NOVEMBER 12, 2009 ISSUE
Brewer’s Briefs
For decades, the argument has raged between musicians, critics and fans about what allows artists to hit their creative peak. Do substances play a part in opening certain creative doors that would normally remain closed? Does being in a healthy, normal relationship dry up the eternal spring of heartache from whence so many gut-wrenchingly beautiful songs are drawn? Well, yes. And no.
The road leading to and from rock stardom is littered with as many drug casualties as it is with stars that have cleaned up their act and subsequently released pedestrian records lacking their previous, substance-fueled edge. Does that mean everybody who wants to be a star should get his or her hands on the nearest substance? Absolutely not. Just because you start getting high doesn’t mean all of a sudden you become a musical genius. In fact, there are plenty of artists who could have benefited from the critical perspective that sobriety can offer.
With all that being said, I think it’s fair to say that occasionally opening the windows of the mind can potentially aid both artist and listener. However, if a listener has to alter the mind to enjoy something, it probably wasn’t that good in the first place.
As for lacking relationship turmoil to fuel the creative process, I do think it is more challenging for artists experiencing relationship bliss to create emotional work on par with songs penned during periods of want and heartache. But it’s certainly not impossible. I’m no expert on songwriting, but if your own life is too stable to use as an impetus for creative purposes, it’s time to try putting yourself in someone else’s shoes. There’s more than enough heartache in the world to go around.
This Week…
-Do It To Julia have become the latest batch of Boonies to exit the High Country in favor of Asheville’s greener musical pastures. However, the quirky pop and rock outfit hasn’t abandoned their roots for good. Do It To Julia will make their first local appearance since the big move at Dragonfly Theater & Pub this Friday, November 13.
-While most people just refer to them as “that professor band,” The Worthless Son-In-Laws play some of the most catchy, melodically advanced roots pop around. The band is playing with renewed vigor thanks to the drumming of Lucas Bowman. The Son-In-Laws will team up with local alt. country quartet Woodgrain at Flipside this Saturday, November 14.
-This Saturday, November 14, 641rpm will host a trio of intense, avant garde noisemakers including local favorite Human Pippi Armstrong, former Black Cat regulars Buck Gooter and Tennessee solo act Mannequin Hollowcaust. Don’t expect to hear any sunny pop tunes.
Next Week…
-For the last few years, Wilmington-based outfit The Fustics have burned up the highways and byways of North Carolina and well beyond, churning out catchy, Springsteen- and Steve Earle-inspired roots rock. The energetic quintet, led by Brad Heller, will return to the High country for a show at Murphy’s on Friday, November 20.
-The last time Tennessee’s The Middlemen played Boone Saloon, the small but mighty crowd roared its approval of the band’s ballsy fusion of Southern rock and punk. The band will return to the Saloon on Saturday, November 21, as part of the next 641rpm presents show featuring Naked Gods and Massachusetts-based indie rockers Viva Viva.
On The Horizon…
-The shake-‘till-you-drop, scream-and-holler-‘till you’re hoarse, unstoppable soul music machine known as The Legendary JCs will return to Boone Saloon on Thursday, December 3. If you still haven’t experienced Eugene and the boys live, well, you’re a jackass. And don’t give me any excuses about having to work early or study for exams. The JCs are worth every second of a daylong hangover.
-If you enjoyed their homecoming show, you’ll be glad to hear that Boone’s favorite reggae rockers Hope Massive will again be teaming up with spicy Charlotte-based Latino party band Tropic Culture on Friday, December 4, for a show at Dragonfly Theater. Between Hope Massive’s deep island riddims and Tropic Culture’s polyrhythmic, high-energy assault, even the whitest boy in the crowd will have to at least try and boogie.
-So this is a bit of a dangerous declaration as no details are even close to being finalized, but I’m willing to go ahead and put myself behind the eight ball. During the first couple of months of 2010 (probably either February or early March), Soul Benefactor will host I’ve Been Loving You Too Long: The Music of Otis Redding. A few special guest vocalists have already committed to be a part of the event, but we’ll talk more about that later. Sorry for being incredibly vague, but I just wanted to share.
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