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A Call To Arms: a fight against musical suicide
Topics: Bakotopia, Bakosound, music, Bakersfield, Chase Brockett
Posted by Chase Tue Mar 18, 2008 13:38:26 PDT
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A Call To Arms
Is Bakersfield's music scene dying along with our local pioneers?

By Chase Brockett, Bakotopia.com staff

I am still green in the history of Bakersfield’s music scene.

Being a legal adult for only three years now, the majority of my experiences were limited to the all-ages venues, which doesn’t typically see much support or passion. Over my experiences gigging around town and with a few different projects, I have been left with a sour taste in my mouth in regards to the current music scene here in town.

Constantly being bludgeoned by the shameless bravado of bands with sounds directly and unapologetically Xeroxed by any number of bands whose name include the words “Blood” or “Death.” It is musical incest!

And this is not for lack of talent. Many musicians I have come across are oozing with potential. But the same, rehashed drop D progressions sound empty with a mechanical heart - powered by pacemakers - preset and prescribed so that you know from the moment the song starts up exactly what you are swallowing.  And to me, it is not about style or genre it is about authenticity. I hold the same respect and appreciation for Metallica’s “Black Album” as I do for the Police’s “Regatta de Blanc” as I do for the Blood Brothers “Crimes.”

When I have come across bands whose innovation keeps me coming back for more, they tend to be languid proprietors of their musical ventures - come on Red Italy, why the indifference?! Typically uncommitted and anticipating the entire music industry to fall into their lap by sheer means of their talent and compositional skills, it’s a delusion which self-represses. The label does not come before the work.

Then you discover that there is originality and superb talent being born into this valley basin. Groups like the Latin paramount Velorio, or the eclectic ambition of The Silence Club that appear randomly amidst the ocean of sameness take my attention by the gills and keep it hooked for the night.

Witnessing efforts spent by bands like these for the sake of the music itself is almost unreal when considering that many local bands refuse to even throw down more than a couple flyers for their gigs.
Some of Bakersfield top-notch young musicians need to take lessons from groups like From Ritual to Romance in the matters of musical enterprising. Perhaps, though, I am just an idealist and am missing the true factors at play here. Buck Owens and Korn could be the defining moments in this town’s musical contributions, and it ends there.

This is a call to arms, Bakersfield musicians. There will never be a way out unless you forge one out. This means giving respect to your fellow musicians, if not on a personal level, at least on a professional one. Stick around for other band’s sets, at least for long enough to catch what they are about. Share ideas, share criticisms, share music.

I’ve seen too much infighting and petty pissing contests between bands who haven’t earned the right to don the egos that some of us do.  As much of a staple as it is for Bakersfield, playing shows at Jerry’s Pizza every weekend does not affix the title of “rock star” to your lapel.

This new generation of musicians is responsible for the prosperity of the Bakersfield music scene. Perhaps the reason so many people want to get out of here is because of the fact that few people seem to want to do anything to make this a musician’s hotspot.

The collective needs to turn this scene around and create the new Bakersfield sound.

Originally printed in Bakotopia Magazine, issue 24, 3-20-08

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Comment From: Dizzyfingers

Hiya Chase MOST EXCELLENT....you've nailed it regarding a number of factors....Support The Silence Club and other bands and musicians creating unique,original music with passion without getting hung-up on labels and or genres.....Peace........Dizzy..... Comment From: soulajarmusic

Interesting thoughts... and some good points in there. I've said it before and I'll say it again: Bakersfield's biggest problem is lack of promoters. We only have a handful of venues in town and only 2 or 3 with a decent stage and/or sound system. What do Bakersfield bands have to look forward to locally? Why should they be inspired to play here? It's sad but true. And for some reason, local promoters completely rely on the bands to promote shows? That is a slap in the face and band's should not even entertain the lazy folks who place this burden on the bands. If you were to drive 2 hours in any direction and learn a thing or 2 about a good music scene, promoters would have much more respect for how things should be done. In sum, we need venues and promoters (real ones). Comment From: soulajarmusic

Also, for those of you feeling the sadness of "an ending of an era," feel sad no more! There IS hope on the way and it's not John Kerry! It's called American Sound Recording Studios. I do, indeed, work for the company, so this could be viewed as shameless self-promotion, but I promise you when I speak of this place, I am speaking as a loyal local musician and not an employee. Bakersfield musicians HAVE to come check this place out! It's the largest recording facility on the west coast with some of the best gear from LA to San Fransisco. Don't let the kiddish marketing fool you... The only way to believe and understand the awesomeness of this new facility is to see it with your own eyes. The doors are wide open and you're all more than welcome to come through and tour what is the most exciting development in the Bakersfield Music Scene in quite some time!