Seeing it Through the Musician's Eyes: A Look through LWT's Aaron Antczak's Eyes Opening for Like a Storm
Seeing it Through
the Musician’s Eyes:
A Look through LWT’s
Aaron Antczak’s Eyes Opening for Like a Storm
Article By: Aaron Michael Antczak
Intro and Photos
by: Coren E. McLeod
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| Left With Tomorrow |
Well, here is something very exciting for all our UnRated
Readers out there…. If you haven’t
noticed, I have become good friends with the amazing band Left With
Tomorrow. These guys have blown me away
with their great attitudes, their passion for the music industry and just their
overall positive persona.
I would like to introduce a new guest writer on our team at
UnRated Magazine. Aaron Michael Antczak
is the amazing lead singer of Left With Tomorrow. Aaron has been such a huge supporter of
me. Plus, the guy has some skills when
it comes to writing…. Aaron will be
taking on some journeys for the Unrated Team.
Since he is a front man of a talented group, I asked Aaron to recall back
on September 2nd, 2016 what his experience was like opening for
New Zealand's favorite band Like a Storm.
Aaron jumped at the chance and let me just say, he went
with it. So, without further ado…. Here is Mr. Aaron’s account of what happen
that crucial night at HOME Bar in Arlington Heights, Illinois preparing for a
show like no other:
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| Like a Storm |
As I ready myself for my "Adult" job this coming
week, I can't help but reflect on my
experience September 2nd, 2016. Let's face it, the following events are proof
that hard work equals results. These opportunities aren't just handed out like
free samples at your local supermarket. You have to earn them!
A few months ago, I received an email from Tony at HOME Bar
Chicago asking if we would play with Like A Storm. I literally got that
butterfly, almost like a nauseous "holy shit" feeling. I replied in
my most professional version of a "Hell yeah". All five of us were
immediately planed rehearsal, trying to get merchandise in order, calling
everyone on our contact lists, sending emails, instant messaging and plastering
social media to get prepared for this show.
As the weeks and days grew closer I kept thinking to myself
"How in the actual F#$% are we gonna pull this off on Labor day
weekend"?
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| Like a Storm |
The day came and went so quickly I barely had a chance to
embrace how truly awesome it was. To see it from my perspective I can only
explain it like this: Imagine that dream when you realize everyone is looking
at you. You look down and realize you're in your underwear! There's two choices
here... 1. Act like nothing is wrong and ignore the fact everyone is staring or
2. Run in terror and embarrassment to the nearest exit like a baby. Well #2 is
not an option in my book at this point in my life so I choose to stand out
there and put it all on the line. Why? Because I love music, I love
performing. It's my passion and I won't
take a seat just because something might go wrong or my vocals aren't 100%....
I met Chris, Matt, Kent and Zach (from Like a Storm) along with their parents
who have been following them along part of the tour. These guys were genuine
and more than humble to be there to do what they love. Not gonna lie, I was
trying hard not show my excitement as they all reached out to shake my
hand. As soon as the introductions were
over I felt at ease!
Ignescent were first up.
This band gave a solid performance and great stage presence. Jennifer
Benson's vocals were fantastic. Nathan James has a way with the crowd and ,as a
guitar player, it's not the easiest thing to do while concentrating on solos
among effects and queues! They did a very well cover of U2's "Pride (In
the Name of Love).” Wow! I stood
watching from our merchandise booth as the crowd kept growing by the minute. All
I could do was watch in awe. This was turning out to be one hell of a crowd! As
they wrapped up, I started to get anxious. Naturally, this is what happens when
you're about to go on. Believe it or not I'd be way more nervous performing in
front of my soon to be wife than a crowd like this.
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| Left With Tomorrow |
The time comes for us to lock and load! There was literally
no time for a sound check and it's a good thing we time our rehearsals to be
under the limit given. As we began "Failure," I gazed into the crowd
hoping in my mind they’re going to like us. Within a few measures, I felt the
rush of adrenaline slip its way into my bloodstream, oddly enough it's calming.
By the end of "Failure" I knew we were all on the same wave
length. I felt connected and alive.
Ready to take it to the next level for "Anchors & Dreams," the
songs kept rolling like a barrage of punishing blows to the mid-section. I
could feel every little note pumping through me like a drug... It was intoxicating.
We wrapped it up with "Faceless", at one point all I could hear was
an entire section of the crowd singing with me. What an awesome
opportunity!
Like a Storm have something special for sure. As Chris comes out for the first song, he
picks up the didgeridoo, points it directly at his mic, the sound it produces
was infectious and almost put me in a trance. I couldn't wait to hear this!
They played for their fans with hearts on their sleeves. Thanking everyone at
every turn for all the support. It was obvious to me why they're on top of the
rock charts everywhere you look. Chris and Matt couldn't be more spot on. Their harmonies were dead on! Kent and Zach
locked in perfectly like a super synchronized transmission built for a highly
tuned engine. From "Break Free" to "Wish you Hell" and all
the songs in between these guys had the crowd at every note and every
word!
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| Like a Storm |
Obviously, one could see how truly passionate Aaron is
about music as a whole. That night was
simply a work of art from the beginning to the end. I am always so proud to see the guys of Left
With Tomorrow get such opportunities to really display their talents as a whole….
Make sure you watch for more articles from Aaron as he
takes on another role in his life. I
wanted to take this time to personally thank Aaron for all his support and the
rest of the guys at Left With Tomorrow. We
have grown as a group of people and it will just keep getting better!!!
#Cheers
#Cheers
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