There seems to be some bitterness between a few of the bands and cliques in the scene. For some reason there is a lot of shit talking going on. There are a lot of different styles being played and too many snobish opinions about those styles. Like those who listen to "punk", who don't care for "metal", and vice versa, or some bands are too "Emo", or whatever the case may be with your musical prejudices. I think it's just silly and pointless to have such big problems in such a small scene. In Alaska, each band is different and simply play what they like.
Most people in the scene wouldn't be caught dead watching MTV because of the monotonous repetitive barage of garbage that is so prefabricated and taylor made to fit a specific genre to be marketed to a certain target audience that doesn't mind buying the same old crap with a different name, and yet somehow a lot of people here in the scene have that very same mainstreem attitude about what styles of music they will or won't accept. Even the bands that could very well be featured on eMpTy V, because of their pop approach to music, still just play what they like and wouldn't sacrifice their integrity just to appease the masses. The same goes for the bands that play heavier, more aggressive styles of rock.
Each band deserves some respect for what they do. I think that everyone should embrace these differences. The diversity we have in Alaska is a godsend. Would you really prefer to have an all punk scene, or all metal, or all pop or emo stuff? I don't think so. Some would though, which is irritating and counter productive to what we are trying to do in and for Alaska.
Come on people, don't ruin things before they even get started. Open your ears, open your mind, and be accepting of this diversity. Even if you don't really care for someone else's preferred taste in music, be mature enough to not cause problems. Are you in grade school? Then don't act like it!! The shit talking, drama bullshit needs to end NOW!!! Don't be so selfish, and try to see the larger picture. How can there be peace and unity if everyone is stabbing each other in the back? There can't... and that's the point.
Feel free to have an opinion, if you don't like the music, then you don't like the music, but say it to yourself or just leave. Don't stick around if you're only going to be negative, and don't try to force your opinion on others to con them into sharing your antagonistic view. If there is another problem with a bands music or the people in the band then mention it to them. I'm sure they could use the criticism whether they like it or not, but I think that a lot of people are just apprehensive of what their friends will think if they like a band that their friends don't like. Some of them might just be afraid that deep down inside they might like the music they swore they wouldn't.
Here's a personal example. I used to hate the band Korn. Now I love that band. Why the change of heart? Because I opened my mind to it and listened with an accepting ear, rather than making a biased, uninformed opinion of their music. I went out and bought their most commercial album just to be sure I got the worst of their material. Being of the D.I.Y. mindset, not watching TV, not listening to the radio, and just being the non-conforming individual that I am, this was an unorthodox thing for me to do. I bought "Follow the Leader" and only found two songs on the album that I don't like. Aside from those two songs, I love all of their albums. Now I tell anyone that, "Yes, I do like that band and don't give a fuck if you do or not. I'm gonna keep listening to them." Don't let your opinions be compromised and corrupted by others. If something tickles you just right, then go with it. Don't be another sheep in the herd. Don't be like the uniform MTV zombies that need to have a visual of what to look like, how to act, and what to listen to.
I think that musicians are the hardest music fans to please. Ego, ego, pride, ego. Swallow it sometime and you might just learn a few things..... you'll be better off because of it. All of the shit talking and conflict could be good for the growth of the scene as well though, but if you're gonna do it, make sure you do it inteligently with maturity. It helps to know what the hell you're talking about. Not that I always know what the fuck I'm talking about, but I rant anyways. If you have a difference of opinion regarding the topic of this edition of "Pragmatics", I would love to hear it. Contact me at [email protected], or talk to me about it the next time you see me. Long live the scene; peace, love, and unity for all.
Brian |
