I had a completely different topic for today’s Hoptellectual, but feel obligated to address an issue that has been burning in the back of mind for a while now only to be brought to the forefront by the rather rousing comments from Howler’s front-man, Jordan Gatesmith. The ordeal has been succinctly covered by Andrea Swenson at The Current, who also offers a link to the full podcast interview, but in short Gatesmith takes issue with Minneapolis’ support of undeserving local bands.
After reading the article, help yourself to a Surly Furious and get your thinking-cap on because I want to open this one up for discussion. Using the examples of The Replacements, Hüsker Dü, and Prince, Gatesmith is suggesting that a “good” music scene is defined by producing bands and artists that make a splash nationally or internationally.
The question: Is Jordan Gatesmith right to berate Minneapolis’ music scene? And on a larger scale beyond Minneapolis, what constitutes a “good music scene”?
Let the conversation begin. Can you dig IT!!!!
