The title of this post asks the question – there’s no hidden meaning here. By “established artist/band you love” I’m not talking about your friend’s excellent band that you’ve shared a bill with or a cool “flavor of the month” band that you’ve had the honor of playing alongside, but an artist or band whose work you cut your teeth on, possibly years before you even banged out “Louie Louie” in a high school friend’s basement. The artist or band does not necessarily have to be one you idolized, but something along those lines. Any old famous band that you didn’t really care about much personally may not count. For instance, my band once shared a “spring fling” bill (and an elevator ride) with The Ramones. I like my share of Ramones music, but I never really cared about them or felt inspired by them. I have no interesting stories to tell other than the fact that I’d never previously nor since that elevator ride felt more like I was in the presence of stone-cold idiocy.
It should go without saying that your answer should inspire more than a simple “Yes” or “No” answer. How did it feel to rub elbows with a musical inspiration? Did you receive a nod of approval or, heaven forbid, a look of disdain? Did your musical inspiration invite you to drink from his/her/their bucket of fancy brews? You know what I’m saying.
