I have mixed emotions about the MUSE show at Rexall on Monday. Don't get me wrong, the show was absolutely amazing and to this day, the best rock show I have ever seen. However, I couldn't help but think about the little band I saw 6 years ago while I was in University during a time in my life where I felt invincible (no pun intended) and on top of my musical game.
What I saw 6 years ago at the Edmonton Event Centre was this young band that I had been following for maybe a year or two prior on the cusp of breaking North America. Listening to MUSE was one thing, but seeing them perform live was just mind-blowing. I can't even begin to explain the performance but from that night on, MUSE became one of my favourite bands. Maybe it's the complexity of their music or the Svengali-like approach to their instruments, but all I can say is that MUSE were the most exciting band to see back then and still are today. Say what you will about MUSE but they have come a long ways from playing little shit clubs in North America to large arenas all over (never mind the stadiums that they are filling in Europe).
Now to the part where I sound like an old-music-snob-git: I felt embarrassed for the band on Monday and felt intruded that other people have discovered this fantastic band that I have been supporting for so many years.
It's definitely the music-snob in me speaking but I want to preface all of this by saying that I am extremely proud for MUSE and that they have definitely paid their dues and deserve every bit of success because they ARE one of those bands that have it all; the talent, the songs, the poise and the rock n' roll attitudes. Yet Monday night's show left me feeling a bit nostalgic for the band that I once knew - I guess I just hate sharing THAT much!
It pains me to see people in Ed Hardy clothes reaking of "eau de douche" coming down to the venue because they want to hear "Knights of Cydonia" because they once played it in Guitar Hero. On one hand I applaud MUSE for expanding their audience, but on the other hand, I know that those types of "fans" will eventually fade away and latch onto the next big thing.
Being a music snob is definitely an emotional and hard job. It's difficult to explain but you feel proud when you discover something that nobody cares about and yet you feel betrayed by the band and loathe the people who listen to them when they become successful. I know that what I have been saying will rub people the wrong way, but I take my music VERY seriously. It's one of few things in my life that I care about only because it's given me so much in my life. Music comforts my soul and calms my mind, can you think of anything that has THAT powerful of an effect on your life (maybe other than Love)? I'm fortunate to be where I am right now with music. I drown myself in it all day, work with fellow music elitists and feel that people count on me for being their musical guide (I love this), so I don't know if I will ever make peace with this aspect in my music journey. One thing I know for sure is that I will always have music as my mistress; as much as she may abuse and elate me, I could never leave her.
On a lighter note, being a music snob is not all about discovering new music but it's about being educated about music - all forms of it. Here's a music snob survival guide for you to follow:
- Know your music history. If someone is trying to justify liking a band that you hate, embarrass your foe with past knowledge of their artists' faux-pas or list off "better" bands that they have ripped off.
- The latter eventually leads to what I call "Listen to Heritage Acts". Don't just listen to your standard Beatles, Zep and Sabbath but be mindful of the bands that predate the current era of music you are listening to. For example, if you're into Interpol, know that Joy Division is their heritage act because let's face it people, being a musician is like being a thief; you will always nick shit from your favourite artists to forge your own identity.
- Broaden your scope. Everyone has a niche that they are most comfortable with, but oftentimes you will discover great music in genres you never thought you would listen to.
- LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN! Give every band a chance before you form an opinion. Don't base your opinion off of reviews or music blogs, but listen to the band and formulate your own arguments.
- Lastly, have fun! Music is a manic-romantic language. Let it seduce you, be passionate about it and everything else will come into place.
Currently Listening to: Papillon - Editors
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