It upsets me to see an artist be lambasted by the label like this.
I think too much just for something to do. Without overanalyzing everything, I'd have way too much time on my hands
Actually...I stink too much
I think too much just for something to do. Without overanalyzing everything, I'd have way too much time on my hands
I think too much just for something to do. Without overanalyzing everything, I'd have way too much time on my hands
I just want to say, personally, to you Devin, and to all here:
Devin, there are people that love you, the man, and you, the musician, unconditionally and because of the music that you release. Your music is REAL. It is part of an essence, that being the essence of expressing the truth of oneself. You should be commended for that. And the fact that close to a million fans of yours exist in the metal, and non-metal world today. Well, that's simply astounding. You stand tall with the likes of Opeth, a very popular metal band, but also bands like Tool and Jane's Addiction, bands that can do what they please and when they please, because they are respected first as musicians with creativity that seems almost tangible. I am a firm believer that you, the artists, should be permitted to do as you please. The simple fact is, thousands upon thousands of people cannot wait to hear Deconstruction and Ghost. In all these albums, you have created something for everyone. Your music will be found on iPods all over. Your music will prove to be something different, exciting, strange and intriguing, all at the same time. You are a musician that is affecting and has affected the lives of so many in an unfathomably positive way. You, with your music, both brimming with a darkness and a light (often both or a mixture of representing how we understand life), have brought such clarity to both your life and ours. People love you, Devin. They love your music, and what it has done for them, and what it has done for you. They love your vitality, and your radiance, and your outgoing nature. My friends are not huge fans of Devin Townsend's music, but they are huge fans of the man himself. We met you at a show here, in my hometown of West Chester, PA. You wished me happy birthday on stage. You were kind, humble, and patient. You were fun, silly, and comforting. You are a fantastic human being.
So enough with this stroking, lol. My original point remains this: People love your music, but people also love you. Your personality is infectious, and people flock to it, because it is comforting. Don't allow these bastards to get you down. You are independent and original in a world that seems mostly dependent and banal. You make things interesting. You inspire people, whether you admit it or not. I like to think we all inspire one another, whether it be our father's or mothers, brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, teachers, students, co-workers.... the list goes on. You inspire people with so much. It's a shame to me the record company does not see this.
I would tell them this: "Let's see what happens." I'm willing to be they will be shocked by their own ignorance. They will be shocked by how the completion of this four album project paves avenues to all structuring's of music. And then they will be shocked by the immense interest not only in this eclectic and diverse musician, but they will be shocked by the interest in this musician with such a vibrant zest for life, love, and the pursuit of happiness. Because aren't those all, whether we admit it or not, qualities we seek.
Devin, there are people that love you, the man, and you, the musician, unconditionally and because of the music that you release. Your music is REAL. It is part of an essence, that being the essence of expressing the truth of oneself. You should be commended for that. And the fact that close to a million fans of yours exist in the metal, and non-metal world today. Well, that's simply astounding. You stand tall with the likes of Opeth, a very popular metal band, but also bands like Tool and Jane's Addiction, bands that can do what they please and when they please, because they are respected first as musicians with creativity that seems almost tangible. I am a firm believer that you, the artists, should be permitted to do as you please. The simple fact is, thousands upon thousands of people cannot wait to hear Deconstruction and Ghost. In all these albums, you have created something for everyone. Your music will be found on iPods all over. Your music will prove to be something different, exciting, strange and intriguing, all at the same time. You are a musician that is affecting and has affected the lives of so many in an unfathomably positive way. You, with your music, both brimming with a darkness and a light (often both or a mixture of representing how we understand life), have brought such clarity to both your life and ours. People love you, Devin. They love your music, and what it has done for them, and what it has done for you. They love your vitality, and your radiance, and your outgoing nature. My friends are not huge fans of Devin Townsend's music, but they are huge fans of the man himself. We met you at a show here, in my hometown of West Chester, PA. You wished me happy birthday on stage. You were kind, humble, and patient. You were fun, silly, and comforting. You are a fantastic human being.
So enough with this stroking, lol. My original point remains this: People love your music, but people also love you. Your personality is infectious, and people flock to it, because it is comforting. Don't allow these bastards to get you down. You are independent and original in a world that seems mostly dependent and banal. You make things interesting. You inspire people, whether you admit it or not. I like to think we all inspire one another, whether it be our father's or mothers, brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, teachers, students, co-workers.... the list goes on. You inspire people with so much. It's a shame to me the record company does not see this.
I would tell them this: "Let's see what happens." I'm willing to be they will be shocked by their own ignorance. They will be shocked by how the completion of this four album project paves avenues to all structuring's of music. And then they will be shocked by the immense interest not only in this eclectic and diverse musician, but they will be shocked by the interest in this musician with such a vibrant zest for life, love, and the pursuit of happiness. Because aren't those all, whether we admit it or not, qualities we seek.
The Dev wrote:Actually...I stink too much
I think too much just for something to do. Without overanalyzing everything, I'd have way too much time on my hands
LOL Yeah, I actually am the same exact way. It's easier to say "stop" that it is to actually do it. I have a bad habit of telling people what I think they should do when I know damned well I'm being a hypocrite. I kick ass at advice. I wish I would take my own. lol
Artist's create not because they want to but because they need to. What form the artwork takes is not up to the creator and how it is received by those that consume it is beyond the ability of the creator to affect. I can't speak for Devin but I'd wager he'd compose the music he makes whether he got paid for it or not and whether people liked it or not. Luckily there's enough of us to keep him going so we hear the fruits of his labor.
Billbo wrote:
This
I only have to go around a music venue or a metal bar to ask "hey have you heard of Devin Townsend?" And the consensus is usually positive, even people who don't like the music appreciate you! And like Billbo said; your personality is infectious, and it REALLY reflected that at the London show the other week, I've never been to a gig where the crowd is genuinely full of love! I've seen many failed attempts, though..."wheeee! Everyone in the crowd hug eachother yeah!"
"...the fuck you on? SING FUCKING SONG YOU SLAG."
I've never said you're a God, or whatever; but people like you don't crop up too often in this world, and unfortunately we don't always hear about the rest. You could be a traffic warden for all I care and still be that person(!) but you're not, you're a dude that does music, and your fantastic personality is reflected through this, which is what makes it so good in my opinion
Yeah there will be a lot of irrational haters (cause let's face it, what's the point in getting so angry over some tunes?!) but there's a helluva lot of people who love you for being you! Take a leaf out of my book, if you're gonna think about stuff too much, make sure it's nice stuff and play the ignorant card on all the crappy stuff! This is why I am always in an annoyingly good mood 
Well, unless I'm at the postal depot...nothing makes me go more batshit than trying to locate a missing parcel...I mean have you SEEN the state of the Royal Mail?!Oh and *gives a can of Axe*
What I really don't get is how labels are so short sighted when it comes to stuff like this.
I mean how much momentum can Addicted generate in terms of attracting extra sales. Devin strikes me as one of those guys that go around with a core audience and the "casual" fans come and go. Besides his music is pretty weird to the "common guy". So in the end I think the ones that inject money into the label are the core audience (a.k.a us) and I really don't think we give a shit about any "momentum" or "accessibility".
It surprises me that the label does not realize that the best way to have commercial "success" is to present us the core audience with multiple and interesting options in regards to how we buy Devin's output (I think must of us would agree to purchase the boxset or decon and ghost in any sort of form and price.) I are At least I'm really willing to support whatever he actually puts out because we have a certain knowledge of his abilities as a musician and his motivations as a person. (So I don't give a shit in how the label presents it to me.)
Most of the other people interested in buying Devin's output would be attracted by live shows or by the always effective word of mouth and they would probably end up buying stuff. I don't deny the possibility that someone that is not a fan would stumble upon an "accessible" record in a shop or otherwise (promotion blahblahblah) . But I really don't understand how this people try to market his output to this small sector of possibility instead of US.
P.S: I think it's because for most modern mainstream artists it operates exactly the other way around (they milk you as much as possible because you're not going to stick around as the artist is a fad or a product created by the label) but that's a whole other WALL OF TEXT. And besides, I'm 19 what the hell would I know.
I mean how much momentum can Addicted generate in terms of attracting extra sales. Devin strikes me as one of those guys that go around with a core audience and the "casual" fans come and go. Besides his music is pretty weird to the "common guy". So in the end I think the ones that inject money into the label are the core audience (a.k.a us) and I really don't think we give a shit about any "momentum" or "accessibility".
It surprises me that the label does not realize that the best way to have commercial "success" is to present us the core audience with multiple and interesting options in regards to how we buy Devin's output (I think must of us would agree to purchase the boxset or decon and ghost in any sort of form and price.) I are At least I'm really willing to support whatever he actually puts out because we have a certain knowledge of his abilities as a musician and his motivations as a person. (So I don't give a shit in how the label presents it to me.)
Most of the other people interested in buying Devin's output would be attracted by live shows or by the always effective word of mouth and they would probably end up buying stuff. I don't deny the possibility that someone that is not a fan would stumble upon an "accessible" record in a shop or otherwise (promotion blahblahblah) . But I really don't understand how this people try to market his output to this small sector of possibility instead of US.
P.S: I think it's because for most modern mainstream artists it operates exactly the other way around (they milk you as much as possible because you're not going to stick around as the artist is a fad or a product created by the label) but that's a whole other WALL OF TEXT. And besides, I'm 19 what the hell would I know.
Whether it's 3 chord folk or complex Animals as Leaders or whatever, what makes music great is the energy and yes love that the artists put into it.
Dev is great because virtually every record he does really has great energy because he's doing what works for him at that time in that place. Addicted was great because it was fresh, there was some spontaneous energy brought in by Anneke. It's not something you can recreate.
I'm not even into the idea of a Ziltoid sequel frankly, because that idea was great in it's own context. And maybe it will fit in a new context and something fresh, but it doesn't feel right.
Dev already did this once with SYL - Gene has noted multiple times that the band broke up just as they were just breaking into "success." The New Black had some really cool tunes, but it wasn't nearly the record Alien was. Trying to recreate the magic never works.
So all I say is:
Dev, keep following the muse wherever it takes you.
Dev is great because virtually every record he does really has great energy because he's doing what works for him at that time in that place. Addicted was great because it was fresh, there was some spontaneous energy brought in by Anneke. It's not something you can recreate.
I'm not even into the idea of a Ziltoid sequel frankly, because that idea was great in it's own context. And maybe it will fit in a new context and something fresh, but it doesn't feel right.
Dev already did this once with SYL - Gene has noted multiple times that the band broke up just as they were just breaking into "success." The New Black had some really cool tunes, but it wasn't nearly the record Alien was. Trying to recreate the magic never works.
So all I say is:
Dev, keep following the muse wherever it takes you.
the label really thinks Deconstruction and Ghost are going to take a shit on Addicted's momentum? do they understand the hype going on in the metal world about Decon? that record alone is going to send shockwaves a long, long way. i don't know if their heads are in the right place on it.
The label is cool. Great people, great friends. Their points were more based on the frustration that comes from one of their artists making the sales pitch they have to do to retail stores more complicated than they would like.
Retail only sees sales for the most part. And to release a record in todays market, for every record thats on the shelf, they remove the prior one (or the one before) You and I may like the stuff, (and the label does too...) but the average buyer at retail sees numbers and thats it. HMV is down to like 20% of what they used to stock, so there is very limited shelf space.
No villainizing of anyone here... just the reality of it.
Retail only sees sales for the most part. And to release a record in todays market, for every record thats on the shelf, they remove the prior one (or the one before) You and I may like the stuff, (and the label does too...) but the average buyer at retail sees numbers and thats it. HMV is down to like 20% of what they used to stock, so there is very limited shelf space.
No villainizing of anyone here... just the reality of it.
Aye, HMV kinda sucks these days. I remember I could go to Virgin Megastore Oxford Street, or HMV Oxford Street and get anything by any artist. These days, only a small portion of my local HMV stocks CDs, Metal alone has gone from an aisle to a few rows. The rest of the shop is full of dirt cheap DVDs and tshirts which they're guarenteed to sell. Hohum.
Whatever you do, some people will disagree with you, and want something else from you.
That is just the "beauty" of having so many different people in this world, so many different opinions, and almost everyone feeling the need to express that opinion.
So when those label-folks, or some other people, are frustrated with you, just know that there are just as much people happy with what you do as that there are people not happy with what you do. It doesn't matter anyway, since we are all one in the end. I think we know this somewhere deep inside, but try to make sense of it with our minds by wanting everyone to be like us.
I was talking with this guy I met at the Tilburg show, and he said "Whatever music Devin Townsend makes, there's always this sense in it, where you immediately know it's him."
And I agree 100% Whenever it's pop, rock or I guess even when it's just you flushing the toilet, we (if I am allowed to speak in "we" for 1 moment
) know it's you, and I think we will all love it.
And I don't know why that is. There can be some sort of logical explanation for it, some technical musical stuff I don't know anything about, or maybe there's a more spiritual explanation, that it's your energy that makes us love it, anyway, just follow your instinct, at least I believe that's what makes it fun for you as well.
Sometimes it helps just to think everyone wants the best for me, especially the people that want me to be someone I'm not. They just force me to take the route they took to become happy, which may not be mine. But the intentions are mostly good.
That is just the "beauty" of having so many different people in this world, so many different opinions, and almost everyone feeling the need to express that opinion.
So when those label-folks, or some other people, are frustrated with you, just know that there are just as much people happy with what you do as that there are people not happy with what you do. It doesn't matter anyway, since we are all one in the end. I think we know this somewhere deep inside, but try to make sense of it with our minds by wanting everyone to be like us.
I was talking with this guy I met at the Tilburg show, and he said "Whatever music Devin Townsend makes, there's always this sense in it, where you immediately know it's him."
And I agree 100% Whenever it's pop, rock or I guess even when it's just you flushing the toilet, we (if I am allowed to speak in "we" for 1 moment
) know it's you, and I think we will all love it. And I don't know why that is. There can be some sort of logical explanation for it, some technical musical stuff I don't know anything about, or maybe there's a more spiritual explanation, that it's your energy that makes us love it, anyway, just follow your instinct, at least I believe that's what makes it fun for you as well.
Sometimes it helps just to think everyone wants the best for me, especially the people that want me to be someone I'm not. They just force me to take the route they took to become happy, which may not be mine. But the intentions are mostly good.
The Dev wrote:Actually...I stink too much
I think too much just for something to do. Without overanalyzing everything, I'd have way too much time on my hands
Devin, you always seem to end up talking about your odor in some way, shape or form...
Thinking and analyzing seem to come quite naturally to you - nice of you to share those thoughts with us. And you couldn't possibly have ANY time on your hands...you're always on the move!
Windmills do not work that way! - Morbo
The Dev wrote:The label is cool. Great people, great friends. Their points were more based on the frustration that comes from one of their artists making the sales pitch they have to do to retail stores more complicated than they would like.
Retail only sees sales for the most part. And to release a record in todays market, for every record thats on the shelf, they remove the prior one (or the one before) You and I may like the stuff, (and the label does too...) but the average buyer at retail sees numbers and thats it. HMV is down to like 20% of what they used to stock, so there is very limited shelf space.
No villainizing of anyone here... just the reality of it.
Oh... THAT. I worked in THAT for 4 years to put myself through college. Yeah, uh, that IS the reality, but I'm pretty sure the retail guys are shitting bricks about everyone these days.
"WHAT, NICKELBACK, YOU MEAN THIS ALBUM ISN'T ABOUT KROEGER'S DICK? NO. NO. NOOOOOOOOO! WE ARE RUINED."
...yet I failed to mention that my odor is that of sandalwood and cinnamon rolls.
mmmm
mmmm
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