The arc of August Premier’s career perfectly depicts life and the peaks and valleys associated with our finite time spent together. AP started out emotionally driven and wildly ambitious with their debut indie release, “Balloons…Everything’s Okay”. Through unguided dedication, AP eventually climbed the industry ladder and secured a spot on the quasi-major Fueled By Ramen Records. The move eventually led to their sophomore release “Fireworks and Alcohol”, which was an incredibly polished but somewhat hollow milestone that was tarnished by an anticlimactic conclusion to their arduous journey to popularity. The similarities between life and the goals we strive for are never more evident then at this very moment in AP’s experience. That’s because what we all eventually learn is that the celebration should never be about reaching the pinnacle of your career or the apex of your life. The joy should be discovered in the journey to get to the summit. As is the rule of thumb, what goes up must come down. The ensuing descent and subsequent valley led to the disbanding of AP. Throughout the better part of the next decade the various members established several side projects, which led to an increase in maturity, musical skill and most of all, life experience. As is the way with life, there was a slow and steady climb back up the proverbial mountain. Now instead of the haphazard attempt to ascend to the top of the musical game. AP has resurfaced with the intention of concentrating on maintaining a slow and steady ascent while staying focused on the path that is most important. The path of contentedness with the idea that they will enjoy the moment more than the climax. Because as we’ll all slowly come to realize with time and experience, life’s about friends, family and the support of those around us. Not the places our success takes us. It doesn’t matter why AP fell from their lofty perch, but what I do know is you can’t be happy without experiencing what the miserable side of life has to offer.