Defying expectations in pursuit of passion: The Sex Wacks story
Tristan Moore's mom imagined him at the Air Force Academy. Instead, he did something far from that — he started a band called Sex Wacks.
Sex Wacks, founded in 2021, quickly became an outlet for its three members as they navigated the pressures of college, career expectations and full-time jobs — all the usual early-adulthood joys.
For Tristan Moore, the band's lead singer and guitarist, the tension began before college as he realized his goals didn't align with what others had thought of for him.
"My passion is spending all of my time dedicated to growth in particularly productive relationships and healthy friendships, and then somehow from there, how do I turn that into an actual career."
— Tristan Moore, lead singer & guitaristJack Watson, the band's drummer, didn't face the same kind of pressure growing up, which led him down his own path to Sex Wacks and becoming a talent buyer for Aggie Theatre.
"I never had that much pressure on it," Watson said. "My parents told me to do what I want, and I found this thing by playing with the band, and I fell in love with it. Eventually, it turned into my full-time career, which is insane."
"It can be hard to keep your vision clear in this day because you're being crowded by all these things and other people's thoughts and expectations."
— Jack Watson, drummerRob Maranville, the band's bassist and realist, knows making money from music isn't easy, so he focuses instead on having fun with his friends.
"The music industry is not designed to be a healthy environment," Maranville said. "It's hard to get big because there are a million musicians, and everyone is amazing. So just have fun with the people you're with and try to make music that sounds nice."
"Risk is the only thing that separates expectations and passion. If you want to defy expectations to pursue a passion, it's going to cost you a lot of risk."
— Tristan MooreAs the band reflects on what has shaped their sound, they realize their experiences are completely tied to the music they make. Moore reflects on how far he's come since he first picked up a guitar at age 10.
In the end, Sex Wacks didn't just become a band — they became living proof of what happens when three people decide to follow passion over expectations. And while Tristan Moore didn't make it to the Air Force Academy, the path he chose instead landed him exactly where he's meant to be.
