A tight-knit Scene

So, last night, I had the chance to house three young musicians who are currently out on the road working on a Hot Topic acoustic tour.

The crazy part, was that I had no real idea of who these three gentlemen were as individuals. I pressed their latest disc here at Copycats Media, and they stopped in to discuss a few things about the duplication. After I got to talking to them, I discovered that they were playing a show in Maplewood, MN at the Hot Topicin the mall, and that they had no place to stay for the evening. Having been in a band for the past 8+ years and being on the road for a good part of the last 3 years, I know first hand what it’s like to stay in your vehicle in the parking lot of the nearest Wal-Mart. So, I exchanged numbers with them and told them to crash at my place for the evening.

Once they showed up to my townhome, we sat down to chat a little bit. I always love talking with musicians to see where they’ve been and where they want to be. We had a lot of good conversation. The topic that really got me thinking, was the concept behind local scenes.

I know I’ve griped about how I feel that the Minneapolis scene has deteriorated so horribly in the past few years, but last night really made me realize how bad things have got.

It used to be that bands/musicians would go out to a show at their local venues, not knowing the band they were going to be checking out, and more than likely, would end up offering a floor for said band to crash on. Not only did this give the musicians a roof over their head for the evening, but it also kept the scene closely knit together. There aren’t as many of these musicians willing to live by the “code”. I didn’t have to worry whether or not these guys that I had just met face to face a week  before taking something from my apartment. Hell, I left them with the key!

I can remember staying at someones house that was gracious enough to take us in with the trust that we weren’t going to screw them in any which way shape or form. We were doing our thing, and they respected that enough to take us in. There aren’t enough people out there that love/respect new music enough to go to shows to offer these services anymore. These days, people just want Myspace or Purevolume to introduce them to “new” music out there.

This scene could once again thrive, if only there were more people actually interested in going to a show of a band that they don’t know, and offering up a place for them to stay….or in the very least a LITTLE hospitality. Instead, we all (yes, I’m guilty of it too) stay in our living rooms watching re-runs of LOST and think, “God, it would be great if there was more Live music coming through this area”. There’s plenty! Revive our scene. Go to local shows. Support local venues. Even if there’s not a band playing that you know their music; surprise yourself.

Myspace killed the local scene(?). Quite possibly….but we let it.

Not the first…

So, I realize that I’m definitely not the first one to start blogging about this…but hell…God knows I’m not going to be the last, that’s for sure.

Yesterday was a brutal day. First Farah, and then Wacko Jacko go the way of David Carradine. They say these things come in 3′s. Wednesday finds Mr. McMahon hanging out with the Rat Pack, and then a day later, we count two more fingers off of our hands. Who’s next? Patrick Swayze? Possibly.

Here’s the thing that bothers me about a celebrity like Michael Jacksons death; how easy it is to forget about all of the mean spirited things that have been said or done directed towards this specific person. Or, worse yet, how easy it is for society to forget about all of the awful things that this person has done.

Sure, Michael inspired a ton of people and has done many amazing things for many different communities…but what about those (alleged) accusations of the horrible things that he (supposedly) put those children through? Is it really that easy to forget about these terrible things simply just because this person has died? Apparently, in death, all of your horrible sins have been washed away simply due to the fact that you were a HUGE mega celebrity. Seriously?

It’s sort of like when Kirby Puckett had gone through his ordeals of abusing his wife…but when he died, he was a golden god of sorts. No one remembered the horror his wife went through while being physically abused by a mad man.

I’m not saying that a person is not to be forgiven….but Jesus…after all the hell that mainstream media put poor Jacko through, it’s amazing to me that now, all of a sudden, Michael is back to this super star status that he once experienced….all because he died. Let’s simply forget about the fact that he (again…supposedly) molested children…or was a crazy parent who hung his child over a balcony to show fans…or that he covered his children up while out in public…treating them like the side show he had since become….Let’s completely forget about the creepy aspect that he subjected himself too…or that his nose was falling off as a result of his shame in the race he was born. Hell, let’s just forget that he was a tortured soul due to the fact that our insistant need for more Wacko Jacko gossip pushed him to quite possibly be the freakshow that he was at the end…I mean…that couldn’t possibly have been because of us…..right?

Look at things like this: Had Britney Spears pushed herself over the edge…would the mainstream media be mourning her death in the same way? “Pop princess dies a tragic death” would more than likely be the headline. Bullsh*t. Millions of fans would have “mourned” her death..but only because she was a celebrity. How quickly everyone would forget about the tabloids and the newspapers, and the cameras that were shoved into her face…constantly invading her privacy. It’s tragic that she died…not that we possibly drove her to it….but we would so easily forget about all of the horrible things that she has done and put herself and family (including children) through.

I hate mainstream society….just saying.

I’ve already forgot about this.

Do Not Enter

It’s happening again!

About ten years ago, when I moved to the fine city of Minneapolis, MN, I couldn’t believe at how alive this city was with music. I walked through the downtown streets of Minneapolis with my backpack on, and Meshuggah‘s “Chaosphere” blarring in my headphones. As I walked down Washington, I couldn’t help but smile as I was passing by all of the buildings that downtown has to offer. Me being a South Dakota boy, I had never really seen buildings like this before. As clichè as it sounds, this city really was living and breathing. It intrigued me.

I spent a good amount of my Friday nights going to (what was then) The Quest. At this point in time, they were in cohorts with 93x putting on “The Quest For Mayhem”. It was geared towards having all local bands play both the mainstage and the smaller stage located in the upstairs called “The Ascot Room”. Every Friday night was different….different bands, different crowd…all together different atmosphere at every turn. I can even remember nights that we had to wait for people to permanently leave so that the venue wasn’t over capacity. This event sold out almost every Friday night. Minneapolis was a music mogule…..was.

It took a couple of years…but somehow, the music scene started to lose steam. Bands that were loved and well respected in the scene started to disband…and the members weren’t creating new projects that their old fans could latch onto…they just sort of disappeared. As bands were breaking up, venues were also closing down. Places like The Quest were closing their doors. Things were getting so bad around the area, that even the infamous First Ave was closed down for a couple of weeks threatening for an eternity of disgruntled live music fans. We all lucked out a couple of weeks later when new management took over the nightclub and brought it back to the First Ave that we all knew and loved. It seemed like there still was people who really did care about music and didn’t want to see it die.

However, venues kept closing…and bands kept breaking up. The breath was slowly being taken out of the lungs of the Minneapolis music scene.

Which is what brings me to the point of this blog. I caught word yesterday, that yet another Minneapolis venue was closing down and being sold. When one of the employees came to work in the morning, he was surprised when he went to unlock the door and they were all chained shut, and there was a “For Sale” sign in the window. Talk about a rough way to find out that you were out of a job!

The venue I’m referring to was Trocadero’s. Although not a lot of people knew of the club (or even where it was), it was starting to caught steam and pick up some momentum….or so I thought. Yet another venue here in the cities that has shut its’ doors. It’s no wonder our Twin Cities music scene is dieing. Local bands don’t have a place to play anymore. Hell, that’s why I left South Dakota! There’s nothing there as far as music is concerned. Unless you were The Spill Canvas or Nodes of Ranvier, you weren’t worth anyones time of day. There may have been 2 venues (if you were lucky) that were willing to let a live band play…but you better bring in a shit-ton of people or you’ll never play again. Which is why I’m so saddened by all of these venues closing, and all of these bands breaking up and the musicians doing nothing after the demise of their intial band. It’s depressing. It’s South Dakota all over again.

I’ll end it with this: Even though we’re at a state between love and loss, something needs to breathe life into the lungs of this scene again. Who/what will it be?

Mogwai

I got to see Mogwai last night.

It was rather incredible. When my brother warned me that they were going to be the loudest band that I had ever heard, I was half expecting to tell him he was an idiot after the show…I had seen Cave Inafter all back in the day in the Ascot Room…and I was pluggin my ears so the blood would NOT drain out of them. They were so loud and ear piercing it was insane! There was no way that Mogwair could show that intensity of sound up. They did.

I don’t typically wear ear plugs when I go to concerts….I always feel like I’m cheating my ears out of the beauty that is captivating the rest of the audience. I just can’t do that to my ears. It’s like taking a child to Disneyworld and standing outside of the front gates saying, “That sure looks like fun doesn’t it?”. However, taking my brothers suggestion into consideration, I had the ear plugs ready. Half way through the first song, they were in. Even with a wide open room like the First Avenue main stage room, it was still loud and driving. When all 3 guitars, as well as the bass guitar, would click into their overdrive pedals, the room seemed to pulsate with the life that was music.

Other than the intesity of how loud the music was, the show was fantastic. It was my first time seeing Mogwai, and I didn’t leave disappointed. The opening band wasn’t exactly my cup of tea, but that’s the beautiful part about music…I don’t haveto like it. I respect it. For the opening band, that’s all the farther it went though. I found myself wishing Mogwai had done the same as the Mars Volta had done, and just play a 3 hour set with zero openers. It probably would have served them better.

The music was such a roller coaster of dynamics. I’ve always loved Mogwai, but seeing them live was necessity. They somehow are able to take the listener some place they have never been before. All of this, with the use of hardly any vocals. The instruments and the music all speak for themselves. Individualized completely, but intertwined with one another, the music took me on an endeavor I hadn’t been on in a while. They were the type of band I could see myself watching while sitting at the Pantages Theater and the atmosphere was mellon collie…and the attendance was packed and all so very anxious to see/feel the music. Mogwai comes out and opens the show..and then Sigur Ros finishes it. But now I’m just dreaming. I’m aloud to dream if I want

The only part of the show (besides the opening band) that I didn’t like, was the three encores that followed the show. I have never been a huge fan of encores…but three? I think what made it the most obnoxious part of, was that every time they walked off the stage, their stage crew immediately was on the stage setting up for the next encore. If you know you’re going to come out and play another song…why not just stay on the stage and play the friggin’ song? Fine…I suppose I can stand another encore….but three?! I guess it’s just not my bag. I’d rather just see a band play the songs they were intending to play, and then exit with grace from the stage. That’s all.

All in all though, it was an amazing experience, and one that I’m glad I got to partake in. Will I go see Mogwai every time that they come to town? No, probably not…but I recommend making the trip out to see them at least once. They’re an amazing band. Check out 2 of their discs that happen to be my favorite: Rock Action, Mr. Beast

Live Shows

Are live bands becoming this petty? Or have they always been this way?

I went home to South Dakota this weekend for a quick little visit. Although I hate that place, it’s always nice to jump back for a short time and see what has developed since the last return home. Since a good majority of my family still lives there, it makes it for a faster visit than one would want in the first place. My time never seems to be more valuable than when I am in South Dakota!!

While I was home, I was in the Guitar Center that my brother manages and started talking to a few bands/musicians. It’s nice. I’m always in my element when talking to a musician. We typically are able to understand each other on one wave length or another.

As I was speaking with one of the employees of this particular GC, I asked him how his show was the night before. Having full knowledge that I’m a Minneapolis boy, and they played with a Minneapolis band as part of the bill (who happens to be good friends of mine as well), he proceeded to tell me all about how the evening went:

“It was good I guess….but we’re not exactly the same type of music as (_said band_)…so it made it diffucult. I’m not a big fan of their music either…so it wasn’t like any of the people that came out to see us were going to stick around for them anyway….besides…we only got 30 mins to play.”

I find a good amount of this entire part of the conversation to be quite unsettling. I’m a musician. I’ve played in a band for the better part of the past 10 years. I know how the scene rolls. I didn’t really let it sink in until I was at my brothers show (Roman Ships is the band name…check em out!) later that evening.

“They were complaining that they had to play first….”

This was the comment that started me thinking about the pretentious attitudes that most bands these days are grasping on to. The band that played second (and sadly enough was from Minneapolis also), made a last minute phone call demanding to play second because they were from out of town. Maybe I’m biased, but they should definitely NOT have played second. Or, perhaps I’m just quite tired of the stoner rock that has encompassed too many of the Frat houses around many university campuses. Who knows…but it’s always interesting to me to see how an out of town band interacts with the environment.

Instead of sitting back and being thrilled that they were playing outside of the typical Minneapolis area, they were complaining about their placement on the bill…but then getting to the show and complaining about how the first band was a bunch of whiners because they were opening the show (which there was never any whining about their placement on the bill).

It saddens me at how bands are these days. Who knows? Perhaps they’ve always been this way and I was blessed with the only 3 musicians in this world that didn’t care about how things were…they just wanted to play music.

I’m crossing my fingers for the day that musicians are able to unite, and play music for the reason that I feel every musician should be playing music in the first place: Because they want people to hear it and appreciate it.

Live music has become too much show boating, and not enough producing. And by producing, I mean actually being able to pull off the music being played…not just a production. Put your money where your mouth is and play your music. That’s what I’m here for.

I’m saddened by these statements. Instead of bringing a band from out of state to help with new fans…you tell your fans you’re opening the show and ONLY playing 30 mins…so feel free to take off after we play. Wow….you shouldn’t be in a band.

I’m off of my soap box. I’m going to leave this conversation at this….It just bums me out when I see bands acting like Divas instead of reaching out their hand to the musician standing right next to them.

New Music

I’m a stickler for new music.

There has been plenty of times that I sit at night in my bouts of insomnia, and I scour the internet for “new” music. It’s an addiction that I have…but for some reason, I am never happy with my current collection of music. The other problem that I find, is that I’ll get stuck on a certain CD and am not able to peel myself away from said CD. It seems to happen far more often than it should.

Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE my collection of music that has taken me years to acquire…but I constantly need MORE! I love any type of music really. As long as there’s something about it that just grabs my ear. So, it makes it rather difficult to really dig in deep when I’m running around through the chaotic world of Myspace. Sometimes, I have the naive belief that if I check out a band that I’m really into, that maybe….just maybe…their top friends are going to pose of interest and I’m going to be able to stumble upon a band that I haven’t heard before. I mean, if they’re on this band that I’m completely stupid for’s top friends list…there MUST be something about them that’s amazing. 9 times out of 10, they’re not…and I’m left disappointed.

I’ve found a CD though that I’ve been stuck on for the past few weeks. They have a new release coming out on May 5th that I can’t seem to keep my anxious little self from drooling over. I’m excited…yet somewhat nervous. The EP that they released was soooo good, that it just might come back to bite me in the tail. Here are a few suggestions that I suggest checking out though:

Closure in Moscow (Equal Vision Records): This band has kept me singing loudly in my car for the past 3 weeks now. I’m a big fan of Equal Vision Records. I always find myself suckered in by that high pitched male voice that I can never seem to acquire unless I’m busting out a quiet under the breath falsetto. I love them. Their new release is coming out the 5th of May. If it’s anything like their EP they released while still living in Australia, I’m going to be thrilled!

Eye Alaska (Fearless Records): These cats released a rather amazing EP as well. It was quite a nice change from all of the rest of the music that I had been listening to at the time. Nice catchy hooks, and a smooth, almost R&B-esque feel to the melodies. They definitely did things right. With the younger brother of Dustin Kensrue (lead singer of Thrice) in the band, you know they were bound to do something great. I am however a littler nervous for their new LP to be released this summer. After previewing the first track released from the recording…I can’t say I’m really sold yet. time will only tell.

Zachary Lucky (unsigned): While working at Copycats, I have the distinct luxury of working with a lot of amazing bands. This particular artist really stood out to me. I’m a big fan of folk and acoustic music. After popping this Canadian based songwriter into my CD player, I was pleasantly surprised to hear the relaxing tunes that were coming out of my speakers. His new EP that he just released is a great buy. http://www.myspace.com/zacharylucky

Damietta (unsigned): This is a Minneapolis, MN based hardcore project. Although I love hardcore/metal music, it’s really hard to find something that breaks out of the mold. Even if it’s in the mold, it is sometimes difficult to find a band that grabs you and makes you want to keep listening. I worked these fine young lads on their current EP release “Awakening” and found out how truly awesome of dudes these guys were. They have a nice zeal for the music they play and are genuine with their attitudes. I took the time to listen to their EP and wasn’t disappointed after I did. I can only assume that Damietta will soon be on a label showing the world what sort of force they can be. At their age, it’s only a matter of time!

Other than that, it’s the same old same old when it comes to my music collection. I will keep you up to date on all of the great music that I happen to stumble upon…and gloat about all of the other bands that we all listen to, but for one reason or another, don’t praise nearly as much as we should!!

Word!

-Z

Only The Beginning

I’ve been allowed a Blog all of my very own! Who’s bright idea was this?! Someone really shot themselves in the foot thinking it was a good idea to let me come on here and rant and rave at free will! I suppose now I have to do the noble thing and try to use it for the greater good of being amazing. I’ll definitely do what I can!

So, with that being said, try not to hate my sometimes over the top opinions, or even more frequent silly antics that tend to go absolutely NO WHERE!! Trust me…it happens far more often than the “average” blogger. I’m good at rambling.

With all of that being said: Welcome to my all new, all exclusive blog site! Read when you feel like it…sometimes watch the video segments I choose to post…and from time to time…you may just catch a picture or two of all of the crazy antics that us kids like to get ourselves into over here at the fantastic world of Copycats Media.

Welcome one, welcome all!

Word

-Z