I Only Listen To Underground Metal
January 11, 2008 by Scott
Thats a statement I am so tired of hearing. Like it makes you that much cooler than everyone else even when you know it’s a damn lie. What makes “Underground” metal better than mainstream?
I don’t completely understand what the statement “I only listen to underground metal” make people think they are better than every other metal head because they listen to a bunch of bands that haven’t been and possibly don’t want to be signed to a record label.
Let me say this: If they are signed to a label no matter if it’s an independent label or a major label, they are not underground. If you still listen to some bands that have major record deals that use to not be mainstream…you no longer only listen to underground. If you listen to small town metal bands that play the local bar once a month, they are not underground…they are also metal fans, but they aren’t underground. So these “Underground” bands aren’t as big as everyone else, but they have a record deal. If they have the same label as another mainstream band….they are not underground. They just aren’t that popular yet.
So…what’s the big deal about “Underground”? Cause you know if most of the bands that you listen to that you consider “Underground”, ever get offered a record deal with a fat chunk of change they will most likely jump on it. Everyone’s got to eat, right? So after that your going to call them sell outs…but you’ll still listen to their “Underground” stuff…and that makes you cool still…cause you still only listen to underground.
So what does “Underground” mean? It’s means they just aren’t big yet. There, I said it. Yeah, “underground” and unsigned bands are cool, but thinking you are better than everyone else because you “Only listen to underground” is stupid…Whatever~I’m tired of hearing it!
“Underground”, when used by a PR company or label, is a marketing term with no meaning at all that panders to our desire to feel like we’re getting something special, unique and exclusive.
“Underground”, when used by a fan, is a term of elitism and snobbery that has no connection to anything other than a desire to feel more hip and connected than other people.
Unless they actually play shows beneath the surface of the Earth, no band can accurately be described as “underground” in the dictionary-definition sense. It’s an oxymoron.
My sentiments exactly, Paul!
“I was into [such and such] before it/they/he/she was cool!” Yeah, I know exactly what you mean. It people vying for attention, and trying to prove how cool they are. You know, instead of just being themselves and liking what they like, they feel the need to show off to everyone, and no one ends up liking them because of it. Hell, most of what I listen to is “mainstream,” and I could care less. I like what I like, not because I want to impress people by being pompous. Oh, and I’m really glad I found this site. Because I agree with almost every piece of literature on it!
Couldn’t have said it better myself, Paul. People just say it to make themselves think that they’re cooler and listen to better music than others. In my eyes…the only actual “Underground” music is that which is actually played underneath the surface of the Earth (which I’d totally want to see!)
LTC
I know I’m plagiarizing this from somewhere, but here’s the problem with being “underground.” The only way to never be accused of “selling out” is if you are a Norwegian Neo-Nazi who lives in far up north, in Norway, in a desolate, isolate cave in the wilderness who churns out only the rawest, kvltest, tr00est black metal on the face of the earth. You cannot spend more than $1000 total on equipment. That includes mics, instruments, recording equipment, everything. Otherwise, it’s “too polished.” You cannot change your sound, EVER, because obviously you’re only doing that to sell more records. But all your records can’t sound the same, or you’re just trying to duplicate your past “successes” (of course, success is only relative, because if you’ve sold more than 200 albums, you’ve already sold out). Also, you need to have participated in at least 1 church burning.
If you don’t do all that, some one, some where, will accuse you of selling out.
Also, this post is really just hyperbole, sarcasm, and satire, so don’t flame me.