Myth making

There is a gaping chasm of truth between what is written, said and discussed about many 'underground' artists and what is actually true. I feel that techno is especially prone to this mythmaking process because it has no stars, there are no hits, it doesn’t make its way into the mainstream media and there is no dedicated radio or TV to support it. No wonder that most of the exposure for this music has migrated online. Add in the fact that most people who make techno don’t really want to be in the limelight, have their photo taken or want to be famous - this facelessness and lack of egotism is something I have always found especially endearing: unfortunately, it’s not always apparent, but that point is sufficient for a whole new post  - and there is ample room to make up stories about techno’s heroes.It can be amusing to hear that so and so only makes music on a Wednesday or that a well-known label signed three EPs and an album from an esteemed electro act because that act wrapped the label owner’s 3-series BMW around a tree, but this also means that it’s disappointing when confronted with the normal, humdrum reality of the artist’s existence. I’m not a fan of PR firms, but, faced with the alternative, an artist who won’t do interviews or be photographed, then it’s not hard to understand why the myth making process starts. This is adopted and often embellished by the fan base and the myth gains credibility. As the artist refuses to comment or speak publicly, it is impossible to confirm or repudiate the rumours. The myth becomes reality. Maybe we’ll never know the truth about some of the artists we love and maybe trying to do so is to spectacularly miss the point – in the end, they’re all lying in the same gutter as us: they’re just reaching for the stars, and maybe that’s all that really counts.

Comments

[Mark O Sullivan]

All credit to "Carrie Bradshaw" style ramblings on the aloofness of our beloved Techno stars but lets be honest most myths are made up by the idle minds of lazy journalists.Time for a reality check -In the world of ,lets call it "electronica" most journalists are wannabe DJs and wannabe producers-(or they wish they were born in Detroit)Also To paraphrase Zappa -Most Music journalism is people who can't write, interviewing people who can't talk, for people who can't read.

In many ways artists cant understand why people would be interested in what they have to say as their art says everything they need to say.Some are just better than others at playing the game..the problem arises when the journalists wants to decide the rules of the game and that is when communication breaks down.

[skkatter]

Dopplereffekt refused an interview? :)

[Brophy]

Mark, that really is the first time I have heard my name and Carrie Bradshaw's used in the same sentence, so well done.

I would 100% disagree about your claim that journalists are the ones making up the myths. Most of them are busy trying to blag free stuff, it's the PRs but only the best ones, that make up the juicy stories. Maybe you need to hire a PR firm.

I wouldn't hold much stock in Zappa - never trust a hippie and all that - but one thing I will say is the only thing that's worse than journalists with the kind of ambition you allude to are producers the journalists just aren't interested in writing about.

[Brophy]

skkatter - no go on the interview, i had asked in advance if he would do any, but was told in fortright terms he never does any. ever. he was a nice enough guy all the same.

[mark o sullivan]

I know loads of producers that Journalists were not interested in writing about and suddenly someone with a bit of cred namedrops them and then the journos are all over them....

Today the same person can be a PR,Journalist,DJ and producer and you of all people should know that;-)

you should brush up on your Zappa.You dont have to like his music to find him an inspiring character..Do your research..very little of a "Hippe" in him.

Maybe the worse thing is a Journalist who is paid by labels to do their press/reviews.Now that is lying in the gutter and looking at the whores;-)

[Liam Dunne]

> the only thing that's worse than journalists with the kind of ambition you allude to are producers the journalists just aren't interested in writing about.

Maybe you didn't mean it like that, Richard, but that's the most cunty thing I've ever read by yourself. So a producer whom journalists decide not to write about is the only thing worse than a journalist who decides to make up his own story?

Unless it's a dig at producers who don't get written about because they're actually just not very good. Still pretty cunty, man, just my 2¢.

[Brophy]

Unless it's a dig at producers who don't get written about because they're actually just not very good. - yes that is exactly what I meant a producer who isn't very good and based on that fact the media ignores him and then he suffers from sour grape syndrome and gets very bitter. by the way, there is no need for the kind of language you used there Liam. Let's keep it civilised, even if you don't agree with me. thanks

[Brophy]

takes deep deep breath:

I know loads of producers that Journalists were not interested in writing about and suddenly someone with a bit of cred namedrops them and then the journos are all over them.... - yes, but equally, there have been instances where a really credible name has championed an act who haven't been very good and what happens? They get ignored because they just aren’t very good

Today the same person can be a PR,Journalist,DJ and producer and you of all people should know that;-) Not really sure what you are implying or attempting to imply, but I have never worked in PR. Of all the other things you allude to, yes, I am involved in, some areas more than others…

you should brush up on your Zappa.You dont have to like his music to find him an inspiring character..Do your research..very little of a "Hippe" in him. - Any time anyone tells me to ‘do some research’ is when I tend to either ignore them or think far less of them. It’s a ridiculously patronizing remark to make, the kind you see on YouTube etc. For the record, I was force fed Zappa’s music as a kid, never did it for me..

Maybe the worse thing is a Journalist who is paid by labels to do their press/reviews.Now that is lying in the gutter and looking at the whores;-) Again, not sure what you’re trying to imply here Mark. I think you may be knocking on the wrong door if you’re suggesting I get paid by labels to write favourable reviews. Have a look at the post marked ‘the beatportal stops’ if you are in any doubts about how I feel about payola and vested interests. To be honest with you Mark, your whole tone here smacks of sour grapes a bit, I don’t know why…

[Liam Dunne]

Apologies for the language, just got a little annoyed at the comment, it seemed overly presumptious somewhat. There's plenty of producers who get ignored by the press, it's doesn't necessarily follow on that they're not very good.

BTW, I'm not feeling sour-grapey myself, I'd need to be putting out an awful lot more than I currently am to be feeling ignored by the media, and that which has been written to date has been largely encouraging, which is nice.

[Mark O Sullivan]

"Any time anyone tells me to ‘do some research’ is when I tend to either ignore them or think far less of them. "

a VERY VERY poor comment from you Richard.Get off your high horse,you are begining to sound like a self delusional egotist and you prove this by assuming that some of my points on the ethics of journalists are all about you.

"I think you may be knocking on the wrong door if you’re suggesting I get paid by labels to write favourable reviews.

Why is it a trait with so many Journalits that they assume its all about them.Really I thought that you were better than this.

Sour grapes?? come on,thats just a juvenile comment....

[gmos]

is there a review of the Dopplereffekt gig anywhere? was away and missed it, how did it go?

[Brophy]

a VERY VERY poor comment from you Richard.Get off your high horse,you are begining to sound like a self delusional egotist and you prove this by assuming that some of my points on the ethics of journalists are all about you. - well now Mark, you did tell me to do some research regarding Zappa, plus all the remarks about journalists were made with a nod and a wink, hinting that you were alluding to me. I'm not on any high horse mate, just making posts on my blog. Something has clearly got up your nose. I'm not sure what, but you do seem annoyed, given the kind of insults you are flinging. I would advise you to keep the comments civil though.

Why is it a trait with so many Journalits that they assume its all about them.Really I thought that you were better than this. - well you did tell me to do some research, so you were talking to/about me. ..

Sour grapes?? - or maybe just a very truthful one. Sometimes the truth is very painful

[Brophy]

Apologies for the language, just got a little annoyed at the comment, it seemed overly presumptious somewhat. There's plenty of producers who get ignored by the press, it's doesn't necessarily follow on that they're not very good.

BTW, I'm not feeling sour-grapey myself, I'd need to be putting out an awful lot more than I currently am to be feeling ignored by the media, and that which has been written to date has been largely encouraging, which is nice. - no worries Liam. Of course there are a huge amount of producers out there who deserve acres of coverage but who never get it. It is a huge struggle to convince editors to cover these acts. Unfortunately, most magazines//websites etc are commercially driven and will only cover stuff that is tied into advertising spend, which is unfair and cynical. It takes a lot of persistence to get even a small piece on act that really deserves it, which is disheartening both for the act and for journalists who believe in and feel passionate about their music. Having said all that, there is also an awful load of rubbish which doesn't get covered because it is rubbish, nearly as much as the rubbish that gets covered because of ad money being put on the table.

[Brophy]

is there a review of the Dopplereffekt gig anywhere? was away and missed it, how did it go? - gmos, not that I am aware of. I will try to post something about it when I get a chance...

[kenny]

gmos - should have something up on ism later on...

[mark o sullivan]

"Sometimes the truth is very painful"

Richard that would require self awarness !and it saddens me to think that any comment I make on journalism you take it as a nod and a wink to you.
This is your Blog ,I am not flinging insults at you but I know for a fact that you are very aware as to what I am talking about.
Again stop assuming that everything is about you...it doesnt suit you.
Good piece on the licencing laws in Ireland and G.U.B.T.N....

[Martin Dust]

Carrie Bradshaw - Haha

[Brophy]

Mark, you compare me to Carrie Bradshaw(!), tell me to do some research and now you say you're not flinging insults at me and that it's not personal?!

What you are insinuating is that people are bribed to write reviews of techno records. If this is really what you are suggesting, then let me explain something that you may have missed.

Nowadays, no one makes money from running a techno label, so quite how they'd have the funds to hand over brown envelopes full of cash to morally suspect journos is a mystery.

I have been reviewing techno for 12 years and in all that time, I heard of one other journo being offered cash for a positive review (back in the mid to late 90s when techno was profitable). He declined the offer. I'd be amazed if this still went on.

The other thing I'd like you to explain is why, if this is what you believe to be the norm, do you keep promoting your work to journalists who you feel have no morals and will only review releases if you pay them off?

If you think the 'system' is so rotten, then why do you want to be part of it?

Just remember that I'm speaking about techno - I'm not sure what happens with progressive house or electro house...

[mark o sullivan]

"Just remember that I'm speaking about techno - I'm not sure what happens with progressive house or electro house..."
I know nothing about any of the above to be honest..I only am interested in music.

And its not personal..But why do journalists(depending on which hat you are wearing ;-) ) take any criticism of their work so badly.I like good journalism..and I have enjoyed a variety of journalism i.e
Robert Fisk,Tom Humphries,Norman Mailer off the top of my head have set various standards in what they write about.But this is a whole other arguement.I read a piece by you that I thought was an old boring cliche with much pontificating..and I responded...simple..

Anyway with regard to paying off Journos...Here is how it works cos I know these people who run the labels-Label X gets Journo y to write a press release for their releases.Journo Y gets paid for said press releases and these releases mysteriously appear in the review colums of certain magazines/blogs/whatever and the name under the review id Journo Y.

It happens whole sale dont deny it.

"If you think the 'system' is so rotten, then why do you want to be part of it?"

I love good music and good Journalism(all subjective) if that in some way makes me part of a system them so be it but the point of being part of any system is too have the right to criticise it...

[Brophy]

And its not personal..- so that's why you made insulting/patronising comments?

I read a piece by you that I thought was an old boring cliche with much pontificating..and I responded...simple..- really? so the discussion about
who creates myths for underground producers and why has been debated so widely that it has become a cliche? Please send me on some links on this topic, which you feel has been put under a microscope....where were the cliches by the way

Anyway with regard to paying off Journos...Here is how it works cos I know these people who run the labels-Label X gets Journo y to write a press release for their releases.Journo Y gets paid for said press releases and these releases mysteriously appear in the review colums of certain magazines/blogs/whatever and the name under the review id Journo Y.

It happens whole sale dont deny it.

- wow, your cynicism is really nauseating, it's unbelievable. This happens on rare occasions, but when it does happen, it's usually because the label has asked a journalist who likes the label's output anyway to write a press release for a new record. typically the journalist gets a small fee for this. there is no onus, implied or otherwise for the journalist to then review that record, but if they do it's for the reason stated, eg because they like the label and the artists on it. there is no major conspiracy going on as you seem to think.

for the record, about 80% of the stuff I review I buy myself because the vast majority of promos aren't up to scratch.

it doesn't happen wholesale as you claim because most labels don't have the budget to pay even the small fee required for the journalist to do a press release. additionally, if you have any understanding about how small labels work, you will be aware that most of them, are losing hand over foot at the moment. only a tiny minority are making money from it. I get the feeling from your posts that you are angry with me or the 'system' in general for some other reason and that you are using the comment section as a way of letting off some steam...

is it because the first dk7 album was such a critical success or because you haven't had much acclaim since then? be truthful

[Kenny]

The truth more likely is DK7 doesn't have the vast funds it would take to get a decent journo to write a semi-decent review of the turgid tripe that he produces.

[mark o sullivan]

if you have any understanding about how small labels work, you will be aware that most of them, are losing hand over foot at the moment

I have 3 small labels and yes this is how it is at the moment and yes I do have an understanding thank you.

i"s it because the first dk7 album was such a critical success or because you haven't had much acclaim since then? be truthful"

This smacks of a desperate attempt to get yourself out of a corner..Actually I would think that the DK7 album got limited critical success to be honest..it was a slow burner and people got to hear of it eventually.I dont know how you measure acclaim but since "Disarmed" I have to say that as producer I have recieved a lot of production offers ie in Ireland I mixed and produced the Choice nominated Stanley Super 800 album and am at present producing another Iirsh artist and a Swedish artist.These are fantasic oppurtunities and experiences and are more than likely the pay off for the success of the first DK7 album.Also I run DK7 rec and Ork with FGD..all set up since Disarmed and I have the Mark and John project with John Dahlback and I am working on a reissue of the Mighty Quark backcatalogue which includes collaborations with Kid Lococ,Andy Bell,Rico Roderiquez,Papa Dee,Leftfield..........
And also working on the new DK7 album..plus also mastering albums and 12s for labels.
So being truthful I would say that the supposed acclaim of the first DK7 album opened a lot of other doors and I decided to go through them and see where they take me..isnt that what being an artist is all about???

I find a lot of what you write about on your blog pretty interesting but I am honest when I say that this piece was one big cliche..I seemed to have hit a nerve with regard to journos getting paid by labels though....

[mark o sullivan]

"The truth more likely is DK7 doesn't have the vast funds it would take to get a decent journo to write a semi-decent review of the turgid tripe that he produces. "

1st part is true ,2nd part is your opinion...

I preferred your early Blog entries kenny.......
Put your anorak on for detroit!

[James]

Wow, I have no idea what Mark's argument was all about . . . but really, kick it down a notch.

I think Brophy's touched on an important feature about techno: its faceless nature lends itself to myth-making - but who creates these stories, exactly? It's a strange game of telephone between the artists and fans and, from the journalist's perspective, the idea of 'print the legend, not the fact' was established early on with:

1. The tradition of black science fiction that, via Parliament/Funkadelic, fed Electrifying Mojo's MFA and, in turn, groups like Underground Resistance or Drexciya (read the liner notes to The Quest).

2. Kraftwerk's obsession with the gesamkunstwerk or 'total artwork' - a pristine mirror world of symbols powered by technology and, for better or worse, placing the machine above the man.

3. The rumors and codes that surrounded the earliest warehouse parties.

Given this background, there are conventions about the design and distribution of the music:

1. Records just 'appeared' rather than being marketed; the more erratic and limited the run, the better (which might explain the hand-wringing about digital distribution today, despite the music's professed commitment to technology - until recently, it wasn't a very democratic or accessible form).

2. Putting your face on your album cover is cheesy and it's better if we don't see you at all.

3. Even better, tell us a story. The rational mind always wants context for the unfamiliar, and the alien machine sounds of techno are ripe for exaggeration and distortion - it's the perfect canvas for fantastic origin-stories, yet only a handful of artists have really exploited it.

. . . maybe this 'faceless' idea is changing, though, largely because of the interweb; how mysterious can an artist be nowadays if he has a MySpace page or her blog turns up in a Google search?

Nonetheless, I was shocked by the Pan-Pot LP cover and I much preferred thinking of Plastikman in terms of Matthew Hawtin's cartoon logo than the recent M-nus photo shoot...

I think a 'Techno Mythology' book or series is long overdue - it'd be great to start collecting some of these stories, in the same way that there's been a recent spate of design books about the flyers and album art (see 'Disc Style', etc.).

Ack, I didn't mean to bang on for so long - but I think there's a lot to explore here. Anyway, great post!

[mark O Sullivan]

Good post James...very often in the true Tony Wilson sense the myth is more interesting than the truth and makes for better reading.
And he was a journalist.