Where we learn it's ok to make fun of hipsters because no one ever admits to being one and thus no one takes offense
Like the swallows returning to Capistrano, spring in Denton, TX means the return of hipsters as the 35 Denton Music begins March 7th through the 10th. Radio songs will be in short supply as a steady stream of artists perform work that only the coolest of the cool have ever heard of. Some of these bands will only come into existence for the shear purpose of 35 Denton and like a buddhist mandala will float away like so much dust in the wind. Amongst the exotic soundscapes sure to be filling the converted venues, one will also be able to find music that might be described as "popular". The Dentonradio.com on the square will celebrate the sounds of bands from the city of Denton and will be headlined by Grammy winners Brave Combo to show off the to world this musical hotbed is creating.
One of the bands participating in this eclectic event of musical localism is Denton's own My Kickdrum Heart. Blessed with a name that makes you say, " I think I've heard of that band."My Kickdrum Heart plays a brand of unpretentious rock music based on the radical concepts of melody, hooks, upbeat rhythms and solid lyrics. The music is an attempt to create something for actual large numbers of people to simply enjoy and listen to frequently. They are unashamed to admit to ambitions of having their songs played on mainstream radio. We took a minute to catch up Brian Lambert, the lead singer and songwriter of this late 80's/90's style rock group and get their take on the annual 35 Denton Music Festival.
So what is your overall impression of the festival? " I think it's a great thing for the community. If Austin is the live music capitol of the world, then Denton is where all the talent lives. I lived in Austin for 15 years and the scene changed a lot. Denton has the same sense of comraderie that you saw in the early nineties. People play in multiple projects, see the great Ryan Thomas Becker, and are generally very supportive of what is going on here."
What about complaints that festival isn't representative the actual music scene here is Denton and that the bands are they do bring don't excite a lot of the local scene? " Well I'll admit that even I have been guilty of that. My favorite bands are Wilco, Spoon and Ryan Adams, not exactly mainstream top 40 or even rock radio guys, but besides the local bands and Texas acts, I haven't heard of nearly any of these guys. To that end though, someone needs to get bands that nobody has ever hear out there, so people can hear them. South by Southwest used to be that festival but now it's definitely more of an Industry showcase for bands that are already there. I mean, come on, Metallica was part of it a couple of years ago. Is 35 Denton a hipster's wet dream come true? of course. If you have spent any time here you would know that the real hipsters are in Denton, not Austin. I mean it's way too trendy there for that to actually be the case. But we manage to peacefully coexist. In fact sometimes there is some crossover that is really great. Really Denton is a model for the world where regular people and hipsters can live together and have fun. You got know that in Texas even the hippies have guns."
So are you upset about not being part of the official festival? "It's hard to be upset when you didn't even apply to be part of it. Look, Denton is a rare place that exudes musical and artistic talent. We have crazy awesome arts and artisan groups that really work in and for the community. As part of this community, My Kickdrum Heart only intent on making great music that as many people as possible can enjoy. My opinion is that it is good thing to make music that has a broad appeal and brings people together as a local and global community. So for us playing on the Denton Radio.com stage on the square where everyone can come and see it is ideal. If you came for the festival or are just part of the community you can come out. It's going to be a great time. Even the hipsters are welcome."
Any else you would like to say besides that this is yet another of your own meta-ruses to garner attention with a fake interview of yourself? "Absolutely. We are so excited for 35 Denton to be doing the work it is doing. Any time you do something bigger than what people are used to you'll get the haters and discontented. It's just part of the process. We have a really special thing happening in Denton and I am happy to be part of it. It's a real melting pot of talent and everyone influences everyone else in a good way. I imagine it's what it was like in Seattle back in the day. If that's the case we call shotgun on Nirvana impact with the Pearl Jam length of career. You the reader can help make that happen by checking out our single on the bottom which you can download for free by naming 0.00 in the price or give us money, see above ambitions. Thanks for reading this good natured joke of a piece and we hope to see you at the festival. I mean it even the hipsters, by which saying I might be one actually be one, makes me not one and that is just the weird thing about being a hipster, are welcome"
New single by My Kickdrum Heart available for free download.
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