Sometimes I wonder about Independent Music and its fans. In theory, independent music fans are fans of unknown music because they believe it is better than what the mainstream has to offer. So far, so good. But unfortunately, once independent music gets big, it’s no longer cool to listen to it. Not good. But what’s even worse is that when a band starts getting some hype- hype enough to break it into the indie label scene, we start abandoning; see the Arctic Monkeys for example. Many blogs are endorsing their sound, but just as many are saying “Oh the Arctic Monkeys are Libertines rip-offs, they’re just for people looking for the next big thing, they aren’t true indie-rock, they’re just hype, etc, etc”.

That truly saddens me. And not because we’re fickle (although we are). It’s because of this.

1. The average music listener has not heard of independent music or the libertines or mp3 blogs OR the Arctic Monkeys, for that matter. We’re splitting hairs when we say that those zines that talk about the Arctic Monkeys will get more notice. It’s not like we’re getting a whole lot of notice anyway. I mean yeah, maybe your indie-rock ‘in-the-know’-ness will stay firmly in its corner, and if that’s your deal, have at it.

But to me, I think it’s a good thing to rave the Arctic Monkeys. Maybe they can get signed. Maybe they can get radio play. Maybe they ARE the next big thing. and just as easily, maybe they’re not. But who knows? If it sounds good, pimp it. If it doesn’t, ignore it. But don’t go bashing it because it’s got a little bit of hype. God bless hype. If it weren’t for hype, the Beatles would never have gotten past playing for a bunch of hometown teenagers. Nirvana would be rocking the Seattle scene, and Kurt Cobain would still be alive, cause hype is what killed him (if you buy into the suicide theory, which I don’t, but that’s a different story). And Modest Mouse would still be cranking out brilliant records on K.

and only the indie-rock elite would be able to enjoy it. and that’s just sad, cause I think good music is for everyone- no matter if your most indie possession is a copy of Elephant by the White Stripes.

Music is for everyone, and Independent music is for everyone. Good bands deserve all the hype they can get. Bad bands deserve to be ignored, not bashed (bashing is just another form of promotion).

But that’s just me.