It began six years ago, having become disinterested in the local music scene for varying reasons, when I was introduced to Japanese rock [or Jrock] and discovered that music - real, true music, none of these one-hit-wonders with annoying buzzing sounds and Autotune - was not only universal, but alive and well in the Underground, that magickal place where the record labels fear to tread in the interests of keeping their pockets full and imagination empty. Through my international connects, I was thereby introduced to a whole realm of music outside our borders - Romania, Finland, Norway, Estonia, among others - and I had a thought.
All of these awesome international acts are going virtually unnoticed here in the states, for no apparent reason other than perhaps the language barrier, but more often because of Bieber Fever. Why not make a concerted effort to promote these acts, get them proper respect, and perhaps there will music - instruments instead of sample tracks, voices instead of Autotune - real music pumping in the veins again.
What if my mission strives to get local artists more recognized nationally AND internationally as well as getting international artists recognized locally? Would that not be the most epic triumph, to see gals pumping their fists to a double bass rather than screaming their heads off for some Teen Beat idol? Would it not be grand to see music bridge the gap even more between cultures and countries, to see what happened with Rammstein and Combichrist happen more often?
All an artist wants in life is to be heard, for their voice to carry and reach those who's ears are primed for the Call. If I can get these amazing, talented individuals to be heard, to show the world there is more talent unaccounted for than there should be, then my mission was indeed successful.
I hope you join me on my exodus, hope you enjoy the ride, for we are going full-throttle and hang on to your hats, it's gonna be a bumpy ride.
