Enjoyed dinner tonight at the Doug Fir with Matt Wertz and Tim Warren, frontman for The Alternate Routes, a band new to me but apparently a staple for a lot of folks. I ended up not being able to get into the show because my license was expired (really? you’re really not going to let me in?) and the guys were on stage so it was a lost cause, but the conversation was worth the outing. And I’ve since come home and bought more than a few of A/R’s songs, including their entire first album, and I’m sure the new album will follow. Some of the best stuff I’ve heard since I was introduced to Ryan Adams. If you’re up for some new music, check them out.
My favorite conversations are with other artists, especially musicians, and my favorite topic is “the craft of writing.” For some reason, I’ve rarely met authors who I feel like I understand and who understand me. When we talk about the craft of writing, I don’t even feel like I’m talking with another writer, or rather, I feel like I must be some kind of strange writer because my process looks nothing like their process. But I usually feel solidarity with musicians. Matt and I talked about process a little bit, how he writes a song and then puts flesh on it in the studio, rounding it out. Tim, of The Alternative Routes talked about his frustrations with the music industry because they are so painfully slow to release music. Apparently he writes a lot of songs but can’t release them because that’s not how the business works. Unless you are Ryan Adams, then you can do a few songs a week and get away with it.
We spent most of our time, though, talking about faith, about how some people feel a need for God and others don’t. It reminded me of that phrase Jesus used when he said “I am the good shepherd, my sheep will hear my voice.” I think we try to argue people into believing, not realizing there is a whole other aspect to faith that I don’t think any of us are going to understand anytime soon.
My favorite part of the conversation was when Tim talked about the beauty of life, how he leans toward a belief in something greater, something that gives life a greater meaning. And of how we need somebody to be grateful to when we see a sunrise or come over a ridge to see the ocean lapping toward us.
All that to say, Matt Wertz and Tim Warren are good guys to have dinner with. If you get the chance, take it. And if you happen to be at the Doug Fir, order the Meatloaf. It’s not bad.
P.S. I’ll post later about the car my mother bought. If all went well, she purchased a car today. And largely based on your suggestions. Way to go!
Hey Don,
If you feel like doing a couple of nights out in a row… a GREAT band called Farewell Flight are in Portland tomorrow night March 3. Playing at a place called Berbati’s. I met them when they came through my town a couple weeks ago. Really great guys. Men of faith but with a different perspective on things. Kinda like you. Very tight musically. Very mature lyrically. Write about real life without any of the cliches. I think you would like their stuff. When they were here we got into a conversation about you and they would love to meet you. Check out their MySpace and if it is your style go check them out.
Cheers.
Songwriting for some of us comes out in one complete piece – Rolls around as a lone phrase in the back of the mind, then springs out with a sudden burst.
Writing with language only – seems to have much more polishing, at least from my perspective.
Looking forward to hearing what happened with the car and unless someone else is typing more rapidly than I, or has less to say, couldn’t resist the possibility of making the first comment!
happy Monday all !
I think of late I find that “other aspect of faith” discouraging… Sometimes I fond that I can’t escape my own doubt of whether I am a sheep because I feel like I should hear and know the voice. When I feel that way I wonder how/if I can make myself hear it and know it. The mystery of Christian spirituality once was comforting to me, but honestly scares me now. How much of an active part do the sheep have in the hearing and knowing?
I haven’t heard of them, Don. Are they alt-country?
Almost forgot to add,
Hope your mother picked out a good car.
)
you really should have snuck in… Jon McLaughlin was there… and he went up on stage with all of them and it was nuts. And amazing. And I’m uber jealous.
It’s too bad you couldn’t make it into the show because it was great.
Man, be happy you got carded. The last time that’s happened to me… uhm, never. I’d had this premature gray thing.
That sounds like a great night. And I can see where you would relate more to a song writer, your writings are more towards the art of a great song.
Sounds like a great conversation. I was introduced to Matt’s music when he opened for Jars of Clay on their Good Monsters tour. I was glad to see his name come up on your blog.
I agree that you can not argue your beliefs into somone else. As a senior in college, I seem to notice that the biggest question is not “does it make sense?” but rather “does it work?” The answer to that question is found in a lifestyle, not just in a sound argument.
My favorite part of the conversation was when Tim talked about the beauty of life, how he leans toward a belief in something greater, something that gives life a greater meaning. And of how we need somebody to be grateful to when we see a sunrise or come over a ridge to see the ocean lapping toward us.
^this. I picked up “The Problem of Pain” by CS Lewis last night for the first time in several years, and hardly got past the first few pages on my lunch break, but exactly that. I love it.
I also used to attend a church that was very good at arguing people into believing. I don’t go there anymore, because I don’t believe that people should be seen as projects. I avoid conversations with old friends because I feel like I know each arguement like the back of my hand, each reason and comeback. Yuck.
I agree Don…Matt has been a good friend of mine for a few years now (we met thru Young Life). He is one of the most genuine, real and deepest friends that I have. I jump at the chance to hang out when he tours in my area so we can get dinner, hang at his show, pray before he goes on stage and talk afterward. He rarely talks about music…moreso about life, the pursuit of God’s will for him, and so on. Anyway, I appreciated your blog today!
I’m surprised they wouldn’t let you in because of an expired license. Never heard of such a thing.
I’ve battled with “non-artists,” even though I hate saying that because it makes me seem egotistical and ‘above’ someone I feel, as to call myself an artist, on how my mind works. Some people will never understand the constant struggle we have with creating whatever it is that we are striving to create.
I agree with the “arguing” people into believing. Look at politics. We’ll argue forever, even if in the end we might be wrong, that my viewpoint makes more sense than yours. It goes back to “proving” God exists. Why don’t we stop trying to prove it, love one another to the fullest extent possible, and let God prove himself, instead.
Don, just wanted to let you know that I appreciate you. I run an internship at my church in Michigan. During the internship, the interns have to read books, and I always make them read Blue Like Jazz. They always love the book and by the end of reading it, love you. For some reason your writing has the tendency to make people connect with you. Just wanted to say I appreciate you.
Lucas
So what I gather is that being a fan of Matt Wertz is a good thing, and that I still need to go to a concert at the Doug Fir. Sounds good.
Would’ve enjoyed being a part of the conversation on faith & the beauty of life! Start talking about the awesomeness of God & the beauty of His creation, most people will nod in agreement. But now & then there’s the person who looks at us like we’re wearing 3 heads & strung out on drugs. God transforms us, but I don’t think He gives us 3 heads. Any drugs would come in the form of natural endorphins, but nothing illegal! A facial expression that says, “What in the world are you talking about?” bums me out because that’s the moment I realize the person sees the world through different eyes. My heart burns to give them the lenses through which I view the world, but that’s up to God. However, I think the enthusiasm we share (as long as it’s not completely out of touch)can motivate them to ask where they might find those lenses. My daily prayer includes “God, give me eyes to see & ears to hear, because I don’t want to miss a single thing you have for me to see or do. And, Lord, can you do the same for _________.
Regarding mom, I highly recommend the Honda Odyssey mini-van. It’s not particularly hip (which seems to be mom’s bent anyway). It can carry nearly 2/3 of the disciples inside, but with the towing package you could haul a trailer w/the rest of them or strap them up on the luggage rack. I’ve had mine for over 6 years & expect to have it for several more. You see, the van is needed to haul the youngest child’s luggage & furniture back & forth to college for 3 more years! or maybe 4 or 5 at the rate we’re going. It’s also great for taking me & the girlfriends to Women of Faith & Beth Moore conferences. Lord knows we’ll travel through multiple states to get there! Your mom might really love it.
Your writing process obviously works. Fans of your writing are just that because of not only what you say but how you say it. We love to sit and have humble, open discussions about life, faith, etc. with one another over a cappa, frappa, or beer. And when we read your books, we feel like we have just done that with you.
So thanks. Thanks for writing some amazing lyrics that so many of us can and want to sing along with.
Adrian – “How much of an active part do the sheep have in the hearing and knowing?”
Please remember, the sheep analogy was useful in the time of Christ because everyone could relate. There is no need to take it too literally. I wish I knew what to share with you that would help alleviate your concerns, but it is difficult in this type of communication. Just don’t be too hard on yourself, and know that it isn’t supposed to be complicated or confusing.
One time I got pulled over for speeding. First I had to convince the officer that I needed him to open the door for me as I could neither roll down the window or open the door myself. Then I had to convince him that I had no idea I had been driving with a suspended license for the last year. The convincing involved a lot of tears and inaudible sentences and some dramatic gesturing. And then Mary Beth showed up at the scene in her bathrobe and told the officer what a dear boy he was and how he reminded her of her son. No man has ever felt so guilty for towing a car.
On a more related note, if you haven’t listened to Bon Iver yet, please navigate away from this page immediately and do so. The lyrics to “Skinny Love” somehow remind me of Deserts. Then go listen to Fleet Foxes. And you probably won’t like mewithoutYou but you should go listen to “A Glass Can Only Spill What It Contains” anyway. Just to be on the safe side.
Have a lovely Tuesday.
-Lydia
they’re called the *alternate* routes
im sorry, i had to, it was bothering me.
I am currently doing a School of Worship in Budapest,and as part of the school, we must write a new song each week. I love to read, and I love music. I love how those two things express truth and beauty, and though it is challenging to come up with a new song each week, especially with very little music theory background, I love how it has challenged me to put my thoughts and heart into words, and to also put music to it. I have so much to learn, but to have started learning, mainly because I had to, has been a great blessing. All that to say, I am more interested in learning how to write than I ever have been before. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll write a book.. but for now, I’m happy to start with a song.
Wow. My two celebrity crushes together? You and Wertz. That’s a dinner I would’ve loved to be at.
Coming back to reality: What a great conversation to have. I’m reminded of a Derek Webb quote about good art. He was speaking in reference to a “church” genre, but it rings true for art in general. It doesn’t matter what we are saying or trying to convey if our art isn’t good. I saw Matt and Alternative Routes in Chicago last month and it’s really a shame you didn’t get in (not to rub it in). They make amazing art!
I have a feeling faith looks different than we expect in others’ lives. We try and pigeonhole what a “believer” should look like, say, and how they should act. And just like art is a process, so is faith.
p.s. I hope your mom’s car is cute.
I saw them in San Fran 2/28…they were both new to me and they were great!! I was there with my sister and friends and we didn’t know anything about them, but we could just tell that they are believers.
Don,
Like others, I just want to say thanks for your writings. Ever since reading Blue Like Jazz a few years ago I have felt like our thinking is much the same. Also, just finished Through Painted Deserts and loved it. Plus, now to hear that you are a Ryan Adams fan!! I will definitely check out your other music suggestions.
As a painter, I actually feel understood more by those who create music, and music influences the artistic process more than talking about/looking at other artwork. I always feel awkward, because people ask me if i have a favorite artist, and I don’t really have one…except Maybe Van Gogh, but that’s because he was a “failed evangelist” (came from a line of Dutch ministers) and walked around during thunderstorms in awe of God. People thought was pretty nuts. (You should check out the book “Letters of Vincent Van Gogh”) He had the most fascinating STORY.
People can ask me who creates change in how I walk with God, and who inspires me to go in the studio when I don’t feel like it…and usually it’s musicians and writers. or crazy thunderstorm people. and of course Jesus.
ps. I first read Blue Like Jazz back in 2004, and knew nothing about Portland. I moved out here in late ’07…and last week I read it for the 2nd time, because I got the cute idea of running across some street, jumping over a median, tripping and falling and being a gimp for days. It was great reading it again and hearing about places found Portland, like the Horse Brass.
Funny thing about writing and music – I write best when I have music blaring. It’s something about the process, between the words and the notes – In my mind it feels something like magestic splatter painting.
But just as a side note – a friend of mine has a major celebrity crush on Wertz (which I worked with him at bit when he was doing YoungLife Camps in California, and it makes her jealous). But truth be told, I have a celebrity crush on you Don…so it just seemed fitting
Read that same idea, “needing someone to be grateful to” the other day in a Phililp Yancey book, and it actually birthed more doubt in me than reverent wonder. I found myself cynically thinking, This is exactly why people say that we have “made up” God…because we feel the need to express thanks to something, or someone…so in different cultures and tribes that something or someone is created. I don’t believe this about God, but the little snotty Devil’s Advocate in my brain couldn’t help but point it out.
Went to an Amy Millan show at the Doug Fir a couple years ago while visiting Portland from L.A. That experience, combined with the mac and cheese at the Montage, made me feel like Portland is one of the coolest cities in the world.
Jon Mclaughlin tonight! totally worth it! and bring your passport this time!
Although I normally enjoy and/or am forced to think about your blog topics, the link you posted to John Cacioppo’s general findings on loneliness was what got me pondering. He said isolation means death, and I wonder at how often loneliness plays out in the creative process (art as a response) and as a marker in a faith journey (such as David’s Psalms). Anyways, thanks for the link!
[...] had a thought the other day while reading a post by Don Miller on his blog. He talks about how he finds it hard for “other” artists to [...]
Dude, that place wouldnt let me in with an expired license either….and the door man was sooooo happy about it.
so what is the dealio with your writing process? if you have any articles floating around in the wild,wild internet about your approach to the craft of writing i’d be interested. i’m an insatiable student when it comes to learning about words.
my fave teachers (through books) have been Ralph Keyes, Stephen King and Zinsser. I don’t go to writing workshops. Shpendy…yeah, I said shpendy. So I find cheap, alternative ways to learn from others, like the internet, books and connecting to other writers as much as my social phobia will allow. Thank God for zoloft. Just sayin…
Anyway, if you have any writing floating around about what you’ve learned about your process of wordcraft, I’m interested.
At the end of the HBO series on John Adams, they have a great piece on how McCullough writes and the little house where he taps away on his typewriter. I also love to hear what the process is like for folks.
I love Wertz and enjoyed the post. If I may give a shout out to a band that deserves some props, check out The Welcome Wagon. Sufjan Stevens produced an album that was written and performed by his Brooklyn based Presbyterian pastor and the pastor’s wife – neither of whom had any musical training. It might be Stevens is showing off what a genius he is that he can create such a beautiful album using his pastor, but I don’t care. The entire album is indie-gospel and sung to the Lord and is honest and beautiful. Give it a few listens, then give it to your friends.
open door invite to come join us at our Bridge Writers Group. we meet the 2nd and 4th wed of each month from 11-1p at North Portland Bible College ( a very small college, we are easy to find )
we do writing exercises and word prompts for the sheer joy of word crafting. most of us do not care about being published. a couple of us do. several of us are local spoken word artists. We are from a local rowdy faith community called The Bridge.
This means our writing group gets on the rowdy side. And it is good, effin’ fun.
All writers of all abilities are welcome to come. Anytime. That’s how we fly. Going three years strong now.
Good luck with the launch of your new work. Love that title!
[...] a little too long and I walked away before I started to feel creepy. The next day, when I read that sitting at the table with him was Donald Miller, I wanted to punch myself in the face [...]
[...] myself, but eventually decided against it. Imagine my frustration when, that evening, I read Don’s blog entry about how he wasn’t able to get into the show due to an expired license, but did have dinner [...]