ASSIMILATE THIS
Aug 1, 2004 12:00 PM, The Remix Editors, Robert Hanson Erin Hutton Kylee Swenson
A couple of months ago, we talked about originality, and given the group of people that we're covering this month, I (Robert) thought we should revisit the subject. All of our featured artists this month are so left-of-center in their sound, approach and image that it's difficult not to feel inspired, if not a little intimidated, by the stunning careers of each. Doing something truly unique isn't easy. In fact, our industry makes it downright impossible to go anywhere if you don't fit the current model of success or whatever rubbish the supposed “experts” are touting. The most important, influential and ultimately enjoyable acts are the ones that don't fit simple molds.
The unfortunate twist of fate is, when a truly groundbreaking artist does become successful, an inescapable swarm of parasites is already poised to take that special something and dilute it and destroy it through unabashed mimicry and repetition. The “follow the leader” syndrome is one of the worst conditions plaguing the music industry. And we in the press are no better. Countless artists have been heralded as “the greatest thing since sliced bread,” only to be silenced for years under the weight of bizarre and unrealistic expectations. For cover artist The Prodigy, it took Liam Howlett seven years after the '90s “electronica” explosion (of which The Prodigy was the hyped marquee act) to regain his perspective and motivation to start working again.
Skinny Puppy is another shining example of an act that has grown a die-hard following in spite of creating some of the most wholly uncommercial music around. As Cevin Key alludes to in our story, the band members started writing music simply because they wanted to create something that they could enjoy. Yet it's the groups that have borrowed from Skinny Puppy that have gone on to reap the real monetary awards and accolades — but we won't name any names.
And, finally, there are groups like Ming+FS that, like The Prodigy and Skinny Puppy, have forged a sound and a career completely on their own terms, and they are willing to jump genres and totally distort people's perception of what they do. Overall, the most important lesson to be gleaned from any of these artists is that they do what they do because they have to. It's not to make money or get ushered behind the velvet rope. And don't take this the wrong way: There is nothing wrong with promoting one's work or achieving success. But these artists work without fear of what they're supposed to do. They've made it because of the quality and originality of their work, and, ultimately, it's the reason that each of them will remain relevant for years to come.
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