Some funkiness came to my hometown last night and what a show it was! I'm feeling very lucky to have seen such legendary talent last night that was only ten minutes away. We didn't have to drive four hours to Chicago, six hours to Columbus, or even to Indianapolis. It was right here and we were right up front. We had miss seeing Freekbass two times prior, so this was a much anticipated show for us. Before leaving to go see them my boyfriend asked If I was ready for this and that I was about to get Freekbass in my face. That it was an experience. I jokingly laughed and said, "Yeah it should be fun." I really had no idea what I was going to be hearing that night or after going to one show I'd be hooked. I've heard of Parliament, George Clinton, Bootsy Collins, and Prince before; but never got into it heavily. I always liked the groove of it all, but there wasn't a vast array of p-funk in my collection. My boyfriend on the other hand loves it and has a nice record collection of funk. He's a guitar player and has a band that incorporates some funk into their music, so he has introduced me to some music that I might have missed out on. Of course, I've introduced him to Johnny Marr and Deerhunter so we both discover new music together; which is awesome to experience with someone else. I won't go on and on about each song they performed because I can't. This was the first time hearing them and they blew me away needless to say. They did, however, do a few covers like David Bowie's "Fame", "Fire" by the Ohio Players, and "Flashlight" by Parliament. When first seeing them take the stage I commented to my boyfriend that Freekbass looked like Captain Sensible from The Damned, which he just shook his head and had no idea who I was talking about. Oh, one day I'll get him around to knowing The Damned. Ha ha..They went through their first set and as we were hanging out with my boyfriend's cousin who was doing sound that night the keyboardist/synth player Razor Sharp Johnson came up to us and greeted us and he talked to us about him having family in northern Indiana. I was just amazed that someone who has worked with legendary artists and is so talented in his own right talked to us. I ran into Freekbass in passing and told him how he may not know who Captain Sensible is, but he looked like him. I don't think he knew who he was, but said he has heard that before and thanked us for coming out. He was cool too and now I wish I would've gotten a photo with them all, but maybe next time. I love artists who may be legendary, but are humble. Sadly a few songs after their first break we had to call it a night and go pick up our baby. Hopefully next time we'll be able to catch a whole set. I am definitely a fan now and can't wait to discover more of the Freekbass catalog! IMAGES
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So after listening to Prince's new album, I was a little taken back by the elements added to some of his songs. Yes he still has the funk guitar sound that we all know and love, but some added elements to his songs weren't so pleasing to the ear. The sounds you hear from Daft Punk or EDM in general were disappointing. I understand you have to keep up with the times, but using these novelty sounds or reaching for elements that are in trend right now in music seem disheartening. What happened to keeping with the sound that made you who you are? Isn't that what your fans truly want? Do many artists nowadays feel they need to reach that younger audience to stay relevant? Over the years I've seen many legendary acts dabble in duos with the latest popular artist. Like Madonna working with Miley Cyrus ( I gasp even typing her name), Tony Bennett working with Lady GaGa, and Jay-Z mixing things up with Led Zeppelin. So does staying to your true sound mean dwindling record sales or does it mean standing by your brand for sheer principal? Or is this just how musicians evolve? Always trying new things; new sounds? I have nothing against trying a new direction or evolving your sound, but I think adding EDM elements or adding the latest chart topping artist is a reach for relevance in a certain light. I crave the old Prince sound that just blew you away with his funky guitar playing and simple song elements. I know I can only dream to have the 80's back, but can we get back to the 'Keep It Simple Stupid' motto? Nothing wrong with experimenting, but when I cringe cos you used an air horn sound effect that DJ's use or that you hear in European football than you have lost focus. You are Prince, you don't have to add these unneeded novelties to be relevant. They add no substance to the song. In my opinion, a few artists who have been on the music scene for awhile that have stayed true to their sound are Radiohead, Morrissey, and Depeche Mode. What do you think? |
AuthorAngela Marie. I like writing. I like music. I have thoughts falling from my head. Archives
July 2018
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