In January, the Memphis Flyer launched a music player that consists exclusively of Memphis artists. So, that’s great right?
Well, i theory it is, but seriously folks. When the fuck did Memphis become filled with soft rock and singer-songwriters? Where do these bands/dudes play? If you don’t hang out at the Blue Monkey or Celtic Crossing, you’ve likely never heard more than 3 or 4 of these people.
There are some exceptions. Noise Choir = rad. Amy LaVere = talented. Warble = XXXXX. MGMT = badass, but damnit MemphisFlyer stop trying to say they’re from here. While I’m no expert, I hear a couple of the MGMT dudes had bands here in high school or college or something, but they formed and live in Brooklyn. Am I wrong? Is Guns ‘n Roses from Indiana cause Axl and Izzy grew up there? Hell no.
Ok, now I’m not saying these artists suck. Most of them are fairly good, but where’s the rock? That’s what this town is…. rock (well, and blues).
I appreciate the effort and idea. Maybe over the next few months more bands will get added, but as of right now, it doesn’t represent Memphis well at all.
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I remember that when Hayden was doing the Memphis Beat on WEVL, he would want to play more artists, but they wouldn’t send him their stuff even after he asked and asked them. I think that part of the problem with the Flyer Radio’s selections might also be due in part to artists’ ignorance and/or laziness. From the Flyer’s guidelines, it seems like even if you’ve sent a CD to the Flyer for review, they’re not necessarily going to upload your songs for you, especially because they require a waiver. So encourage bands you like to email mp3s of some of their songs and a waiver to the Flyer people.
The main songwriter in MGMT is Bruce VanWyngarden’s (Memphis Flyer Editor) son.
Besides, I don’t think Justin Timberlake ever actually lived in “Memphis” either - didn’t he move from Millington to Florida at age 8 or something?