Ok, I don't normally do this kind of thing, but I feel really compelled to speak my mind here people, speak some TRUTH... and yes, some opinions included.
Mwanza Dover has been my housemate (we lived together for a year), my friend, my brother, and a true artistic inspiration to me for more than six years now... he is one of my closest friends in the world. Even before I knew him well, we ran into each other at shows often. You can think whatever you wish with regard to our friendship, and/or my ability to 'put up with him', but remember *I* know him.
First of all: you all should well know (if you dig good music), just how much Wanza's done for this, arhem 'shithole town'... this whole area actually. If you don't know, or just don't want to admit it, or you're the jealous kind, or you're just one of the many that are kind to one's face, then whisper behind their back... well, for you kids, here's a refresher: Wanz has booked some of the best shows I've ever seen around here. If you really KNOW HIM, you know what I mean. He got the Silver Apples back together to play in DENTON for christ's sake! There have been many a show that he’s booked and/or been a part of in this town, that not only hold some of my fondest memories of any show, but have also been shows that would have never been possible had Wanz not been a part of them. Really, really, killer shows people. I'm now feeling compelled to write a list of bands, but instead... now, I'll just mention Melodica. You can deny it all you want folks, but the fact still remains... MELODICA HAPPENED HERE. Sure, he had the clout to bring it all together. Sure, he, just as anyone would, somewhat selfishly booked these shows with regard to the fact that he REALLY liked all the bands involved and wanted to see them all play, and yes, had his own band play (arhem... who wouldn't after all that work?), but he did it all for you too. He has this passion about him... it's a light. You all just look away too often, and focus on the whispers, and the 'bad stuff'. We ALL have personality quirks, and we weren't all meant to be 'friends', but how 'high school' is it to start completely bashing a person on the internet, in a public forum, just because you had a bad experience with them or you really don't know them well, you've just heard stories, or even better, you're one of the people (I've actually met you, so I know you're out there) that have met him a couple times, whispered a lot (because it sure is fun to speculate) and then... s'funny... name dropped him when it suited you?... yeah, you know who you are. It's the equivalent of writing 'Skinner Blows' on the bathroom wall… childish. I've had my fair share of wide eyes staring back at me in wonder and amazement when they find out I'm friends with Wanz. I've had conversations start with 'Wanz Dover? I hate that guy. Tell me about him!' at which point I falter, laugh a little inside at just how much I loathe said ignorant person, and reply with a very outlandish answer the likes of an R.M.R. quote. More seriously speaking though, the funniest part, the ONLY funny part, is that these people are in such awe, completely fascinated by Wanz, by the idea of Wanz (the good and the bad). They want to talk about him, know about him, figure him out. I can't believe people can hate someone so much, let alone at all, when they don't even know them... there, now that's the humor in it all.
Second of all: Wanza IS one of the most talented people in this town. Maybe most of his projects have been unsuccessful in your book, but success tells nothing around here, you should know that. The best bands in this town have never been anything short of criminally neglected, even the ones that have had 'relative success' have been killed off in the long run anyway. My suggestion: if you're a 'local band', awesome. It suits you? Ok then. You're good at it? Cool, we like you. No one holds it against you for sticking around, why be so freaked out by others wanting a little more? Moving, leaving town (for whatever reason) isn't a reason to hate a person, even less a reason if someone's just dreaming of it, or furthermore venting about it. Our town has its flaws people. Just because we vent and bitch about it doesn't mean we hate it, and certainly doesn't mean we aren't all trying to change things however little/much it's worth. So bands, if you have further aspirations, get out. The same goes for any town. You don't have to move, but hell yes you should play elsewhere, as often as possible.
So yes, I'm rambling. It's ok, you'll get your shot in a minute. Back to Wanz the musician... Not only has Wanz been in the best bands around here i.e. The Falkon, Mazinga, and yes... the spanking new and fiercely kick ass Black Arm Band, among others, the man played with E.A.R., Glen Branca, Sonic Boom... my god people, show the man a little respect. Believe it or not, the man has a somewhat loyal fan base around here, and they post comments on here often. I know a few of them. It's funny how people walk around here talking about how great The Falkon were. A ‘few’ of them actually saw some shows, but a lot of people just 'say' they saw The Falkon (or Falcon Project) because they've heard the stories from those of us that 'were' actually there, and realized that they missed out on something, something special. So now... now that they're dead, The Falkon are missed... poetic. If the Black Arm Band break up for some reason, or decide to quit, the sentiment will be the same. You should be so lucky to see them before they die, then you can be honest when you say how great they were... then, you won't have to lie to look 'cool'. Everybody loves what's no longer in reach. Now that they’re gone, all of these unfamiliar faces have emerged from the woodwork, new faces… people that I wished could have ACTUALLY seen them in their glory… I never saw any of these people at the shows, and I was at all of them. I know that most of these people innocently discovered The Falkon after the fact, and I’m sorry they missed out, but so many people in this town were just apathetic (and I’m not talking about the ones that just didn’t come out for ‘their own reasons’). Wanza supports this scene no matter how flourishing, no matter how weak. He turns you on to good music on a weekly basis, he'll bend over backwards to help you, he'll never talk shit behind your back, AND... to top it all off, he's the best front man in Dallas... you can beg to differ, it's your prerogative, but name a better one without mentioning Daron Beck, (and Liz M. doesn't count, she's number one on the list of ladies). You don't have to like the man; you don't have to like his band(s). Wanza is loyal, and though I may be hurting your manly ego here a little Wanz, he's sweet, genuinely. Opinionated like any intellectual, but sweet as a kitten... umm, a tough kitten, with a huge voice. Yeah he's a guy; I'll stick with the tough part. But really people, if you have a problem with the guy, tell him. Get it out of your system, like any adult, and move on. No reason to harbor such feelings of hatred for someone who isn't hurting you in any way. Don't like Wanz, huh? Big deal. He'd probably still try to be your friend, or at the very least a friendly acquaintance, possibly even if he didn't like you all that much. That's Wanz, that's the Wanz I know, and love. You can’t blame a person for sticking up for themselves when people take shots at them. Criticism is one thing, but just plain shitty, for the sake of shitty… tacky. He puts so much into what he does, and he does it well, and each time he does it, he grows more, he learns a little more. We all should learn a little something from Wanz, whether it be from his mistakes, or his triumphs. I know he has. Oh, and just so you know, if you're his friend, he'll do ANYTHING for you... and if you're someone who calls yourself Wanza's friend and you go behind his back talking trash, shame on you, he doesn't need you, but that's me talking now... the Wanza I know... the one you do, would likely forgive you.
So now, the final point: Who doesn't promote their band? Really??? Yes, there are some that do very little, it's not apathy, it's mere frustration... it's understandable, but however little they do it, they still do it. If you play music, you care about it. It's in your blood. You're somewhat proud that you're able to do it at all. You talk about it almost incessantly, not to boost your own ego, but because you think of it every waking second. If you don't, then you're one of those mechanical musicians... it's just not in your soul. Even those of us who bash ourselves, the 'nothing's ever good enough people' still talk about our music... it's what drives us, it's what we were put here to do... we do it for ourselves, because we couldn't imagine life without it. We also do it for you. If you like it, it makes our hearts swell. If you don't, we really don't care... I'm being honest here... we really, really don't. If 5 people like it we're happy. If nobody does, we still are, because it's an outlet, it's our life, our histories in the form of song. We tell people about our bands, because we've grown up, and we are no longer ignorant to the idea that there are others like us. Others that hear things the way we do. I'm glad when people share their art with me. I may hit the 'deny' button for bands on a daily basis on MS, but I approve a few now and then too. I'm thankful for it. I'm thankful when I find a good band, or THEY FIND ME. That's what I enjoy in life. I'm glad... however few they may be, that there are really great bands out there that take the time to let me know they're there... even if they give me 3 good songs and a barrage of bulletins and comments, the three songs were worth all the words that follow. It's all about the music. It is for me. It is for Wanz. I don't know what you mean spirited ones are all about, but it's not the music. He's not a bad guy. You don't have to be his friend, just show him some respect. Even if it means just growing up a little and knowing when to bite your tongue. *bite*
an uncharacteristically long winded night for...
Mila |
