"If This Is The State Of My Art, Then I Secede"

This is not a review.

The modern underground scene is a disgrace. What the hell happened? In a matter of just five short years, the hardcore scene has mutated from an inviting and innovative corner of musical culture to a region of the musical world where every band sounds and looks the same. Again I ask...What the hell? Who is to blame for this?

Unfortunately, we, the listeners, are. The music business is a horribly corrupt machine these days that, like most other aspects of culture (movies, fashion, etc.), figures out what "the kids" are into and then creates a veritable mold and reproduces the same exact musical traits in different forms. How is this our fault? Because we settle. As listeners, we hook into styles that we love and we become okay with bands that fit in that genre, even if they bring nothing new to the proverbial table! Exhibit A: Years ago (in 2001...), there was a band known as From Autumn To Ashes. The members of this band, as well as the original line up of Underoath and Every Time I Die, could be considered the some of the pioneers of modern hardcore; they popularized the use of screaming in music and were one of the first well-known bands to incorporate breakdowns into their music (I said popularized, not originated, okay?). The fans loved it. These traits were passed on to bands like The Used, who continued to command a large fan-base due to the intense emotions conveyed through their screaming and musical intensity.

Fast forward.

Now it is 2010. There are still some good bands around making genuinely good music...Protest The Hero, The Acacia Strain, Every Time I Die (still going strong), Norma Jean, The Chariot, and more. However, outside of that very small window lies the disgusting mass of shitty cookie-cutter hardcore bands who all sound alike (horrifically autotuned vocals, 3 breakdowns per song, key of d minor or c minor). Attack Attack!. In Fear and Faith. Of Mice and Men. I See Stars. And then there's the "electrocore" shit. BrokenCyde. Breathe Carolina. Absolute trash.
What happened, people? When did we stop demanding the most out of the musicians that surround us and start being okay with being fed the same thing over and over?

It's not okay.

By not responding to this mockery of sound, we are letting the record labels know that we're okay with the same garbage, and that originality and innovation isn't a quality that we care about in modern music.
So what happens?
Listeners: Stop it. Just stop. Have respect for yourself and stop being okay with music just being okay. Demand greatness. Rage against the onslaught of tight pants, black sweep haircuts, guyliner, autotune, and "comical" synchronized stage movements. It was funny when Sum 41 did it to make fun of Nsync and the Backstreet Boys, but now you've taken it too far. You've made it serious. I'm calling you out Attack Attack. Get talent or piss off.
and Musicians: Don't settle for what gets you a record deal. What's worth more, money or dignity? I challenge you to force yourself to create new music, not rearrange what's been done.

So who is going to be the start of the revolt against what the underground has turned into? Those of us who don't get dressed up to go to shows...stand up, and unite...Everyone around you at every single show is why the scene has declined. Just remember that.

Oh, and don't get me started on current Top 40 hits.
Ke$ha is a drunk. Lady Gaga wants attention. Justin Bieber needs to grow a pair.

Food for thought.
-John


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