This quote reflects on the intense lifestyle of a touring musician who has been performing consistently over an extended period. It highlights the psychological impact of such relentless travel and performance, suggesting that after years of constant shows, one might feel mentally exhausted and altered by this way of life.
At a deeper level, Laura Jane Grace's words delve into the complex relationship between work and identity. She suggests that when a person’s professional life is as demanding and all-consuming as touring full-time for ten years with hundreds of performances annually, it shapes their mental state significantly. The statement implies an unsettling truth: prolonged immersion in such a rigorous routine can lead to a dependency on this lifestyle to maintain one's sense of self. Without the constant flow of shows and travel that have become habitual, there might be a void or a feeling of loss, indicating how work and personal identity are intertwined for many performers.
Laura Jane Grace is an American musician best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist of the punk rock band Against Me!. She has been a prominent figure in the punk scene since the early 2000s and is also recognized for her activism and openness about personal struggles, including gender identity. Her quote encapsulates not only her experiences but also speaks to broader themes within the music industry regarding the impact of intense touring schedules on artists' mental health and well-being.