Get Out and Listen (Feb 23, 2011)
So I went on the road with some good friends Shawn Stephenson and Wax Mannequin. We started up in Northern B.C. at the ArtsWells Festival of all things art. Holy shit what a great festival...so many artists and musicians in one spot made me giddy and slightly aroused at all times. Festivals like this one are few and far between in this country so get off you ass next year and play it or see it, whatever you do try not to miss it.
After this primer we shot off to various venues across Canada all the way to Hamilton Ontario. These two really put on a great bunch of shows; they were talented, professional and loved by all who caught their act. When you're on the road you really see how hard these musicians work to bring you what they've got. Driving for hours and hours just to set up, play, tear down, pack, sleep then reset. They play for little or no money on occasion (more often than not) and that is what sets me off. Come on Canada, what the hell is your problem???!!! When music comes to your town, go out and support it. Really, are you that cheap that you won't pay $5-10 to see working Canadian musicians? You buy smokes and beer and weed and gas and snacks and all kinds of other shit, but when you're asked for a small cover at the door you walk away. What????? Save up a few bucks over the week, have one less espresso or buy cheaper beer, ease off the movie rentals and give these artists what they need to survive. Buy a t-shirt, a disc or a sticker at the merch table and help them keep going. I know you would rather download the music for free, but you know who pays for that in the end. Would you ask an electrician or a lawyer to work for free???? No. Musicians in Canada need all the support we can give them and it is up to you to provide some of it. Yes there are some shitty bands out there and you may not enjoy the show, but 5 bucks is not going to break the bank. Next time they come to town you can happily boycott their show. Give them the benefit of the doubt and get off the couch, go to your local music venue and pass a bill to the nice door person. Get yourself a beer, a seat and open your ears and mind to the wealth of talent that tours our country. Support independent music and keep our culture alive and kicking...it's up to you.
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