Ryan Mastronardi

this is the first time in a while that i’ve come home feeling this way, especially from the place where i’m supposed to be the happiest. maybe it’s just a shitty day in general…I hope so

Does it make you sad the same way it makes me sad to think “i fucked up”? I watched to pieces fall that didn’t fit, and i left them there in a pile on the floor; lost and scared. I crawled into a lead box and locked the door because I was scared. And one day when these shaking hands can get a grip on something, i’ll pull myself back up to see where you are and i’ll break down. I left you in a pile on the floor; lost and scared. I’m sorry.

It’s strange how we all wish for that light to shine on us and offer us a hand, but when the opportunity comes we step to the side and let it pass. We cry out for a rope to pull us in as we drown in a sea of wants and wishes, but when the ropes there we swim away. We hold out because we are scared to hold on. But, the truth of it all is that we shouldn’t be scared at all. Whether the hand or ropes stays for the long run, or let’s you go right before you reach the shoreline, you’re that much closer to home. You’re that much closer to the place you long to be and it doesn’t hurt, but rather it is beneficial. If you think it hurts, it’s shaping you into who you are, and that’s nothing to be afraid of. Take the risk because when you step back too look, it’s too late and you’ll regret it. You never know where the hand or rope will take you; it could be somewhere that you’ve only dreamed about. You’re not a lost cause, you’re a hiding hope. The fall is only far if you look down; look up and jump.

Do things because you want to do them, not because you want something in return. Love because you truly love; not just to be loved back. Care because you truly care; not just to be cared for. And give because you want to see someone happy, and you want to see their face light up, and you want to see them smile; not to be owed something in return. 

So as you may have read, The East End has collectively decided it’s time to call it quits. When we started this band 3 and 1/2 years ago, I could only dream of getting to where we did. All the people we met, the places we played, the bands we’ve become close with, the friends we made, the crazy shit we’ve seen and been through together, it’s all something I will miss dearly and cherish for the rest of my life. i could not be more thankful to have been a part of this band, nor more thankful towards everyone who has ever supported us in any way possible. We’ve played shows with packed out crowds, and we’ve played shows with only 3 people in the crowd and I’ve enjoyed each one the same.

It really does suck to have to say goodbye to this, but it’s the best option. We got to a point in our career as a band where we hit a standstill. We were stuck in the same place for almost an entire year, writing only one new song, still without releasing an EP. It was one of those walls that we felt we would never get passed. The band was going in a direction that I wasn’t exactly overjoyed about; still maturing, but I wanted something else from my music. I love all three of these guys like my brothers and I know we will always be great friends! We’ve ended on great terms and we will always be that way. This is NOT the end of music for myself and I’m sure everyone else will be continuing with music as well, considering it IS our passion. Be on the look out for a new project sometime soon; we’ll keep you posted! Seriously, I can’t thank everyone enough for everything! It’s been such a privilege to be a part of all of this.

P.S. We’ve decided to release our entire EP for FREEE!! so head over to our bandcamp and download it.  

TheEastEnd.bandcamp.com 

where ever i write a guitar part or lyrics that sound awesome it always seems to make my night. especially when it expresses exactly what i can’t say; it’s a weight off my shoulders and i love it. this is what music is about man