Here and why ...

Corporate radio. American Idol. M (fricken) TV ....

There is so much talent in the world, yet the American public has enabled and endured spoon-fed music, art and film to the point that it all blends in and looks and sounds the same after a while. Where's the innovation? Hell, where's the variety?

I was listening to the radio when I was riding in a friends' car the other day. The current number one hit in the U.S. is "Poker Face" by Lady Gaga. I do have plenty of good things to say about her; she is going way beyond other popular performers with identifiable lyrics, inspired performance, and a determination to stay true to her music rather than pose for Playboy. She also brings to mind the soundtrack to some of my favorite gay bars in 1990s San Francisco.

Everything old is new again?

Please tell me no.

2005 was a banner year for me. As I was rebuilding my life after divorce, a good friend told me about a very music-friendly web site called Myspace and I got on straight away. There wasn't much there yet; it was brand-new. Over time, though, it did populate with a lot of people and musicians and it opened my eyes to a whole new world. Music and art put on display by the folks creating it. At the same time I became friends with a new set of music lovers who had already been getting their music from other means - passed on by friends, mainly, either in person or over the Internet.

Underground music is nothing new. The Internet has definitely helped things along, but I am surprised how far it has yet to go. Critical mass is one factor -- there is simply so much out there! But if I'm not familiar with a majority of the bands I see listed on a popular nightclub's calendar, that's a signal that there's still more to do. These bands are touring. They are selling tickets. They have fans. What they don't have is fame. With the state of radio, who could blame them if perhaps they don't care?

But I do. Three Days Grace has made enough money turning out the same chord progressions. Coldplay, as much as I like them, could retire soon with my thanks for all the great music they have sold. Paul McCartney? The Eagles? Please don't get me started ...

This blog is my own attempt to expose new talent --- I welcome and appreciate artist suggestions, ideas, comments, discussion, and who knows what else. It's not about stroking my ego, it's about stroking theirs. ;-)

Enjoy!