The way the vocal folds work is that they can get inflamed and in pain, but actual tears in the folds are somewhat rare. I've never torn anything. Been too strained plenty of times. John Darnielle actualfoldhave Change image and share on social
Readings are more like weaving a tapestry. Possibly people are getting a cathartic release - but music is physical. Music pummels you. It's got a beat; it's loud. Whereas this is more cerebral. John Darnielle beatcatharticcerebral Change image and share on social
I always worry that I'm a dilettante: I know something about lots of things but don't have exhaustive knowledge of much. John Darnielle dilettanteexhaustiveknowledge Change image and share on social
Younger songwriters will ask me, 'What did you do?' And it's like, 'Well, I worked a day job, and I didn't stake anything. I didn't quit my day job. I didn't have any hopes at all. I just did the thing that I believed in, and I waited a long time.' John Darnielle believedayhope share on social
I still can't manage to keep a journal, and people have been telling me to since the fourth grade. John Darnielle fourthgradejournal Change image and share on social
I think wrestling is the one that presents theater for people who want to see some theater but don't necessarily have to dress up or be quiet while they're watching. John Darnielle dressnecessarilypeople Change image and share on social
Most of my interests in terms of writing are dark, so it's discordant how much I try to lock into the vibe of wherever I'm at. Inhabiting the life of the imagination is the nature of survival strategy - you build yourself little worlds to enjoy. John Darnielle builddarkdiscordant share on social
I used to assume no one would care, but I do think now I've written songs that are useful to people having dark hours. John Darnielle assumecaredark Change image and share on social
Metal isn't necessarily aggressive. There's metal that's contemplative, there's metal that's sad, and there's metal that's exuberant. No genre is limited in what it can express. John Darnielle aggressivecontemplativeexpress Change image and share on social
A song is fire. You react to it primally, instantly. You don't have to decide whether you like it, and you don't really have to sit down and think about it much after you're done listening to it. It really does run through you like wind. John Darnielle decidefireinstantly share on social
