| (continued from Page 2) Two big
music events this week. Apparently. Tonight
it’s The Underworld, tomorrow The Brits. The Brits are this week's media music
saturation. Those nominated for are well deserving, but I can’t feel an ounce of
passion for the event itslf. For genuine rock’n’roll, experience tonight is THE
essential event in town. Music is one of the most exciting and positive parts of our
collective history but only gets celebrated at exclusive, high profile events when it
should be part of the sixth form syllabus. I’ll feel more than an ounce of passion
once I see Miss Black America kick things off...
Awards ceremonies are the necessary oxygen of
exposure. The Lager Brats and The Credit Card Brits boost the industry annually. Prior to
that the End/Start of year tips line up possible next big things. Exciting as it all is,
there is no need to ignore the "not-the-next-big-thing" bands, especially if the
live audiences of tiny clubs are digging them to the point of obsession. Music is the
UK’s third biggest export, nurturing great talent is necessary. Many ignored bands
finally dissolve. Wasted talent is a crime.
Considering that Radiohead have
never been a Next Big Thing, retain the punk spirit of individuality and have never won a
Brit, it’s possible to think outside the mental box of who you’re allowed to
like and what "success" really is.
Invisible superstars like Mansun and
King Adora play sell-out tours to fans that aren’t put off by their
fave band being abused in or ignored by establishment media. It’s no coincidence that
I over/hear and see many a reference to these bands and fellow 21c punk cult idols Manic
Street Preachers, tonight. There’s an interconnectedness between all these
otherworldly acts that many of their audience appreciate or are part of.
On Planet Water exists The Friend,
part of which is Drowned In Sound - who organised this hugely successful
tour - this network is essential to invisible superstars and the future of music. That
these bands, zines, sites, individuals and organisations are often thriving without
funding is possibly thanks to the establishment keeping out and leaving it pure. Being
ignored also has benefits. If only you could get funding and mainstream exposure without
soul selling and cock sucking (and I suppose clit licking, in these days of equality).
For the last few years now, what’s going
on in BritainIreland would seem inferior to elsewhere if the establishment press are
to be believed, but music is one thing and geography is another. (so is fashion
for that matter). Great music has been international for years. Instead of complaining
there’s not much happening here, get the fuck to some small venues and check the
facts - there are no end of thrills. (continued on Page 3) |
welcome to 
03-003 Brights -v- Brits