Is there a place in the music world for someone who's not into drugs or smoking?

Question

I'm laid-back, adventurous and like to have fun but I really don't want to hang out with a bunch of drug abusers. I'm not Christian, so I wouldn't want to be part of the "Christian rock" scene. Is it possible to be successful/popular in a band or as a solo artist and find like-minded friends while keeping things clean?

Thanks for the answers so far! To someone who suggested my desire to distance myself from drug users was about looking down my nose at people, it's totally not like that. I don't envy addicts the extremely difficult problem they've got to solve, which is only made worse by the stigma attached to it, but anyone's who's been in a relationship with an addict knows they're not someone you can rely on (be it as a bandmate or whatever else), and today's casual user is often tomorrow's addict.

Maybe it's a stereotype, but I really don't think it's completely undeserved (the phrase, "sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll" comes to mind, and there are certainly enough songs about drugs). Plus musicianship is sort of an alternative lifestyle that attracts people (like me) who for reasons of temperament are also likely to experiment with drugs (unlike me). So I don't think the question is that off-base; I know there are performers who don't use, but do they fit in?

Answer 1

Sure there is, but if you're looking for a closed-off "no drug users or smokers allowed" scene, you're going to have to look for some island in the land of rock and roll make believe.

There are plenty of folks in music who don't use any substances, and there are plenty more who do. And you know what? They all work and play together and get along...and there's about the same proportion of total jerks on both sides of the fence.

Somebody mentioned Ted Nugent before: sustance-free, yes. But also a total egomaniacal, sexist, pro-arms, pro-war turd.

Alternately, take a look at Willie Nelson: proud pot smoker who distilled and sold his own booze named after his amazing hit song "Whiskey River." One of the most peaceful, goodnatured dudes you could ever hope to meet.

I guess my point is that your question is misguided, because you base it around not wanting to be around people who aren't just like you. And that's the total wrong way to look at life in general. Good for you for choosing to live a healthier life, but it's sullied if you look down your nose at those who don't.

Answer 2

Hmm... Well, possibly you simply want the proper individual to convey you from your melancholy or shell. You sound slightly very similar to me-- my nice peers come and pass, and while I used to be in center/prime college all of them began doing medicinal drugs and I did not desire to get concerned. I've struggled with melancholy ago on account that my dad is a drug addict (and is only a aspect of my existence). I believe like I've conquer these things, however I wanted plenty of support from peers and the consciousness that the household that I have is valued at plenty. I'm beautiful outgoing regardless that and have a tendency to make peers without problems-- it kind of feels like you wish to have a woman like this. Opposites draw in, proper? I'm relatively into films too... truthfully I'm majoring in Filmmaking proper now in university, and I'm a couple of months clear of going into the truly global of filmmaking and I'm terrified! Don't get too down on your self, you're now not the one individual on the earth like this. Sometimes I believe like I may not revel in a few matters as good, however you simply need to believe that your existence will grow to be what you desire when you relatively think about your self. Maybe difference your movements sooner or later-- speak to any person new, get a few undertaking, get a puppy, name a household member, or pass out for a night time. It would correctly make you believe higher! I desire it really works out for you, grasp in there.

Answer 3

Well i don't think to be a singer u have to be a drug addict or anything like that. As long as u sing well, u have a huge fans' list, a singer is a singer, u need not indulge in any other activity to be a good singer. I think its just a kind of mentality n a point of view about the rock bands that they r drug addicts n smokers. Music is music as long as it's good, keep the other things aside. Just follow ur heart n rock n roll, All the best:)

Answer 4

Actually, it is. There are several rock stars and musicians who don't do anything of the like. Some good examples are Steve Vai and Ted Nugent. There are other groups that have been really heavy into drinking and drugs who have stepped away for good such as Aerosmith and Eric Clapton.

Answer 5

Ian MacKaye From Fugazi and Minor threat is all about the no drugs, drinking smoking thing and rock - he was one of the founders of the straight edge scene -

Henry Rollins - from Black Flag - Rollins Band is another one who doesn't do any drugs or drink or anything.

There are plenty of musicians who just play music and do their thing and don't buy into all the other garbage that goes with it.
best of luck.

Answer 6

That's a very sweeping generalization you make there about musicians.
You seem so sure that drugs and making music go hand in hand......why would you want to break into such an industry?
I also wonder what people already in the industry would think of your opinion of all of them being drug abusers.

Answer 7

Well...If you are into Heavy music there's the Straight Edge Hardcore Scene which I'm pretty into. They don't believe in substance abuse, or being a slut. It's really cool. I myself am all about it, but again if you don't like Heavy music it may not be for you. However some Emo Kids are Straight Edge as well. So there you go.

Answer 8

Ask Gene Simmons from Kiss. He's never touched a drug or had a drink in his whole life.

Answer 9

not really.
you are in front of millions of people and just about every band or whatever does it to get rid of stage fright. or whatever.

Answer 10

the back of the bus with you!