Over the years, you have seen me talk a lot of shit about competitions, contests, and best of’s that usually happen around the Capital Region — the Albany music scene. First we have the Battle of the Bands at SPAC, then we have a few best of’s in the Metroland, the Times Union does a best of too, and now we have the Jammy’s at Trickshot. Why I don’t like these things, you may ask? Well, I explained it before and I don’t mind doing it again. Not only that these things are a popularity contest, I just feel that this area doesn’t have the right to tell us who is “best” around here. The same acts that get the same mention everywhere you see: EBJ, Wild Adriatic, Sirsy, etc. — don’t get me wrong, those artists are great (I’m not knocking their music) but they are indeed not the best in this area. I’m pretty sure there are bands and solo artists who are a lot more talented than them but you don’t see them get any mentions anywhere in local media? That’s why I put up that rant about “local media” not too long ago ’cause I really believe the way this area promotes local music is horrible.

The people should be able to do the choosing of who is best around here. We don’t need these competitions or best of’s telling us who is best and then they shove these artists in our faces. Look around, folks. There are SO MANY talented bands & artists around here who are pretty amazing and sick at what they do but they all struggle to get recognition in the scene. This area really needs to stop relying on bands/artists who have a big following and give other artists a chance.

To be honest, I think all of us are the best at what we do… even the beginners and amateurs who try to get themselves out there.

Yes, some people will come around and call me jealous but I’m not… I don’t give a shit if I don’t win a competition or get a mention in some stupid “best of”. If I did, I would have laughed it off and ignored it. I would have said, “Screw you, get my name off of there”. If I get mentioned anywhere, I don’t jerk myself off like so many musicians do. All musicians seem to be flattered and honored ’cause they get mentioned somewhere in the media or on the internet. To me, I don’t really care.

I just want to make music for me and for the few people who support it. To me that’s more rewarding than getting some silly award or getting your name in the paper, I don’t give a shit about that. I just wanna make music and get it out there.

I know I’m coming across as negative and people around the music scene will call me a troll and stuff but I’m not afraid to be realistic. I’m not afraid to tell the truth… at least, my truth that is.

Even if I don’t get any mentions in music best of’s or haven’t won an an imaginary award, I’m still pretty happy where I am musically. I think I am still pretty well known around this area as a musician. People follow my online web presence… they listen to my music, I have a decent amount of views in my youtube channel, and yes, I have my own “fan following” as well — believe it or not. I have my share of supporters and fans as well… I know they are out there.

These days, musicians are pretty desperate to get recognition everywhere as much as they can and they shouldn’t worry about that, in my opinion. They need to keep their focus on making music for the people who support them.

We’re not rock stars or celebrities… we’re all local musicians. That’s all there is to it, folks, and that’s what I’ve been trying to explain for years. Who cares about moving forward and getting to the next level. Just be appreciative of what you have now. Stop acting like these competitions or “best of’s” are so big ’cause they don’t mean anything and you know it. Bands don’t wanna publicly admit it ’cause everyone wants to treat local music “positively”. It’s pretty ridiculous and a load of crock.

Kev