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blog post Your Rock n' Roll "Aha!" moment

posted by Lisa Christiansen on Feb 07, 2012

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Everyone has those defining moments in their lives; the ones that make you realize you’re not over there anymore, but here… or vice versa. And for a bunch of artists today, finding out that they are nominated for a Juno must be one of those moments. For awhile there it’s just you and maybe a few friends writing songs and playing shows, and then suddenly a group of people notice you, and it’s all different. Or as Oprah would say: Aha!

Of course the experience for a musician is probably quite different than for a fan. I know that when I see someone we play at R3 on Jimmy Fallon or David Letterman or Saturday Night Live – well, that’s a big game changer.

And you:

WHEN DOES A BAND OR ARTIST HIT THE BIG LEAGUES?
HOW DO YOU FEEL WHEN THE WORLD EMBRACES YOUR SECRET ACT?

Joining me today is Vancouver’s own Hannah Georgas, out on tour with Kathleen Edwards. A couple of weeks ago I saw her performing with Kathleen on Letterman. And I truly couldn’t help thinking: “I know her, wow!”

Photo by th3 Unknow

posted by Lisa Christiansen on Feb 07, 2012

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#1 posted by
musicjoy3
on Feb 07, 2012

HOW DO YOU FEEL WHEN THE WORLD EMBRACES YOUR SECRET ACT?

FANNNNNNTASTIC!

(And secretly 'proud' too. Tho, that's kind of irrational, I guess.)

(I've had this happen so many times. Lessee: The Stills, Snow Patrol, My Morning Jacket, Elbow, Deep Dark Woods, Cuff the Duke...to name a few. Oh ya, even Black Mountain and The Pink Mountaintops.)

#2 posted by
musicjoy3
on Feb 07, 2012

I remember being in a car years ago, with some women who liked pop music listening to a local pop music radio station. When they played a Snow Patrol song I was shocked but pleased. As they were a band I got into way before they even played in North America or had more than just a handful of North American fans. I used to play them on a little radio station as a very, very obscure, little known UK band.

Ya, bragging rights!

#3 posted by
marie_curious
on Feb 07, 2012

Call me naive, but I think everyone who gets played on Radio 3 is already a big shot. I think if I were to hear an band on R3 that I'd previously seen live in a small venue somewhere, that would be pretty exciting, but so far that hasn't happened to me.

#4 posted by
musicjoy3
on Feb 07, 2012

This is so, so stupid! But today when I heard that Cuff the Duke is nominated for a Junos Award I briefly thought:

(I really probably shouldn't say this but...)

Rob Gauvin. If you're out there (somewhere in the Canadian indie music atmosphere or whatever), eat your heart out. Just kidding completely but... We used to have a slight, slight competition I think (mostly jokingly) in terms of being experts about really good, especially good (and perhaps little known) music talent. Tho, he for sure was waaay more of the real expert.

(I think this brings out my 5 year old self...ya know the sandbox dynamics.)

#5 posted by
laser beans
on Feb 07, 2012

“Hitting the big leagues” is really about starting to get a significant amount of critical acclaim, or in some cases by starting to see a large amount of legitimate resonance with a fan base. Since the days of the first payola games industry hype and awards have been suspect, and of course the Junos are probably the least credible music award in the western world, and have been for decades. They may be more credible than the North Korean Music Awards, but I’m not sure about that. Getting a shot to play on big American talk shows is nice, but not definitive either. A lot of pretty mediocre American bands play on those shows and some good Canadian bands get overlooked. That said, the talk show measure is certainly much more credible than the Junos or the Payola Prise.

#6 posted by
musicjoy3
on Feb 07, 2012

Please don't read any of my posts on air, if you don't mind! Yikes. I hope you haven't, already. I'm not proud of my comments. Sortof laughing about myself that way.

#7 posted by
musicjoy3
on Feb 07, 2012

(Wish I could delete posts or comments like on FB.)

#8 posted by
musicjoy3
on Feb 07, 2012

Interesting comment.

#9 posted by
pangea
on Feb 07, 2012

I'd feel a little embarrassed if the world found out about, and embraced, my secret acts.

#10 posted by
laser beans
on Feb 07, 2012

Hanna is a good example of an artist who may not get the top level of critical acclaim from critics, but she definitely resonates with a large segment of the Canadian audience. From the first time I heard the first version of The Beat Stuff I connected with it very strongly, and I knew there was something special going on there. In one sense you could say that she’s not dramatically different than a lot of other singer songwriters, and yet there’s clearly something special there that I and so many other R3 listeners responded to very strongly. It’s as though she’s striking a certain kind of hidden cultural note with us. It’s almost instinctive. There’s something about her music that’s just us.

#11 posted by
124th Street Beat
on Feb 07, 2012

Wow, you think that the American Music Awards have more credibility that the Junos? Gads, that show is unwatchable! After listening to Grant's show today I actually think that the Junos aren't doing such a bad job- it really seems to me as time goes on they are trying to find a balance between critical/indy success and mainstream success. Not an easy thing to do to say the least.

I don't really care for awards shows in general and don't really watch them, but I do look at the nominees to see if anything I like made it. The Junos consistantly have more artists of interest on their nominations lists and in my humble opinion, that makes them at least slightly credible, at least to me.

#12 posted by
musicjoy3
on Feb 07, 2012

That's one thing I sooo admire about the band and guys in Sloan. It was so evident today in the way Chris Murphy spoke. They might take it a bit seriously, all the supposed 'critical acclaim' and award nominations, etc. But, not too seriously, either. Even when Dan Mangan spoke at that Waldorf salon event with Christine MacAvoy, he seemed to also have a similar sense of humour and detachment about the 'industry' and attention, etc.

(I remember interviewing Hot Hot Heat members years ago. When they were a darling, hot band in the industry. They said the same thing. They knew the attention was ephemeral and not something to get too attached to or depend on as predictable or necessarily long lasting.)

#13 posted by
TheIceman
on Feb 07, 2012

Would you be happy about an artist you loved, getting critical acclaim and notariety if it meant that their music would change?

It's bound to happen. If an artist signs to a major label "CORPORATION", then there will be pressure to repeat and increase record sales. Often that means pumping out another record hot on the heels of the critically acclaimed record to capitalize on the success that has been built up. That results in boilerplate stuff that may pacify new fans, but will likely disappoint longtime fans.

#14 posted by
musicjoy3
on Feb 07, 2012

I'd have to agree. I was impressed by some of the nominations, too.

#15 posted by
canadajanes
on Feb 07, 2012

I don't really have any secret acts. I just learn about them on R3.

#16 posted by
musicjoy3
on Feb 07, 2012

Completely true! I've seen that happen and have had that experience. Even Iron and Wine. The album that got him/them the most popularity and mainstream success is the one I like least.

#17 posted by
laser beans
on Feb 07, 2012

Oh come on Lisa. I know you work for CBC, but the Junos have been a well known industry sham for literally decades. I only glanced at the nominations this year but the standard industry bands were there yet again, Hedley, Down With Webster, Lights, etc. I’m surprised the Trews and Serena Ryder weren’t there. In fact haven’t both Serena Ryder and Lights won Junos without even having albums out? What exactly are the criteria for these awards? They don’t tell us what they are because they’re not legitimate and they don’t want people to know what they’re doing.

#18 posted by
Lisa Christiansen
on Feb 07, 2012

From the Tour Bus.

#19 posted by
laser beans
on Feb 07, 2012

Truth be told I don't pay any attention to the American Music Awards either.

#20 posted by
marie_curious
on Feb 07, 2012

Grant just explained the process on his show. There's a link at the bottom of the previous blog for more info.

#21 posted by
Lisa Christiansen
on Feb 07, 2012

Just because I don't like a band that is nominated doesn't mean I assume the process is fixed.

#22 posted by
laser beans
on Feb 07, 2012

It has nothing to do with liking, Lisa. It has to do with legitimate criteria and a legitimate evaluation process. I don’t think I have time for a long discussion today, but here’s an obvious one. Lights won best new artist in 2009, before she’d ever put out an album. Her album came out in September or October of that year, and it got only a lukewarm critical response at best. How do you win a Juno without even having an album out? Do you think it had anything to do with the fact that she’s managed by Jian Ghomeshi?

#23 posted by
Lisa Christiansen
on Feb 07, 2012

No, I don't.

#24 posted by
flagpole music
on Feb 07, 2012

I was quite thrilled to see some bands like the Arkells & Cuff the Duke on that list today! & particularly my lovely dear friend Suzie Vinnick. only gal in the blues category. yeah Suzie!!!

was disappointed to not see Elliott BROOD or BLackie & the Rodeo Kings tho.

#25 posted by
laser beans
on Feb 07, 2012

As a CBC employee, that’s the right thing to say. I’m sure you’ll understand if a lot of other people come to a different conclusion, however.

#26 posted by
marie_curious
on Feb 07, 2012

According to the rules, you don't need to submit an album for nomination in any category without "album" in the award title.

#27 posted by
musicjoy3
on Feb 07, 2012

(If a musician)...becomes a household name.....

#28 posted by
Dorianne
on Feb 07, 2012

i saw Oh Bijou many many moons ago on the top floor of Sneaky Dee's in Toronto when not many people knew of them. i was blown away and totally happy that they have become more well known.

i don't pay attention to the Junos, but i do pay attention to Polaris.

#29 posted by
rebbey
on Feb 07, 2012

never heard of these guys before... digging the track so far tho! :)

#30 posted by
kathyjean
on Feb 07, 2012

Put out songs before they have albums. Sometimes those singles can knock it out of the park, even if the follow up album sucks.

I think the cynicism surrounding the entire process will actually come about, but to suggest that it is fixed is preposterous. That's why there are jurors and adjudicators for award shows. The entire process would be completely unneccesary. We shouldn't have award shows.

#31 posted by
loweeda
on Feb 07, 2012

that Juno jurors are not on the CARAS payroll.

#32 posted by
krib
on Feb 07, 2012

does Jenny Omnichord sing with the Barmitzvah Brothers, or is my player goofed up and I need to reload?

#33 posted by
Christine McAvoy
on Feb 07, 2012

if you were listening to Grant's show, he actually detailed the EXACT process of how bands come to be nominated for the Junos...it's out there in the world, they're not hiding it...

#34 posted by
CDNz1
on Feb 07, 2012

That's our girl!

#35 posted by
flagpole music
on Feb 07, 2012

i had that too. but i've been having trouble. i can hear just fine but i keep having to refresh. the player keeps going back to just blankness & volumn is at zero even tho I can hear fine. it will fix if i refresh but after one song goes right back to blank:(

#36 posted by
krib
on Feb 07, 2012

okay, nevermind. It's working.

#37 posted by
Christine McAvoy
on Feb 07, 2012

#38 posted by
krib
on Feb 07, 2012

I think the Junos had their problems in the past, which is why we go the You-knows (which became the CASBY awards) - because the Junos were soooooo mainstream you kinda threw up in your mouth a little when reading the (same old) list of nominees from year to year.

It looks like that's shifting as this year it's only the "biggie" awards that are filled up with a lot of the factory-sounding music.

I think that's a good thing, but I honestly pay very little attention to this kind of stuff these days. I listen to what I want to listen to and I find it in various ways that don't involve listening to the over-the-air radio.

I have very little idea if a band I follow has "broken out" anymore because, unless someone sends a link on twitter to a youtube video with a kajillion views, I know nothing about their radio presence.

#39 posted by
kathyjean
on Feb 07, 2012

Isn't nice, so I'm just going to say I agree with loweeda, Christine, and everyone else who makes sense.

#40 posted by
krib
on Feb 07, 2012

Omnichord's not her real name?

It's probably something boring, isn't it.

like Mitchell or something

#41 posted by
krib
on Feb 07, 2012

that should be "we got the You-knows...."

not "we go the You-knows..."

do the CASBY's still exist?

#42 posted by
krib
on Feb 07, 2012

I don't know about you, but to me, 2009 is recent.

I'm talking the 80's and early 90's.

#43 posted by
kathyjean
on Feb 07, 2012

#44 posted by
krib
on Feb 07, 2012

popular doesn't mean bad, but it often means overplayed and difficult to escape wherever you go, which is the thing that gets to me.

People on here complain about overplaying, for something like The Stand. Go to one of those god-awful radio stations (a plethoria of which exist here) and see how sick you get of Katy Perry, or LMFAO, even if you liked one of their songs when you first heard it.

man, I have to go catch my bus...too bad. I'd like to hang around

#45 posted by
TheIceman
on Feb 07, 2012

Maybe has changed for the better, in light of the success achieved by the ECMAs . (East Coast Music Awards).

Thoughts?

#46 posted by
canadajanes
on Feb 07, 2012

My player has been blank for a while, is that just me? It's also not updating with new comments...

#47 posted by
TheRadioHead
on Feb 07, 2012

I really, really appreciate reading Laser Beans' probing posts.

#48 posted by
EP
on Feb 07, 2012

i think i just stumbled on a webpage that 'outs' the big secret project with vishlana.

--- but i wont share, because i dont want to spoil the majesty.

#49 posted by
krib
on Feb 07, 2012

that's a good point about exposure, Lisa. It's really a lot more than radio these days.

#50 posted by
swongken
on Feb 07, 2012

The thing about the Juno's is that it really is an award that you don't think is important until you're nominated for one. I was standing outside the Royal York a couple of years ago after the nominations announcement and there were several musicians on the phone to their moms. A nomination is huge, nevermind what a win can do. It used to irk me when one of my little indie bands went big but it matters less these days. I'm happy as hell that Feist is an international pop star. I can't understand why the world hasn't embraced Arkells the way they have Nickleback. So it goes, but the Junos are alright and making a living playing honest music is good too.

#51 posted by
EP
on Feb 07, 2012

as a friendly note: I can barely hear you with my R3player and my speakers at max. Have to quickly turn down my speakers when the music starts....

#52 posted by
CDNz1
on Feb 07, 2012

You might be on to something there...

#53 posted by
rebbey
on Feb 07, 2012

Any chance of hearing a lil Matt Hornell? In the mood for it, and I think you're the only one who's ever played him (besides when I was in studio w/Grant and made em haha)

#54 posted by
Lisa Christiansen
on Feb 07, 2012

We don't seem to play him.

#55 posted by
TheIceman
on Feb 07, 2012

Hey Russ!

co-FOTY

Howzit goin'?

Hey Lisa, how about playing some Shannon Lyon? I know you can.

#56 posted by
CDNz1
on Feb 07, 2012

When a band gets added to R3 rotation. (Hands & Teeth - Missing comes to mind.)

Could Shred Kelly be next? Hope so!

#57 posted by
CDNz1
on Feb 07, 2012

All is well in the Motor City, gearing up for a bunch of great shows!

#58 posted by
Lisa Christiansen
on Feb 07, 2012

Sorry, we don't play Shannon either.

#59 posted by
TheIceman
on Feb 07, 2012

He has a Radio 3 profile.

Legal issue?

#60 posted by
Lisa Christiansen
on Feb 07, 2012

Not all of the bands on R3 are in our radio system.

#61 posted by
TheIceman
on Feb 07, 2012

aha I see!

Pity!!!

#62 posted by
Benoit from Ottawa
on Feb 07, 2012

...yields a new jaw.

#63 posted by
musicjoy3
on Feb 07, 2012

Speaking of bragging rights and aha moments...

I've had that with Dan Mangan. I mean in the public eye it seems he's become an overnight success. But I saw him work dang hard and 'rise' out of obscurity, etc. Of course, I think radio has played a big part...in what's happened in his music career.

Similar things have happend with bands like Mother Mother and even Said the Whale tho I guess they got 'big' rather fast. Compared to some bands that struggle for years and years, and then finally get acknowledged and better known.

"I quit my day job today!" or yesterday or last month or whatever. That's sortof the personal acknowledgement I think that the artist or band has made it! That's gotta a good place to be after years of being a struggling and probably being mostly a poor music artist. (Etc. etc.)

#64 posted by
musicjoy3
on Feb 07, 2012

(Sorry! My punctuation is terrible, these days!)

#65 posted by
musicjoy3
on Feb 07, 2012

(I should definitely proof read before I post a comment. Sorry.)

I remember when 'Pitchfork - sanctioned' was a term that implied a band or musician had made it in the indie music world. I don't really think people use that term anymore, tho.

#66 posted by
musicjoy3
on Feb 07, 2012

HOW DO YOU FEEL WHEN THE WORLD EMBRACES YOUR SECRET ACT?

Great!

HOW DO YOU FEEL WHEN THE WORLD DOESN'T EMBRACE (OR ACKNOWLEDGE) YOUR SECRET ACT?

Frustrated!

However, I wouldn't call it "secret act", myself. I tend to think of them more as pet bands or music artists.

For all the ones I'm proud and pleased that have 'made it', there's also tons that never have. And that I shake my head about. "How come?! How come?!" when I think they're really, especially good.

#67 posted by
zammachus
on Feb 07, 2012

We were discussing a similar topic to this on Craig's show last Tuesday but it was along the more negative lines of 'selling out'.

I love it when a band 'makes it'. They'll finally get the recognition they deserve. I don't like it when, once they start getting that acknowledgement, they start drastically changing their sound to make it more palatable to the general public. I don't want them to end up sounding like everyone else, so to speak. If they do, I will still love their old stuff but I won't despise them for it. I just won't buy it.

I will despise them if they start making moves that seem to be designed solely to make themselves more money. Key example: The Killers. Hot Fuss was amazing. Hot Fuss special edition... Exactly the same but w/ 3 tracks from their back catalogue added? Cash grab. Why would I buy the album again, at full price, to get 3 new tracks?

#68 posted by
musicjoy3
on Feb 07, 2012

Oh yes! Chad vanGalen! Plays such pretty music. The first time I heard his music was on a SubPop Records compilation album. Was instantly smitten.

#69 posted by
zammachus
on Feb 07, 2012

Mine seems to be broken.

#70 posted by
CDNz1
on Feb 07, 2012

Refresh the page? Worked for me.

#71 posted by
Benoit from Ottawa
on Feb 07, 2012

I've programmed the iMac to open with R3 as home page.

Since (I think) the latest version of FireFox (10 point zero), FireFox always grabs a cached version (I think) of R3 (what else could it be? Stream doesn't connect, and it's the last time I was there).

It never used to do that, albeit it could fail to connect if the modem wasn't ready yet. It still can fail that way. That isn't the problem.

The funny thing is: close FireFox, and open it again, and it'll set up properly with R3.

#72 posted by
Benoit from Ottawa
on Feb 07, 2012

Oh, and refreshing the page after the initial, 'cache opening', gives the same result: cache, cannot connect.

#73 posted by
CDNz1
on Feb 07, 2012

I'm using a Windows 7 lappy with Firefox.

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