2008 Woodie Awards
A Liking Point of View
Where've all the cowboys gone?
Jameson Ketchum
Issue date: 10/26/07 Section: Post
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I have worked for a very mainstream music store off and on for the last several years. Of all the lessons I learned regarding retail, shoplifters, mall life and music, most important of all is that the state of music today is in great turmoil. I know what you're thinking and no I'm not talking about illegal downloading. I'm talking purely about the amount of recognition that too many, truly talented artist are not receiving. I strongly believe that music can affect one's mood and sometimes even their life, if it comes along at the right time. Most of the music that has done these things for me will never be heard on your favorite radio station or featured on the next episode of "The Hills". Where are The Beatles of today? Do you really think you will be telling your kids about Avril Lavigne and Good Charlotte someday? I have certain artists who I'm sure I'll never forget, but unfortunately, they are not getting the attention and respect they have earned. Bands such as Saves The Day, The Receiving End of Sirens and Anberlin are overlooked while Hannah Montana and Kanye West top the charts. Acts such as Thursday, Brand New and Straylight Run have written some of the most beautifully poetic songs I have ever heard and I urge you to support them by going to their shows.
Films such as Before The Music Dies and Bastards of Young explore just how deeply music is in trouble. In a scene from Before The Music Dies, a teen girl is interviewed just after an Ashlee Simpson concert. The interviewer asks the young woman why she loves the pop star so much. The girl responds by saying that she is inspirational. The interviewer follows up by asking if she believes that Ashlee Simpson is inspirational in the same way Bob Dylan was. The girl looks perplexed and replies "Who's Bob Dylan?"
I'm not writing this to sound self-righteous or condescending. I think the whole idea of calling someone "scene" just because of what they choose to listen to or wear is juvenile and ridiculous. Trends and styles change everyday so who am I to judge? I'm simply saying that there is so much more out there in terms of music than your typical Justin Timberlakes and Fall Out Boys. There are blue collar artists who spend a lot of their own money to keep their dreams alive. You can usually tell just by looking at their clothes or war torn instruments that these guys and girls are not in it for the cash. Many of these artists survive show to show from their merch money and donations. Most of these artists even encourage fans to download their music stating that they don't care how you get it, just get it. They are truly in this business for the love of making the music they want to make and sharing it with anyone who is willing to listen. The DIY (Do It Yourself) attitude is so strong among these bands and I think that is something to be admired and rewarded. So the next time you find yourself purchasing music, think about if 50 Cent really needs you to help him pay his medical bills the next time he gets shot or if bands like Pistolita, Envy On The Coast or Say Anything could use your support just a little bit more.
Films such as Before The Music Dies and Bastards of Young explore just how deeply music is in trouble. In a scene from Before The Music Dies, a teen girl is interviewed just after an Ashlee Simpson concert. The interviewer asks the young woman why she loves the pop star so much. The girl responds by saying that she is inspirational. The interviewer follows up by asking if she believes that Ashlee Simpson is inspirational in the same way Bob Dylan was. The girl looks perplexed and replies "Who's Bob Dylan?"
I'm not writing this to sound self-righteous or condescending. I think the whole idea of calling someone "scene" just because of what they choose to listen to or wear is juvenile and ridiculous. Trends and styles change everyday so who am I to judge? I'm simply saying that there is so much more out there in terms of music than your typical Justin Timberlakes and Fall Out Boys. There are blue collar artists who spend a lot of their own money to keep their dreams alive. You can usually tell just by looking at their clothes or war torn instruments that these guys and girls are not in it for the cash. Many of these artists survive show to show from their merch money and donations. Most of these artists even encourage fans to download their music stating that they don't care how you get it, just get it. They are truly in this business for the love of making the music they want to make and sharing it with anyone who is willing to listen. The DIY (Do It Yourself) attitude is so strong among these bands and I think that is something to be admired and rewarded. So the next time you find yourself purchasing music, think about if 50 Cent really needs you to help him pay his medical bills the next time he gets shot or if bands like Pistolita, Envy On The Coast or Say Anything could use your support just a little bit more.
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