Being a modern musician isn’t just about the music. It’s about everything surrounding it. For Padded Waltz, the “back end” of running this band requires a tremendous amount of focus and energy, not even factoring in the actual songwriting, rehearsing, and performing. This article is a look behind the curtain at all the moving parts that go into making our creative world turn, and why, as exhausting as it can be, I wouldn’t trade a second of it.
The Online Machine
Our website and online presence demand constant attention. SEO alone, just the part that helps us show up on search engines, is its own beast. It takes hours and hours of research to understand how it even works, and once you know, you’re still dedicating weeks to applying it, tweaking it, and making sure it’s doing what it’s supposed to. It's not glamorous work, but it’s crucial.
Social media and content creation? That’s an endless grind, one that could easily consume every second of every day if you let it. Honestly, we don’t do it nearly enough, and it’s one of the areas where we struggle the most. For us, it’s hard to post things that don’t feel genuinely important, yet it’s clear that even the smallest, most playful moments - like videos of our bird Zelda - often get the most attention. It’s a delicate balance: figuring out what people want to see, how we want to portray the band’s online persona, and what feels authentic to us.
We’re learning as we go, but it’s a challenge we’d love to tackle with fresh energy and ideas. If you’d like to help us with content creation or know someone who’s passionate about social media and storytelling, let us know! We’d love to collaborate with someone who gets what we’re about and can help bring our vision to life online.
Recording the Album
Creating our new album, The Variable, is another full-time job on its own. Writing, rehearsing, recording, and producing every track is just the beginning. Recording means tracking every instrument, layering every harmony, and spending countless hours mixing and remixing. But it doesn’t stop there. This album exists outside of just the music.
We’re working on concepts for the album art, collaborating with local artists to make it truly special, the rollout plans for our singles, and music videos. For our two singles, “Never Stop” and “Hand Me Down,” we’re writing detailed video scripts, brainstorming ideas, and preparing to direct, shoot, and edit those videos ourselves. “Hand Me Down” is heading into production soon, and we’ve been refining ideas, scouting locations, and obsessing over every detail. The strategy behind how to release these singles, including timing, platform, and marketing, is its own art form. It requires hours of research, discussion, and planning.
And yet, as exhausting as it can be, I love this part. Every single bit of it feels like it matters. Each decision, no matter how small, contributes to the world we’re building.
The Podcast
Our podcast, Musician U, has been an unexpected source of joy for both Jess and me. It’s a chance to put our thoughts, philosophies, and experiences into the world in a different format. We talk about everything from our lives as musicians to music education, sharing insights and stories along the way.
The podcast itself is still in its early stages, but even this “side project” involves brainstorming topics, recording sessions, editing episodes, designing thumbnails, and writing descriptions. It’s not something we’re doing just for content. It’s become a relaxing, cathartic space for us. As much as it’s for us, it’s also a way to connect with you in a more personal way, inviting you into our creative process and thoughts. Check it out on Spotify HERE! (Don't forget to follow!!!)
Writing for the Sake of It
For me, writing articles is like stretching after a long day. It helps me organize my thoughts and unwind. Often, I’ll watch a movie in the background and just write. Lately, I’ve been focusing on articles for both Padded Waltz and Descant Music. These articles cover everything from music education to behind-the-scenes looks at our projects. Writing lets me reflect on what we’re doing while giving you a deeper dive into the “why” behind it all. ALSO - having blogs and articles on your website also significantly boosts SEO, which is crucial for making your site more visible in search engines. This increased visibility helps new audiences find your music, connects you with your community, and builds credibility for your projects. It’s a small effort that creates a big impact over time.
The Padette
One of the most unique projects we’ve got going is The Padette, our self-published magazine. It’s a mix of song lyrics, insights into our tracks, fake ads (because why not), and other fun, quirky ideas. Not only is it a creative outlet, but it doubles as a guide for audiences during our live shows. It lets people connect with the lyrics and meanings behind our songs, and it’s something tangible they can take home with them. Check out The Padette Volume 2!!!
Volume 3 is currently in the works and will highlight The Variable alongside our First Spaceship on Venus performance. That show is its own wild story (which you can read about in another blog, RIGHT HERE.). I’m excited to see this next issue come to life in print.
Stage Outfits and Concepts
Jess has been immersed in designing her stage outfit, a project as inventive and bold as the rest of what we do. With the conceptual stages complete, we’re now sourcing materials and preparing for construction over the next few months. Every step of the process has involved experimentation and collaboration, ensuring that both the visual impact and the practical durability match our high-energy, creative performances, without risk of the outfit falling apart mid-show. Jess’s vision blends the sleek, wired aesthetic of an android with the raw, organic texture of a swamp monster, creating a futuristic, earthy look that feels larger than life. Watching this vision take shape has been a fun reminder of the creative world we’ve built around ourselves and how fortunate we are to inhabit it.
Mass Music Collective
Another side project Jess and I started is the Mass Music Collective, which celebrates and promotes local musicians and bands across Massachusetts. One of our main initiatives is creating a curated, public-friendly playlist featuring "local" artists. We built a dedicated website where bands can easily sign up to be part of the playlist, making it a collaborative and growing hub for Massachusetts’ music scene. To spread the word, we’ve taken to the streets, visiting businesses across towns and cities armed with business cards and a pitch for supporting local music. Cafes, stores, bars, and other community spaces are encouraged to incorporate the Mass Music Collective playlist into their daily rotations. In turn, we proudly highlight participating businesses on our website as "Awesome Businesses Who Support Local Music." It’s a win-win effort, bringing exposure to talented artists and creating a stronger connection between local businesses and the arts. Our core belief is that a rising tide lifts all ships. This ongoing project combines our passion for music with a mission to unite communities and celebrate the incredible diversity of Massachusetts’ music culture. Listen and save the Spotify playlist HERE! If you’re an artist who wants to join the playlist or a business interested in playing it, visit the MMC website!
Descant Music
As the home base for many of our musical endeavors, Descant Music embodies our belief that nurturing the progress of music starts with empowering the future generation of musicians. By fostering a strong musical community, we aim to create a space where learning, collaboration, and creativity thrive. Teaching and mentoring through Descant Music isn’t just about lessons; it’s about igniting a passion for music in people of all ages. Supporting a musical ecosystem strengthens the cultural fabric of our community, and we’re proud to be part of this collective growth. If you or anyone you know is interested in piano, voice, or guitar lessons, visit our website for more information.
Looking Ahead
This winter and into the spring, we’re going all in. The plan is to spend that time working hard on the album, finishing music videos, and preparing to hit the stage again in the spring and summer. Every step of the way, I’m excited to share it all with you. Every note, every frame, every lyric.
Being a musician in 2024/25 is no small feat. It’s not just about the music. It’s about building an entire ecosystem around it. From SEO to stage outfits, from podcasts to magazines, every piece feels like part of a bigger puzzle. What we do isn’t a checklist for others, but rather an example of what it means to fully immerse yourself in a world of music. For us, it’s been a lifelong journey so far, and there’s no stopping in sight. While the work never stops, it never feels like work when it’s this fulfilling. If you’re reading this, thank you for coming along for the ride. It’s because of you that all this effort feels worth it.
Stay tuned for more updates. We’ve got so much to share.
Comments