Real bummer to follow up Mother Nature by parting with Ben and not returning to Sam for another album. I will continue to give them the benefit of the doubt though, because they keep getting better even when I think they could start slipping.
They love Sam. There’s no doubt about that. Maybe he was booked for the next few months and they didn’t want to wait. The Ben thing baffles me though. My only guess (as was mentioned above) is he was not cool about going independent. Also, I think he’s married now? So maybe that played into it as well. Either way, it’s sad to see the doom triangle break away.
I had been making efforts and attempted to be in constant contact with the dudes. I put out a lot of ideas and offers to create a new opportunity to work together on new stuff. As far as I was aware per a group phone call we had... we were all good to go. Then I noticed I was navigated around without a heads up from anyone. Honestly that experience made me feel embarrassed for having been emotionally invested in the project and for constantly putting myself out there to help them. I tried. It just didn’t work out. I’m real sad about Ben. I wish them all the best. Just wish it didn’t go down like this.
damn that’s a bummer because you all killed it on MN. Hope they try to make amends in the future. I like to think it was a spur of the moment decision given how close location wise AJ is to recording & the state of the world/travel, but either way a shitty approach
Damn. Sending good vibes your way though. Just followed you on Insta so I can check out your future projects!
That’s really upsetting to hear. I wish all the best to everyone and hope you guys cross paths again in the near future because you all created something very special. Even more so, those few weeks when MN was released and all of us listening in this thread was easily a top moment in this community for me.
Honestly, things like this and their social media persona (all the constant partying, the drinking/drug stuff, just the general way they present themselves, etc.) is such a huge turn off for me. Obviously it was worse when Cody was in the band but with him gone they don’t seem any more like they have it together and know how to be adults, lol. I love their music in spite of all of that. I’ve said this in this thread before and I don’t mean to be judgmental or controversial but the way AJ presents himself on social media makes me worried for him. It’s just not a good look. It’s like, you have a kid, get it together. Also, I wonder if the lack of social distancing, etc. is why Ben isn’t involved in this record. They have been posting a lot of pictures and videos of them hanging out with what appeared to be friends, the band, people filming the videos and recording the songs, etc. Maybe Ben wasn’t comfortable with all of the closeness with all of the stuff going on with COVID?
Thanks Sam for always jumping in here and taking the time. A real class act. For reals. I too wish this partnership with you and them would blossom, and keep going the Amazing direction you guys were headed! To be honest my reaction to them working down the street with the other producer was because they no longer had the funding to record across the country with Sam? I wasn't sure how it all works but I assumed that was all funded by hopeless. Just was my initial assumption. Makes you also wonder who will fund the touring now etc. I'm sure it will work out Its confusing times for sure. Hopefully the music will be great. And sad the partnership with Sam didn't continue. Mother Nature is neck and neck with their debut for their finest moment for me
Huge bummer they didn't go back with Sam for the new record, but I guess it makes sense. Going independent, no funding, would rather go with some one more affordable and not a far commute from home. Also someone made a comment about social distancing. Yeah, I got anxiety seeing all their IG stories for the music video shoot, and there was a group of like 30 people together with no one wearing masks. Take social distancing seriously people!
Feels when Ben no longer follows the Dangerous Summer on IG anymore.. they were liking each other's posts just 2 weeks ago. What ever happened must have happened quick
So it’s just two original members now? Plus fill ins? Lotsa big changes following a critical success story...hmm
Depends how you define original members lol. A.j is the only original original. But Matthew has been there since 2013. So yeah those 2 right now. Not sure if aaron gilespie will be a permanent member or just for those recordings
Wonder what the OG drummer is up to these days? He was super ahead of the pack of other drummers in the scene at the time
Wow a lot of things have happened, I get weird flashbacks from their pre-break up days, but I hope everything works out on every party involved.
It was mentioned a while back but I think he settled down and has a job in a different industry or something.
Wow, had no idea about the Ben and Sam stuff happening. Honestly, two of the most important parts of Mother Nature IMO. I didn’t think anything of it until reading Sam’s response. It’s unfortunate, but there’s no upside to, or need for, a business partnership like that when one side is giving the runaround while the other side is putting in more effort to make it work. Compassion fatigue sets in and that is no bueno. Sorry to hear about that, Sam. I still have my fingers crossed that one day you’ll get to do something with Tom Delonge or Angels and Airwaves.