Sam McMaster

What is the difference between a band that makes it and a band that never finds success? Is pure talent really all you need to succeed in the music business? A group of Phoenixville students found out what it takes to make it from two very successful musical artists: Paul Hammond and Andrew Lipke, two members of the band Get the Led Out, a band that covers Led Zeppelin tunes and produces their own music.

These two talented artists came to Phoenixville on April 1st to speak about the life of a rock star. They answered questions about music piracy, work environment, and what kind of working hours a rock star keeps. They enjoy the relaxed working hours of a rock star, like getting to sleep in and start work late in the day. They also talked about the work environment of a musician, which they said was so fun it barely feels like work. They described the previous bands they had each respectively played in and what styles of music their other bands had explored. Their presentation ended with a small musical performance of a song of Andrew’s own creation. After their presentation was complete, students asked the two musicians questions of their own.

Paul Hammond is proficient in keyboard, bass guitar, acoustic and electric guitar, and even the mandolin. Andrew Lipke’s repertoire of instruments includes the drums, harmonica, and bass guitar; he is also a music composer. Paul first started playing the guitar at the very young age of eight and he had started his first band by age twelve. Andrew got his first guitar at age twelve and was in several minor bands that would do cover songs or original music.

So where did these two musicians get their influences? Of course, the most obvious answer would be Led Zeppelin, but they also find musical inspiration from a wide range of artists. Some of their musical influences include The Who, Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, Eric Clapton, and Metallica. However, for this band, it all comes back to the great Led Zeppelin. What makes them such a great band in the eyes of Paul and Andrew? Andrew said that “their music was very intricate, and had influences from folk, blues and even classical music.” With such a wide range of music in their arsenal, it makes sense that Led Zeppelin would have such a great influence on Paul and Andrew.

A lot of aspiring guitarists came to hear Andrew and Paul speak, including kids who love music and may want to get into the music business. What words of wisdom could these two successful musicians offer? Paul said that the best policy is to “be flexible and open to new experiences. The more styles you learn, the better off you are, so practice every day.” They also said never to skimp on technique, and to find out who influences your favorite bands and learn their style. Who knows? Maybe the words of these two men will encourage some young guitarists here at PAHS to pursue the art of music, and then one day they can be the ones giving a speech to the next generation of young musicians at PAHS.