I attended the Music Matters Festival at Park Street Mews yesterday. It was atrocious: a musical disaster.There’s no need to name and shame individual perpetrators. Everybody was bad – not just bad, but lousy, stinking – apart from two exceptions. The first was a young woman who played a DJ set prior to the live musicians, kicking the show off. She knew what she was doing, was completely into her act and produced some pretty impressive sounds. I don’t even like that kind of electronic assembly-line stuff usually, but she did it well enough to have me at least temporarily converted.
The second were a bunch of Northern Europeans playing American roots music, a combination of bluegrass and white gospel stylings. They weren’t exactly good – they sounded like the uptight Scandinavians they were – but at least they were playing good music, and playing it competently. If you suspended disbelief you could imagine they were from Minnesota or something. If you tried really hard, that is.
Nothing as good as that could be said of any of the other acts. I will not name names. I will simply point out that none of the following are marks of musicianship:
- Being able to play in unusual time signatures. In fact, if you use unusual time signatures when playing any kind of booty music, it shows you have no musical taste or understanding.
- Being able to coax police siren noises, constipated elephant farts, meaningless squalls of feedback and electronic glissandi from your electric guitar or your synthesizer.
- Performing complicated jazz percussion figures when you can’t even keep time properly.
- Losing your place in the solo in a three-piece band (!)
so that your one-beat lands on the accompanist’s three-beat (mind you,
if you have a percussionist who lacks a sense of rhythm and thinks of himself as a soloist rather than a drummer, this kind of
thing does tend to happen).
- Drowning out the vocalist or other soloist whom you are featuring on stage with you in an attempt to show the crowd what a virtuoso instrumentalist you are. That’s not just bad music; that’s filthy bad manners.
As Sri Lanka descends further and further into barbarism and savagery, we become apes of the culture we once possessed, going through the motions of civilized behaviour without really understanding them any more. We lose our higher intellectual and aesthetic faculties, and charades like this ‘festival’ become increasingly mistaken for the real thing. Seriously, there was precious little music to be heard at the Music Matters Festival; there was a lot of noise, but noise, however virtuosically produced, is not music. There were a few good moments here and there – in five hours of performance, there could hardly not have been – but apart from the two acts mentioned above, nobody else deserves so much as a word of praise. Every other performer on that stage let himself or herself down badly, and let the audience down completely, too.
Worse, it would only have needed the simplest, most basic of musical virtues – serving the music, not one’s own ego, and letting your ears rule your fingers instead of the other way round – to save the evening and give the audience something truly memorable to take home with it. The people performing were neither technically incompetent nor inexperienced. But sadly, the genuine spirit of the goddess Sarasvati was AWOL nearly all night, and what we got was not music, but a pile of auditory sick. There was plenty of talk, drink and pretty people going down, but music seemed to be about the last thing that mattered the Music Matters Festival.
hahahaha... you are so retarded it's hilarious... all of those points you mentioned about not being musicianship, are in fact faults of your own... especially the last one.. and if you don't understand how to play in unusual time signatures, stop dissing people who do, as it's a bit retarded when an idiot tries to talk about something he has no idea about.. there is no point arguing about this with someone like you.. you are the reason originality and music doesn't exist in this country..
ReplyDeleteare you serious? you sir are a fucking retard who thinks he knows everything when in fact you dont know jack fucking shit about music very fucking clearly judging by what you have written....do people a favour and remove this stupid blog...no one gives a fuck about what you think...its not their fault that you were too retarded to appreciate the music...now go crawl into a corner and play some shitty guitar you fucking senile old fuckhead
ReplyDeleteI have a horrible confession to make. The above poster is actually a Turing machine I programmed with the following limited vocabulary: {fuck, retard, stupid, jack, shit, logical, human being, plus an ample helping of "..."}
DeleteUnfortunately my experiment has gone horribly wrong. The program is spewing out random nonsense and I don't know how to stop it. I apologise for this outrage.
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DeleteOkay, Thushara. I've let you have your fun, but spouting raw profanity and nothing else at other commentators is taking the right of reply too far. From now on I will delete every comment that doesn't directly address the subject of the thread. Other commentators also please take note.
Deletemost of the responses i'm getting does not directly address the subject either...they're mostly about my grammar and use of full stops and what not...and other petty shit...
DeleteAw come on Dick, be a good sport and let that last comment in, will ya? We promise to be good! Honest. No more trolling.
Deleteoh richard. in your attempt to be a critique you have actually expressed what a retarded dumb-ass you are. The whole point of music is to bring so something from the universal consciousness of music to planet earth. to do that we have competent musicians like Eshantha and Dr.Sumudi who have dedicated their lives to the art of music. this festival pushed boundaries more than any other music festival or performance in colombo. you have to admit that you are an old fuck who just didnt get it. and with your understanding on music - you probably never will too. keep playing your 3 or 4 chord songs and sing to your grave. the world will be a better place without senile scums like you.
ReplyDeleteAh... the beauty of show business. If Elvis had been this much of a crybaby when music execs told him to go back to driving a truck, we'd never have rock and roll.
DeleteDo you know what you and those music execs have in common? They were wrong too.
DeleteOf course they were wrong. But you're still a crybaby. And it's not even your music. Do go home and sleep it off chap, I think the musicians themselves have this covered.
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ReplyDeleteWow. I've never met anyone whose surname is the same as his country. Except Captain America, that is.
DeleteWe lose our higher intellectual and aesthetic faculties, and charades like this ‘festival’ become increasingly mistaken for the real thing.
ReplyDelete- Unfortunately, this is true.
I think the issue is that you don't realize this isn't a festival of music you've already heard that you love that a band is going to play just to please you. These are artists willing to express themselves without inhibition and willing to allow us into that vulnerable state of creative expression. To us it's not about odd time signatures, and if you're spending your limited capacity of mind counting them, that speaks a lot of your ability to accept music for what it is and not how it appears on paper. You come across as a bitter old man who has far too idealistic notions of what things should be that you cannot accept them for how they are.
ReplyDeleteWho else has ever bothered to host a festival where young SRI LANKAN talent is given platform? Aside from the Jaffna and Galle Music Festival there is nothing happening for music. But you'd probably hate them too. I hope to God the cynic in me does not grow be anything like you.
Even more unfortunately, it is the writer of this blog who has actually lost his higher intellectual and aesthetic faculties, thereby making it impossible for him to understand and appreciate the beautiful music that was presented by some equally beautiful people who's souls are on too high a plane for this man to comprehend... Sad indeed!
ReplyDeleteOUR SOULS ARE TOO GOOD FOR THIS EARTH, WHAAAAAA!
Delete"no one gives a fuck about what you think" - Then why read? Much less comment....
ReplyDelete^why not read or comment? just because nobody should give a fuck about what he thinks, doesn't mean you should not make that clear.. especially when someone writes detrimental comments about musicians who are actually doing something original, innovative, and completely out of the norm for once in this country! the next generation of musicians that will be spawned out of Musicmatters will be testament to this, and senile old narrow-minded fools like Richard Simon will be there in all their senile glory to attempt to tear it all down.. why? it's the typical attitude of 90% of older local musicians who did jack shit with their talents and capabilities, playing other people's songs in clubs and pubs day after day, night after night, with the ever present attitude of, 'oh we're sri lankan, there is no place for music here, it should just be a hobby, etc.'.. time to grow up people, time to embrace the fact that we have been stuck in a rut for decades! break out and listen with your ears and heart, not with your mind and perceptions..
ReplyDelete>> who did jack shit
DeleteT. Kulatunga, is that you? It is, isn't it? You sly fox, you...
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DeleteBut then you do give a fuck about what he thinks right? Perhaps your comprehension skills aren't quite up to par? It's a review from one person, get over it. If you're a performer you better grow a slightly thicker skin.
ReplyDeleteAlso instead of responding with profanity why don't you tear the review down point by point? If you people represent the 'new generation' you're no better than the last.
because honestly, there is no point tearing it down point by point, when it's quite obvious the writer has no idea about the subject matter.. i am not a performer, i am a fan of music! real music.. and that is what everybody witnessed that night.. you can see the reviews of the majority on the event page.. unfortunately you get morons like this who try to put something great down, so typical.. and please, i will use whatever words i wish to use so please don't tell me how to talk..
ReplyDeleteI AM A FAN OF TEH REAL MUZAKS! FEAR ME!!
DeleteI love your opinion Richard. I'm glad you think the way you do. It's very encouraging.
ReplyDeleteI am willing to rat on 'hmmmm' - for a small fee :)
DeleteGuess nobody paid your fee, eh Deborah?
DeleteThe rest of you guys who take Richard for a byte - you suck
ReplyDeleteFor Anonymous, point by point:
ReplyDelete1. You must not have been a fan of the Canterbury scene, then, or in fact most progressive rock stemming from the era in which you presumably grew up. How did that happen?
2. If it weren't for Jimi Hendrix own experiments with unorthodox sound you wouldn't be playing through an amp capable of distortion and overdrive tones that owe so much to his creative spark. It completely transformed rock music for generations. Likewise when other musicians play with their sound they are simply pushing boundaries, of course they won't always get it right and not everyone will like it. It's subjective because it's something new to take in.
3. Again, if you submit yourself to the feel of the music instead of overload your mind with the technicalities you would be able to let this slide and just enjoy the music. Personally I only noticed a few slips here and there, and I felt they were forgivable.
4. I enjoy it when a drummer has enough individuality to want to break free from simply providing the backbone of the rhythm and bring in percussive melody. To me this is fun to watch and to hear. And I could see it in the eye contact among the musicians many times at their MusicMatters space in Borella that they are indeed considerate of what the other person is playing.
5. When most music drowns out the musicians and gives prominence to the vocals? Personally I thought the vocalists were too loud for the Colombo 00800 Kinesthetics, whose music I absolutely love when simply instrumental. This issue is related directly to the sound engineer behind the mixer inside the room which I will agree was probably not the best choice, though I have very little knowledge of acoustics and architecture and how he might have been gauging the sound.
p.s. to those reading this post who are disgusted by the comments, first take some time to get to know the individuals including the author before making assumptions on their character based on an isolated incident.
Sorry, St. Fallen, I didn't realize this was addressed to me. A point-by-point rebuttal at last; thank you for taking the trouble. So, then...
Delete1. The Canterbury Scene? Yes, I once watched Pye Hastings and Geoff Richardson spar for the leadership of a reconstituted Caravan at a gig in Guildford when I was about as old as you are now. Progressive rock? There was a time, now joyfully past, when my record collection boasted many of the works of Yes, King Crimson and other Lords of the Weird Time Signature. A lot of the music I listen to, from Malian desert blues to old English folk tunes to the music of Beck, is also full of uncommon time signatures. My point is about the artistic use made of them; my objection is to the gratuitous parade of irrelevant virtuosity.
2. The noises Jimi Hendrix made had meaning within the context of the music in which they appeared. You, of all people, should understand that music must have a narrative of some kind or it isn't music.
3. Thanks for the advice. I agree, but my ears won't let me act on it.
4. Yes, we all love individuality. And originality. Do you know the trouble with all this avant-garde stuff? It's all been done before. There's nothing individual or even novel about funny time signatures, weird noises, harmonic experiments or stylistic fusion; as far as jazz is concerned, people like Mingus, Coleman and Miles wrote the book on that stuff back in the Fifties and early Sixties.
The thing is, when you do stuff like that it impresses people, just because it's hard to do, and often you can cover up a lack of real musical inspiration – you know, the sort of sounds that move people, make them feel things and think things and want to do things – in that way. There have always been 'musicians' like that, and sometimes they sustain a thin kind of reputation amongst a small group of cognoscenti, but their music is all technique, devoid of soul.
5. We'll just have to agree to disagree on this one, I guess. You thought the vocals were too loud, I couldn't hear the words, except when the Norwegians sang. Could you?
To Anon - Your lack of maturity at a dissenting view is almost as bad as your lack of grammar. My comment also included the 'performers' above who instead of responding to the criticism in a meaningful manner sounded more like a 5 year old (albeit a 5 year old with a interesting vocabulary) who had his toy taken away. In fact your last line makes you sounds like that as well. Whatever 'real music' is, the performers who have posted here should perhaps reevaluate their responses, which sound more like parliamentarians than anything else.
ReplyDelete'an' interesting vocabulary.. sigh.. i don't know whether to laugh or cry at the irony.. thanks for the entertainment though, seriously.. monday's have never been this interesting ever! :)
DeleteOi! Overly pedantic nitpicking of grammar is my thing. Find your own thing, ok?
DeleteOh, I'm really sorry.. I didn't know people actually enjoyed being hypocrites intentionally.. I'll try to stay out of your way in future grammar wars..
Delete@St. Fallen - I presume that was addressed to the author of the reviewer and not me since I didn't actually attend this session? But now that wasn't too hard was it to respond like an adult? Well done.
ReplyDelete'author of the review' rather
ReplyDelete@thushara kulatunga
ReplyDelete>> no one gives a fuck about what you think...its not their fault that you were too retarded to appreciate the music...
Ahahahaha! I think the lady doth protest too much. I find this hilarious. Please continue. And while you're at at, might I suggest a Godwin?
I'm not sure that the fact that the performers' ability to write in an articulate manner should be held against them. In the rest of the world, "rock" (and its offshoots) are not solely claimed by the hipster intelligentsia and musicians are often inarticulate Neanderthals. This has no bearing on the quality of their music.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to see people reading and reacting to this. Despite all the trash-talking and personal insults, some of you will get the message and take it to heart.
DeleteThose guilty of the serial offences against music that were perpetrated on Saturday night, as well as their friends, relatives and other interested parties, are welcome to dismiss my comments as the jealous ravings of a frustrated, tone-deaf old fart.
Two things say they are more than that.
The first is the musicians' unanimous acceptance of the tin-eared decision to place the mixing desk in a separate acoustic environment from that in which the performance was taking place. This is a ridiculous error, a sign of inexcusable ignorance, incompetence or indifference. You can call me all the names you like, but that will still be true.
The second thing that says I'm right was the general indifference of the audience on Saturday night. Most people chatted, flirted, socialized and drank through the 'performance'. Few even bothered to look at the stage. Applause was minimal and confined to the circle of acolytes and admirers at the very front of the audience space.
Saturday night's culprits will, of course, blame the audience for this. But all audiences are the same: not very musically or aesthetically clued-up, looking for familiar thrills with just a bit of novelty to spice it up. It is up to the musician to overcome those impediments and compel first the attention of the audience and thereafter its affection and sympathy.
This was as true for Coltrane, Stravinsky, Segovia and Hendrix as it was for any of Saturday night's performers. The music of these geniuses was 'advanced' and 'intellectual', but it also had qualities that compelled appreciation from ordinary listeners, and they won hostile audiences (in Stravinsky's case, so hostile they set fire to the theatre) over in the end.
It can be done, here in Colombo just as well as anywhere. I know it can be done because I have seen it being done countless times. Try telling Stigmata (to pluck an example out of the air) that Sri Lankan audiences don't appreciate original music.
Sir, you don't have to explain yourself to these watchamacallits and tiny tots. Personally I think you were laying on the criticism a bit too thick, but that's your opinion and you have a right to it.
Deletejust so we're clear, no one who performed has commented on here...i did not perform that night....just a spectator...and it was an amazing display of talent and something that has not happened in colombo so far...pure originality...everyones entitled to their opionion but this opinion is fucking retarded...any logical human would get that
ReplyDelete>> i did not perform that night
DeleteAnd thank God for that.
@shanilj Seriously? You start with "...bring something from the universal consciousness of music to planet earth..." and conclude with "you are an old fuck who just didnt get it."? Did you accidentally cut your weed with meth?
ReplyDeleteDoes that even really matter? can't you idiots trying to defend Richard Simon at least come up with a proper argument about the subject, rather than ranting about what people are commenting? and then you complain that nobody can take critisism.. hello, bring it on! if you want a proper debate on the subject matter, lay it down there folks, tell us how and why you agree with Richard Simon and how and why everybody here who is against his views is a tiny tot who probably performed that night... Please, do!
DeleteErrr... yes dude. that's how i started and that's how i ended it.at least i have balls to stand up to my own words. unlike YOU - hiding behind an ANONYMOUS tagline. you are like a little sissy-boy who has crawled out of the queens ass.
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Delete>> This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
DeleteOuch, Dick. You've hurt my feelings. But no matter. We must let these boys get a word in edgewise, no? Sadly I've nothing to say of the music (your criteria for deletion) because I find 'experimental' music neither offensive nor charming. But then again this discussion ceased to be about music long ago and became more about the art of critique and the art of how not take critiques personally and go on public tirades.
Cheers mate, whoever you are.
@thushara kulatunga et al. : It's called a thesaurus. Get one. You have just exhausted the entire country's daily quota of "fucking" and "retard". And we're a country with an exceptionally large quota of fucking retards.
ReplyDeletei'm sorry if my swearing offends you but i fail to see how my swearing is relevant right now...i'm sorry dude but i will talk the way i want...and especially when retards like this are saying retarded things, you cant blame me for getting angry...these are some of the best musicians in the country and the performances were mind blowing...any logical human would get that thisreview is fucking stupid
DeleteI think somebody blew your mind a long time ago. Right out of its skull. LOL.
Deletei'm also sorry that you cant make a reasonable argument and resorting to petty insults...
DeleteNope. A petty insult would be something like "Thushara Kulatunga has man-tits".
Deletestill failing to see the relevance...are you incapable of making a logical argument?
DeleteYou need to get your full-stop key fixed. Every time you hit it, it seems that three characters pop out. Oh wait, I apologise. Are you trying to do ellipses?
Deletehahaha.........cute................all you can talk about is my grammar...petty arn't we? haha if you cant make a logical argument, just shut the fuck up man...who the fuck cares about grammar and punctuation...instead of criticizing peoples grammar and spelling and punctuation errors why don't you make a valid argument?
Delete>> just shut the fuck up man.
DeleteYes, because in the history of people telling other people to just shut the fuck up, that has worked very well.
But I guess you're right about grammar and spelling. It doesn't matter at all. It's not like you're some sort of freelance writer or journali... oh wait... weeellll, this is awkward.
maybe for you...not so awkward for me...and you clearly have no valid fucking argument to make...
Delete>> haha if you cant make a logical argument
DeleteBut of course I can make a logical argument. Watch this:
All men are mortal.
Socrates is a man.
Therefore Thushara Kulatunga is a hyper-emotional twat.
Lulz! Moar! Moar!!
DeleteHHAHAHAHA...cute
DeleteWoah... listen to yourselves!
ReplyDeleteI have. And it is music to my ears. And MUSIC MATTERS BITCHES!!!111oneone
DeleteFirst off, I do think this review is a little harsh. I enjoyed more of it than the two acts mentioned.
ReplyDeleteHowever, though I usually don't comment, I felt I had to after seeing the comments above.
The post is overly harsh (in my opinion), but attacking the person writing isn't the way to make your point. If you feel so strongly about the quality of music, why don't you try explaining why you enjoyed it so much? Why not explain why you don't agree with the points he mentioned? Saying 'because he's a fucking retard' is kind of counter productive. Unfortunately, not everyone who attends a concert is an expert, and they all have different tastes, and they are completely within their rights to share their opinion. There is such a thing as freedom of speech, after all, right?
Personally, when my work is criticised, instead of saying the person is a fucktard, I try to listen to the critique and understand where the person is coming from, and keep that in mind, so that my work ends up better. If you keep criticising your naysayers, you'll never improve beyond a certain point. Rather than telling them they're idiots, work towards changing their mind.
Just my two cents - Raisa
there's a difference between constructive criticism and bitter ranting...learn it...when a retard is a retard, it will be noticed and it will be said...
DeleteHe said, looking poignantly at the mirror.
Deletehahaha thats all you can say? if you cant make a reasonable or logical argument just dont say things for the sake of the having the last word...hahaha
Delete^ You, Sir, have won my heart :)
DeleteThat was meant for anonymous by the way :)
DeleteBut we're all anonymous. One might even say that we're legion.
DeleteAnonymously anonymous we shall remain.
DeleteTrue, I too felt the review was a tad bit too harsh.
DeleteI disagree with the author were he says “none of the following are marks of musicianship… In fact, if you use unusual time signatures when playing any kind of booty music, it shows you have no musical taste or understanding.”
It is my opinion that musical taste is something that is subjective, so how can the author say “…it shows you have no musical taste”. How did he derive that playing in unusual time signatures is equivalent to no musical tastes in all the possible subjective musical tastes?
To me music is how a piece of music makes me feel and not its time signatures, complexity or delivery. Since the author seems to know more about music than myself I am sure some of his points are valid too.
dumidu
And that, TK and the rest of the crybaby chorus, is how you respond to a critique you don't agree with. Show em how it's done, doo-me-doo.
DeleteDumidu, trust me machang, he doesn't.. That's why it's so sad.. But yes, very articulately put.. That's how to deal with these 'Intellectual' people machang they don't understand otherwise, so don't murder the Queen ah, bad scene then..
DeleteI was there that night and, while I agree that the sounds could've been a bit better, I thought the music was pretty good overall. Richard is being more than a little unfair in his scathing review here - I'll give you guys that much.
ReplyDeleteBUT
That's all that it is. A fucking review. Get over it. You're only helping him prove his point.
- H
@Thinuwan Sri Lanka:
ReplyDeleteA word of advice, sweetie pie... Use "epic FAIL" too much and you're practically labeling yourself a fat nerd who lives in yo momma's basement. Oh wait, what basements? Sri Lankan nerds live happily in their old bedrooms right into their forties, know? Oh, and I think yo momma misspelled Thunuruwan.
@Raisa: Your two cents, madam (or is it sir?) are in hard currency. Hats off to you. In the very least you have the power of portmanteau -- you said "fucktard" instead of adding to the flood of "fucking retards".
ReplyDeleteThe review is pretty damn harsh and I would have personally pissed a little on it myself, but then the little boys came crying know?
Again, thank you for hitting the nail on the fucktards' heads.
"Being able to play in unusual time signatures. In fact, if you use unusual time signatures when playing any kind of booty music, it shows you have no musical taste or understanding."
ReplyDeleteLOL!Yeah and great bands like meshuga,Death,Dream theater must be just Cookie cutters
"great bands like meshuga,Death,Dream theater must be just Cookie cutters" -
DeleteGreat according to who? You? Or do you say they're great "cos everyone says so, man?"
>> great bands like meshuga,Death,Dream theater must be just Cookie cutters
DeleteBitch. Please. Don't insult cookie cutters.
Mona huga? Monawada me jarawa?
ReplyDeleteAnd for all those who seem to have this huge problem with profanity, ohh i am so sorry! I mean, you people never say fuck right! It's such a horrible thing to say! Tsk tsk! People, stop trying to defend yourself by attacking the language, grammar, etc. of others, it just ends up being a sorry attempt at a comeback when you're caught with your pants down.. I really feel sorry for all you, but not as much as for Richard Simon.. He deserves the most pity out of everyone here.. He's just a musically limited, frustrated man who unfortunately thinks he knows it all..
ReplyDelete"The fool is constant in his opinions, and doubts nothing, because he knows everything, except his own ignorance.." (Pharaoh Akhenaton, c.1250BCE)
Aney pako.
Delete"Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hatred. Hatred leads to suffering." (Master Yoda, a long time ago in a far away galaxy)
DeleteCorrect.. Which is why people like Richard Simon need to get that anger out of their heads which are directed at musicians that play music too hard for him to comprehend..
DeletePlease don't play music too hard. You might hurt yourself.
Delete^ Oh ok mommy! I'm sorry!
DeleteIt's ok sonny boy. Now drink your milk and go to bed.
Deleteokayyyy.... no wait.... fuck you! fuckity fuck fuck fuck! ohhh fuckerfuckerfuckerfuckerfucker...!! :)) hey, now dont ground me momma!
DeleteNow repeat after me: breath in... breath out... breath in... breath out. I do not feel like a pissed off twat at all... I am in control... I will not allow the anonymous troll to get to me....
DeleteAlso: chee. You really shouldn't talk to yo momma like that. I'm sure Freud would have something to say about that sort of thing.
So... much... ROFL...
DeleteRichard, I am horrified at all these comments. I wasnt there so I cannot make a judgement on the music but just wanted to say good on you for putting your opinion out there -- as that is simply what it is -- an opinion. I wish those who have commented could regard it as such and limit their comments to their opinions on your views rather than these vicious personal attacks. Shame that this article has been unable to spark an intelligent debate and has instead become a barrage of insults. Cheers, Tari
ReplyDeleteintelligent debate is not possible when unintelligent and downright retarded statements are made...
DeleteThat's okay, Tari. I could always delete them, you know ;)
Delete>> I could always delete them, you know ;)
DeletePlease don't. Let it stand as a testament to the abject asshattery of the local 'artiste' (note the pompus 'e' at the end). You will be doing their posterior... I mean posterity as service.
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DeletePompus eh? What's that, some new version of Cat-Dog? Heh! It's quite funny to see the Hypocrisy and Irony that Richard's 'fans' keep providing with their comments.. :)
DeleteAgain: sorry, Thushara. You can call me all the names you like, but you'll be courteous to each other – all of you – from now on or you don't get to comment any more on this blog.
DeleteThats ok...i'm done here...any of you anonymous losers wanna say something...come say it to my face...you know who i am...let it be very clear however that the performers are not commenting...they're a lot bigger than that...and before our trolls state the obvious and make dumb arguments let me just say that i am definitely not like those who performed...definitely not bigger than that...adios folks
DeleteSo long, farewell,
DeleteAuf wiedersehen, goodnight!
Take, your stuff
Some other place alright?
I think most of the attack on the writer is based on previous incidents of such nature, which have only made this article seem ridiculously hypocritical.. Richard Simon has on many occasions before expressed his dislike at some of the musicians who performed that night. That makes this entire review biased, so I would appreciate it if people stopped calling it that. It is not a review, but merely a senile musically frustrated man's rantings on something he just cannot understand..
ReplyDeleteThere have been many incidents I have witnessed in which the writer has been publicly embarrassed by trying to jam with some of the musicians who played that night, purely as he had absolutely no idea what was going on musically, and had no idea how to spontaneously create music to compliment what was going on.. It's a common phenomenon amongst musicians who are used to sitting in their lounges playing the same old songs day in day out.. They don't have the ability to understand that music is such a magical thing, that really has as much boundaries as sound itself (which to a human would be anything between 20-20,000Hz). An artiste's ability to manipulate those frequencies, and the durations in between those frequencies are limitless.. The only limits are in your head!
And as for the drummer not sticking to time, did you not listen to the introduction in which it was mentioned that this is a tribute to traditional Sri Lankan low country drumming? Have you any idea what that means musically? Do you understand how it was used in ancient civilizations as a form of communication, as it could be heard kilometers away, flowing seamlessly in and out of this thing that you cling to so dearly and call 'time'? That music is so beautiful & powerful because of it's seemingly timeless nature! But unfortunately to the mainstream conditioned human brain, that's just way too much to handle, and has somehow been termed, not music! Haha, bravo people.. Keep living in your little boxes, it's ok, just let the people who are out of the boxes, enjoy the freedom it brings.. You sound like a bunch of frustrated catholic priests..
And just for the record, i am not a performer here either, neither are any of the others who i see have commented here, but i know the people behind this festival personally, have seen the way they teach music to kids, teens, adults young and old, i've seen the way they live and breathe the music, and i have nothing but respect for these amazing people as they have done nothing but good for our creativity starved music industry.. So i think people with personal issues like Richard Simon, should just stick to playing guitar in the comfort of his home, as i have seen him playing in public and blatantly over powering everyone else on stage with his loud blaring distortion and favorite pentatonic scales that bear no resemblance or relevance to what is going on around him.. Mate, take a cue from your good friend Prasanna.. He also comes from the previous generation of musicians, but he's open minded and has embraced the fact that music and musicians here are evolving, and should be allowed to do that.. He lends constant support the younger generation by turning up for shows, inviting them over to his place for some amazing jam sessions, and just not being a prick! Which unfortunately Mr. Simon, you are proving yourself to be!
tl;dr. consider condensing this post to:
Delete"I think most of the attack on... Richard Simon like... frustrated catholic priests... younger... jam sessions... being a prick!"
Really. I don't know what the rest of your comment is on about.
Why, are you dyslexic? Can't help you there then sorry..
DeleteYou insensitive clod. How dare you spell out dyslexic for a dyslexic? Have you no heart? (Or head, for that matter?)
DeleteWhy not? Why put a dyslexic person down by not saying/writing certain words around him/her? They already have very low self esteem, and you could make it worse by treating them like that.. Think positive and BE positive, anything can be overcome.. I asked a genuine question, there is no other reason that person couldn't understand the post, as they seem to have a decent hold on the English language as well.. Beats me...
Delete"And as for the drummer not sticking to time, did you not listen to the introduction in which it was mentioned that this is a tribute to traditional Sri Lankan low country drumming? Have you any idea what that means musically?"
DeleteThat Sri Lankan low country drummers have no sense of time?
Surely not.
Thanks for trying to engage at least one of my points seriously, though.
Now: you seem to know quite a lot about me: who I am, who my friends are, and you say you have heard me play on several occasions. Would you like to cast off your cloak of anonymity, then, and introduce yourself?
Or would you rather just go on calling me a senile, frustrated prick from the shadows?
Sure thing old man.. Expect a message on facebook shortly..
DeleteAnd where have i mentioned that Sri Lankan low country drummers have no sense of time? It is their ability to weave through the conventional divisions of time used in music that is the beauty of it.. They actually have a greater sense of time than most western musicians. And obviously, far greater than you. It is a trademark of our traditional drummers. And all their music is based around time signatures in 6 and 9, spread over long passages spanning several bars, that make the listener feel like they are being thrown back and forth through time! Have you heard of any 'Bera Padha' as they are called Mr. Simon? And have you any idea how to even tap those rhythms on a table, let alone play it on an acoustic drum kit, as was done on Saturday night.. If you cannot understand something sir, you cannot pass judgement on it.. Just remember that..
if you richard are implying that sumudi was going off time my previous few statements about what a retard you are justified...throughout the whole night his playing was perfect and he certainly did not go out of time...you clearly just didn't understand what he was doing...there was only one occasion where i heard him make a small mistake in the beat (during the jazz session) and judging by his expression he noticed that as well...he keeps time like a fucking metronome...maybe you need to get your ears checked...or retire into a fucking old age home where you can spend your days bitching about the young folk to other grumpy fucks like you...dont bitch about people trying to bring some creativity into a scene where creativity is mostly stagnant...from where i stand you just sound bitter that you cant do even a quarter of the things that the people at musicmatters can do...
DeleteWell, Thushara, kudos to you for having the courage to sign your comments.
Delete@Anonymous above: thank you for your Facebook post. I now know who you are, but the readers of this blog are still none the wiser. Why not post your name here, then, and own up to all the personal abuse you've been so bravely (and anonymously) hurling?
Delete>> It is their ability to weave through the conventional divisions of time...
DeleteWow? Could it be? Do yo mean... Sinhala Buddhist drummers could travel through time?
^ *extravagant eye roll*
DeleteJust saw this on Richard Simon's profile on facebook under favorite qoutations..
ReplyDelete"When word (his opinions) and action (the music at the festival) disagree, trust the action, not the word.."
Hahahaha... Oh the beautiful ironies of life.. Richard Simon, you crack me up! Thank you! :)
Hypocrites :) Gotta love em.
Delete>> Who is Richard Simon??
DeleteMore importantly: Where is Waldo? Where's my wife and family? What if I die here? Who'll be my role model, now that my role model is gone? gone...
True, these are all more important questions than trying to figure out who this Richard is.
DeleteOh Justin Bieber lovers!
ReplyDeleteOh hot butter cattlefish!
DeleteOMG! He is sooo cute. Thumbs up if Paris Hilton brought you here!
DeleteI think the review is merely a ploy to direct some traffic to this blog. (Well it worked). The incredibly open-minded folk at Music Matters happened to share this at their facebook page- thereby bringing me here. So Richard, high five… Your scheme worked.
ReplyDeleteIf not- relax guys. This is just a review. If he had the ability to make music the way Eshantha & co would make, I’m pretty sure he would have. Instead, he chose to be a critic. Trust me; you do get some encouraging, constructive and insightful reviews. This just wasn’t.
The pretentiousness aside, the review was at least a mildly interesting read. I only pray that in 50 years time, when I cannot do many things that I do now, I will not rant like a conceited bigot. Then again, only time can tell.
Nikita
In 50 years time, you'll be driving a hovercraft.
DeleteOh Nikita is it cold?
DeleteIn your little corner of the world?
You can roll around your home
And never find a warmer soul to know
You know, the funniest thing is, so many people seem to have a huge problem with the language being used, and go on to say that these people can't seem to take criticism...
ReplyDelete1. I don't see any of the performers commenting here so i don't know who you think can't take criticism. In fact as mentioned above, they have posted it on the events page as well, knowing them it's all a great laugh on a Monday!
2. All you people defending Richard Simon, instead of going on about the language and calling everybody against this post (not review because it's not) an idiot/kid/performer etc. why don't you bring forward a valid argument about the subject matter? Nobody can back up Richard's statements, and in fact some who have defended him have also stated that this post is a bit over the top!
You people are just being biased. You may know Richard personally and have an obligation to stand up for him.. Respect to that, but if you want to argue, please understand the subject matter and bring a strong argument to the table.. You are calling everybody kids/idiots for using foul language, when in truth that doesn't even really FUCKING matter! FUCK is just a word! A sound that comes out of your mouth.. Maybe if we said PHUCK then it wouldn't be so bad? Man, you guys have no idea what to argue about, but you so badly want to put in your two cents worth here.. It's just sad, give it up!
"You people are just being biased."
DeleteAnd you people are black, jewish, homosexual terrorists. And Nazis too. Godwin, bitches! Do I have to do everything myself?
Frankly, if the Engineer didn't have the sense to set up his front of house console in front of the stage, I doubt he could have done anything mix-wise to help the sonic quality of the performance. Also, I frequently meet musicians who have very little understanding of acoustics, I'm not saying that the ones that played at this particular event had little understanding themselves, I'm just saying that you really cannot judge anyone other than the engineer for his lack of knowledge.
ReplyDeleteAlso I burst out laughing for your comment on time signatures, until I realised it wasn't a joke, but this post is so flooded with comments rephrasing the last, I am just going to end this here.
"Frankly, if the Engineer didn't have the sense to set up his front of house console in front of the stage, I doubt he could have done anything mix-wise to help the sonic quality of the performance."
ReplyDeleteI spoke to the engineer. He had no choice regarding where he and his desk were put.
That was probably due to the way the venue is built.. It's long and narrow.. If the sound mixer was in front, there would have been even less room for the people.. And quite frankly, the only problem i had with the sound was that it wasn't carrying all the way to the back. But that was obviously due to the extremely large crowd, wind, and acoustics. Things the organizers have no control over.. When you did get to hearing range however, the sound was brilliant! Best balance i have ever heard in this country, for a music festival with so many varied artistes performing.. Beats the crap hole of a Jazz Unlimited (Unlimited my 'buttocks') any day...
Deleteat most events, the people in charge of the mixer usually dont know jack shit...sri lankan sound people are extremely unproffesional and they will make any excuse to get away from their work and do a half ass job unless they're pushed and pushed (and they still might not) they make excuses, are uncorporative and usually dont even know how to work the mixer...despite this the sound was very good because of the musicmatters personel balancing it, except it could have been louder like the comment above me says...if you were listening to what the so called engineer had to say, once again...retard!
DeleteYou know, it's not the smartest thing in the world for a musician to do, dissing sound engineers. They have the power of life and death over your performance.
DeleteOne thing I've learned in a lifetime of working and playing in a creative environment is that you always strive to maintain the best possible relations with the technical people on whom you depend: the sound engineers, the lighting guys, the video editors, the cameramen, the stage manager, the paste-up artist, the printer, and all those other people without whom you cannot realise your vision or bring it to life.
Unlike you, I find that most sound engineers nowadays have pretty good ears and technical skills, and will willingly help you get a sound – once you have earned their respect, which involves respecting them in turn. Until then, they will happily continue to respond to your contempt with the indifference and lack of cooperation you have seem to have grown accustomed to.
>> is built.. It's long and narrow..
DeleteI'M built long and narrow. In my pants.
@Thushara Kulatunga:
Delete>> at most events, the people in charge of the mixer usually dont know jack shit
Yes, we interrupt our regular programming to bring you this breaking news: Thushara Kulatunga knows his jack shit.
dong patas, machan, dong patas!
Deletenever said i know did...and i'm not claiming to be a sound engineer am i? but i've worked with enough to know what they're like...
Delete>> never said i know did...
DeleteHulk no understand your verb conjugations. This make hulk angry. You don't want to see hulk angry.
people make mistakes...get the fuck over it...we live in the 21st century...if what is being written is understood, that's all that matters...stop picking on the grammar and spelling because you have no other argument to make
DeleteI buy you new keyboard, okay la?
DeleteMusic Matters on Saturday night was a disappointment, and I am thankful to this blogger for saying it out loud. It was an elite carnival with wine and fine people.
ReplyDeleteThere was very little that was enjoyable and most of it seemed to be pieced together poorly. Most performances were dull, and bored the audience so much they decided to socialize and drink to distract themselves from the cacophony. I was surprised to hear that many hours of preparation had actually gone in to these performances. It sounded as if the musicians had just met and decided to jam whatever tidbits that came into their heads.
You can call it original, experimental, or whatever, but you should learn to pull-off a decent song before you try anything fancy and complex. I appreciate that they wanted to play around with complex time signatures, but when you do it badly and leave the audience jaded you know you must have fucked up. 'Make mistakes and call it improvising', is what one attendee had to say.
I am a strong supporter of Sri Lankan Original music, and I applaud the organizers for the nice setting and colorful audience they managed to attract. But I will not tolerate bad quality, immature shit being passed around as 'experimental' music.
Amen. I'm all for experimentation. Hell, I'm even ok with screwing up in the process. I'm even ok with people enjoying themselves rather than working too hard on planning. What I'm NOT ok with is the sort of juvenile responses we get from the "artists", organizers and their friends every time someone writes a less than stellar review. The very first two comments on this post set the tone for this entire laughing stock of a discussion.
DeleteFinally, some sort of musically inclined argument brought forth by those in favor of this rant. It's about time. I would just like to clarify with you though what sort of level your musical experience and knowledge is at? "I am a strong supporter of Sri Lankan Original music" doesn't really help you know, so are the Kudu Karaya's at Maligawatte.
Delete"You can call it original, experimental, or whatever, but you should learn to pull-off a decent song before you try anything fancy and complex." My dear friend, I know for a fact that all those performers can pull off any song you can think of in your tiny head, while having you wrapped around their little finger. Add a blindfold in there as well just to make it more interesting for them.
And to the other guy, "What I'm NOT ok with is the sort of juvenile responses we get from the "artists", organizers and their friends every time someone writes a less than stellar review"..
First of all dude, where are these artists and organizers you speak of? I went to the events page for this festival and saw that Musicmatters had even posted this "review" as you so ignorantly call it on their events page. Wow, that's even beyond juvenile. No, really..
And secondly, yes I see lots of friends of the performers here, you can call me one as well, although I've only actually met the guys on a few occasions. But everybody else here is also a friend of someone, including the writer. And when you go through these 'friends' comments, and look at the actual arguments being made, the 'friends' of the performers seem to have way more logical arguments than anybody else here. Just saying..
But, but... I don't know any of you people. I'm just here for the lulz. Can I have a friend too? I'm so lonely...
DeleteNo darling sorry.. Why don't you go wank off to some webcam girls or something? They exist purely for lonely people like you..
DeleteCan I wank off to you instead? Can I? Can I?
DeleteWell if an Anonymous tag with a blank avatar gets you off, I'm not going to judge you man. Whatever rocks your socks!
DeleteThis getting so hilarious, but let me try to stick to the points.
DeleteYou ask me what knowledge and experience I have of music- an average working knowledge, that I accept is only a morsel.
Whether music should be felt and understood only by the intellectuals, or if it's a universal language that even the kudukarayas of Maligawatha understand, has been an age-old argument.
The way I see it, "whatever rocks your socks!" seems like a good stance. Whatever was played that night did not have the power to move me, and judging by the reaction of the audiences, it had little legitimacy to even get a solid round of applause.
But on a more positive note- This was the first Music Matters Festival. We hope to see more in the years to come, of better quality and even bigger and better audiences =) And the hippy rage has to stop. Seriously. This is starting to get annoying! And FYI, I am not friends with the writer nor any of the performers.
There is some music that anybody can understand and get into the feel of. And then there is some music that requires a bit more awareness, open-mindedness, and optionally a bit more than average musical knowledge to understand.
DeleteBut yeah, I'll accept the 'whatever rocks your socks' stance because this is just as annoying to me as it is to you. And i don't know about this Hippie (that's how you spell it by the way) rage you're on about, looking at the comments UN-judgmentally, it seems like a lot more people have a better understanding of non-mainstream music than the writer and his minions.
@Anonymous 11 June, 2012 23:44, and any others who share his opinions : I'd really like to know your honest opinion on the monthly 'Jazz Unlimited' that takes place at the CR&FC. I get the feeling you love hearing all those commercial smooth jazz songs that are so easy on the ears, even though they've been played a million times before in Sri Lanka alone, by our extremely talented 'Jazz' musicians who've unfortunately never managed to make an original song in their entire lives.
DeleteAnd what do you have to say about the hundreds of ardent 'Jazz' fans that turn up there from ages 02-82? How many of them are actually listening to the 'amazing' music being produced, and how many of them are socializing in all corners of the ground, in their colorful clothing, holding their beautiful glasses of wine?
Music is to be felt, not understood. Some will feel certain types, some will feel certain others. Some will write gushing reviews, others will write scathing ones. That's all there is to it.
DeleteBut when a trio of irreverent "hippies" (who are not even the artists being criticised) raid a personal blog with a barrage of gutter-mouthed insults, bystanders tend to take notice and talk back. So there.
In case there's any confusion, I'm actually agreeing with 'whatever rocks your socks'. - the Anonymous above.
Deletewho's this richard?, i read this blog & this blogger seems to know everything about music. your criticism is really based on retardation i must say lmao, i would love to see u perform on some sort of a stage so that i can criticize your ass off straight on your face other than just writing a blog, writing blogs like this are noobs who are stuck in an imaginary world picking flowers from an hedgehog lol, cover the face attack the base does'nt work richard, i suggest u grow up lol
ReplyDelete>> would love to see u... on some sort of... so that i can... your ass off straight on your face
DeleteWhoa, whoa! Keep those fetishes to yourself. There are kids here with their NetNanny switched off.
Hahaha! A Sri Lankan music critic. Excellent, like we don't have enough idiots spreading hate as it is. To have an opinion is one thing but to go on and be a dickhead is another. Oh no, I said dickhead. Are you going to start another lecture about language, curse words or how I'm another one of your experiments that went wrong? Well save it. Let me cut to the chase, do you know what the problem is? People like you that go around bashing events like this. Why did you sit there through the whole thing if it was so 'bad'? Let me guess, so you would have enough information to sit there and write this precious blog of yours. Well blogger whoever you may be let me tell you this, go out there and listen to more music, applaud people for trying and give a little more than you take. I've heard from musicians and ordinary people that this night was fun. Isn't that the whole point? I apologize to all readers for this blogger, age is one of those harsh realities that one deals with, this clearly is a midlife crisis. Don't be jealous or bitter, have your own show that way we can all sit there and judge how 'great' and musically gifted you are as you clearly like doing to other people. I'd tell you to eat shit and die but I'm above that and definitely above you. In fact the only reason I even bothered replying is because you decided to be smart with a friend of mine (Thushara) who was merely defending his friends and the artists that were there from an unfair, hateful, tasteless blog.
ReplyDeleteIn reality the only thing that doesn't matter is this blog, yes yes I'm here commenting but don't flatter yourself. One critic with a bad taste in his mouth means nothing. I hope this isn't Richard Simon, the man who's famous for playing 3 and 4 chord songs and constantly drowns out people he plays with, with that fancy white guitar of his. Whoever this is, I'd say grow up but I think its too late for that, what will say is 'those who can't do, talk'
P.s - Get a real job.
OMG you're so articulate and so... so.. beautiful. Yes. I see the error in my ways now. I will stop this shenanigans immediately and declare myself as Richard Simon's alter ego.
DeleteWait. Who is Richard Simon again?
OMG what a great comeback. Oh no, nothing I say now will be as good as that. Sigh, I guess I'm done here. Foiled by Dick Simon!
DeleteI bet half the people defending Richard are actually Richard himself. NO surprise there.
ReplyDeleteThe other half, by the looks of it, are Greg House on big ass vicodin high.
DeleteJessica Simpson, Singing the chorus...
ReplyDeleteI think it's really amusing, reading through all the comments, there are so many people who are supporting Richard by attacking the grammar and language of others, trying to imply how immature these 'kids' are. But when you read through all the comments, it's actually those 'intellectuals' who come out looking extremely immature and redundant. Nobody has any point which can be considered valid musical criticism. Whereas all who have posted against this blog, regardless of 'foul' language (I find this ironic too as it's adults that actually swear more than 'kids'), grammar, punctuation, or even over-use of the word retard, have all made extremely strong and valid arguments against the writer. In fact some of the comments i feel have blatantly rendered this article invalid.
ReplyDelete>> it's actually those 'intellectuals' who come out looking extremely immature and redundant.
DeleteOoh, ooh! A new word for the day: "redundant". Now let's try a *four* syllable word! Baby steps... baby steps...
Thank you for continuously proving my point, much appreciated. :)
DeleteYou're most welcome. In fact it wasn't even continuous. I took pee breaks in the middle.
DeleteGlad you did. No point peeing all over your keyboard for the sake of your 'redundant' arguments. And that would have meant I would have to use another new word to describe you. So thanks for helping my limited vocabulary by leaving it at redundant. You are so kind. :)
DeleteOf course there's no point peeing all over keyboards. You're already doing enough of that for all of us. Take care TK.
DeleteGuys stop being so harsh on poor Richard. He's at a midlife crisis. Plus his life revolves around his books and the wonderful knowledge he gains out of it. Oh and let's not forget Barefoot. It's a magical place really, it lends all these poor buggers the imaginary intellect they so abundantly have. Oh and also the Queen of England. Richard would do anything for her, really he would. I do wonder where poor Richard would be if not for all these wonderful things. Kicking ass on stage at the Musicmatters festival maybe? Hahahah ;)
ReplyDeleteIs this the way you guys take critique? And you being people who espouse the virtues of free speech and such? You should be ashamed of your behaviour and response to the opinion of another. Just grow up guys and learn that people will never ever tell you only what you want to hear. If that's the kinda world you prefer living in then I really don't know where you guys are headed.
ReplyDeleteTwo thumbs up!
DeleteThis has nothing to do with taking criticism Mr. Ebert. As some have mentioned above, the guys at Musicmatters who did this festival have actually posted the article on the events page, and have made no mention whatsoever about any of the comments or thoughts. I doubt you could get any one of them to come and join in this pointless argument. The problem lies with the way this has been written and it's delivery. It's nothing more than a baseless rant by an unqualified, lounge musician that in reality shouldn't be taken so seriously. But it seems there are some really passionate fans out there with some fantastic points to bring forward, respect to them!
DeleteIf you rant, expect to be ranted at! I mean, isn't it a bit odd that the author hasn't been pulled up for his disrespectful comments? Or maybe it's a bit more respectful to say Howling Vandal online rather than Fucking Retard! Even though that was probably what he was thinking. It all points to the obvious frustration present in people like Richard Simon at not being able to do something original himself. If he has, I think everyone here would love to hear it by the way. And if this guy had such a big problem with this event, why the 'flower' was he there through that entire festival? Just so he could vent out his frustration on this pathetic blog? And honestly, what qualified him to be a music critic? His Fender Stratocaster and pretentious Rock Star persona?
>> ...a baseless rant by an unqualified, lounge musician that in reality shouldn't be taken so seriously.
DeleteMy sentiments exactly. So the crybabies are taking this so seriously, why exactly? If the musicians themselves are being gracious about this, then who are these kids repeatedly farting up-wind? What, pray tell, do they want?
So you do agree? Oh Simo, one of your ardent 'fans' who isn't a crybaby at all, thinks your post was "a baseless rant by an unqualified, lounge musician that in reality shouldn't be taken so seriously."
DeleteI don't know man, why the fuck are you here? What do YOU want?
>> I don't know man, why the fuck are you here? What do YOU want?
DeleteEr, I don't know? 42? That the right answer?
To what, your age?
DeleteShows you how much people don't like this man.
DeleteOf course he's an "unqualified, lounge musician that in reality shouldn't be taken so seriously". But as a bloke with a blog, he's entitled to an opinion, however off color it may be.
DeleteFrankly some of us stopped reading at "in the sacred name of Cardioid Neumann". But then we saw the responses. The rest you know.
>> To what, your age?
Sigh. This.
thank you for your opinion Richard. I'll be sure to take this seriously the day I hear YOUR musical capabilities.
ReplyDeletecheers,
you unintelligent prick:)
Right on brother.
DeleteHaving an opinion about something you can't do yourself? I mean who does that shit? It's almost as if a person other than a cricketer having an opinion about other cricketers. Thank god we don't have more idiots like Dick Simon. Otherwise we'd have things like... god forbid... spectator sports.
Word.
DeleteMy Friend, there will be a great popping sound when your head finally sees the light of day.
ReplyDeleteWoohoo...!
DeleteI PERFORMED AT THE MUSICMUSTTERS FESTIVAL AND HOW INTERESTING... THE ONE AND ONLY COMMENT I MADE YESTERDAY HAS BEEN DELETED.... WHY MAY I ASK DEAR AUTHOR? WHY ? I DID NOT USE PROFANITIES, I DID NOT SLANDER YOUR NAME, I SPOKE SO WELL AND RESPECTFULLY!
ReplyDeleteAT LEAST HAVE THE GUTS TO ALLOW A PERSON, WHO WAS DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PERFORMANCE YOU CRITIC, HAVE HER SAY....
SAYS ALOT ABOUT YOUR CHARACTER...
Two comments were removed from this blog. Both were by Thushara Kulatunga, who has already told us he didn't perform. If you scroll up the thread, you will see the notifications that show which posts were removed.
DeleteI certainly did not remove your post. Perhaps some internet glitch occurred. Post your comment again.
You er, performed at Musicmustters? I really hope that went better than Musicmatters.
DeleteBut seriously, do post your comment. We genuinely want to see what the real musicians have to say, not the great unwashed horde. If it makes you feel better, the comment system gobbled up one of my better wisecracks and I don't think Dicky boy had anything to do with it.
Dear Author, I did perform at the festival, I was one of the 'failed' musicians, who did not satisfy your needs, and the needs of the rest of the Audience. I appreciate your review and opinion about the evening, it is a vital part of our cultural evolution to have those who oppose and dislike anything of a less 'Mainstream' nature. It also propels an artist further along, to either satisfy his/her critic or simply not care, and push it aside and continue along ones own part, regardless of what another may accept or not accept. I will agree, that we had many technical difficulties, and if you have been on stage and had to deal with that kind of pressure, you would know its no easy task... I have taken full responsibility for my set not going as well as i would have liked it to go, but that is the nature of anything, no ones perfect. But i will not apologise for taking risks, like every other musician who played that night, each person who played at the festival, chose to push boundaries.... each person there, is contributing to the growth and expansion of arts in this country, and if you failed to see that, that is quite sad. Also if you understand anything about the "spirit of Sarasvati" is that she is not just the goddess of music, she is the Goddess of Knowledge and learning.... and my fellow musicians and I, have dedicated our lives to the expansion of our musical practise, we experiment and are not afraid, to be disliked for what we do, ultimately whether we choose it or not, the spirit of knowledge, the arts and music, exist in us all. and if you could not see that on saturday, that is your flaw. Ultimately, this dialogue is a necessary part of breaking down the confinements and insecurities of cultural norms and expectations. and I appreciate the time you have taken to say what you must. Unfortunately colombo will hear me play again! and what doesn't kill you makes you stronger... Remember laugh little, cry a little and don't take things so seriously! life is to short! Natasha Nathanielsz (harpist, composer, vocalist, producer, synthesizer Vandal and Failed musician!!!) so heres my full name and credentials, who are you and why are you anonymous? I would have loved to have heard it from the horses mouth...
ReplyDeleteDear Author, I did perform at the festival, I was one of the 'failed' musicians, who did not satisfy your needs, and the needs of the rest of the Audience. I appreciate your review and opinion about the evening, it is a vital part of our cultural evolution to have those who oppose and dislike anything of a less 'Mainstream' nature. It also propels an artist further along, to either satisfy his/her critic or simply not care, and push it aside and continue along ones own part, regardless of what another may accept or not accept.
DeleteI will agree, that we had many technical difficulties, and if you have been on stage and had to deal with that kind of pressure, you would know its no easy task... I have taken full responsibility for my set not going as well as i would have liked it to go, but that is the nature of anything, no ones perfect. But i will not apologise for taking risks, like every other musician who played that night, each person who played at the festival, chose to push boundaries.... each person there, is contributing to the growth and expansion of arts in this country, and if you failed to see that, that is quite sad.
Also if you understand anything about the "spirit of Sarasvati" is that she is not just the goddess of music, she is the Goddess of Knowledge and learning.... and my fellow musicians and I, have dedicated our lives to the expansion of our musical practise, we experiment and are not afraid, to be disliked for what we do, ultimately whether we choose it or not, the spirit of knowledge, the arts and music, exist in us all. and if you could not see that on saturday, that is your flaw.
Ultimately, this dialogue is a necessary part of breaking down the confinements and insecurities of cultural norms and expectations. and I appreciate the time you have taken to say what you must.
Unfortunately colombo will hear me play again! and what doesn't kill you makes you stronger...
Remember laugh little, cry a little and don't take things so seriously!
life is to short!
Natasha Nathanielsz (harpist, composer, vocalist, producer, synthesizer Vandal and Failed musician!!!)
so heres my full name and credentials, who are you and why are you anonymous? I would have loved to have heard it from the horses mouth...
Wow... You rock girl! :)
DeleteThank you, Natasha, for responding. I salute your sincerity and your courage.
DeleteI'm not very anonymous, actually; although I go as Palmyrah in this blog, you'll find my name mentioned several times by other people in the comments. Scroll up and take a look.
Now that you know who I am, perhaps you will also remember my speaking to you do shortly before I left the venue that night, and what I said to you.
Do you remember? I hope you do.
I look forward to hearing you play again, on an occasion when your talents are presented in a more appropriate and sympathetic frame.
Boys and girls, we have a winner!
Delete>> I was one of the 'failed' musicians
Dear madam, you did not fail. I don't think anybody had a big problem with the performance or the artists except good ol' Dick here.
But we came, we saw a bunch of tossers dishing out vitriol they couldn't possibly bear to be on the receiving end, and decided to give them a dose of their own prescription.
Speak for all Anonymous I cannot, but if you were caught in the crossfire, then we bow in your general direction in apology. Keep producing your strange noises.
She plays the Harp Mr. Ignorant. If you call that a strange noise, you need to see a doctor very badly.
DeleteWell this is no fun. This comment is almost halfway decent. And he capitalised My name. And the first letter of a musical instrument. I miss TK already. Can someone please bring him back? I'm starting to forget how to spell retard.
DeleteDear Ms. Nathanielsz,
DeleteWith reference to said horde of emotionally maladjusted tossers, see two comments above. If you represent the rest of the artists, then we welcome you and your music. But do distance yourself from these barely literate and overly presumptuous whambulance drivers.
Sincerely,
le Trolle
Aww.. Poor babies don't know what to say when people don't swear at them now? How sweet aney....
DeleteHAHAHAHAHA. Sri Lankan Responses, Swear in the face of idiocy / Ignore defeat, devastate and destroy what betters you. haha.
Delete>> don't know what to say when people don't swear at them now?
DeleteYou mean not retorting when people don't swear at you? Hmm.. lemme see.. I think there's a word for this somewhere. Oh yes, of course. It's called basic human decency.
Also, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Never mind your retorts sound like cardboard versions of mine. Just keep at it son, you'll get better.
Mad props!
DeleteThis is such a sad thing to say about such a beautiful event. I've gone to so many 'festivals' both here and abroad ranging from heavy metal to rock n' roll to house and whatnot.. ive also helped organize festivals and played in festivals, i can safely say that by far the Music matters Colombo Music Festival is arguably one of the BEST events i have attended in my life..
ReplyDeletei never in my life thought that sri lankan's were capable of pulling off music on a standard so high it was life changing. absolutely loved every single performance at mews that day, the progressions, the grooves the sounds the atmosphere and how experimental it was, it was absolutely beautiful.
anyway, this ridiculous review of that day falls on only the tone deaf ears of the author himself, because anyone who was there who appreciates good music, knows that this festival was a milestone in sri lankan music history.
dear sir, im sad that your brain is incapable of handling music in such a great level, and don't be hating on these guys who put together an incredible show, just because you sir will never have the ability or capability or creativity to do such a thing other than speak utter nonsense about something you cannot fathom.
MUSICMATTERS ,you guys changed the lives of so many people that night, with your incredible music you have brought hope to this country full of idiotic commercial musicians. and to that, i thank you and i wish the best for your future!
Hats off to musicmatters!
Lol. This blog is like some twisted DJ's mix of Simon Says with the pumping beats of Syma Cut Wela!
ReplyDeleteaiyo salli!
ReplyDeleteWhat are you too cool for school?.while everyone's entitled to their opinion, yours is left to be desired
ReplyDeleteI can comprehend what's been written on this blog. It's someone's opinion, agree or going south. Stop being idiots on the thread. Sri Lankans, can't tell the sh@t from themselves. When will you learn, Oh dear.
ReplyDeleteAapohhh I can't believe yall are raging and crying because one person expressed his personal opinions on his personal blog. So someone thought it sucked. Boo fucking hoo! Get over it. Just sayin.
ReplyDelete-Shifani
Fuck yeah bithces argue!!! dance to my beat!!! :D
ReplyDelete