So, it has come to my attention that a certain band has wasted interview space with opinion as opposed to substance.  As there is no crying in baseball, so it should be in rock and roll as well; whatever style you choose to indulge in.

This band shall remain nameless, and personally I have nothing against them, they are actually pretty good guys if you know them.  I also happen to like a few of their songs, but c'mon you can't just call people out and not expect a response.

So, this band apparently feels as though they are the last "true rock" band in town, and that this scene sucks if you want to play that style of music.  They are also of the opinion that this affected them at this year's Q106 fm Homegrown Throwdown (a local battle of the bands--which was actually done quite well for the second year in a row by Jerome White).  Listen, everyone gets to have an opinion on what constitutes good when it comes to music, as well as what style you choose to play (if you're a musician).  That's what makes music the best hobby in the world.  You should also always do it for yourself, rather than what you think people will like.

That being said, the axiom to that is that you should respect other musician's choices, whether you like them or not.

Or if you're going to whine (as opposed to promote your upcoming shows, describe YOUR music to people, inform on upcoming recordings or other significant events, etc.--all those useful interview topic choices), at least have the decency to be rational in your arguments/opinions.  Let's break this down, since they obviously chose not to.

MUSIC CAN BE A TOUGH BUSINESS.  That being said, I again refer to the point that you do it for yourself first, and if other people like it--cool.  If not, fuck 'em.  People are not obligated to like you, your band, or your music.  You have to make them want to.  One way NOT to do this is to call other bands out at the same music event by saying "its called singing you should try it", "blah, blah, blah, skibby-dee be-bop, and Christopher Reeves, etc....."  That tends to make other band's "fans" not like you, and generally ends up getting you flipped-off.  Not because they disliked your music, but more so because you are telling them how you don't like the music specifically that they do.  Sometimes a little etiquette goes a long way...

Another thought on that point, music "scenes" generally tend to be made up of 60/40 musicians to people who actually give a fuck about live/local music.  A good way to have that "scene" not welcome you with open, out-stretched arms is to call out those who exist within it.  Again, just a thought.

Another thought on the whole singing/screaming thing.  In my previous band, I played and sang (minimal screaming mind-you) and it has been my experience that screaming actually demands more of your body than singing.  So speaking objectively, it's called screaming, try it, if you can.....if not then again that's your choice, and we respect that.

As far as them stating that it was essentially just them and five other "screaming, thrashing around" bands that night.  C'mon buddy, I mean were you actually there and paying attention!!???  Like I said, if you're going to piss and moan, at least be rational and factually correct about what you are stating.  If I recall correctly, C.O.R.E. performed that night, and all I heard was singing from them.  Bloodletting and Knowlyfe (also part of the festivities that evening) are about half and half singing and screaming, and in my most humble opinion, they do their singing pretty well. 

As far as being the only "true rock" band left in town, well that's just ridiculous, there are plenty of bands who stick to the more traditional roots of rock, vocally speaking, at Mac's Bar every weekend.  I have plenty of friends who are musicians in bands who don't scream and it makes no difference as to whether I support them or not.

As far as the "thrashing around" and "not being able to understand a word they say", again I was there that night, and although I heard no screaming (just alot of whining, as if we were momentarily at a junior high talent show) from this band's set, I still could not understand at least three quarters of what the vocals were saying.  Maybe that's because I'm not familiar with the material, or the eq was weird or whatever.  The point is, is that if you actually pay attention it's not that hard to tell what bands are saying when the vocals are primarily screamed (or conversely, when they are melodically sang either).

It's a little hard to believe also that they were so disadvantaged by the type of music they play.  If I'm not mistaken Q106 had around 120 bands apply to be in the show, and only 24 made it.  Meaning alot of people were left out that could have made an argument that they deserved in.  So obviously someone likes your music enough to pick you out of the crowd, further, YOU MADE IT TO THE FINALS!  How can you piss and moan about the outcome of the show (and it's musical composition) when there were, beyond those who didn't even get to participate, 18 other bands that I'm sure would have gladly (and un-arrogantly) accepted your time slot?  I mean you made it to the finals, obviously the people of Lansing supported you enough to get you there.

At the risk of sounding like a pisser and moaner myself I'm gonna wrap this shit up B.  In conclusion, everyone has a choice about the music they wish to play, and nobody can say shit to you once you decide your path, because it's not their choice to make.  That being so, respect other musician's choices, even if you don't care for them, and until next time...

NO CRYING IN ROCK AND ROLL (unless you are an emo kid, and then I guess it's ok, we won't hate on you for it)

Love,

SL