Legitimacy - An Introduction

Hunter S. Thompson once said that, “Writing about music is like dancing about architecture- it’s really a stupid thing.” We can never truly convey the experience of listening to music through word; the millions of little nuances and intricacies in song cannot be replicated by the pen. However large the disparity between word and song, I believe it is a worthwhile endeavor to try to connect them. There are hundreds of music magazines in existence, both in print and online, and millions of people who read them, which suggest I am not alone in my thinking.

With the advent of the internet, and the rise of blogging as a means of conveying and critiquing information, there has been a recurring question of legitimacy in regards to the online world. John Doe creates a music blog and starts reviewing music; hypes some bands and dismisses others—consciously evaluates the art created by others. But who the fuck is John Doe, and, does it matter? He, or she (let’s not be presumptuous), could be a 16 year old high-school dropout writing in his parent’s basement, located in Hicksville, Missouri. Or maybe he or she is a prolific writer (hundreds of published articles), with years of experience in the music industry, everything from tour manager to artist.

But let’s assume, for the sake of argument, the first blogger is a better writer; more honest, more descriptive, and with a better sense of humor. The internet, albeit full of bad information and porn, presents us with voices that would otherwise go unheard. This goes for writing, this goes for music, and I suspect this goes for a myriad of other fields. The internet levels the playing field; you don’t need a piece of paper from a college saying you’re qualified or to have someone on the inside to get you in.

The major problem we encounter now is that there is just too much fucking information coming at us from all directions. This forces us to not only function as readers but as critics as well. The task can be daunting but the ability to seek alternate truths, not present in mainstream media, is worthwhile compensation. The notion that we, as people, no longer must rely on bourgeoisie owned mediums for information, is undeniably important in our development as individuals and as a unified class.

If you’re not convinced, still need some background information, a list of credentials if you will, here you are. My name is Shawn Massak and I am 21 years old. I live in Lowell, Massachusetts and am finishing up my senior year at UMass Lowell where I will be graduating with a Bachelor’s in English Literature. I have been involved in the local music since I was 15, singing in various bands, and booking and promoting shows for nearly as long under the umbrella name of Mass Recovery Promotions. Here are some links:

Mass Recovery- Booking/Promotions and sometimes a label.

Andrew Hall- A hall that has been transformed into an all ages venue of sorts in Lunenburg, MA.

Coalmine Canary- My current project- Indie/Folk/Electro-Pop.

Shawn Massak- A page for my poems, spoken word and in print.

In this blog, I’m going to write album reviews. These are records I picked up at local shows or were sent to me by the artist. Sometimes I’m going to write about my friends’ bands, and while I don’t believe there is a such thing as objectivity, I’m going to do my best to critique the actual work and to remember that, “The singer and the song are separate.” (Moment – Endall) I’m going to try to write a review for everything that comes to me, and if you want me to write about your record, send it to me at:

Shawn Massak

7 Durant Street

Lowell, MA 01850

Questions/ Concerns as well as all love letters and hate mail can be sent to:

mrpbooking@yahoo.com

-Shawn Massak

In the Next Month:

Math the Band – Tour de Friends

The Bynars—00111100 00110011 EP

The Minus Scale—Hotter

Everyone Everywhere—A Lot of Weird People Standing Around