Not Selling Out Or Buying in

I read this story today on Rock & Roll Daily and it warmed my soften idealistic mentality.  Indie 103.1 out of Los Angeles has been known as the preeminent alternative/indie radio station since it first hit the airwaves in 2003.  Now the station is being faced with making changes that included playing music they considered not worthy of the "cutting-edge" music they are known for.  So, instead of changing their format around and possibly making large sums of money, they said fuck you and have decided to air their broadcasts online only.

Granted, once you reach a certain age you realize the world isn't black and white and you have to make sacrifices to society.  You realize it's time to join in the with the rest of the drones and do what needs to be done to survive.  This can be done without losing your ideals, you just kinda have to tone them down.  It's just freakin' sweet to see a company take a stand and say "fuck you, we're going to do what we do best."  

I remember when the Edge radio station here in Dallas actually was "the cutting edge" of music.  I can't tell you how sad I've been for years to know that all they play is mostly, overwhelmingly, mainstream rock.  The only thing I've liked about that station since all the changes has been Josh Venable and his Sunday show.

Douchbaggery

Whether it be music, people or politics I like to think of myself as an open minded person. But, then I read things like the vapid douchebaggery of the above no talent ass clown and it really pisses me off.

I live in Dallas, but I'm a born and bred Okie. There are many things I love about my home state and our music history is the biggest. Sure, I'm not fans of Toby Keith, but millions are and it's something to be proud of. Then there are the Flaming Lips, a band I can get behind and love for all their lovely eccentricities.

But, then you get a band like Hinder and I can't really follow you there on any level. I believe Cock Rock has it's place in music like anything else. But, when it's done a poor fashion like the guys in Hinder I can't really get behind it. Guns n Roses? Sure, I could listen to Appetite all day and all night! Motley Crue? Sure, they gots some good tunes. Hinder? Not so much.

But, this isn't really about their music. It's about their drummer. He reminds me of the thick headed, slack jawed doofuses I grew up with. The ones who couldn't handle their own problems and had to bring their buddies to help them in a fight. The guy in the picture is Cody Hanson, drummer of the afore mentioned band Hinder. He went to have "words" with the editor of the Oklahoma Gazette about some unkind words written about him in the OKG.

What exactly was said you ask? Ummmm...how about the fact that Hanson didn't even drum on Hinder's debut album, even though he was in the band, he let a session drummer do it. Then he gets mad because he gets called out for it! Your going to get mad about getting called out for your lack of musical talent, really? Your bandmate even confirmed you didn't drum on your bands album...why not get mad at him? What a douche move. Even doucheyer was the fact he brought his boys with him for intimidation.

I just really can't get behind a band, even from my native state, that can't even play their own instruments. It's sad and pathetic. Just like bringing your boys to a fight.

Oh, and someone needs to tell him to not wear sleeveless t-shirts. Redheads don't need to show their underarm hair...it's gross.

I Don't Want To Get Off on a Rant Here...

How does Austin get two music festivals a year and the DFW metroplex gets nothing? Austin has the Fun Fun Fun Festival and the totally righteous Austin City Limits Festival.

Dallas, Denton and Ft. Worth all have good local bands. Can't a promoter somewhere find a way to encompass the best band of these three cities and get some major acts to throw a party? Last year Ft. Worth had the Wall of Sound Festival that was mad decent, but poorly attended. Can't they bring that festival closer to Dallas and Denton? I mean, if fucking Pryor, Oklahoma can get a festival why can the Metroplex? I mean surely we could have something to get the dude in the abover picture excited, right?

Please, someone take up this cause. I would, but, I don't be havin' no clout in the biz.