Stoneman
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6/1/2011 1:48:10 PM
---- Updated 6/1/2011 2:00:04 PM
Morality VS Artistry
Recently I was flabbergasted when someone sent me a nasty note about a song I wrote and produced called “Double Bubble Booty Baby”. I was told that I should be ashamed of myself for writing music like that. She was very upset because she had always loved the way I put important messages of hope, faith and inspiration in most of the music I create. But, she wanted to know how I could possibly stoop so low as to write a song like that.
Well, it took me a long time to answer her because I wanted to ponder the question even further. After all, it is true that I am a retired minister (prison chaplain) and have written many songs of inspiration and faith in my day. But, I have also always been a rebel. You know? The guy that wrote gospel music that sounded more like R&B/Pop/Hip-Hop. Or, the guy who refused to pastor a church because he didn’t want to be involved in organized religion. I was the one who refused to be a part of the collection plate brigade. So, it stands to reason that my music would always be, uh, well, different!
Also, I never liked being put into a box or category. I always liked many different styles of music and that shows in my catalog of over 900 songs. Back in the day I toured with all kinds of bands including Jazz, Reggae, Funk, Rock, Metal, Gospel, Acapella, Pop and even one short stint with a Country band. I have written music in 12 genres and have won awards in 9. So, the rebel in me is in full effect when it comes to my music. I write what I feel and I feel what I write. At the time that I wrote Bubble I was feeling a bit humorous as I had been to a club with some friends and saw these girls dancing that had amazing ass cheeks. I mean they were bouncing independently and moving in ways that I never thought possible. Even my wife said she had never seen anything like it. So, the songwriter in me came out and I wrote about the Double bubble booty girls I had seen at the club. Although the subject matter is a bit crass, I didn’t think it would cause anybody to be upset about it. I mean, these talented girls are in all kinds of dance videos.
So, I wonder what your thoughts may be on this matter. Do you think a songwriter or artist should be bound by some moral code or creed? What about being a role model for children? I just don’t believe that artists, celebrities, athletes etc. should be role models for children. I believe that parents should be role models for their children. What about being held to a genre code? Do you think it is wrong for artists like me to write and produce in a variety of genres? Should we be held to one style? Does being musically exploritative (I know, I mad that word up) make me impure as an artist?
I just wonder if anyone else has written any songs that got people upset? If so, how did you handle it? I must admit that after reading this woman’s words I felt ashamed for a few minutes. Then, I remembered that I am the rebel and have always been different. I don’t wear my morality on my shirt or in my music. I live my morality in my daily life by the way I treat people. As a songwriter I must be free! Free to express myself musically. Sometimes that means that I may write something that will have absolutely no moral or socially redeeming value. Sometimes its humor and other times its just meant to be good old fashioned entertainment. In my mind its just a song. I feel that ass cheeks that can move like that should be written about. I mean, it is an athletic achievement that most women will never be able to accomplish! Kind of Unique? Okay, I’m just fun’n with ya on that one. But on the real tip……………
What do you think? Should I take “Double Bubble Booty Baby” down from all of my websites (including here at I.A.C) ?
http://iacmusic.com/songs.aspx?SongID=82079&ArtistID=1269
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Tom O'Brien
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6/1/2011 2:28:11 PM
No way, Stoneman. Don't take that song down. There's always someone who's going to find something wrong with every little thing you do, no matter how banal. You've got to sing your truth. And your truth is not necessarily everyone's truth. I do believe that we all should live as examples of how we want people to behave - loving, caring. But that doesn't mean you have to get there by following other people's rules. Your song is about something fun with a little sexuality thrown in. Some people can't handle the fact that we are sexual beings. It's how we got here. It's how we continue. You're just celebrating life in the way that you are gifted to do it - through music. You'll never please everyone, so try not to let the haters get to you.
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Conversation Suicide
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6/2/2011 3:12:29 AM
I feel ya, man.
Please do continue to strive to Keep it eclectic; there IS an honest-to-god demographic out there for Indie artists who mix it up, and show prowess in multiple styles & genres, otherwise I'd have quit a long time ago. Your music is worthy, bro, as you already know.
There will always be those not broadminded enough to allow for true artistry unleashed. Fuck 'em. You can't please everybody, and many prefer to spend their lives hating on others; and it's to their loss, not ours.
peace. Rock on, and Spread the Love, Stoneman !
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Duane Flock
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6/2/2011 6:00:55 AM
I wrote a tune Called Industrial Garbage making fun of the coorperation (and others) I work for, plus I even stole a riff from a Buggs Bunny cartoon. I handed out a few CD's with That song on it to a few of my bosses and they all saw the truth/humor in it. No specific naming, but they all knew and it was all in fun.
Do what you need to do and do what you feel is right. It only helps your well being inside and keeps you Sane in this Crazy world dude.
Peace,
D.
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Stoneman
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6/2/2011 11:35:43 AM
Thanks to all of you for your comments and honesty. One of my favorite rap artists "Ice Cube" once said "You need to check yourself before you wreck yourself". For me that meant you have to look deeper inside and monitor your actions. But as an artist I am so in love with what i do that I wonder if my own personal bias about my music is clouding my vision. So, this was a check. A check with you all whom I have great respect for.
You are right. I cannot please everyone but I have been lucky enough to please a few. More importantly, I am pleased and proud of all that I do in music. It wouldn't be my music if I didn't put my own feelings in it. That was my answer to the 'hater patrol". Its my music, don't like it? Don't listen. But the beat goes on!
Thanks Again My Friends!
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