Clearity in what you say and stand for...

[Raskolnikov]

It just occured to me how vauge a band's views can be. It gives alot of people alot of room to twist lyrics to say whatever they want them to say. Take any given day on AOL Instant Messanger's Metallica Chat, you'll have racists using Pantara's southern pride message to promote racism, or whatever. I guess what I'm saying is that as artists we have an obligation to make our points clear so that their is no fussing or fighting over what we mean, only if we're right or not.

[AtomicMassUnit]

i agree that it's our obligation. it's too bad more bands don't say what they stand for. I wish personally that there were more bands out there making kids think for themselves and question things. a lot of drivel is shoved down the throats of society in general by the corporate upper classes. a lot of the things that hamper our artistic freedom come from people who comform and accept everything that is passed down to them. What do all you think?

Atomic

[Raskolnikov]

Absolutely, drivel is abound everywhere, it seems as though corporations thrive on it. And I'm sick of it. You put me up on stage, and I want to say what I think and say it loud (I also want everybody to have a good time, but isn't thinking atleast supposed to be stimulating).

[BadHorsie]

I understand where you guys are coming from. However, I feel that our obligation is towards writing strong music that we love. If someone misunderstands or misinterperates what we say in our lyrics there is nothing you can do about it. The way most people define a "sellout" is when you are making music for other people's taste and not your own. Or you just do it for the $$$money$$$. So I say, "Keep it real and do what you want,". Peace out!

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BadHorsie, holdin' it down like Gravity!

[Raskolnikov]

Yeah, but a large part of my style is being clear and saying what needs to be said. My point really isn't to tell people what to write, but to get people to think about it a bit. I've found few things more thrilling and satisfying than writing something that accurately reflecst the way I feel, and seeing that work move people... That's what I really love about music, the release.

[loner92]

Ha, then the record company steps in and says: (it) Doen't matter what you see
Or into it what you read
You can do it your own way
If it's done just how I say"

(sorry, couldn't resist that one)

[ekstasis16]

As far as I'm concerned, it's all in the eye of the beholder.

[loner92]

I wonder how many other people here caught that....

[Raskolnikov]

who knows...

[BadHorsie]

Yes, but at the same time most bands end up choosing the shortest straw, don't you think? http://www.guitarforums.com/gtubb/biggrin.gif

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BadHorsie, holdin' it down like Gravity!

[Raskolnikov]

Actually, you wanna know what made my year?
Listening to "Slide" by the Goo Goo Dolls, and realizing they were ripping off a Hootie and the Blowfish song... Every time I think back to that I laugh, you know it's bad when you steal riffs from Hootie.

[No_Good_Punk_Kid]

I love RATM, no just the music and Tom's cool twisted guitar aproach, but the fact that they mean something, they're site has a section called "Freedom Fighter of the month" which is great, and they have whole rallies against oppression and eliminating sweat-shops. They're great people musically and in they're views...