As you may know, my studio Bastille is set within Inner Ear. This morning I heard something where someone remarked on the records on the wall, saying its sad that those old records (Fugazi) are the only things of note the studio has to claim, and the areas obsession with 80s/90s punk has squashed the growth of interest in anything that doesnt sound like 80s/90s punk. This touched a nerve with me. Do you only care about Fugazi? Do you only want to hear bands that sound like Fugazi? I dont know anyone that unimaginative or uncurious, and Im a 34 year old suburban guy who doesnt get out much. That said, the Fugazi records will always hang on the wall here. It isnt sad that theyre what this place is best known for. It isnt sad that Noel Redding is best known for having played bass with Jimi Hendrix. Its having played a part in something thats fairly looked upon as a great artistic achievement that remains vital and vibrant through decades. Thats something to be proud of. Theres a lot more to be proud of, too. Aside from “old punk stuff,” the two studios in this building have hosted Bluebrain, More Humans, Aloha, The Foo Fighters, Elliott Smith, The Tender Thrill, Frodus, ACME, Andrew Bird, Paperhaus, Janel & Anthony, The Evens, Vic Chesnutt, Bellflur, Jimmy Eat World, Title Tracks, The Walkmen, Grouplove, Tereu Tereu, etc – so there are critical darlings, area favorites, platinum selling pop artists, and one of the biggest rock bands in the world, with dozens and dozens more local bands, just within these walls. Id say thats a worthy range of projects to claim. To suggest that bands in this area go uncared for because of an infatuation with the past suggests to me a disconnect from what the area is actually producing, and the spirit of cooperativeness which has taken root. Theres a lot to be excited and hopeful about for musicians and listeners around here.
Posted on: Tue, 12 Aug 2014 21:08:08 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015