Lawrence.com

Evan Saathoff, Lawrence musician, unpublished author

Years in Lawrence: "Five or six."

lawrence.com: What made you want to pursue a career in music? Groupies, fame, drugs-the awesome 401K retirement plan?

"I figured a career in music would mean I got to make more music."

Is being a musician in Lawrence like being a bulimic at a Roman vomitorium, in that it's difficult to stand out? How have you tried to make a name for yourself as a tunesmith?

"People always say they especially like me, but they rarely come back or buy anything, so I don't know if 'standing out' is a good thing. I don't know how to do it any different than I already do it. I'm banking on honesty really being the best policy."

What's the best venue in Lawrence to play?

"I've always liked Solidarity because it seemed like they actually listen. I recently played 'Till There Was You' at Danforth Chapel. I thought the acoustics were nice."

Worst?

"I have never liked The Gaslight. I should, because they have coffee, but I don't. Maybe because it's outside, and I can't hear myself well. I dunno. Sorry, Gaslight."

Is it possible to make a living as a Lawrence musician, or would you have to be a wealthy scion/plasma donor by day?

"You'd have to work outside of Lawrence a lot-like 360 days a year. But then, why live in Lawrence? You'd move to a place where people are cool on accident."

You perform mostly solo-do you despise musicians as sub-human drains on society like most other people?

"It's true, I rarely like music people-so many seem phony. Or they want to talk about guitars and amps like we were discussing vintage muscle cars. They also like to give lots of goofy advice about "Whatchu need to do, man!" or "How the biz works!" I've had a hard time finding sincerity within the music community. When I do, I try to cherish it."

When you do have to use a backing band, what's the best way to assemble it? Fliers? Leaving free beer on stage, waiting for feral drummers to start sniffing the bait, then trapping them and chaining them to the kit?

"I just ask friends. If you don't have friends, there's this guy named Tom on MySpace and he'll be your friend."

What's your final advice for aspiring musicians in Lawrence?

"Go see 'Rambo' this January 25, 'cause it's gonna f*cking ROCK!"