Every Saturday, we’ll be posting a new illustration by David Lester. The Mecca Normal guitarist is visually documenting people, places and events from his band’s 30-year run, with text by vocalist Jean Smith.
As we approach the release date of Mecca Normal’s new album, Empathy For The Evil, it is quite satisfying not to be experiencing inappropriate expectations of our place in the world. I personally enjoy savoring the excellence of an existence that not being famous contributes to. In many ways, our longevity has become political to the degree that it is not hinged to what many people would consider success. On our own terms, I feel we’re successful at staying the course while continuing to evolve in music, writing, visual art and, for myself personally, to be living with a less self-destructive nature.
In our early years as artists, plain-speak about issues seemed appropriate. Now, in our mid-50s, we have this unique history to work within. It’s all so exquisitely positioned within our tiny realm. We call the shots, dipping and diving away from the limelight as necessary.
“The Observer,” from The Observer (Kill Rock Stars, 2006) (download):
