Lately, I've been thinking a lot about the difference between my on-stage persona and who I am off-stage. It's like there are two different versions of me, each vying for control in the spotlight. When I step onto that stage with my electric guitar in hand, something changes within me. The music takes over, and suddenly all those pent-up emotions come pouring out through every chord I play.
Off-stage, though, it's a different story. I'm just Joe Hawley - a chill guy who likes to hang out with friends and maybe wear a gorilla suit from time to time. But sometimes that anger creeps in too; it's like a constant battle between staying cool and letting loose.
Being in Tally Hall has taught me how to navigate these contrasting personas. On one hand, there's the pressure to deliver an electrifying performance every night while still maintaining some semblance of sanity behind the scenes. It can be exhausting at times - trying to balance being an entertainer with just being myself.
And then there are the dynamics within the band itself. Rob Cantor may not be my closest friend, but we both share this passion for music that binds us together on stage despite any personal differences we may have off-stage.
But finding that balance is key - knowing when to let go of those frustrations and harness them into our performances instead. It's what makes Tally Hall unique; each member bringing their own quirks and struggles onto that stage but somehow making it work together as one cohesive unit.
So as I continue down this musical journey, I'll keep striving to find harmony between my on-stage persona and who I am when the lights dimmed down low once more – because at the end of day, we're all just trying our best up here under these bright lights.