Weird Email

**highlandtide** · 8th June 05, 06:28 AM

I got this weird email today from an annonymous (and unregistered) sender and when I tried to respond the email bounced...weird.

If the sender wants to come back and explain I would be more than happy to listen and discuss, but you will have to be a little more specific...

The following message was sent to you via the X Marks the Scot - A Kilted Community Contact Us form by sarah.

Although encouraged by some of the support shown to celtic musicians, i was disappointed by the lack of encouragement of the members to allow bands to grow and change direction. I think you must be a performer yourself to realize that if you can't keep changing and challenging yourself the whole band thing will become boring, and then audiences will never have the opportunity to listen to and appreciate new original talent.
Please do not be so closed minded!

I assume she is talking about me trashing Seven Nations, but I am not sure b/c she didn't explain.

**Jimmy Carbomb** · 8th June 05, 06:46 AM

My thoughts on the source of the complaint too. I guess what she doesn't realize is that bands (Gaelic Storm included) DO make changes. We do it too. The difference is that Seven Nations is ranging FAR from their traditional Irish roots and pretty much shirking it totally in live performances. If she has a problem with that fact... too bad.

There are plenty of bands out there that are MORE than happy to fill the void and grow a following. I actually applaud Gaelic Storm for their innovative music, AND their ability to maintain their roots. It's tough to do with the available money out there! When Seven Nations realizes that they're shoving their faithful followers aside for the "pop" bucks and attention, they'll earn my favor back. I can't wait for that day.

As for the email itself... ain't being an Administrator fun?

**macsim** · 18th June 05, 06:30 AM

I guess it's an ages-old dilema. I think most musicians as a rule want to constantly grow and do new things. Those who don't end up being "wedding singers." There's the "artistic" side vs. the "I really need to pay my bills" side. The fans want to hear the hits of course. I guess Pete Townsend nailed it when he said "Hope I die before I get old." He didn't and now he's stuck playing the hits. Hendrix did die and he's revered as one of the greats, but would he have been great had he lived? He might be out there with Mick and Keef playing the oldies!

I'm a "church musician." I've fought battles for years to bring contemporary music in but the "pillars of the church" (the ones who hold everything up) fight it tooth and nail. The musicians always seem to be on the cutting edge and unfortunately it takes time for some other folks to catch up.

Interestingly, we do a number of "Celtic" flavored songs. I've managed to work the bohdran in a couple of times and for Christmas a couple of years ago I wore my dress kilt outfit in place of the tux the rest of the orchestra had to wear. I played drums which meant of course sitting down and spreading my legs wide open to accomodate bass and hi-hat pedals. Further, it's a Roland electronic set so there's no large drums in front of me to "cover up." It was a hoot for me. I could've sworn I saw a couple of the old ladies on the front row craining their necks.

Anyway, I think there's plenty of room in music for those who grow and those who prefer to stick to the tried and true. Whatsoever you do, do it as unto the Lord.

**tjpillow** · 22nd June 05, 07:34 AM

I assume she is talking about me trashing Seven Nations, but I am not sure b/c she didn't explain.

Im not sure what was said as far as 7n is concerned but I wish musicians would try to understand the fans side of things. i completely support artistic freedom but when you dump your celtic format and go say, pop , you take the chance that you left behind what endeared you to your fans.

sidenote, pop/rock, in the traditional american sense, is neither new nor innovative. I have 9 local radio stations to prove it.

**highlandtide** · 22nd June 05, 11:33 AM

Well well well. Glad to see you finally joined in the conversation!

You are right about all of that!

**jfellrath** · 22nd June 05, 11:43 AM

Originally Posted by tjpillow

Im not sure what was said as far as 7n is concerned but I wish musicians would try to understand the fans side of things. i completely support artistic freedom but when you dump your celtic format and go say, pop , you take the chance that you left behind what endeared you to your fans.

It's been said in the past that yes, in the U.S. we do have freedom of speech, but then we also have freedom not to listen if we don't want. A lot of folks don't understand that.

**TheFly** · 22nd June 05, 12:00 PM

Originally Posted by jfellrath

It's been said in the past that yes, in the U.S. we do have freedom of speech, but then we also have freedom not to listen if we don't want. A lot of folks don't understand that.

I think it has something to do with a sesne of betrayal, to some point. You find a band that you like, and relate with. You listen to their "recorded" music over and over and over, letting it engrain in your identity of yourself. Then, they release a live album or something that dpearts from what you first fell in love with and you're left asking yourself "I love thi sband, but hate this song. What does that say about me?"

Sort of like in Chasing Amy (I think it was) when so-and-so comes out, after finding out someone else is gay. It causes him to take a close look at himself. (I have not seen Chasing Amy since it came out ;))

**tjpillow** · 8th August 05, 11:41 AM

Originally Posted by TheFly

Sort of like in Chasing Amy (I think it was) when so-and-so comes out, after finding out someone else is gay. It causes him to take a close look at himself. (I have not seen Chasing Amy since it came out ;))

More like that great girl you have that you love to death and then she decides she needs a break. sure there are other girls but man i really loved her ....(whimper.. sniff )... hey who is THAT?!

**Kilted Stuart** · 11th August 05, 05:44 PM

Just saw Seven Nations at the Fergus Games opening for Great Big Sea. Even though they have played everyday since the 6th and just arrived from Pa to do a show before leaving for Iowa state fair the next day, they left us wishing they played longer. They showed some real energy and I could have watched them play all evening. They didn't disappoint us for sure.