LETTER OF THE MONTH
May 1, 2007 12:00 PM
BACK TO THE FUTURE
The year was 1964, and The Impressions were all over the airwaves with their Keep on Pushing album. This was the first clue I had about the existence of the music business. In the early '70s, we had The Staple Singers, Earth Wind & Fire and the Jackson 5. By then, I was the owner of a brand-spankin'-new Silvertone guitar. I had managed to teach myself some of The Staple Singers songs, even though the guitar was never in tune (I didn't know it was supposed to be).
Although I have musical talent, I wasn't able to touch the music business for many years. There were other plans for me, such as getting married and having kids. Even within that process, I tried to do the music thing and raise a family, but it was not to be. I was the only bread winner, with my wife being at home with the babies. The family was more important, so I hunkered down into a full-time night job at a steel plant. Hey, it paid the bills and kept food on the table.
Fast-forward to the present — the music industry has changed dramatically. One of the major changes is that it's all about independent production and distribution now. I have gotten back in the game, thanks to inspiration from an Epiphone Les Paul that I won at a raffle at the local guitar store. Since winning that guitar, I have built my own home studio and have produced many works that will soon hit the Internet and hopefully major distribution.
Many artists of the '80s and '90s are regrouping and doing reunion tours, such as The Police, The Who, Genesis and Van Halen. I sense a resurrection of the industry is on the horizon, with baby boomers like me taking the lead. It's a resurgence to the level of entertainment of years ago. If I am right, I plan to be a part of this one, instead of sitting it out.
Legerald Rice
Chicago, Ill.
For sending in this month's winning letter, Legerald Rice wins his own Boss MicroBR (MSRP $319.50) Digital Recorder, the world's smallest pro studio. If you send in the most inspired correspondence next month — or simply the letter we like best — you'll win the Frontier Design Tranzport (MSRP $249) wireless DAW control. All you have to do is send an e-mail to remixeditorial@remixmag.com. Please include your full mailing address.
NORTH AMERICAN SCUM
This whole dogging of new technology has to stop. In response to your article on LCD Soundsystem's James Murphy (“Straight Shooter,” March 2007), I say he is a hypocrite and one of the many people who are holding back what should be sky-rocketing forward. Pissing on the idea of a computer for performance is ridiculous. What people must understand is that the computer is a tool, and a very powerful one. It is as much of a tool as the guitar, piano and a full orchestra. To deny the use of this tool is to move backward, and there is enough of that happening in the world today outside of music.
We need to move forward. It is because people have embraced computer performance that new technology has brought our hands away from keystrokes and mouse pads and onto knobs and buttons. With the computer as a brain, the arsenal for an artist — especially one who can't afford several analog synths and drum machines — has increased twofold. To deny the use of this tool is simply ridiculous. To piss on it, as James has, is like Matisse pissing on Picasso for the type of brush he used. It makes no sense, but I have little doubt that it will resonate in the minds of some impressionable folks who might second-guess what they are struggling to do.
For those using older technology, good for you. If it works, and you can make things happen, that is great. For those who are still searching high and low, this is your time. Every day something more powerful comes along. For some of us, the computer will be a key to the kingdom. Others will continue the quest. As for me, I piss on James Murphy for pissing on the obvious tool of today and the future for many, many artists — including himself.
Nick Meehan
Boston, Mass.
DEAR MR. MURPHY: F-U
While I might understand James Murphy's hatred for bands and artists who crouch behind laptops while throwing live sets, he should perhaps consider something; not all of us have the ability to hire on a live band to play our songs, and that does not mean that we should be confined to our bedrooms until we can get a live band and put on a “proper live show.” I've seen sets that absolutely kill from two guys, a laptop and a few synths, and I've seen horrible sets from huge bands who claim to be amazing in their six-piece zealotry. I don't even know that I care about having a live band with me anyway — not having someone on a drum kit has not stopped me from using live instrumentation and vocals in my songs, and it certainly hasn't made anyone not want to see me live.
All this “I'm better than you because I have a band” crap doesn't change the fact that if people like coming to your show to actually dance to your music, they're doing just that; they're not dancing to you wanking off in front of them because you're a rock star onstage with a backing band. We're not all monkeys checking our e-mail, Mr. Murphy. Some of us are actually working.
Brian Botkiller
Albuquerque, NM
James Murphy certainly has no qualms about speaking his mind. He's the type of guy who will tell you your ass is too fat for those jeans or that you're way too loaded to be hitting on women. Sometimes opinions like this are way off, and sometimes the truth hurts. We think Murphy was above all else dissing laziness in performers, not the tools they use. Whether it's a band that could play its tepid set in its sleep or a laptop DJ with no flare, he's sick of the lack of spontaneity and showmanship onstage that can make you want to pass out not from drunkenness, but from boredom. — The Editors
THE FAVORITEST OF ALL
I have been a subscriber to your magazine for several years now. I love it. It is by far my favorite music magazine. The selection of artists that you feature is top-notch. In fact, this newest issue, March 2007, might be my favorite ever.
Judson Lee
Los Angeles, Calif.
IT'S STILL CONTAGIOUS
I was reading the interview with Scott Storch (“Captain Contagious,” June 2006) in Remix magazine. I just wanted to let you know that you got everything out of that interview that I wanted to know about him; he is my idol producer. I am currently a student at the Los Angeles Recording School. I hope really soon you will be interviewing me if you guys feature upcoming young producers in an issue of the magazine.
Zack Sverid
Via e-mail
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