#1023 - I, Prevail - The Trades You Make to Live Your Dreams
Timestamps are as accurate as they can be but may be slightly off. We encourage you to listen to the full context.
Podcast Summary
Chris Williamson sits down with Eric and Gabe from I Prevail to discuss the current state of rock and metal music, which appears to be experiencing a significant resurgence while other genres decline. (02:35) The conversation explores how bands like Sleep Token and Bad Omens are successfully blending heavy music with pop sensibilities, creating more melodically driven content that resonates with broader audiences. (08:25) They dive deep into the creative process, the challenges of touring life, navigating personal relationships while maintaining a demanding schedule, and how the band has evolved following lineup changes. The episode also touches on the impact of AI on the music industry, the business complexities behind touring, and the emotional toll of losing their manager in a tragic accident. (13:52)
- Main Theme: The evolution and current boom of rock/metal music, the creative and personal challenges of professional musicianship, and how bands navigate success while maintaining authenticity and relationships.
Speakers
Eric Vanlerberghe
Eric is the vocalist for I Prevail and has been with the band for several years, contributing to their songwriting process from day one. He has recently taken on expanded vocal duties following lineup changes and has been instrumental in shaping the band's emotional and lyrical direction. Eric has faced significant personal challenges this year, including the tragic loss of the band's manager in a plane crash, which has deeply influenced his perspective on life and music.
Gabe Helguera
Gabe is the drummer for I Prevail and has been touring with the band for over a decade. Beyond his musical contributions, he has developed expertise in content creation, marketing, and business operations, making him a multifaceted contributor to the band's success. Gabe advocates for musicians to develop diverse skill sets beyond just musical ability, emphasizing the importance of understanding the business side of the industry.
Key Takeaways
Develop Multiple Skill Sets Beyond Your Core Talent
Gabe emphasizes that in today's competitive music landscape, being just a good musician isn't enough. (48:12) Successful bands need members who can contribute in multiple areas - whether that's marketing, business management, content creation, or other specialized skills. The band operates like a business where each member has their musical role plus additional departments they oversee. For example, Gabe handles content and marketing while Steve manages accounting and business operations. This multifaceted approach allows bands to maintain more control over their careers and reduces dependence on external parties who take significant percentages of revenue.
Choose Your Pain Wisely in Pursuit of Mastery
Both speakers discuss how extraordinary outcomes require extraordinary inputs, and those inputs aren't always pleasant. (119:44) Chris references Mark Manson's concept of choosing what pain you're willing to suffer for. Whether it's months away from family, sleep deprivation on tour buses, or the constant pressure of creative output, every pursuit has its costs. The key is being honest about what sacrifices you're willing to make and orienting yourself toward the struggle rather than just the rewards, as even the best pursuits regularly feel like work.
Implement Systems for Healthy Conflict Resolution
I Prevail has developed "Sunday SmackDowns" - weekly sessions where band members can openly discuss issues without judgment. (158:18) This creates a safe space for constructive feedback about everything from musical performance to personal grievances. The system prevents small irritations from festering into larger resentments by providing a designated time and space for honest communication. This approach can be applied to any team or relationship dynamic where multiple people need to work closely together over extended periods.
Maintain Perspective During Crisis
When I Prevail lost their manager in a plane crash the day before a major single release, it provided a stark perspective shift about what truly matters. (139:19) Eric describes how months of buildup and anxiety about the release suddenly became irrelevant in the face of genuine tragedy. This experience taught them that while their work is important and meaningful, it's crucial not to lose sight of relationships and what really matters in life. Success metrics and public reception, while important, shouldn't overshadow human connections and mental health.
Balance Obsession with Lifestyle Sustainability
The conversation explores how obsession can be both a powerful tool and a dangerous trap. (125:47) While obsession provides free motivation and consistency without effort, it can also prevent you from turning off when needed and lead to missing important life experiences. Chris discusses his own struggle with this, noting how obsession with work can create myopia about other opportunities within the same project or in life generally. The key is recognizing when obsession serves you versus when it controls you, and building in systems to maintain broader perspective.
Statistics & Facts
- Roger Federer, despite being one of the greatest tennis players ever, only won approximately 52-55% of his points throughout his career, yet this small margin allowed him to win 80% of his games. (113:58) This statistic was shared to illustrate how small margins of excellence can lead to dramatically different outcomes.
- I Prevail has reduced their touring from nine months per year in earlier years to approximately four to five months per year as they've gotten older and more established. (74:56) This reduction reflects their attempt to balance career demands with personal relationships and mental health.
- The band spent eight months in the studio working Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 6 PM, creating their latest album, with the entire process from writing to mastering taking approximately one year and three months. (103:32)
