Getting Killed

The kids are going to be all right. This was my third year at Austin City Limits, and I almost didn’t see Geese. I was choosing between them and another artist whose name I can’t even remember. I knew maybe two Geese songs, but a friend encouraged me to give them a chance. When I looked them up, I realized they were a bunch of kids in their early twenties. My first thought was, what could they possibly teach me? At that age, you think you know everything. Now, at the end of my twenties, I’m beginning to realize how little I actually know. I listened to Getting Killed more closely and discovered a band with a lot to say about life, identity, and the search for meaning. Seeing them live made me appreciate it even more. There was something beautiful about watching so many young people genuinely connect with music that isn’t necessarily easy to digest. The highlight was during “Taxes.” Around 30 or 40 people spontaneously knelt down, leaving two guys in the middle. One carried the other on his shoulders, while the guy on top stretched his arms out like he was being crucified. As Cameron sang “you’re gonna have to nail me down,” the beat dropped, everyone stood up, and they all started dancing. It was ridiculous, breathtaking, and completely genuine. Nobody had to organize anything. They just understood the moment and shared it. Watching them felt like seeing a ghost of my younger self. I recognized that same search for meaning, identity, and belonging. It also made me think about how every generation eventually believes the next one is missing something. We had our bands and our music, and it’s easy to assume nothing will ever compare. But maybe we’re just not looking anymore. Geese reminded me that those experiences are still out there. They just look and sound different now. The kids are going to be all right.