Down with the Masses

Today I'm just going to post an email I sent to a band list I'm on. We got into a discussion of popular music and independent music and such. It's just a small rant but I thought it said a lot so I'll share it.

Sure, like you said, not bad (writing formulaic, catchy songs) from a business standpoint. But, in my opinion, that’s exactly what makes it bad – from the independent, artistic point-of-view. There are a LOT of people that don't know there is more to music than what’s on the radio. I wouldn’t be surprised to find out if some people thought that’s where music comes from – the radio. And because the formulaic, cookie-cutter songs are so marketable and profitable, that stifles the artistic, independent songwriter that doesn’t get any air play. Those radio babies may never get the chance to hear something more. Granted most of them wouldn’t take to it because they’re too used to being spoon-fed the same thing for so long, but, there are those who would. And that small number can make quite a difference to the small, independent artist.

I don’t think N’Sync or Britney (or those that write their songs) are brilliant. I think they’re just greedy. I really don’t think it’s that difficult to write the catchy songs that bring in all the money. Then why don’t I do it and get rich? My heart’s not in it. And I think that’s what John was trying to say. There are “artists” that write songs for the sole intent and purpose of making money and getting famous. So, in that case they didn’t put any emotion, “heart and soul” into their songs, except for the “aspiration” to get rich and famous, which some people call “greed”. That’s their prerogative, though. They do it because they can. They have the huge market of those that so willingly wallow in the mirth of capitalism that is sprayed at them.

Then there are those that write music because it’s their way of expressing an emotion or emotions that are result of some experience or event in their lives and they had enough balls to share it with others. In other words, they write because they have to. Fame and riches don’t even enter their minds. I’m not saying some of wouldn’t ever want to get rich and famous, but it’s not part of their writing process.

Eggie

Ha, ha, a self-amusing inside joke about last night's Reggie and the Full Effect show. They had a back drop of Reggie in lights but the 'R' wasn't working.

The show was incredible. High energy, full of hilarity. They played a great variety, playing most of the songs from the first album. The whole band came out dressed like "Paco" - Bright red suits and ties, complete with fake hair and mustaches. Reggie may have been drunk-off-his-ass, but that didn't hinder his performance. They also had a guy in a bear suit that ran around, stage dove and pumped up the crowd. After Reggie played, Fluxation came out and played. (For those of you that don't know Reggie, he has a couple alter-egos). So, basically it was Reggie in a 1700s style British wig and jacket on roller skates. He did two Fluxation songs. He roller skated around the audience with a cordless mic on the first song, high-fiving people as he skated around. Then Common Demonitor came out - the whole band dressed in black with painted faces and gothic looking instruments. The "Finland" band played a couple of their hardcore hits. Hilarious stuff!! I hope they come again soon.

Dr. Octopus has been revealed.

Skywalking

Today we went up to the wine vineyards to see if we could get some free samples or something. It was very pretty country with some amazing mountain ranges, but very little vineyards seemed to be tourist friendly. Oh well, it was still a nice drive. There's some pretty country out there that you don't normally get to see in Arizona. After that I persuaded everyone to take a trip down to Marin County...home of Skywalker Rance and Industrial Light and Magic. Although they don't offer any tours, we did catch a glimpse of some interesting sights while driving down "Lucas Valley". (I can't believe he has a valley named after himself)
I caught a glimpse of what seemed to be ILM's offices off in the distance. Pretty neat.

I'm very dejected that HM didn't win the contest. Oh well...they'll get their video one way or another.

Revenge

I think it's very appropriate that Hey Mercedes posted their new mp3 that's titled Quality Revenge At Last after losing the MTV AMP contest. Will they get their quality revenge? I think so.

I really thought Taking Back Sunday would win but The Starting Line did. I hadn't heard of them as much. So yesterday I checked them out. Yikes! Just the same ol', same ol' teenie bop pop punk. Give me a break.

Little Dipper

Hum?! HUM?!!! *faints*

Happenings

Well, hellooo Brock!! Good to hear from you. Yes peoples, the blogs have been thin due to our extremely busy travel schedules. Unfortunately, for us, it's not a common occurence.

The Casket Lottery and Rocky Votolato show was awesome! It was in a house in the lovely area of Simi Valley. We were a bit late and missed some of Rocky's set. But the intimate setting proved very much enjoyable. I never heard The Casket Lottery sound so good, with the exception of a little hard to hear vocals. They're home and plan on recording, hopefully, their fourth full-length album. I really, really hope The Casket Lottery and Rocky gain momentum and noteriety in the industry. They're both very much underappreciated.

The Possiblies and Maybes CD is a great collection of Casket Lottery songs that were on 7"s, comps and unreleased material. I need to listen to Year of the Rabbit's CD more, or at a different time. I don't think I've been in the mood for it. If I was to give a first impression review on it, I'd say that it's OK, kind of boring. But, like I said, I'm most likely not in the mood for that music yet.

Hopefully Brock's reading this. Brock make sure your sitting down. Big news over the weekend is that Hum, yes Hum, the band that brought you "Stars" is getting together for a "one time reunion" to play at the Furnace Fest in Birmingham, Alabama. The worst part of this is that it's going to be nearly impossible for me to catch this show! It's next month and too far away. The thought is cool. There's also the chance that it doesn't happen. But let's hope that it does happen, and that it goes so well that they reunite for idefinitely!

Yup, Brock, you have the first out-of-town, out-of-state blog for our site here. Alcatraz was cool. I think the most unique aspect of it was, that it's so close to San Francisco. I mean, you can see the whole city from there, an excellent view even. It must've drove some prisoners mad that civilization was so close, yet so hard to escape to.

The Traveling Blogger

I'm in San Fran at this very moment, sitting in the hotel, blogging on their computer. Can you believe it? I think this sets a record: The first non-Phoenix post on Eyes Like Static. I'm not going to write long posts here or anything, but I just wanted to check in and say "hi" to let you know you're not forgotten. I'll post a tour journal or something when I get back. I saw Alcatraz yesterday, amd man, was that a freaky place! I also got to meet a former inmate, a very nice man who happened to be releasing a book on the infamous prision. How quaint. Ok, that's all for now! I'll see you soon!