  I think it’s important to objectively measure your own successes often. Everyone is always striving for more and sometimes we lose sight of our successes, which should be celebrated. I do that when I achieve my own goals. Being able to tour the country, hear my music on the radio and TV, start a company, etc.

HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS?  Achieving your own goals is success.

DO YOU HAVE ANY REGRETS SO FAR?  No regrets. Everything is a lesson!

DO YOU THINK THE BEST BANDS IN THE WORLD TEND TO GET FAMOUS, OR TEND TO STAY UNDISCOVERED?  There’s no science to getting famous, as there are so many variables that have to align. Being the best band in the world only helps.

DO YOU HAVE ANY FAVORITE (as-of-yet) UNDISCOVERED BANDS?  State And Madison, one of the hardest working bands from Chicago. They have been nurturing their raw talent for years and continue to impress me with every new song.

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Read Alex’s answers to 50 questions about music and the music business in the EIY HANDBOOK, available in print or eBook version at www.earnityourself.com

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