Comments | mycompassbroke: maybe it's time i throw in the towel...

mycompassbroke

maybe it's time i throw in the towel...

Jul 17, 2007 00:33

it's hard work trying to be kind to everyone. it's hard work inheriting and owning a small business. it's hard work trying to build a music and art community in kalamazoo, a city substantially smaller than those with thriving music communities and hundreds of supporting diy kids and hipsters alike. mostly, it's just plain hard feeling ( Read more... )

Comments 6

jes_kramer July 17 2007, 05:22:50 UTC

I really appreciate what you're doing, because I'm fighting to do the same thing here in GR. It's hard to get kids to care enough to come see bands they might not know. I mean, who wants to leave their couch and weed and video games?
But I know it's worth it - it's encouraging cultural growth, community, and creativity.
Those three things are better than all the couches in the world.
(maybe)

velo_pour_moi July 24 2007, 03:16:42 UTC

jes, make kalamazoo awesome! i know you will!

-kelly g

ramseysux July 17 2007, 13:07:32 UTC

its really like that in any city.

here in baltimore, the scene is broken down into lots of parts, so whatever one you're most active in has the same struggle. we'll book amazing punk bands, and be so surprised when not many kids show up. but other days, the place will be packed. the more options you give them and the more frequently you show them a good time, the more they'll start taking it for granted. kalamazoo is getting used to having an awesome scene now and maybe the thrill of it is wearing off just a little bit. or maybe its become a whose who kind of thing, where kids dont genuinely care about the music and care more about showing up and being seen, now that you've set up something awesome to be a part of.

that happens anywhere. you just have to struggle through it and find support and other kids who truly are looking for the same things as you. the more you do it, the more other kids will get it and itll catch on.

unawokendreamer July 17 2007, 21:02:49 UTC

For what it's worth, if it were for people like you, Ramsey, and a few others, my musical world would be shallow as hell. Thanks for bringing such great music to the City of Kalamazoo man. Honestly. It really means a lot to me. The Matt and Kim show was amazing, and unfortunately I was out of town for the Deathset show, though I really wanted to go. August 1st I'm moving into Kalamazoo itself and one of the things that got me most excited was the idea that I get to see some amazing shows and stuff as often as you book them. Living out in Paw Paw right now makes it difficult to make it to every show, but when I get the chance, I'll be there. I'm moving into the Co-op and they hosted the Riot folk tour that came by, I've been thinking about talking to the house and seeing if we could try and host more accoustic shows and stuff. We'll see ( ... )

airvestibule July 19 2007, 00:39:48 UTC

Maybe you need more than just music. Music with a bbq or potluck beforehand, music combined with direct action, soundtracks to adventures (i.e. bring back the boombox!), bike/moped rides to venues, music sponsored by local small businesses and causes that you care about, etc.

velo_pour_moi July 24 2007, 03:16:01 UTC

clay it doesnt make any sense to give up. you just have to start getting to a younger crowd. or maybe people are ready for a new type of music? or maybe people arent really into the music at all and are loners? kalamazoo is a hard town to work with and you really have to be happy with what you have there, or move on. maybe thats why most people move on ( ... )