Balancing Acts is Metal Insider’s new column, in which artists explain the challenges within the music industry by juggling day jobs or multiple jobs while pursuing their musical careers. Phoenix-based groove and thrash metal outfit Incite returned with full force this past August with the release of their new album, Savage New Times, via Reigning Phoenix Music. The record marks one of the band’s most ferocious and focused releases to date, capturing nearly two decades of relentless touring and evolving into sheer aggression. Metal Insider caught up with bassist El, discussing, in brutal honesty, his experience with balancing time between Incite and his career as a tattoo artist.
Greetings! My name is El, and I am the bassist for Phoenix, Arizona-based thrashers, INCITE. I’ve spent the last 12 years touring all over the world playing metal with some of the best dudes I know. In addition to being a touring musician, ambassador of heavy metal, and Pop Tart enthusiast, I am also a professional tattoo artist.
I’ve been tattooing for over 25 years. I’m definitely living the dream. However, that’s not to say that each doesn’t come with its own set of challenges and sacrifices. It’s a constant balancing act trying to serve two masters that require all of your time and focus. Both take a great deal of discipline and drive if you want to succeed.
I’ve missed out on many things in the pursuit of learning the craft of tattooing and chasing the dream of being a professional musician. Lots of missed birthdays and anniversaries, and many Thanksgivings celebrated at a truck stop or Waffle House. I’ve alienated people and trashed many relationships. I’ve lost clients while out on tour and had artists resent me for “trying to be a rockstar”.
On the flipside of all that, it’s been very rewarding. Tattooing has given me a life and a career I can do anywhere. I get to do art all day and connect with people from all walks of life. Being in INCITE has taken me to places I had only read about in books or seen in movies. Touring has exposed me to many amazing cultures, and I’ve shared music that I helped create with metalheads everywhere. I’ve also been able to tattoo fans of the band while on tour, which is always a cool experience. With all the tightrope-walking in between two careers, the good days definitely outweigh the bad ones. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. See ya in the chair or in the pit!
