This is a good topic.

Well, the main difference I've noticed is not so much in who is on a label or who isn't, but what the artist is about. I've noticed that I like a lot of very random and eclectic music, many of which is barely related. I.E. Smashing Pumpkins, Hamza El Din, L'orchidee D'hawaii, etc.

One thing I find common amongst the artists though, is that there is a love for music, and not just for the "image." Now, I'm not saying that the Pumpkins haven't tried to look a certain way, but I think the difference is that it was enveloped within the artistic statement itself.

New music to me just seems to follow the same trend, and consequently have the same sound. It's like everyone conforming to nonconformity - they end up the same in the end.

The only real musical truth in my eyes is just that, MUSIC. That's where it begins, and that's where it ends. If it's all about the music, it's likely to be good in it's own right.



Well, one thing I love about local artists is that you can talk to them, hang out with them, and if you love their music, it's a real treat! A week ago I was in the living room of one of my favorite artists, chatting, and hanging out!

There's an artist from my city, Olympia, called Ben Kamen, and I love his music as much as the Smashing Pumpkins. Now, anyone who knows me would see that as a real amazement, since I'm the biggest PumpkinHead I know (and so are you, likely!)
Anyway...


Check these out, and ENJOY!

Ben Kamen (Olympia local artist)
http://www.myspace.com/anonymousmonk
http://www.benkamen.com

Freddy Parish (Olympia local artist)
http://www.myspace.com/freddyparish

Happy End (1970's Japanese band)
http://www.myspace.com/asphaltpapaya

Low
http://www.myspace.com/low
http://www.chairkickers.com

Sam Scarpelli (Me!)
http://myspace.com/auditoryarson