New Interview: Dangerous
[Originally published before the album was recorded]
Earlier, we discussed the amount of fan mail you receive. Can we talk about the haters, too?
Yeah, I get some hate mail now and then. I don't mind it, because it means I am doing something right. 'This' is isn't for them. Some of it is so angry that I have to laugh out loud. Fans from over 25 different countries around the world purchased my music recently. I'd bet the haters will be the first in line to buy a ticket. Still, I really have to thank those who do "get it." I am deeply touched by their kind, thoughtful words.
So, keep writing, people.
Yes, exactly. Love me or hate me, it's all good. In fact, we are planning a contest for the best email or public comment on any of my online sites, because the fans are so awesome, and I want to give them something back. Some of them are depraved, sexual perverts, too. Hahaha. I love my life!
I am sure you do! Mitch, in the past, you have been quite vocal about people abusing alcohol and drugs. Yet, I have seen you enjoying a drink before.
I'm drunk right now! Hahaha. No, just kidding. Sure, I will have one drink now and then. I 'wet the ice'. Hahaha. But, that's a funny question, because a young, artist friend of mine asked me what kind of drugs I take when I am drawing. I answered, "Nothing." The myth that we need drugs or alcohol to write, or create music and art is a LIE. I don't want anything to effect my thinking or my creativity. As far as drugs, forget it. I don't do any drugs. That's just population control, anyway. They are thinning the herd and only the strongest will survive.
Ok, that's what I thought, because I also remember you performing anti-drug benefit concerts and playing charity shows where you raised money for rehab centers. So, why did you name your last band, '420 Green Street' since '420' is an obvious reference to drugs.
We actually held a contest to name the band and I thought it was funny. Plus it ruffled some feathers. The point is, I do not use drugs. But, people can do whatever they want to do.
To each his own?
Exactly. But, I have lost some good friends due to drug and alcohol abuse. I have had some great bands fall apart too, because of excessive partying. Truth, I have seen amazing people destroy themselves. I do not support it and I would hope that those who use drugs, try drawing or writing music while sober, with a clear mind. That is the true gift. Try transforming all of the things you are trying to escape...try dealing with them. Make something out of your pain, your fears. Paint, draw, write a song. Escapism is not going to help anyone. But transforming your overwhelming feelings of love or anxiety and fear into something that has never existed before..well, that is magical.
B.
Mitch Trupia is dangerous. His message of love, light, and peace is misunderstood in this world of capitalism and greed. The cult-like following he has built has sworn an allegiance and devotion to spread the message even after he is gone. Mitch Trupia makes David Koresh look like Minnie Mouse and that will not fly in this day and age. Capitalist systems are driven by fear and greed. Whereas, Mitch writes about fear being your friend and being fearless. As far as greed, I do not think he has made a profit with music in the last ten years. His definition of success is not sports cars, big houses, and expensive jewelry. His rants about consumerism and attaining an authentic life will make you think out loud. In the long shadow of gifted songwriters like John Lennon, he has something to say and he does it with passion and conviction. His words become truth. The lyrics to '5 Roses' depict a story of survival and hope. When he sings, "There are no endings, there are no endings," the listener might think of reincarnation, but when I asked him what he meant, he said, "Yes, but I am also trying to remind everyone that human beings are connected by blood from our ancient past. All of our blood is red. I feel my bloodline through the ages back to the dawn of man. If we think of each other as One, one big family, perhaps we can be kinder to each other. Nothing ever really ends. We are immortal in this way." I believe him as he sings, "I can feel you in my blood tonight and I can see you in a new baby's eyes..."
When '5 Roses' is released in August, I think a lot of people are going to share it with their friends. He hopes that they will. Like Lennon, Mitch Trupia will probably be shot dead one day. The world cannot accept hope when it is driven by fear and desperation. He will probably be stopped, because society has not embraced thinking differently. Conformity and consumerism is expected. Those who conform usually do well in many areas of life, but those who force change (eg. spirituality not religion) usually pay a price. He will keep turning on the proverbial light above peoples' heads and each of them will share that light with their friends. At least, that is what he says he hopes for.
"This is how new memes are spread -- by actions, words, and examples," he said. His example is simple and I saw it in an email he wrote to a long-time fan, "Do not be afraid to be a human being. Do not regret being human. You are not flawed. This great Gift of Life is an example of our divinity. I honor your divine nature and when you are lost in darkness and despair, I will remind you. I am going to be there." But who will be there for him? Will you? He preaches about reciprocity constantly, and he gives so much, too much in fact, yet he doesn't expect anything in return --- because he knows we have to give. "If all you do is take and take and take, darkness and loneliness will take YOU, but the moment you start to give, the moment you decide to be kind to someone, a light..the light begins to shine in you and it will grow. Kindness is contagious. It's true."
One day, Mitch Trupia will step out of that long, dark shadow of commercially successful artists to cast one of his own --- and it will be a shadow of light.
