Eyes and ears are open wide, some things don't go in.
Trying to catch up with sleep. Disappointment at what I see around me.
Grounded, making noise, things coming to an end and a very important beginning about to start.
There is something important to be said.
An open letter to the rest of the world.
Please don't think the actions and attitudes of contestants on "Hey Hey It's Saturday" represent me! The pro of the web is that information can be delivered quickly and effectively, the con is that if that information is an extremely unfortunate example of human ignorance, everyone sees that too.
One would hope that this kind of racist 'entertainment' doesn't represent the attitudes or entertain the majority of the country, but I sometimes wonder. Australia has a bit of a reputation around the world has being racist, for example, just look at how we treat our students from India. When I lived in Canada around 10 years ago, an Asian fellow who worked in the Uni said to me;
"Oh you're from Australia, do you know Pauline Hansen?" "Not personally" I replied. I was extremely embarrassed that her shit travelled so far.
So for those who don't know the story, a 1970s/80s family variety TV show called 'Hey Hey It's Saturday' recently presented two 'reunion' shows. The second one included a kind of 'gong show' talent competition, featuring a re-showing of a skit from about 20 years earlier called 'Jackson Jive' a collection of guys in black face (ala The Black and White Minstrel Show') and frizzy wigs and a leader in Michael Jackson ('Thriller' era) getup, with a pale face. It was a bad idea back in the 80's, it's a bad idea now. American crooner Harry Connick Jr was a judge on the show and he called them out on just how dodgy the whole thing was. Presenter and producer, Daryl Somers, to his credit, apologised to Connick for the offense and gave him the opportunity to say why he was offended, which he eloquently did. However, why the hell was this even aired/allowed on the show? (on the repeat, the skit and it's aftermath were removed).
'It's all a bit of fun, no harm done, no offense intended' some might say. 'It's Political Correctness gone mad'. Screw that, I say. To a degree, what's correct politically is subjective, one's morals and ethics are your own. However, when a majority of society agrees that racism is a 'bad thing' then you should really think about it.
Somehow certain parts of popular culture become acceptable, regardless of the problematic nature of them. Football machismo (excessive alcohol consumption and sexual molestation) although slightly frowned upon is excused because 'these elite athletes need to let off steam. 'Shock jocks' like little ol' Kyle Sandilands or that wally Sam Newman are still on the air because it's just their schtick. It's like the bull runs, just because because something is tradition, doesn't mean it should continue.
I'm opposed to censorship, but when you talk shit, you should expect that someone will call you on it.
Back to 'Hey Hey it's Saturday'. Satire is all well and good, however there were a number of reason's this was a bad idea. Michael Jackson has just died for one. A sense of irony, about a period of TV entertainment, that was naive in it's attitudes would be one thing, a 2009 perspective on an 1970s/80s mindset. However, there was complete lack of irony or wit and it reminded us all that the show had (and seemingly still does - perhaps to be authentic) a general tone of racism and mean-spiritness.
Rant over, but all this shit needs to be wiped out, I'm fed up with it. I'm also not looking at 'blanding' out society with no controversial art or entertainment. This is not conservatism. This is a hope that elements that perpetuate bullshit are shown the door. It's so easy NOT to be ignorant, why is it still happening.
There are good things around though. Me and Aaron as MOIO did our first gig at the mini-fest 'Black Sunday', organised by myself and Scot Cotterell with assistance from Jason James and co-presented by Sound Klub and Salamanca Art Centre.
It was held on Sept 27, a rainy blustery afternoon and we are appreciative of all who braved the weather and came along. A special thanks should go to Spheres who ventured down from Launceston to do the show. It was great to finally see Tom and Ian's act AXXONN as well. TRIAD opened the proceedings, followed by a wonderfully 'vibratory' performance by CYCLE, those naughty EVIL GOAT boys also appeared and impressed! Here are some images of TRIAD and MOIO. There are sounds up on the myspace pages too. Thanks all it was great and hopefully there will be more.
On August 29, I performed a DJ set as DJ Broken Tiny for Ben Crothers monthly themed - evenings called 'Brand New Second Hand'. The theme was 'Europe' and so played a lot of Krautrock and a bit of French and Swiss industrial and a bit of Italian prog. DJ Mamoo (aka Lisa Rime) did a wonderful French pop set as well. Thanks Ben, it was a lot of fun, keep me in mind for the future!
There's a few visual arts/installation things on the horizon coming up, but things still need to be confirmed, will let you know.
What I can say is that myself and Scot Cotterell have been invited to perform at the UTAS Artschool Grad Show. This is on Friday November 6. We are looking at doing a DÜO 'no input' set, mixer and devices feedback noises. Here is Scot's mockup poster.
Also MOIO have been invited to perform in the Hobart Fringe Festival 'Noise/Metal' night at the Brisbane Hotel, on Friday November 20. It is curated/organised by my mate Tim Panaretos (of Soundtracks Will Dissolve) who should put together an interesting lineup. We've also been jamming a little of late, not sure what will come of it, but it's been kinda doomy, creepy and noisy!
And to end and give a sense that I'm still amazed by the majesty of nature;
I saw a shooting star, arching over a very clear night sky, whilst listening to 'Silver' by JESU on Oct 11, 2009 at approx 8:33pm, Cressy Street, New Town, Tasmania.
I'd love to be able to suggest you try it for yourself, but when can you expect to witness that? Keep an eye out, watch the skies!
Take care.
Trying to catch up with sleep. Disappointment at what I see around me.
Grounded, making noise, things coming to an end and a very important beginning about to start.
There is something important to be said.
An open letter to the rest of the world.
Please don't think the actions and attitudes of contestants on "Hey Hey It's Saturday" represent me! The pro of the web is that information can be delivered quickly and effectively, the con is that if that information is an extremely unfortunate example of human ignorance, everyone sees that too.
One would hope that this kind of racist 'entertainment' doesn't represent the attitudes or entertain the majority of the country, but I sometimes wonder. Australia has a bit of a reputation around the world has being racist, for example, just look at how we treat our students from India. When I lived in Canada around 10 years ago, an Asian fellow who worked in the Uni said to me;
"Oh you're from Australia, do you know Pauline Hansen?" "Not personally" I replied. I was extremely embarrassed that her shit travelled so far.
So for those who don't know the story, a 1970s/80s family variety TV show called 'Hey Hey It's Saturday' recently presented two 'reunion' shows. The second one included a kind of 'gong show' talent competition, featuring a re-showing of a skit from about 20 years earlier called 'Jackson Jive' a collection of guys in black face (ala The Black and White Minstrel Show') and frizzy wigs and a leader in Michael Jackson ('Thriller' era) getup, with a pale face. It was a bad idea back in the 80's, it's a bad idea now. American crooner Harry Connick Jr was a judge on the show and he called them out on just how dodgy the whole thing was. Presenter and producer, Daryl Somers, to his credit, apologised to Connick for the offense and gave him the opportunity to say why he was offended, which he eloquently did. However, why the hell was this even aired/allowed on the show? (on the repeat, the skit and it's aftermath were removed).
'It's all a bit of fun, no harm done, no offense intended' some might say. 'It's Political Correctness gone mad'. Screw that, I say. To a degree, what's correct politically is subjective, one's morals and ethics are your own. However, when a majority of society agrees that racism is a 'bad thing' then you should really think about it.
Somehow certain parts of popular culture become acceptable, regardless of the problematic nature of them. Football machismo (excessive alcohol consumption and sexual molestation) although slightly frowned upon is excused because 'these elite athletes need to let off steam. 'Shock jocks' like little ol' Kyle Sandilands or that wally Sam Newman are still on the air because it's just their schtick. It's like the bull runs, just because because something is tradition, doesn't mean it should continue.
I'm opposed to censorship, but when you talk shit, you should expect that someone will call you on it.
Back to 'Hey Hey it's Saturday'. Satire is all well and good, however there were a number of reason's this was a bad idea. Michael Jackson has just died for one. A sense of irony, about a period of TV entertainment, that was naive in it's attitudes would be one thing, a 2009 perspective on an 1970s/80s mindset. However, there was complete lack of irony or wit and it reminded us all that the show had (and seemingly still does - perhaps to be authentic) a general tone of racism and mean-spiritness.
Rant over, but all this shit needs to be wiped out, I'm fed up with it. I'm also not looking at 'blanding' out society with no controversial art or entertainment. This is not conservatism. This is a hope that elements that perpetuate bullshit are shown the door. It's so easy NOT to be ignorant, why is it still happening.
There are good things around though. Me and Aaron as MOIO did our first gig at the mini-fest 'Black Sunday', organised by myself and Scot Cotterell with assistance from Jason James and co-presented by Sound Klub and Salamanca Art Centre.
It was held on Sept 27, a rainy blustery afternoon and we are appreciative of all who braved the weather and came along. A special thanks should go to Spheres who ventured down from Launceston to do the show. It was great to finally see Tom and Ian's act AXXONN as well. TRIAD opened the proceedings, followed by a wonderfully 'vibratory' performance by CYCLE, those naughty EVIL GOAT boys also appeared and impressed! Here are some images of TRIAD and MOIO. There are sounds up on the myspace pages too. Thanks all it was great and hopefully there will be more.
On August 29, I performed a DJ set as DJ Broken Tiny for Ben Crothers monthly themed - evenings called 'Brand New Second Hand'. The theme was 'Europe' and so played a lot of Krautrock and a bit of French and Swiss industrial and a bit of Italian prog. DJ Mamoo (aka Lisa Rime) did a wonderful French pop set as well. Thanks Ben, it was a lot of fun, keep me in mind for the future!
There's a few visual arts/installation things on the horizon coming up, but things still need to be confirmed, will let you know.
What I can say is that myself and Scot Cotterell have been invited to perform at the UTAS Artschool Grad Show. This is on Friday November 6. We are looking at doing a DÜO 'no input' set, mixer and devices feedback noises. Here is Scot's mockup poster.
Also MOIO have been invited to perform in the Hobart Fringe Festival 'Noise/Metal' night at the Brisbane Hotel, on Friday November 20. It is curated/organised by my mate Tim Panaretos (of Soundtracks Will Dissolve) who should put together an interesting lineup. We've also been jamming a little of late, not sure what will come of it, but it's been kinda doomy, creepy and noisy!
And to end and give a sense that I'm still amazed by the majesty of nature;
I saw a shooting star, arching over a very clear night sky, whilst listening to 'Silver' by JESU on Oct 11, 2009 at approx 8:33pm, Cressy Street, New Town, Tasmania.
I'd love to be able to suggest you try it for yourself, but when can you expect to witness that? Keep an eye out, watch the skies!
Take care.
1 comment:
Hear-hear. (or should that be here-here. I've never known...)
Artists/musicians/comedians make the decision to work with politically risky material all the time but this is weighed up against a pay-off - a point worth making, an observation, a sharp inversion or a really good laugh.
The twaddle trotted out on that show did none of this. If you insist on being a complete arse-flap, at the very least, please make me laugh.
And that cartoonist with his flap-lipped renderings of Kamahl can fuck off and all. I hope he does sue.
I'll shush now.
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