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Tariq's Basement Studios: Outspoken Artists

Tariq's Basement Studios: Outspoken Artists

Posted by Tariq Hussain on Dec 09, 2009

First off, congratulations to all Bucky winners today!

Frog Eyes front man Carey Mercer got vocal a few days ago about a controversial clause in the contracts that bands are signing when they agree to perform during the 2010 Olympics. The part of the contract that has him fired up is this bit:

"The artist shall at all times refrain from making any negative or derogatory remarks respecting VANOC (the organizing committee), the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Olympic movement generally, Bell and/or other sponsors associated with VANOC."

You can read Carey’s response to this here.

It takes courage to speak out publically against things that seem unfair.  It’s one thing to get fired up amongst friends, but being willing to stand up in the face of opposition or put it in writing is another.  On today’s show we’ll be playing songs by some very outspoken Canadian artists including Sarah Harmer, K’Naan, The Hidden Cameras and more.  Plus, you can post your thoughts on this question:

WHAT ARE YOU OUTSPOKEN ABOUT?  Is there something that gets you fired up enough to start a blog? What gets you up on your soapbox?  Or, do you prefer to keep your opinions to yourself and not stir up the pot?

Let us know by commenting here on the blog.

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  1. rosepalmieri
    01

    re: Tariq's Basement Studios: Outspoken Artists

    Posted on Dec 09, 2009 by rosepalmieri

    The environment is always an issue that I feel personally tied to. It really irritates me when people deny their responsibility for environmental degradation.

    I respect artists that are outspoken. They chose to talk about important issues. And because people love music, they will listen to what artists have to say.

    I can only hope more artists continue to speak out and act on what they believe in.

    Rose.

  2. mattyjames2001
    02

    re: Tariq's Basement Studios: Outspoken Artists

    Posted on Dec 09, 2009 by mattyjames2001

    I saw Frog Eyes play in Edmonton like 2005, and one thing that sticks in my mind was the horrible metal band playing upstairs.  Carey made some impromptu song about it and it was hilarious.

    I completely agree with him about that article. why would anyone knowingly sign away their freedom of speech? I'm especially surprised that Steve Earle would sign that. 

     

  3. Christine McAvoy
    03

    besides hockey?

    Posted on Dec 09, 2009 by Christine McAvoy

    watching the game right now...so I can't listen until intermission...but I'll write.

     

    my thing is impaired driving. when i was in high school i was president of our chapter of Ontario Students Against Impaired Driving... every friday I when on the school PA during the morning announcements and read my school scary stats about drinking and driving.

    unfortunatly this didn't stop a friend of mine from wrapping his car around a telephone pole/passing away in my last year of school.

    it's probably the stupidest and most selfish decision you can make, and much of my respect for you will go out the window if you do it. worse if you brag about doing it.

    ugh. typing about it gets me fired up.

  4. CDNz1
    04

    re: Tariq's Basement Studios: Outspoken Artists

    Posted on Dec 09, 2009 by CDNz1

    As I look back over the past year, there were only three things that really got me fired up enough to post on or about this blog.

    *  NxEW "allegedly" snubbing NXNE  NxEW was young and growing then, situation resolved.  I am passionate for something for which I contribute and get very vocal. 

    *  Budget cuts to the CEEB  I have never written a politician before.  Let alone a Canadian politician (as I live in the States)  but this got me going.  DON'T get me going!  I wrote to Harper's office and actually had a few respoonses back.  Form letters I'm sure, but very nice ones.  I hope my opinion was heard, I did what I could. 

    *  CBC Radio 3 considering playing less than 99.9% Canadian Indie music  This REALLY got me going.  If I wanted a global music station, I would go elsewhere.  I like the Canadian Indie station I have here and R3 does a spectacular job.  Don't change what does not need to be changed. 

    Some people are uncomfortable with being vocal and speaking up.  I am not.  Speak, write or blog about your passion.  If you do not, it might not be there the next day.

    Great question & topic, Tariq. 

    CHIMO!

     

     

  5. rosepalmieri
    05

    @CDNz1

    Posted on Dec 09, 2009 by rosepalmieri

    Right on! Tottally in agreement with you.

     

    Rose.

  6. HJ
    06

    re: Tariq's Basement Studios: Outspoken Artists

    Posted on Dec 09, 2009 by HJ

    Is there going to be another broad cast of the Bucky awards? Or is there a podcast?

  7. boders
    07

    re: Tariq's Basement Studios: Outspoken Artists

    Posted on Dec 09, 2009 by boders

    lots of things have me motivated to start a blog. In fact, I did start one. It's here (http://excerptcize.com). I've written there about the Olympics, Climate Change and music. I too have a huge problem with impaired driving, not just from drinking, any activity. Texting, cell phone, any other number of activities do not mix with piloting a several tonne vehicle at high speeds. Even if you are driving alone, others lives are at your mercy.

    I haven't read Carey Mercer's rebuttal to the performers contract yet, but I think that although I can see where he's going to be coming from that I'll end up disagreeing with it. The artists are being hired. They are promoters. Having them sign a contract that says they will not act counter to the interests of those who have hired them seems like a basic underpinning of good business practices. Imagine a different organization other than the Olympics hiring an artist to perform at an event. Would anyone think it's strange that they require that performer to not decry the entity that hired them? If an artist wants to protest the Olympics (and Bell and any other sponsors) they can decline to perform during them and protest as much as they want. It'll be an interesting read, but I can't really see what the argument is going to be; I suspect that it's more a case of the Olympics elliciting a passionate response, as they tend to do with most people, one way or the other.

  8. boders
    08

    @HJ

    Posted on Dec 09, 2009 by boders

    I believe a podcast is available now. I have a recording of the whole show plus the last hour of TCNH at work. Contact me at cam [dot] bode [at] gmail [dot] com if you want to figure out a way to download it (190mb or so). I'm at home now though, so won't be able to get it to you till tomorrow.

  9. boders
    09

    re: Tariq's Basement Studios: Outspoken Artists

    Posted on Dec 09, 2009 by boders

    just read his article and it doesn't change any of my thoughts above. I do agree with him wholeheartedly that the nature of VANOC (and the IOC) is troubling (ie. are they a public or private entity). I also agree that the Olympics are a poor allocation of resources on a comparative basis. But so is so much of what we do. If Vancouver does not get a significant affordable housing boost post Olympics (part of the Village was supposed to be low income housing but that is in jeopardy because of the huge cost overruns and desire to recoup as much money as possible) I will be shouting from the rooftops about how wrong that is.

  10. boders
    10

    re: Tariq's Basement Studios: Outspoken Artists

    Posted on Dec 09, 2009 by boders

    and for something totally different, mattyjames2001 and I AREN'T in complete agreement about something!

  11. boders
    11

    re: Tariq's Basement Studios: Outspoken Artists

    Posted on Dec 09, 2009 by boders

    none of this precludes the fact I have a great amount of respect for any artist who uses the platform they have to promote something they believe in. I just don't believe he has a substantive point to make. Again, artist is hired by group X. Group X requires that artist does not work counter to Group X's interests. A normal, everyday thing. In this case Group X just happens to be VANOC...

  12. boders
    12

    @Tariq

    Posted on Dec 09, 2009 by boders

    I need to come onto the evening blogs more often. Soapbox to myself!

    Hope the back's feeling better.

  13. CDNz1
    13

    @boders

    Posted on Dec 09, 2009 by CDNz1

    You're never really alone here.

    :)

    Nice pics from the Open House!  I'm still cleaning the drool from the keyboard.

  14. CDNz1
    14

    Prop 9 (SACRAMENTO CA, USA) LEE HOWER DAY (with addendum)

    Posted on Dec 09, 2009 by CDNz1

    Propostion 9 for Q4 reads as follows:

    Quorum passed submission for 'LEE HOWER DAY' in City of Sacramento for 9 DEC for a period of 20 years.  The number '3' to be prominently displayed around the city.

    No more new business.

    Adjourned.

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