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Interview
with Aaron Molina of If Thousands
May 20, 2007 ![]() Aaron Molina is an interesting case in that he seems to be an early in his fatherhood career model for putting music on hold. A few years ago If Thousands seemed on the verge of something, starting to tour & do more soundtrack work, but things have been slowing down for a while & earlier this year Aaron announced he was no longer working on music outside of occasionally playing banjo in his bedroom. Name: Aaron Molina Band: If Thousands Website: http://ifthousands.net QRD – How old were you when you first realized you wanted to be a professional musician? Aaron – I have never wanted to be a professional musician. QRD – What are a few highlights of your musical career? Aaron – 1) Making my first official CD & seeing it in a store outside of my hometown. 2) Playing that first show where it actually seemed that they were there to see us & enjoyed it. 3) Getting fan mail & sales from other countries & having our music used in film. 4) Being played on This American Life. QRD – At what age did you decide you wanted to become a father? Aaron – 25. I just knew I wanted to be a father some day. Kids are so cool & I knew I could be a great father compared to some of the sad excuses I see from time to time. QRD – What are some positive & negative impacts your family has had on your career? Aaron – First, a lack of time. Kids require all of your time. But that’s what I want right now. I see no need to be out playing shows at 2a.m. or on tour. My daughter is #1 to me & it will be that way for as long as I can see. Positive impact would be the person I have become because of her. I want to be the best dad I can be & it is a quick way to find out your faults & weaknesses. Then once recognized, you change them. I’m not going to mess this thing up. I am lucky to be her dad & I have to be my best for her. QRD – What are some negative impacts your career has had on your family? Aaron – Being out late… playing music isn’t very lucrative either. QRD – Has your daughter effected the music you make &/or listen to? Aaron – Sure. I must hear the Beatles song “Blackbird” fifteen times a day. & I tend to listen to what I think she would get a kick out of. QRD – Have you had problems with the lack of steady money from a musical career providing the security you feel necessary in your household? Aaron – No. I have a full time job, so the music money has never really been there for me. QRD – Given the limitations having a family has on being a touring musician, would you have toured more earlier in life if you’d known? Aaron – Not really. A touring improvised drone band doesn’t pull in the crowds. I hate the road as well. I’m a homebody. QRD – Do you think being a father or a musician has a greater impact on your community? Aaron – Yikes! Well, both I guess. As a musician I want cool places for kids to go see shows & play. As a father I want good schools & parks to go play. Both are great for the community. QRD – Would you rather see your daughter eventually become a musician or parent? Aaron – Double yikes! Both. Whatever she wants. As long as she is safe & happy, I’m game. I will support her all the way. It would be cool to see her in a good band though. That would be fun. But hey, I want grandkids some day. QRD – Both family & music seem like things that will take up as much of your time as you’re willing to put in. How do you end up dividing your time? Aaron – All family now. My soon to be wife is a full time student & has a job.… School is more important for her & I need to be available & flexible. There was no thinking about this. It is what I needed & wanted to do. There will be time for music again. QRD – Do you have a split/secret life between being a parent & being a musician? Aaron – No. Just Dad. QRD – What do your children think of your music? Aaron – She’s two & a half. I really don’t play my stuff for her or myself. I’m sure she will think I’m a dork. QRD – Do you think you could ever do a musical project with your children? Aaron – Sure. Nothing serious, just for fun. QRD – Any words of advice to young people? Aaron – About being a parent? You can mess up your life as much as you want, but when you have a kid... being a fuck up will fuck up your kids. Be responsible. If you can’t be, then you have no right to be a parent. I guess the same goes for everything. Be sincere & honest with yourself & everyone you deal with. There is no such thing as perfection, but if you’re honest & sincere then everything will work itself out. Other QRD interviews with
Aaron:
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