Labels: Terrastock

blogpost :: by Erica Rucker   comments (30)

at 24 September, 2007 07:37,  Daryl Licht said...

Yawn...This whole Terrastock scene is sooooooooo played out. Many of these bands are way past their creative primes and just goin' through the motions. Futhermore, to the extent that some still have some relevancy, I still find it hard to believe that people still come running, frothing at the mouth, like some Pavlovian dog, to see this festival year after year when 50%+ of the line-up is comprised of the exact same bands! To each his own, I guess, but, for me - not now, no way!  

at 25 September, 2007 09:01,  Anonymous said...

2006's Terrastock was incredibly boring like a comic book convention for health food store owners. Bloated British psych stars, half-assed Finnish free-music purveyors and weepy Drake-inspired face paint folk dominated the bill. While a few bands on this year's bill are great, it's not worth the time and money. If Sapat, Major Stars and Pelt play on the same day, I'll buy a ticket. Promoters are smart and will probably sandwich any semblance of innovate music between nostalgic wash-ups and today's safe soft-psych stars. Yawn, indeed  

at 25 September, 2007 18:54,  Anonymous said...

I love the mix of the old with the new.

If I recall correctly most festivals, and I mean countrywide seem to have a moving lineup of the same bands. For instance, how many times did Girl Talk play the festival circuit (I know he played at least 3 of the major ones), to the same 'frothy-mouthed' folks? Same goes for a few others who are chosen via Sonicbids or some other festival service. Daryl, did you go to Bonnaroo? Pitchfork? Coachella? Just wondering?

I applaud the organizers of Terrastock for choosing bands that they love (devotion is quite underrated) and giving new unheard of bands the chance to play with some of their peers.  

at 26 September, 2007 10:00,  daryl licht said...

In response to post number 4 (25 September, 2007 18:54):

No, I haven't been to pitchfork, etc. and I'm not sure why that matters/what your point is.

You "love the mix of the old with the new" - exactly how many new artists do you see in the line-up that was posted?!?

BTW, sorry about the initial double post. That was, obviously, "operator error" on my part.  

at 26 September, 2007 10:07,  Erica... said...

Daryl

I'm sorry you feel the scene is played out. Perhaps you have some ideas you'd like to share with us to make it "better".

You are looking at less than half of the line-up. However, you have a right to your opinion. Just as those people you call Pavlovian have a right to enjoy Terrastock.

To each his own. Feel free to share some ideas you might have. Let's make this a constructive conversation.  

at 26 September, 2007 12:18,  daryl licht said...

Sure. Easy. I suggest you recruit some new and more relevant bands - period.

I don't deny people have a right to enjoy what they want. No problem. I know people who get off on pain and that's their right, but it doesn't mean that I'm personally gonna sanction it. Yep, they're welcome to do whatever counterproductive or even downright dangerous things they want and I'm entitled to state that I think they're nuts!
Similarly, I think people who year after year take precious vacation time and pay good money to see the same line-ups of increasing tired and irrelevant acts are nuts!

But hey, you shouldn't take it personally, as I know you aren't really in control. That egomaniac poseur, Phil Mc Muttonhead, pretty much controls the group selection process (or at least he did for the couple of them I have real inside knowledge about), while leaving well-intentioned people, such as yourself, apparently, to do 90% of the work, while he’ll take 90% of the credit.

Believe me when I say I honestly feel sorry for the people who, figuratively, "get into bed with him". I wish you, however, good luck. Outee....  

at 26 September, 2007 14:00,  Erica... said...

new and more relevant?

Please offer specifics because I'm truly interested in your thoughts.

I need names. Perhaps your thinking is in line with our own. We have more control than you probably think.

Anyway I'm not taking your comments personally, not at all. I'm just really interested in making this a constructive conversation. All events, festivals, etc have to evaluate their direction and at times change some things to keep it "relevant". I totally agree with that sentiment. But gimme something to work with here. :0)  

at 26 September, 2007 15:49,  stephen said...

Hey daryl licht; I can't quite figure out what your point is. Don't like the line-up? Don't fucken go, dipshit.

It's called voting with your feet.  

at 26 September, 2007 17:18,  stephen said...

<rant>
Like, does Terrastock owe it you somehow to put on a lineup that you personally approve of? Put on your own fucken festival, dumbass.
</rant>  

at 26 September, 2007 17:28,  Cola Nitida said...

Seems this Daryl Licht fellow has a number of issues with Terrastock.

Just relax buddy, it'll be ok.

Think the lineup looks pretty awesome myself.  

at 27 September, 2007 03:18,  Anonymous said...

Daryl (brother of Alan), you're sort of digging yourself a hole. Yr vitriol was pretty funny, and to be honest, quite apt, to begin with. I agree with the fact that the line-up is sort of boring/tired, though Terrastock has been good in the past, it is now losing touch. Can't say much about Phil, as I've only ever delt through Simon Lewis at Terrascope (who happens to be a throughly decent human being). As for Stephen Clover... do you have to be so aggressively blunt? Regardless, Erica... this is the sort of disguised self publicity that doesn't really need aired. We all know of Terrastock. Either way, I think you all know as well as I do, the usual people who go every year will turn up, while those who are bored of the new scenesters turning up, will look elsewhere. Each to their own, I say.  

at 27 September, 2007 06:02,  Erica... said...

disguised self publicity?

...not sure what this means.

Again, in trying to make the conversation constructive, if you have "real" ideas, please share.  

at 27 September, 2007 06:29,  Anonymous said...

The "disguised self publicity" is refering to the fact that this event is hosted be The Fuzz Boutique, which you co-own. You never actually stated that fact, and if you had, it probably would have been ok. This isn't a blog post Erica, it's advertisement. There's nothing to say, constructive or deconstructive, it wouldn't matter. Constructive to you, would be for us to celebrate this festival, but as I already said, this line-up isn't great. Don't get me wrong, it's not awful or anything, but just really really tired. I look at that line up, and I don't think I'd really care to see any of them on their own, let alone together. I'm not saying to give up on it or anything, good on ya for participating with it, but what do you want us to say? Each to their own, but Daryl's right, they're resting on their morals, and the're getting lazy!  

at 27 September, 2007 07:48,  Erica... said...

The LLC was created to host the festival. Do you think it's some huge business? As a "co-owner", I get to sign over to a charity any profits we may get(should there be any). My involvement is no secret. That's hilarious. If I weren't involved, I'd still have posted about it. Some people want to know. Obviously not you nor Daryl.

As a side note, please don't make assumptions about me. If you have questions or concerns, I'm an open ear but I despise petty personal shots. That is the most lame. (equally as lame as belly aching about something being too much of a 'scene' when the only impetus is to protect a 'scene'. absolute silliness)

As the previous person mentioned, if you don't like it...just stay home. Don't grouch about it. That's weak.  

at 27 September, 2007 08:32,  brad rose said...

while i'm not terribly excited about the so-far announced terrastock lineup, it's easy to bitch and moan from the sidelines in anonymity... i've still yet to see ANYONE offer anything constructive, which i guess shouldn't surprise me. but whatever. we (meaning: eden & i, the people who run & own this website) asked erica to post periodic updates about the festival on the blog (as one of the purposes of said blogs is for news items/release announcements/etc). whether you're interested or not, there certainly are a number of folks out there (many of whom read this site) that are. so to suggest there's something nefarious going on with her posting updates about the festival she is helping plan is, frankly, absurd.  

at 27 September, 2007 11:11,  Anonymous said...

Buy a banner ad. Something's just don't need a discussion.  

at 27 September, 2007 17:59,  stephen said...

> "resting on their morals"

What the hell does that mean? Unless you are confusing your metaphors and you actually mean "resting on their
laurels"? (i.e. someone relying on their past success to cover up their current shoddy efforts).  

at 28 September, 2007 00:37,  Anonymous said...

Aye! That's the one! Too much coffee, and not enough sleep! Hah! Just been thinking... we need more festivals. Maybe people should mail in their ideal line up for terrastock, and we'll all get together and make it happen. All profits go to me (for coming up with the idea).  

at 28 September, 2007 07:08,  Phil said...

When All Tomorrow's Parties gave the fans the chance to choose their own line up this time last year, rather than have them curated by a single individual (as I always have done with the Terrastock festivals), a couple of interesting things happened.

Firstly, there was (understandably) so much disagreement that ATP ended up saying "OK, we'll decide half the line-up, you choose the rest from the following selection".

The second thing, which I found particularly interesting, was that it was the only ATP to date not to have sold out all its ticket allocation. Most sell out almost as soon as they're announced.

Power to the people? I think not.

Your friend, Phil McMuttonhead.  

at 28 September, 2007 11:19,  eric said...

Thanks for the post Phil. It reveals your true colours, nicely. No surprise that an arrogant control freak, such as yourself, would not believe in the “wisdom of crowds� nor in granting “power to the people�. In fact, at Terrastock 2, you’d tried (but, failed!) to ban a friend of mine from attending for merely expressing a dissenting aesthetic view on your little Terraobscura discussion group. To add insult to injury, you were also going defraud him, as well, by refusing to refund the money he had already paid for his admission - nice! You should move to the US. You’re attitudes would fit in just fine with the Bush administration.

In addition, you reveal yourself to be a mainstream pandering phoney with your implication that the last ATP (which, for the record, I did not attend nor do I have anything to do with ATP!) was less artistically valid, because it didn’t sell out, as if sales figures validate art. Uh, hello?!? Micheal Jackson, Britney Spears, and so on have moved millions of units; would you put them forward as being examples of “high artâ€�?!?  

at 28 September, 2007 12:22,  Erica... said...

A few comments:

first, I'm glad this discussion is going on. Really glad. There are obviously some frustrations in a festival that many people find or have found important.

Second, There is little need to be rude, Phil is very passionate and has always been about underground music. He has supported many artists in their beginnings.

As Terrastock is a joint venture between the Fuzz Boutique, LLC and Phil, do not think your comments fall on deaf ears from us or him. There are always at least 3 parties equally as important in the planning of such an event. Those being the directors, the bands and the music fans/ticket buyers.

That brings me back to the ask that people seriously give suggestions if there are bands you may want to hear that fit the ideal or even write to discuss legitimate concerns (letters to the editor, if you will) While, for sure, Terrastock is and will always be a mix of the old and new, there is always auxiliary space available to do something unique and as with any event there is always room for growth.

With all of that said, no festival, event, or action will EVER please everyone. Good constructive dialogue can help repair many kinks in the fold and often produce amazing ideas. So write me, Phil, Rob, whomever and talk to us. I'm sure, for one, you'll find us all more reasonable than anyone can come across on an online posting.

1. Let's talk it out. I don't want anyone to be referred to or thought of as a "Bush"-a-like. Gah, that thought is nightmarish.

2. Be constructive, not mean. I play nice so you play nice too.

3. and finally, there are many excellent blog posts and features on Foxy D. Please take time to read those as well and comment (again, nicely!)


Oh, and sales figures for sure DON'T validate art but it makes it a heck of a lot easier if no one is bankrupt at the end. (I can talk about art all day as well...and the politics therein...so yea, use my email)  

at 29 September, 2007 09:29,  Anonymous said...

The idea of fans picking the line up is an aesthetic, so it's not right or wrong. If someone intends to set up a festival that way, then that's their shtick. ATP probably tried that under the false hope that "if people picked this line up, then it means that's what people want, so they'll difinately buy tickets". ATP is always slightly hit and miss. Don't get me wrong, the line up always has great acts, but they have a tendancy to have god awful headliners, just for the sake of publicity, and to be assured ticket sales.  

at 29 September, 2007 14:07,  hazycomet said...

Those who hold a grudge against Phil (especially Eric, whose resentment dates back to the 2nd festival!!) should take it up with him on a one-on-one basis and not slander him in such a useless manner in a public forum.

I was lucky to meet Phil an his family at the T6 festival, and feel obliged to say that he is an excellent person who cares deeply for the music he chooses to enjoy. It's not as if he's making a fortune from holding these festivals. We're lucky he chooses to do it at all!!!

Complaining about the lineup is one thing, but bashing a man who puts his heart and soul into promoting amazing music is terrible.

Shame on you!  

at 01 October, 2007 01:38,  Anonymous said...

Personally, my problem with the line up is that Terrastock used to be a monster of a festival, and it's now become a shell of it's former self. Due to this, I think Phil should take a chance by picking more lesser known acts, and turning it into a platform to promote new music. It's only a suggestion, and I know the problem with this scenario is that there would be fears over whether tickets would shift. Either way, Terrastock needs an overhaul, because soon enough, its reputation alone won't be enough to sell tickets.  

at 01 October, 2007 14:14,  Anonymous said...

yowzers. I like the ideas floating around about hosting your own festival. This single leap of faith is the best any of us can do to advance our collective cause. It's perhaps true that Terrastock, as some sort of icon, represents 'our' desire to make music festivals about more than the usual business and egos; being early in such a game will engender such notions. But in the end, it's only a music festival that you either attend, or not. I likely will--I want to see a number of those bands.  

at 02 October, 2007 02:56,  Anonymous said...

Ah, fellow Anonymous friends, lets get together to start our own festival! We'll call it "Pick & Mix Fest". It'll be the best thing since sliced bread... and we all know how good that stuff is!  

at 14 November, 2007 14:43,  Lee said...

WOW! Good stuff. Does Alan Licht really have a brother named Daryl? I'm more convinced these are the words of David whatshisname from Nashville who shared some very similar rantings in the build up to the last Terrastock. I'd be more apt to agree if Sapat wasn't on the bill. And I'm pretty sure the play, but had scheduling conflicts. I'll be there, probably more because some of my friends will be and I've never been to Louisville before, but the lineup looks fine by me, old hat or not. Ya know as great as the music can be at T-stock, that's not the real draw for me. It's the people, the vibe, the good natured kindness of most of the folks there. Guess we wont be seeing you, Daryl?  

at 14 November, 2007 15:00,  Lee said...

I typed Warmer Milks somewhere in my previous post, but it dropped out. I'd heard from a lil birdy that they were invited, but had scheduling conflicts (playing an audience curated ATP no doubt) and couldn't make it. Can't help but think a few of the detractors in this discussion (which I've only just caught...been busy with real life round here) were hitting below the belt, dwelling on nonsenisical things that most of us have long since forgotten about and giggled off. In a word it's obviously personal. Definitely put on your own festival someday. Do it with some tact and courtesy and I might come. Invite the surviving members of the New York Dolls and I might come. Just do us all a favor, make sure all the performers actually know how to play their instruments. I've grown tired of late with hippie new-ager punk guys sitting on the floor bowing guitars and finger fucking fx pedals. Seriously though, would've been nice to see the Cherry Blossoms on board this time.  

at 20 November, 2007 07:26,  zach bramel said...

hi erica.

i'm trying to get in touch with you via lisa or the art sanctuary site, but can't figure out how exactly. i just found this thread and thought i'd try it. i heard about terrastock and have a ton of energy and ideas about the project and want to help in any way that i can. i live here in louisville and would love to make this something really cool. at the very least, let me make you a mix of what i am listening to. my name is zach bramel; please email me at foolzaquee@hotmail.com. if you can, please pull this post after you read it as i (yikes!) put my email in here.

best to you,


zach.  

at 20 December, 2007 02:46,  Phil said...

Here's the current CONFIRMED list for Terrastock 7 as at 20th December

Acid Mothers Temple & The Cosmic Inferno
*Antietam
Bardo Pond
The Bevis Frond
Black Forest / Black Sea
Damon and Naomi
*Grails
*Ignatz
*The Insect Factory
Kinski
Sharron Kraus
Linus Pauling Quartet
Major Stars
Marissa Nadler
*Dead Maids (formerly The Monster Bastard Project)
*MONO
Motorpsycho
MV&EE with The Golden Road
Tanakh
*Tara Jane ONeil
Paik
*Pantaleimon
Pelt
*The Photographic
*Plastic Crimewave Sound
Jack Rose
*Sapat
*Rob Sharples
*United Bible Studies
Windy & Carl
*Wooden Shjips

Some facts and figures:

45% (14 out of the 31) have never appeared at a Terrastock before, denoted with * by the name.

61% (19 out of the 31) didn't play at Terrastock 6.

There is no representative 1960s or 70s artist featured this time.

5 bands listed here are either unsigned or have only self-released CDRs to date.

A number of other bands were invited, but for various reasons have been unable to confirm; it would be inappropriate to mention their names however.

Just for the record, nobody has ever genuinely been banned, blacklisted or prevented from attending a Terrastock - much as we might like to joke about it sometimes, we need every ticket sale we can get! Also, I'm afraid the TerraObscura discussion group referred to above didn't exist at the time of Terrastock 2, it wasn't started until a couple of years afterwards. Other than that, I take all the accusations on the chin. I'm sorry that Terrastock hasn't been all things to all people in the past
; I only hope it's helped to make the world a slightly better place, and undertake to continue to strive to do so in future.

Happy Christmas everyone - hope to see you next year. Phil.  

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