Jackson Free Press

Well, we've come to another music issue. I'm sure this one will prove to be bigger than the last. Each one in the future will be bigger than the one before. I must say I'm very proud of the progress I've seen in our blossoming music scene. From rock to rap, we've made huge strides. Local artists are packing clubs and selling records. I remember a time not too long ago when local radio totally ignored its homegrown talent.

I even recall local artists getting booed off stage by their own because they were waiting to see some out-of-town headliner. Things have certainly turned for the better. But, as with anything, our music scene must continue to be nurtured. Like an infant, it must be fed so that it can grow and mature. As Robert Frost said, "We've got miles to go before we sleep."

In the hip-hop scene, Mississippi is finding its niche. Of course, David Banner continues to be in the vanguard, but in order for us to prove he is no fluke, we've got to produce more stars in 2006. Canton's own Boo recently inked a deal with Clive Davis' J Records, and the industry expects big things from him. Rappers here are finally competing with the industry heavyweights. The music is getting better and, in turn, local artists are taking this "business" of music even more seriously. Slowly, the stigma that surrounds rappers is lifting. We're not all "thugs" or "criminals" anymore. We're "businessmen"; we're "artists." I'd like to think my nagging had something to do with that (wink).

Now in the rock arena, there's a big fat elephant in the room. Local radio is not offering enough support. There's a wealth of talent in this town, but we can't create more superstars like 3 Doors Down if you can't hear Living Better Electrically right after Nickelback on Rock 93.9 or Y101. And to you folks at Headliners: C'mon! You've got a responsibility to give these artists a platform. Yes, you've booked a couple, but how in the hell has one of Mississippi's hottest bands, Storage 24, not performed at your club? You're doing rock lovers in Jackson a disservice. Don't become part of the problem. Our bands should not have to go to New York or Dallas to find good gigs.

This year the M.A.P. Coalition pledges to continue to fight such injustices. We are going to continue to unite and promote Mississippi artists in all genres. We're going to expose those promoters, radio execs, media outlets or politicians that aren't helping our local artists. When we formed almost two years ago, I never knew we would grow to such heights. But now we're about to start two new divisions in Greenville and Hattiesburg. We're developing a reality TV pilot on aspiring artists, and Alabama is looking for our help in creating a similar organization in their state. I told you we were here to stay, and we're getting stronger. So browse through this issue. Learn about all these new artists. Then, when the opportunity arises, go watch them perform. You'll be glad you did.

And that's the truth ... sho-nuff.

Previous Commentsshow

hey, Kamikaze, I think your work with MAP and other ventures has definitely had a positive impact on this situation. Jackson is better off for it, and Jackson's musicians are, too. I agree with your point in this column on local radio--they need to be playing more local stuff.

Izzy

Mar 2 2006

Good luck Kamikaze. Much love to you. Once my college friends and I get a little older and more secure in our waning years, we're going to break loose the first over 50 Rap Group. We have been talking about it for a couple of years now. Our name will be either Boogie Nosed Funk or Butthole Stank. Don't anybody try to steal the name as I have already copyrighted it. My buddies claim they like both names and either will certainly get attention. To my knowledge no one has tried this yet. Several of my boys are excellent vocalist, too. However, one of them said his script will have to include wearing a mask so that his still living relatives won't recognize him. We will use our own money for starters. I may call you some day for some directions. Keep up the good work.

Ray Carter

Mar 2 2006

Folks, I don't want us to take the passion that we had on my previous column and neatly put it away. Our local talent needs that same passion from you and that same support. I honestly want us all as consumers to take a hard look at these establishments here that DO NOT support local talent regardless of its your favorite watering hole or not. If the majority of the bands they bring in are not from Jackson orr Mississippi as a whole we should call them to task. HEADLINERS is about to be next on my famous "You Know What" list. They're reeeeeaaallly close. Besides a few they have had play there they are offering up NO support to some of this city's hottest bands. And they have 5 damn clubs in one!!!!! Cmon!!! We need to be just as passionate about this too. Are these local clubs plyaing these local artists? Are these stations playnig local artists. WJMI does, WRJH does, Y101 DOES NOT!!!!! Rock 93.9 DOES NOT!!!! We should ask them why......

Kamikaze

Mar 3 2006

Kamikaze, I do agree that local clubs should be urged to book local acts more often. But I don't agree that the clubs that bring in talent from elsewhere should be bashed for it. Jacksonians should have the option of seeing plenty of local and non-local acts in our clubs. And, let's not forget to urge the consumers to turn out better for local acts and *support* our own.

DonnaLadd

Mar 3 2006

Ok, although I'm too old now to go out I'll do what I can. I'll even mention this to my old boss and friend Isaac Byrd the next time I see him.

Ray Carter

Mar 3 2006

Kamikaze, last night while bored and switching through the channels I happened to see some of Behind the Music on Kid Rock. I seem to always pay great attention to the struggles before the success. Aren't the business owners around here just like business owners everywhere else? If you can bring a crowd and allow them to make a few dollars they will support you. I know it's hard for people trying to make it who don't have much money or fame to get any real attention and support. It appears to me that you guys will have to build a large group of supporters who will follow you to these places and guarantee these club owners will make some money and get some attention since club owning is a tenuous and risky business in the first place. And I hate to remind you of this, but Jesus and countless other business people have said your hometown is where you often get the least support. Home is usually too judgmental, too unsupportive, the hardest to please, and expects the biggest handouts or returns although often not merited. I'm sure you know these things quite well by now. What if anything can persons of my age, taste and socio-economic group can do to help the situation? I really would like to know this.

Ray Carter

Mar 3 2006

No Donna not bashing those that bring in out-of-town acts. That's a given. Im speaking of the ones who ONLY bring in out-of-town acts and offer up nothing but excuses when called on it. If you are bringing in out-of-town acts, simply couple them with some homegrown bands. It's easy and oftentimes won't cost you anything. they simply don't do it. I believe folks like Headliners do it out of sheer spite. They've only had one or two local bands from here perform there and its the SAME two. I've been in this business a while and have paid my dues. I remember when Banner and I used to get booed off stage in our own hometown to now being able to pack clubs region-wide. Persistance was the key. I do not subscribe to the club owners theory that local bands dont draw. Consumers can be made to like anything...trust me...If you offer it they will come. If they don't respond at first...keep offering it and they will come. Club-goers can be conditioned to like anything. It has to be offered. If its good music they will come. MANY MANY bands here have drummed great followings and can pack clubs in their own right but arent given the opportunity. to get exposure I'm sure some them will play for FREE(just as I did early in my career) to get that shot. And these owners STILL won't book them!!! NOW I feel like we need to put some pressure on them. You should NOt be able to do business in Jackson and benefit off the backs of music lovers here without giving back to the bands that are here. How is Rock 93.9 and Y101 coming into these clubs and doing business and they won't even play local bands?? Its not fair to the hard working artists here. And if you don't thinnk they'll draw on their own, let them open up for a national act you have coming in. It's simply no excuse.

Kamikaze

Mar 6 2006

As someone whose worked with club owners in the past for events I've learned that Local artists generally don't bring in enough money to warrant booking them so I totally understand why local bands don't get booked as often as outside artists. It just makes good business sense, especially if the local artist/band/group doesn't have good music to sell them on. Clubs are the shakiest business to be in because you don't know from week to week if you'll be open to the public. So a guranteed a packed house week to week is more nerve-calming than say allowing some garage band or local yocals who can't guarantee anything accept their own attendence. The first questions I would have for you guys would be: 1. Would you(kamikaze) consider doing free shows again since you're obviously above doing that now?? ....Maybe that's an adjustment you need to make to get more support for your shows. The simple logic is, If people don't know who you are they aren't going to pay to see you. the other side to that could be, if your music is not appealing enough they won't come out either. take your pick. 2. Does Storge 24 have a big enough following that if booked, they will pack the house, guaranteed? everytime? ...If this has been proven over and over again that they can and the club owners still refuse to book them, then don't cry about it just hit the road! most of the worlds most successful bands come out of vans that have been on the road for years. if these guys aren't ready to do that then they just aren't ready at all. I do not subscribe to the club owners theory that local bands dont draw. Consumers can be made to like anything...trust me...If you offer it they will come. If they don't respond at first...keep offering it and they will come. ^Here's where you fall way short on understanding the business. Club Owners don't have the time nor money to promote you, they are not promoters, they are club owners, PERIOD. they serve a purpose and that purpose is to book HOT bands and sell drinks to make money. Again, Owners aren't legally binded to book you at all. they don't have to if they don't want to. it's their choice....So, no matter how much pressure you apply to them you'll still lose in the end.

JSU

Mar 8 2006