Amidst recording a rock album with all electric guitars I blew the dust off my acoustic to record this cover for the Shattering Glass Competition for The Smashing Pumpkins MACHINA 25th Anniversary Show.
I did not have much time as recording while working full-time and playing shows keeps me in the grind, I could not pass up a chance to drop my cover in the bucket.
I connected with this song when it was originally released. I then formed a stronger bond with this track when I experienced it live. It was a pivotal moment, I was on a path in life where I was not living authentically. I had turned my back on music as I was put through some abus1ve experiences.
I was craving stability and safety. I was attending engineering school at Ohio State University on a scholarship, in hopes a stable career path would save me. In August of 2019 I was packed and ready to return to school, the first day was on the 19th, the same day The Smashing Pumpkins were set to play at Blossom Music Center.
If it were any other band I would have arrived at school on time, though as a lifelong fan of SP, I changed my course.
Smashing Pumpkins shows have always reminded me who I really am, this show in particular was a wake up call. My first concert I ever attended was at Blossom Music Center to see SP, now coming full circle, I remember the little girl that was enamored by their music.
As Billy Corgan sang I of the Mourning, the lyrics ‘I've blown the dust off my guitars, In the attic with the stars’, hit me differently. My guitar was in my parents’ attic, acquiring dust along with my dreams. Those words immediately unlocked the reason I am here— to create, to breathe life into dreams.
Authenticity became vital, despite the challenges. It was easier to follow the beaten path. To know what was ahead, to feel there was a guarantee of success—though no guarantee for happiness.
In the past I was told by my abus3r that I should give away my music gear because I would ‘never do anything with it.’ Now I’m in the midst of recoding my first full-length rock album. Another thing The Smashing Pumpkins have taught me is ‘if you're giving in, then you're giving up.’
Thank your for reading/listening. I appreciate your presence here!
✨🖤✨
Judy June of Glass Aeros