Yes, you read it well. I had to spend most of my day at the hospital again today. Crazy when you think that I was on stage this last Saturday evening. What a way to keep me grounded and focused on my new life reality, even if, hopefully, it wasn’t an emergency or anything but a battery of tests revolving around what sounds like a Scandinavian death metal band: Cardiac Angioscan. Let's just say that after my recent catastrophic exam results, all of my specialists are now tightly following my “creative adventure”, leading to a much more strategic schedule of checkups, pretty much right after I would come back from what they affectionately call my “wild musical field trip”. I like the name... Suits me well, don’t you think?!
I guess that funny kind of nickname is aligned with every single consultation I have with one of my doctors, which are always circumscribed by the same fundamental elements:
Doc’s question: Are you resting, taking breaks, slowing down?
My answer: … Yeah… Kind of…
Doc’s comment: So you’re not really doing any of this, right?
My additional answer: … Well… Depends on the circumstances…
Doc: Right?!
Me: Once in a while…
Doc: …
Me: Right…
Doc’s question: Are you preoccupied, stressed, anxious?
My answer: Hmm… Hard to say… Am I?
Doc’s comment: It’s easy to tell from your blood tests.
My additional answer: Really…? From blood tests?
Doc: …
Me: Yeah, I could say that I’m preoccupied, stressed and anxious… Wow, blood tests, really…?
Doc: No, I lied. Blood tests can’t be that specific about one's emotional state. I just took a look at you and I knew.
Me: Right… right. So doctors can lie? I didn’t know. It seems unethical.
Doc : I didn’t lie. You’re the one who admitted to being preoccupied, stressed and anxious.
Me: But you said that my blood tests told you…
Doc: …
Doc’s question: Have you done a schedule for the upcoming months like I asked you?
My answer: Kind of, but things are changing all the time in the music business, so...
Doc’s comment: I read an interview where you mentioned that being independent and DIY meant freedom and much more control over your schedule.
My additional answer: You read articles about me?!
Doc: Yes.
Me: And my newsletters…?
Doc: Yes.
Me: Following me on Substack as well?
Doc: I’ve been a paying member from the first day.
Me: Really?
Doc: Schedule, please…
Doc’s question: Remember we talked about frequent time off and vacations?
My answer: Yes…
Doc’s comment: Schedule…
My additional answer: Yes, yes, I’m looking for the best time to take vacation…
Doc: When?
Me: Soon!!!
Doc: What about that full detailed schedule?
Me: Mexico is where I like to go on vacation...
Doc: Hmm… ok. Liking Mexico is not an answer about your schedule.
Me: Right… I love Japan, France, and Morocco as well.
Doc: Alex... Schedule. Please.
Me: … I have never been to Prague, though. Heard it’s fabulous.
Doc: …
I could go on, and on, and on, and on… But this morning was a bit different.
Doc’s question: How was your concert?
My answer: I’m leaving for vacation on Friday, two weeks in Mexico. I’ll be back to Montreal for my 3 days of health tests before going back to Tangier for 6 weeks to write music, coming back to Montreal for more health tests in early August, going on tour in Europe from late August to mid-September, spending a few weeks in the studio while having health tests until going back on the road for 2 weeks in Europe again in November… Then studio again. Japan. Christmas. New year. Oh, and today’s blood test won’t reveal that I’m “preoccupied, stressed and anxious” because they can’t. And you will read how good I am at taking it slow, relaxing, and sleeping more on my Substack later today.
Doc’s comment: Alex?
My additional answer: Yes, doc!!!
Doc: How was your concert?
Me: It was great!!!
Doc: Good… You seem tense today. Worried that I will find elements to yellow-light your schedule?
Me: Absolutely not! Did you find anything? I mean, can you yellow-light me? What does yellow-lighting me mean in the first place? Everything is good! I mean... right?!
Doc: You seem a bit tense, stressed and anxious.
Me: No… Am I?
Doc: Have a few tequila shots for me and don’t tell me you will work as well in Mexico.
Me: Great, thank you. I will!
Doc: You will what? Drink tequila or work?
Me: I’m so happy to go to Mexico! I love that country!!!
Doc: …
Alright, since my doc will know about it all anyway, during my vacation time, I will post videos I did in Virginia before leaving home, in which I share about my daily rituals, the currently terrible state of my house, my passion for birds (and squirrels) and probably more… So that's what a “yellow-lighted” vacation is!
Life creates life!!!
Your brother and friend,
-Alex
PS: I already used the “yellow-lighting” medical term quite a lot since I am back at the studio from the hospital... “Alex do you want to…" — “Sorry guys, I’ve been yellow-lighted on this thing!!!”
Oh, how I love modern medicine!!!
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