Interview – Keith of Hillgrass Bluebilly Records
As the name implies, Hillgrass Bluebilly Records defines the nexus of where hillbilly, country, bluegrass, and blues meet. This rich and diverse environment that has been created in the independent/underground music world embodies all roots music as unified expressions of purity and soul, regardless of the origins.
With a catalog that includes artists like Possessed by Paul James, The Boomswagglers, Ten Foot Polecats, Tom Vandenavond, Left Lane Cruiser, Larry & His Flask, Soda, and various other collaborators, Keith Mallette and co-founder Ryan Tackett have created a burgeoning homespun record label that is getting international attention. Their award-winning double disc compilation Hiram & Huddie bridged the music of Hank Williams and Leadbelly together with tribute songs from people like Wayne “The Train” Hancock, Scott H. Biram, William Elliot Whitmore, Bob Log III, and many more, and made a small concert promotion company to a force in the record label business.
Hillgrass Bluebilly has also given rise to what is called “The Dirtyfoot Family”; a rabid and loyal group of devoted music fans who embrace the same open mind approach to the broad roots music movement.
I sat down with Keith last weekend right before a Hillgrass concert at Ruta Maya in Austin, TX to talk about the formation of the record label, his philosophies on music, future plans, and how he became the point man in the opposition to Shooter Jennings’ XXX music movement. Full audio can be found below as well as a transcription of the meat of the interview. But let me tell you, this is one you’ll want to listen to.
[audio:https://savingcountrymusic.com/audio/keith-hillgrass.mp3]Download or Open With Media Player
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Triggerman: Hillgrass Bluebilly. How did you get involved in this music, which as the name implies is like a crux between country and bluegrass and blues and hillbilly music. Did you listen to it growing up?
Hillgrass Keith: Partly. Nothing really outside of your greatest hits albums, well up into my mid to late 20’s. To answer your question I guess, guilty by association, when I finally met a group of friends that knew more, that’s when I really got into it. A few of them boys started up a concert promotions business in Phoenix called “Roots and Boots” and kinda brought me in on it. They were wanting to do shows where I was working, at this little bar. So I included myself and they brought out some shows at the beginning with folks like Jesse Dayton. That was short lived but great, and I took what I knew I could do with it and it was born.
I always knew I was a salesman or a closer and the best at no matter what I did. This was all heart. This was something that grabbed a hold of me musically and I saw how it wasn’t getting done, and these little signs were like “Do this Keith, do this.” So I presented it to my buddy, Ryan Tackett the co-founder. He said, “Yeah Keith, I believe in you, let’s do it.” And here we are.
Triggerman: I think a lot of people would think of Hillgrass Bluebilly as a record label, but it got its start in promotions and still promotions is a large part of what you do.
Hillgrass Keith: I wouldn’t say a large part. Honestly after the first couple of years of Hillgrass, after I left Phoenix and came here (Austin) we didn’t think we were gonna be a record label. I thought I was going to be able to push through the promotions end of it, and make things work. We founded the record label through the promotions. Hiram & Huddie was strictly a promotional tool to introduce people to these bands that we love with something that they could reference, being Hank Williams and Leadbelly. After it was all said and done, I don’t know who told us we were a record label but someone whispered it to us, and that’s our fight now.
Triggerman: Hiram and Huddie has won quite a few awards, it’s been really successful, I’ve seen write-ups for it all over the place. Did you see when you were putting this compilation together, this parallel between old school country and old school blues? Was the idea to try to bridge those two? Brother of different mothers as far as the music, or was more the differences that made it appealing?
Hillgrass Keith: I would say the brothers of different mothers. We take “man” approach to things. And for what we want to do as people, we want to keep it as genuine and real as possible. In the instrumentation of roots music, that’s where we found our love for Uncle Tom (VandenAvond), PPJ (Possessed by Paul James), Scott Biram, these guys that spit a lot of soul out, it’s just really moving. That’s our fight.
Triggerman: So you kind of embrace the idea of being a stepping stone.
Hillgrass Keith: It’s cutthroat. We have yet to see all the things that are going to happen in the music industry as far as our slot when that comes. That’s why these record labels have to stand by their folks and treat them good, and not take advantage of them. It almost seems like the older we get, the more we’re stripping it down.

Triggerman: Right now one of your up-and-coming artists is The Boomswagglers. Let’s say they get a song in a Ralph Lauren underwear commercial and they just explode.
Hillgrass Keith: Then I would expect them to move on to another label. We succeed when they get the fuck away from us, and they don’t need us anymore. And we don’t want to be up there with them. We don’t want to pay more than $500 for a guarantee to someone. That ain’t us. That ain’t our people. And we’re gonna stay like that.
Triggerman: Whenever you’re trying to work through something, regardless of what it is, you need hardliners. People look at me as a country music hardliner. You embodied the hardline stance against XXX, and I appreciate that. But at the same time, I want to ask you some devil’s advocate questions. If you or somebody else is afraid of what XXX might become, if you have issues with something, there’s two ways you can take it. Either you can come out steadfast against it, or you could try to be a part of it and try to resolve whatever issues you have with it. If you’re afraid that XXX is going to become something that is going to be adverse to what you’re doing in music, why would would you not want to be a part of it in a way to be part of the dialogue so you can try to influence what it might become? Or is it even worth it?
Hillgrass Keith: It’s not. It’s a shiny coin trick. It’s confusing. Hillgrass Bluebilly spells it out. We came up with that genuinely because that’s what it is. It’s all those: hillbilly, blues, bluegrass, country summed up. XXX is nothing. It’s a bunch of bullshit. It’s something to go make some patches and shirts out of. I don’t want anything to do with it, I don’t even want it to be there. So that’s why I opened my mouth. I guess a better man would just watch it die on its own because he realizes that Shooter’s an anchor. I’m just more mouthy than that.
Triggerman: Do you think that the idea behind it, just the idea, take away Shooter Jennings, take away XXX. The idea that everyone is fighting their own individual fights, the artists, the record labels, the promoters. Do you see any benefit in trying to make at least a little bit more collaboration between these elements?
Hillgrass Keith: No. It’s pretty much you’re fighting over there, make sure it’s on the sidewalk. Because when we come rolling through the street, don’t get in our fucking way.
Triggerman: Let’s say Goliath comes and you’re David, and the only way you can take Goliath down is if Hillgrass Bluebilly bands with XXX?
Hillgrass Keith: My rock is an Uncle Tom CD, a PPJ (Possessed by Paul James) CD to that Goliath, you know what I mean? If I could just tell everyone to shut up, take everything out of their hearts and minds, and sit there with their fuckin’ gut and listen, then stone to the fuckin’ eye. Goliath down.
As long as people know that I don’t like it. And we’re not going to try to confuse people with shitty branding.
Triggerman: What projects to you have coming up on Hillgrass Bluebilly that people should know about?
Hillgrass Keith: Boomswagglers. America’s country. Texas. They’re our answer to country music. And I’m country, out of my heart. Ryan’s (the co-founder) blues, and I’m a blues guy too, but not before country. I’m really happy for the Boomswagglers album to be coming, I love them. Would take a bullet for them. There’s actually going to be a couple things. We’re going to have some garage-ee recordings, really nice ones to have available really soon. And then the big Hillgrass release, to be safe before Summer, the release date. It’s probably going to be in April, more than likely. May at the latest.
Triggerman: You refer to your merch as flags. You sell hats, you sell shirts . . .
Hillgrass Keith: No actually, we sell flags! (laughing) Hillgrass Bluebilly is the flag, “Dirtyfoot Family” is the people. When we stick our flag in the ground, you know it’s there. You can over to it, or you can stay away from it. We probably will have some “flags” one day but for now in forms of shirts and hats. You don’t have to like me to like Hillgrass.
Triggerman: Do you think roots music is under siege in Austin?
Hillgrass Keith: I think the baby boomer era ruined that. I think music has been taken out of the home. I don’t think families are laying on their bellies listening to music that they can all enjoy and like. Instead parents have given up the TV to Walt Disney and Nickelodeon instead of productive music time, which the kids don’t have to like. It must have been taken out of the homes. It has to have been because living here in Austin, TX and watching the country music scene is one of the most disheartening things I’ve ever been a part of. If you go to see a Roger Wallace show or a James Hand show. There has been no community for it, until the Muddy Roots and Hillgrass and Farmageddon. Now there’s homes for this. There’s been big progress I think.
Triggerman: How do you feel about people (record labels) like Fat Possum and Bloodshot?
Hillgrass Keith: I love them. I look up to Fat Possum, I look up to Alive, I look up to Bloodshot. And I look up to them in a lot of ways. I pick things apart and I analyze everything that I’m a part of. We’re not a record label, we’re people that are helping our artists get to places like that. We’re the stepping stone to places like Bloodshot and Alive.
Triggerman: What is your favorite non-Hillgrass Bluebilly band or artist?
Hillgrass Keith: Scott H. Biram. I don’t even need to think about it. He’s never done a bad recording. When it comes down to it, pound for pound, he’s Roy Jones Jr. 1998, man you ain’t touching that dude. He’s hard traveling, he’s hard working, and that’s his business. I admire the support of his mother and dad. They’re like at every show of his.
February 15, 2011 @ 10:09 am
I can’t even pick out something – this was a great read start to finish. If anything, it made me respect Keith and HBE even more. As long as I listen to music I will try to support what they are doing. I’m so damn glad there are still people like them around.
February 15, 2011 @ 10:16 am
Thanks for the great interview man. I am a huge fan of everything HBE, this is a real treat.
February 15, 2011 @ 10:34 am
A big thanks to Facebook which now doesn’t allow me to copy pictures from people’s Facebook profiles for use in articles because they are “the property of Facebook.” This is where it begins.
February 15, 2011 @ 11:33 am
Keith is a Colonel in this fight and we stand behind him 100%. LONG LIVE HILLGRASS BLUEBILLY!
February 15, 2011 @ 11:34 am
I meant to write that below.
February 15, 2011 @ 11:37 am
Great interview. Great everything. I was unaware of the whole Shooter/XXX thing, but now I’m going to look it up and see exactly what kind of d’bag Jennings is NOW being, since he’s never really been anything BUT that.
@Triggerman: Facebook says they own those images?!? That’s crazy. Ummm, as a photographer–I beg to differ. I don’t see a check coming my way signed by “Facebook” so until then, the images I have on my page are still MINE. (At least that’s my two cents on the matter.)
Way to put it out there honestly and without fear, Hillgrass Bluebilly. Love it.
February 15, 2011 @ 12:00 pm
Wendy,
I have been encouraging everyone to get informed on the XXX issue. Keith’s is one perspective. Here’s some more article about it from this site:
https://savingcountrymusic.com/this-new-shooter-jennings-xxx-genre
https://savingcountrymusic.com/artists-back-xxx-genre-roundtable-discussion
https://savingcountrymusic.com/exclusive-interview-with-shooter-jennings-about-xxx
February 15, 2011 @ 11:01 am
i really respect keith, even more after this…his heart and ears are in the right place., and he isnt afraid to say what he thinks.
February 15, 2011 @ 11:19 am
Good interview!
Thanks for taking the time to do it, man.
February 15, 2011 @ 11:51 am
That was a nice read. Keith is an honest and genuine person, and I really respect what he and Ryan are doing. And all the artist they have signed are great, really looking forward to see what they will have in store for 2011.
February 15, 2011 @ 1:51 pm
Good interview man. Big supporter of everything HBE as well.
February 15, 2011 @ 3:00 pm
Ahhh Keith…you’re always a man after my heart! I loved to hear your voice here…
I really couldn’t agree more with you but everyone already knows this. 🙂
Thanks Trig. I’ve been wanting to sit down and do an in depth chat with Hillgrass for a long time and never got around to it.
I want more of this…I want Casey’s photos streaming on my mac with good music in the background…I want to hear what Darren has to say…I want Devilyn, and Gina and Jason and all the rest of the behind-the-scenes, hardcore music lovers of this genre to get their time to talk. THIS is what you can’t “make” with XXX…you can’t make community…it has to evolve.
Keep making it happen.
February 15, 2011 @ 3:54 pm
Good article. I am not to up on the Hillgrass Bluebilly thing, but will look into it.
Not to start the XXX debate again, but has anyone listened to Shooter’s XM show since it came back on live for 2011.
I don’t know how XXX is going to develop, but the way Shooter presents it on his show, it isn’t as odd or hokey as people think when they just read it and started to form opinions (me being one.)
It makes sense. He plays some bad ass bands back to back to back that you won’t find anywhere else. Not even through the shows this site supports.
I heard Waylon, Biram, Supersuckers, Jamey Johnson, Secret Sisters, Whitey Morgan etc… played in succession From that, I hadn’t heard of Secret Sisters and I don’t know Supersuckers but for the name. I am learning more about them and liking them now. So for what it is worth, XXX reached me.
February 15, 2011 @ 4:09 pm
I’ve played all those artists but Jamey cause I don’t lime him, so technically you can find those artists on this site. You just gotta listen.
February 15, 2011 @ 4:11 pm
“I”™ve played all those artists but Jamey cause I don”™t like him, so technically you can find those artists on this site. You just gotta listen.”
then technically you don’t play all those artists in succession. You get close, but…
February 15, 2011 @ 4:15 pm
Why would I play a mainstream artist that doesn’t need help getting there name out there. Do you know the point of my show or this site what so ever? Jamey Johnson is fucking awful by the way.
February 15, 2011 @ 4:21 pm
Well, I like those artists I mentioned, I like others that you support, AND I like Jamey Johnson. So if I want to hear them all, I can’t on your show I guess.
I maybe missing the point of this site and your show. If it is to only support struggling artists, then you shouldn’t highjack the names “Country Music” and “Outlaw” music.
To me, those terms don’t simply mean artists that don’t get airtime.
February 15, 2011 @ 4:31 pm
Why do you play Waylon, Willie, Hank, DAC, Cash, Haggard, Watson, Hank III?
Do they really need the exposure from you to get their names out there?
February 15, 2011 @ 5:24 pm
IceCold, Jashie P is a supporter of XXX and Shooter. Shooter has played Jashie’s band Last False Hope on those XXX shows. I’m not sure what you’re getting at here, but just like Jashie said, once again, for probably the 20th time, you are misunderstanding the charter of this site. It is to give exposure to those who don’t have it. And yes, I do think Hank III and Dale Watson need more exposure. Jashie rarely plays Willie and Waylon, and just for color, not necessarily exposure. And if he doesn’t like Jamey, that is his prerogative. Shooter hasn’t played any Hillgrass artists because that is his prerogative. And it is not even the same format. Shooter has a radio show that reaches thousands. SCM LIVE offers interactive podcasts for dozens. It’s not a fair comparison.
I have not heard any of the XXX broadcasts unfortunately, because I do not have satellite radio. If it’s giving exposure to smaller bands and has a good mix of music, I say hell yeah.
February 15, 2011 @ 6:37 pm
One big reason Shooter has not made it his perogative to play any Hillgrass artists is because Keith came at him personally. So why the Hell should Shooter give him any exposure? That is Shooter’s Show after all. To call Shooter an anchor is an uninformed comment that comes from a jealouse place and a resistance to exposure. Good luck to the bands on his label. They are going to need it.
February 15, 2011 @ 6:52 pm
I disagree with you Nathan and here’s why: I did not depict one shred of jealousy from the interview, the depth of his voice, the surety in his answers. Shooter has his own road to travel and there you go. He (Shooter) is an anchor to his show because it takes $$$$$$$$$$$ to do his thing. I’m a working class lady. I don’t have to spend money to listen to Shooter play the music I have fell in love with. I can just about guarantee Keith is operating with slim wallets. Facts are facts.
February 15, 2011 @ 11:26 pm
Nathan38401,
Just because HBE will not subscribe to XXX does not mean the HBE will die a painful death. I’m sure there are other bands and labels out there who probably won’t get played on the XXX format, and yet they will persist and keep on going. XXX will not be the be-all-end-all of Roots music, in the States or World-wide. Consider me for example. I don’t live in the States, XXX does not affect me in the slightest. I have never even heard a Shooter Jennings song, let alone own an album. Yet the expanding tentacles of HBE found me down here. I own several albums by artists that are on HBE (Keith, I gotsta pay you for the LLC cd you sent me gratis) and look forward to their future releases. I don’t know if XXX will be for good or ill, it’s not my concern. But if Keith and HBE don’t want any involvement with Shooter or XXX, that is their perogative.HBE is not “one of those” labels that are difficult to deal with, at least not in my experience. They sent music to me, when they could have just relied on sales made Stateside.
Cheers to Triggerman and Keith for a great interview and I look forward to a rich and rewarding future for Hillgrass Bluebilly!
PS: Here’s to the idea of an OZ chapter for HBE as part of their global expansion!
February 15, 2011 @ 7:36 pm
I definitely think that Hank 3 needs more exposure… Pretty much everyone I know that isn’t a fan of his is surprised to hear that there is a III. Sad but true.
February 15, 2011 @ 7:54 pm
I don’t know Scott, Hank III might not want more exposure if it comes at the cost of the likes of Curb Records. Ya know?
February 15, 2011 @ 8:30 pm
Denise
Here is were i formed my opinions of keith and his ideas. This is his blog. But since you posted i see you know it. But i hope you realize that Most of Shooters comments were deleted. That is fine. It is his blog, but dont think for a second that he is open to a new idea.
http://hillgrassbluebilly.blogspot.com/2011/01/hillgrass-bluebilly-on-xxx.html
And to think that Hank III doesnt want more exposure or to presume that he does not deserve it is not fair to him. Artist do not choose music as a career so that they can be broke. They do it as a way to survive financially. There are many artist that will never be heard or never make any money from their music. Many good artist that deserve to be heard, and deserve for the music they make to be more than enough income. I think that Keiths ideas are not at all helping the artist he claims to represent.
February 15, 2011 @ 8:36 pm
Nathan, you are about to piss me off. NONE of Shooters comments were deleted, and noone here is going to even entertain that Id do such a thing… But go on if you want, you still have 5 and a half feet to go
February 15, 2011 @ 9:17 pm
EDIT
Looking at the blog again looks like you are right. What i was referring to was the Saving Country Music copy and paste. Sorry. Im not sure that that was there the first time i read the blog.
But Still if the sorry dont please you I”™m only a few inches away from five six.
Truly you are exactly what is wrong with the independant music scene. You cant see what is out there for the talents that you represent. You cant even see what is out there for you.
How many artist do you think have their career die an unnecessary death, thanks to the likes of you. There is a huge forrest beyond those trees my friend. You are not the only one I know, But that still does not make it ok for you to be one of many.
Guess i just crossed the other few inches, Huh?
February 15, 2011 @ 10:05 pm
Nathan,
Look, I did not ask Keith these XXX question to open up old wounds or start a new fight. I asked them because I think they were honest concerns to Keith’s position, and he answered them honestly, whether they are to your liking or not.
If your assertion is that Keith’s artists might not have the same advantages of artists that have banded with XXX, then that is one thing, and time will tell if this is true or not. But to assert that because of Keith, Hillgrass artists are going to “die and unnecessary death” or that he is “exactly what’s wrong with independent music” is just over the line, and from my personal experience with Hillgrass, patently false. He is doing everything he can for his artists, and has made the conscious decision to not be a part of XXX because he thinks its bad branding, and because he is concerned with Shooter weighing it down. You may disagree with that, but only time will tell if his XXX opposition with be for good or bad, and even in the worse case scenario, it could never be as bad as you’re making it out to be.
February 15, 2011 @ 9:47 pm
@ Nathan…. blah blah blah. you dont know even know what you are talkin about, nor can you reference anything you say with a simple name drop. There is no attachable curse to us, and noones career has died because of us. I’d say you arent digging (as you say, crossing) anymore, since you are obviously out of place, and not in tune with everything… what exactly is out there waiting for everyone? Tell me… in detail…..
February 15, 2011 @ 11:58 pm
i have looked into Mr. Kelly (Nathan) and I will expose him if I need to, but I will let him retract….lets see what happens.
February 16, 2011 @ 9:49 am
Trig, I know it has been explained before- ” you are misunderstanding the charter of this site.”
however, forgive me for misunderstanding. This is my misunderstanding anology:
Bands like Sugarland, Lady A, Taylor, etc… are given a label by record companies as “Country”. It baffles us all. I think country, and I don’t think those bands. But the record compaines use the label to attract people.
You gave this site the label “Saving Country Music”, I can only assume it is what you believe your trying to do, and it is to attract followers for a good movement. It certainly got my attention when I first saw the site a month or so ago.
But, just as the record compaines you dispise misrepresent with the label of “country” on those bands, I feel there is some misrepresentation with the label “Saving Country Music”. Certainly you and Jashie support bands that make country music, but when an artist gets to big (whatever that is), then your not interested in supporting them. Less it be one of the legends, that you can use as a reference to your cause.
Maybe your trying to save lost country music? Or underground country music? Which is great. But are you really trying to save country music when an artist (who clearly sings country music) gets on mainstream radio and is no longer of interest or is at best, put on the fence solely because they have big market radio airplay.
February 16, 2011 @ 10:31 am
That’s a good point IceCold, and I would answer it the same way Keith of Hillgrass Bluebilly answered it: Saving Country Music, or Outlaw Radio in the case for Jashie, succeed when artists “get the fuck away from us”. That means they have taken the next step and they no longer need our help, because they now have the attention of bigger outlets.
I just posted about Justin Townes Earle, and immediately thought, “Why am I covering him?” He’s got the Wall Street Journal and Billboard hanging on his every word. 2 1/2 years ago, Jashie and I were one of a handful of outlets that would cover him, and we both did interviews with him. Now he ignores us. Specific to his case, since I was the one that covered his arrest, I feel the need to continue the story out.
I would love to have more stories about the Jamey Johnsons and Miranda Lamberts, and if I could pay someone to help me, I probably would have a specific reporter for that side of things to do a story or two a week. And maybe I can pull that off in the future. But right now it is just me, and I have limited time and resources, and so I am going to focus on the people and issues that need the attention first, and then talk about the bigger names when I have a chance.
February 16, 2011 @ 1:56 pm
“I would love to have more stories about the Jamey Johnsons and Miranda Lamberts, and if I could pay someone to help me, I probably would have a specific reporter for that side of things to do a story or two a week”
AHHHHHH NOOOOOOO! Triggerman, can I pay you to NOT have someone do this please?
February 16, 2011 @ 2:21 pm
Carla- If it doesn’t take away from coverage of the underground, underexposed artists, why not include this material? Regardless of if the coverage of these more popular artists turns out to be positive or negative (hopefully it’s both), it still seems like a great idea to get this site’s perspective on them.
The negative coverage of those who deserve it (Sugarland, Lady Antebellum, etc.) is great and much deserved. What progress would be made towards the cause by ignoring those that have found commercial success while maintaining at least some degree of authenticity (Jamey J, Miranda, etc.)?
Then again, maybe you were just foolin around with the all caps horrified screams.
February 15, 2011 @ 4:21 pm
Excellent interview. Keith is clearly a man of impeccable integrity. I love the name Hillgrass Bluebilly too! That’s the sort of clever name XXX should have come up with to further their cause.
February 15, 2011 @ 6:20 pm
Right on point Carla and I agree whole heartedly. I have to know who is Bob Log III and I was just sticking my nose into some Leadbelly, who is tauted in some circles as the first recorded deep blues along with Bukka White. Great blog Triggerman and how about it Hillgreat Bluebillies? The good music always shines through easiest.
February 15, 2011 @ 6:31 pm
Sorry to take away from the topic by the way. Keith is great and does wonderful things! Good blog and read Trig. I will listen when I have a bit.
February 15, 2011 @ 7:47 pm
oh Nathan, there you are! Noone is jealous over here at HB, dude. Thanks for listening to Shooters show in so much detail, that you can reference if he plays / doesn’t play any of our artists. That’s some dedication. Mercy… and THANKS! It’s not like I didn’t apologize to the folks who took offense. We do not need luck either…we just ARE. It may take some gettin’ used to for you, but I wish ya luck with that. Thanks to KAK, Denise & Carla too… Im glad you read past through the B.S. to see where Im comin from…. Your support will stay with me!
February 15, 2011 @ 9:40 pm
Hold on man. You said you would sue him if he put anyone off you’re label on the XXX list or if he played them on his show. He didnt give me that fact you did. I would suggest a breathalizer before internet.
February 15, 2011 @ 9:52 pm
readin aweful close to mah words there Nathan… you must really really like me. Did I say Id “sue”him? ha ha ha, like that would even make a case…. I dont really drink. You are boring me now and Im the only one addressing you, but you matter kinda…until I think otherwise…but like Shooter, you have 0 substance, and nothin is holding up. Im on to the next battle……
February 15, 2011 @ 7:53 pm
@ Scott: There is a difference between music likers & show goers. We have decided to include both. I support the people who go to shows, and now focus on those who don’t, with the label! Believe it or not, the Weary Boys, was the 4th or 5th concert I EVER attended…when I was 30, 6 years ago….. it all starts somewhere. But dont be surprised if you turn a bunch of music ontopeople and they STILL do not come toshows…… just one of those thangs.
February 15, 2011 @ 7:57 pm
Great interview! These record label interviews have been really cool to read.
February 15, 2011 @ 9:33 pm
That was a really cool interview and definitely worth listening to. I’m not familiar with any of the artists on the label yet, though I have been meaning to check a few of them out and will hopefully get to that soon.
I don’t agree with the assessment of XXX at all but obviously there’s a lot more going on between the people involved than I’ve seen. In that respect it’s the business of everyone else to feel however they want to about it, it’s not an argument I care to get involved in.
February 15, 2011 @ 9:48 pm
I’ve been a fan of what Keith is doing since the SCM-live broadcast of the HIllgrass Bluebilly festival a few months back. Looking forward to that Boomswagglers release!
February 16, 2011 @ 7:57 am
For Nathan:
It’s ok you don’t think I know what I’m talking about. When I commented on Hank III not wanting the exposure in the likes of Curb Records I was being fair to him. I’ve seen III live several times, and have kept up as much as possible with his battles against Mike Curb and Curb Records unfairness to the extreme talent of Shelton Hank Williams III and so your comment won’t hold water for me. Of course more exposure is what SOME artists dream of. Would you prefer the exposure of say Lady Gaga? Just remember: the KIND of exposure makes a huge difference. Hillgrass Bluebilly wants to build from the roots up. It’s really that simple.
If you want to really discuss unfairness, think about the ousting of Hank Williams from the Grand Ole Opry. Think about the exposure that institution offers, then took away, from one of country music’s greats. Think about the battles of Waylon, Willie and Johnny Cash. Think about the tenacity of someone who has trudged through the battlefields just to do what they love. Some might want to go mainstream, turn on the radio and hear their songs. Some might not, preferring the love of the fans in the live venue. There are all kinds of artists out there and in the end, it’s their journey through the music war. Hank III has my respect, so no, I don’t agree with your comment.
February 16, 2011 @ 9:34 am
Your comment in an earlier reply:
“He (Shooter) is an anchor to his show because it takes $$$$$$$$$$$ to do his thing. I”™m a working class lady. I don”™t have to spend money to listen to Shooter play the music I have fell in love with. I can just about guarantee Keith is operating with slim wallets. Facts are facts.”
I don’t know you, but your facts aren’t facts in most of your writings, they are opinions.
Shooter doesn’t have a show on XM because he has money. He is an employee of XM, and I would imagine they approached him cause he is good at radio shows, and fits the station he is on.
To say your “working class” and insinuate that XM is some huge luxury that working class/roots people can’t afford? How do you afford online access to listen to shows via the internet? This ignorance that XM is for the wealthy and us poor country folks can’t get access to it, is a lame lame lame excuse. Do you know how much XM is? Do you know how much music and news you get with it? A LOT. If your only looking on these sites as the only exposure some of these artists get, you are fooling yourself or being fooled.
I am curious from Denise and Keith, with this “roots” and ground up approach, what are you going to do if one of your artists does hit something big and is played on mainstream radio or gets time on an XM station?
Denise, I am not sure if you realize all the legendary artists you named in the above, at one time, “danced for the man” in corporate record labels. All of them. Once they had established a bit of a name, then and only then, were they able to bust loose with some freedom. Of course they did great things with that, but none of them came out of the blue and broke downt walls immediately.
Your facts, are not facts.
February 16, 2011 @ 9:48 am
our artists are played on mainstream radio, not in abundance, but they are, and of course we go for exposure. I dont have XM… I did… it had no staying power with me. IceCold…. dont miss out on the only point…. and I refuse to beat it in the ground any longer. noones clownin on radio, or XM, or Shooters playlist. Just Shooter. It is not worth going into detail, if we meet, lets just clank a beer to Jamey Johnson and be content you have that.
February 16, 2011 @ 9:56 am
Fair enough. I can’t say lets agree to disagree, because I don’t really disagree with your movement.
It seems a dead end here to say one’s a Jamey Johnson fan. What is so charged about him? He is one of many artists I like.
I might say the same to you, be content there is Jamey right now, it may open doors for some of the artists on the outside looking in. Pop country is on its way out.
February 16, 2011 @ 10:22 am
agreed. I dont see JJ doin some XXX shit, and if he secretly hated music mafia, then hmmmmm, but I am soley basing my opinion off the 1 and only song I heard, and then thinking I heard he’s been a writer for years… and then Iooked at him… he seems alright…as long as we can find him some MEN to hang out with before he does somethin unexcusable. But back to the top, Id support Shooter if he did not call it XXX, plain & simple… but since it him,(who i already dont like his music 1 bit) and calls this, THAT. A line a has been crossed. He stopped addressing my concerns because its too much fucking work! Its called latchitism contageosm (what Shooter has), the mens is immune this disease, knowledge is the antidote. He could might kick the bug, but he needs a dose of my own medicine. Right now he is closed mouthed & tight lipped and refusing to take it. Thats why he is blog spanked now, by me. But I really want to stop talking about it, if he cant change the name from XXX, then I gots NO more time. 2 wrongs dont make a right, but a right and a wrong, can be balanced and accepted by ALL the community.
February 16, 2011 @ 10:42 am
“I am curious from Denise and Keith, with this “roots” and ground up approach, what are you going to do if one of your artists does hit something big and is played on mainstream radio or gets time on an XM station?”
Like Keith said up above, he knows he’s a stepping stone, and in a lot of ways, SCM is a stepping stone as well. I asked Keith very specifically about this in the interview, if one of his bands got a song in an underwear commercial. If an artist gets big, they move on, and this is an accomplishment for both artist and label. There’s a lot of power and soul in realizing you’re near the bottom of the ladder, and not letting envy make you want to be any more than that. Artist development is what Music Row is lacking. That is why Hillgrass and other small entities like it are able to exist.
February 16, 2011 @ 10:53 am
That makes since. Perhaps I should have directed that at Denise only, who to my knowledge is a fan and not heading up a label or anything. Certainly how a musician is approached by a fan vs. a business relationship is different (not that a label head can’t have that fan interest) but some folks on here, Denise being one, drops a heavy hammer on mainstream acts and being opposed to them for what seems to only be because the act has big exposure and following. Sure some don’t deserve it, but some do.
As I pointed out in another reply to Denise, which I got no response, Denise is one to level the “sell out” or “souless” label to mainstream acts, when just a short time ago Denise herself was a big fan of mainstream. Now she seems to hate on acts simply because they aren’t “underground” which is her trend at the moment.
February 16, 2011 @ 11:07 am
I don’t know if that’s a trend, or if she came to a realization. Big difference. Everyone has done things they look back on and regret later.
Except for me of course 🙂
February 16, 2011 @ 11:13 am
I don’t know either, but she, along with others, don’t seem to give much ground on artists that might do things and then look back and regret they did.
February 16, 2011 @ 12:39 pm
Well first of all I still am a fan of mainstream classic rock and roll, and the fact that I have switched my taste to what I prefer, seems to make you think I’m not being authentic. Is that what you are really getting at Ice Cold?
February 16, 2011 @ 2:05 pm
Triggerman (and I quote) “Everyone has done things they look back on and regret later. Except for me of course”. Erm, am I the only one that remembers a certain night out at SXSW last year? If I recall correctly there was tequila and a tattoo parlour. I will never forget you ranting at the poor tattooist about how he hadn’t gotten Taylor’s golden tresses right. Did you ever find anyone to fix it for you?
February 16, 2011 @ 2:30 pm
You pinkie promised to never speak about that Carla!
February 16, 2011 @ 3:07 pm
Oh shit, I forgot we pinkie swore! I’m beginning to rethink the one I got that night too. At the time it seemed like a genius idea to get the entire chorus of Achy Breaky Heart on my right butt cheek. Now I’m thinking a tit tat would have been a little classier?
February 16, 2011 @ 12:43 pm
What if? What if’s arent always a good way to look at the big picture, unless you are a numbers man and have a predispostition to analytical thinking.
February 16, 2011 @ 1:06 pm
Denise, you very well maybe authentic and genuine now. And back in the day you maybe liked some things your not to keen on now. Happens to us all. But what I am getting at, is you seem to damn some artists for something they may have done that wasn’t so authentic or seemed “towing the line”, and you don’t see past that.
I have read blogs where you call many artists sell outs and souless, and those artists all seem to have something in common, they aren’t obsecure underground artists. Yet, if you took some time to learn a bit about them, you might find they aren’t so souless, and perhaps did some things in their past they aren’t super proud of.
February 16, 2011 @ 2:25 pm
Hmmm let’s see: internet access versus XM Radio? I can’t afford both so which do I choose?
Ummmm. XM radio versus traveling, sometimes out of state, to see LIVE performances?
See, I meant working class roots and I’m a woman who works hard and only has a certain amount of money to spend on entertainment and if you don’t understand that then you don’t understand the majority of the people here. That’s my demographic since you want to break it down. I can’t afford everything, so I have to choose. I could choose nothing but XM and all, but I don’t think so. I choose what I want to choose.
Apologies for not responding to your previous comments. I may have been working and it’s hard to keep up with everything all the time, eh? Working class roots again.
February 16, 2011 @ 2:36 pm
Your right. I am sure there is nothing you could cut out to cover $12-13/month for XM. Perhaps turn a light off your not using more often.
February 16, 2011 @ 3:07 pm
I don’t have satellite radio either, nor do many others. Almost everyone has internet access and they’re already paying for it. So if they get music and music info from the internet, it is free to them. $12/mo for satellite radio, and all the other various things people are expected to pay for month to month these days can add up real quick.
February 16, 2011 @ 3:34 pm
Very true. I understand that not everyone can have every gadget. However to hide behind “working class” as the reason one doesn’t have this or that, and insinuate that those that do aren’t “working class” and can’t understand? Weak.
Besides, half the stuff Denise said that she claimed as fact she hasn’t replied about, she turned this into “I can’t afford XM as I am just a poor little working class woman.”
How about addressing the souless comments she makes?
Or that Shooter has money to do his XM show? (huh??? that doesn’t even make sense)
Or… all the legendary artists she talks about as being so full of true soul and passion and always fighting the fight- all of them, “danced for the man” in corporate record labels one time or another. None came out of the blue and broke down walls immediately.
This isn’t about XM or gadgets, it is about her factless replies and uneducated accusations.
February 16, 2011 @ 2:40 pm
You still haven’t addressed this issue:
you call many artists sell outs and souless, but don’t seem to know much about them. You just know they aren’t underground, so you call them that. Were you a sell out and souless when you loved pop-country?
February 16, 2011 @ 4:43 pm
Who said I loved pop country? I listened to it, trying to be exposed to country music when I grew up listening to just about everything but. If you’re so dang interested, I’ll tell you the tale:
I grew up with a country music hatin’ momma. She still is stone set against it. What would you like me to do about that Ice Cold? Luckily, my best friend’s parents, good hardworking folks, always listened to it, so I got little glimpses into it. But being a hipster (ha!) I got into a lot of hard rock, pop, new wave, punk rock and classic rock as I grew up and with a midwestern heart I just did what I did.
I started exploring roots music a few years ago. Is that ok with you Ice Cold? I mean I wouldn;t want to upset you or anything. Before that, I was only exposed to country music on the local radio and believe me, it’s all pop round here. And an occasional house band at the local honky tonk. And they were playing pop country. So if you feel sorry for me, then give me sympathy for not wising up sooner. Or, flip that, and give me kudos for not wising up later.
February 16, 2011 @ 2:43 pm
Your big time working class now eh? Were you proud-to-be working class when you liked pop-country? Or does it fit the roots trend in you a bit more.
I am sorry if I seem like I am going off on you, but a lot of your posts are very arrogant for someone that comes from the pop country side.
February 16, 2011 @ 4:23 pm
our crowd is the working class…. the ones that work for get by’s, nothin really more. XM is a luxury, for folks who have a hard time finding outlets for music. I would bet less thans 5% of our crowd has XM radio. I had it, and Bandy, the fucking Rodeo Clown everyday like clockwork. that was 4+ some odd years ago too… im sure the format has changed. but $12 is a live event you still have to spend some money at for drinks n gas n such.
I respect where Denise is comin from and shes kinda taken out of context,which is really easy to do on here,or any forumlsohave to take back my Jamey J comment, when I was cleaning pools earlier and remebered he wrote badonky donk…. ha ha
We are certainly not the only reality based thing, a small portion of it. Everyone has different realities because everyone has different realizations.
February 16, 2011 @ 4:50 pm
I’d kill for a live event close enough to drive to that only cost me $12 to get in.
XM isn’t a luxury for folks that can’t afford an internet connection and cable TV for $100/month at home. Sure, if you got that, then $12/month might stretch you.
February 16, 2011 @ 5:04 pm
bodonkadonk is a country song through and through, and if you don’t realize that, it is to bad. I am not a Trace fan, but there are some youtubes of Jamey doing it acoustic, and it is country. It isn’t a pop song, it isn’t mixing hiphop and country. It is country song, based on an urban slang term.
Not much different that ZZtop and Tush or Willie’s Big Booty.
Gotta get over it people.
February 16, 2011 @ 6:45 pm
if that aint country i’ll kiss yer…badonkadonk.
February 16, 2011 @ 8:48 am
Oh Im STEALING that Denise! “Hillgrass Bluebilly wants to build from the roots up. It”™s really that simple.”
February 16, 2011 @ 12:50 pm
I would prefer you don’t steal anything, but I might barter with you if you are willing! I started to write a song the other morning on my way to work, it was around 5 AM and I was listening to classic rock, and this song came on and I just like the line in it, so I started thinking, you know how you get thinking when you’re driving down the road, and I started thinking about my song. Of course, I’m not a musician so I’m not sure how to arrange it and all and more than that, I’d just like a real honest opinion from someone who deals with it.
February 16, 2011 @ 10:54 am
Keith: I’d take this quote too and run with it…
“Like Keith said up above, he knows he”™s a stepping stone, and in a lot of ways, SCM is a stepping stone as well. I asked Keith very specifically about this in the interview, if one of his bands got a song in an underwear commercial. If an artist gets big, they move on, and this is an accomplishment for both artist and label. There”™s a lot of power and soul in realizing you”™re near the bottom of the ladder, and not letting envy make you want to be any more than that. Artist development is what Music Row is lacking. That is why Hillgrass and other small entities like it are able to exist.”
But I’d argue that it is not WHY you are ABLE to exist but rather where you fit in…what you are all about… Wanting to be something more than you are is fantasy and denies the integrity of what you’ve already got…From my perspective HBE is “roots and reality,” and that’s the way you like it, no?
February 16, 2011 @ 10:58 am
Kak, I agree with your comment “where you fit in”. Everyone needs a role and to know their role.
I am wondering though, why you made the statement, “From my perspective HBE is “roots and reality,” and that”™s the way you like it, no?”
Where does “reality” come in? Perhaps I shouldn’t make an assumption you think HBE is the only “reality” based music?
Just curious.
February 17, 2011 @ 7:39 am
Oh, I see what you are asking…What I meant by “reality” is in response to some comments Trig has made regarding Envy and the idea of wanting to be something other than who you are. HBE, to me, represents the heart of what I love about “new roots” music. I love the fact that people involved are broken, troubled, sincere, struggling, and full fledged human beings. No one is an “angel” like Taylor Swift..or a bad ass like some of the rappers in contemporary urban music. The folks I follow in this scene are like HBE and the artists they represent – conflicted, multi-faceted, and complicated – not polished to perfection.
That is what I meant by “real.” There are many other people in this “movement” or “scene” that are just as real as HBE. I just think that the Dirtyfoots do a good job of representing. Does this make sense?
February 17, 2011 @ 7:49 am
perfect sense! I dont think I count though…ha ha
February 18, 2011 @ 11:17 am
That makes sense. I don’t think your saying, but just to follow your “reality” point, I don’t that all artists that hit the “big time” are with out “broken, troubled, sincere, struggling, and full fledged human beings.” Taylor is a good example of one that maybe hasn’t hit to many struggles.
Sure many “big time” artists might not have financial troubles (although some do and we never really know it) but folks can hit the big time and still be pretty real. Don’t discount them just for getting to a certain level. Not insinuating you (KAK) do, just saying out loud.
February 18, 2011 @ 12:25 pm
Well, I will truly admit that I struggle with this. I have articulated my thoughts on this elsewhere. I need to always keep myself in check because the music snob in me rolls her eyes when something gets a lot of airplay. It is as if the sheer presence of songs on the radio or on canned music in a shopping mall corrupts them in my mind forever. lol.
So please accept my admission that from time to time I am guilty of simply stopping liking music because it gets popular. Now, I also think that there are definite examples of musicians who continued to create “real” music well after their “success.” I am thinking right now of Tom Waits and Nick Cave for example. Neither were huge blockbuster successes in the commercial music world, but their shows are never vacant if they play out and their cult following are ardent in their adoration (I am one of them).
I’m sure that there are other examples. In the “roots” genre we can look to Willie Nelson as an example. But case in point there, he did this shit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-3iGnTS37k
I mean, how can anyone not gag over this song? I think of this as an example of where fame and success cause crap to get produced. Does this make sense?
February 16, 2011 @ 4:15 pm
For Ice Cold:
Not factless. I’m playing on no sympathy. I meant Shooter’s program takes money to check out, and I’ve explored music on my own. It does take money, he wouldn’t even have the clout without financial backing and that makes perfect sense. You don’t like me because I don’t like JJ, and I don’t like JJ because I know he sold out. I don’t hate JJ. I hate what he has taken and thought that he was being real, an outlaw, whatever. I know a little better and if you continue to call me out, you might not like what I have to say.
Now, further from that, I don’t need the gadgets, its’ true. I know very well the struggles of ALL KINDS of people, and yeah, poor little me, I love me some real country music.
Have a nice day.
February 16, 2011 @ 4:44 pm
Outlaw Radio takes money to check out too. You need an internet connection. I haven’t found a free connection yet to my home, so if you know of one, please let me know.
What clout does Shooter have? He didn’t make any new ground in the mainstream Nashville scene. He is very good at hosting a radio show and puts out some music. Where is the clout?
I have read some of your posts in various articles about Jamey Johnson. You seem to say the same thing about him as you do with other artists that make it on a bigger scale. They are souless and sell outs.
“I hate what he has taken and thought that he was being real, an outlaw, whatever. I know a little better and if you continue to call me out, you might not like what I have to say.”
I think you have been asked to explain this point of view several times by others a bit more than simply making the accusation and the threat you have some damning information. Do you care to expand on it? Simply not liking his sound is fine, but I don’t understand the basis saying he isn’t real? If you care about country music, you would share your knowledge and “facts”.
Your not playing sympathy? What about the fact you used to like shitty music and thought it was “the good stuff”? Should we not say your a joke and farse to be saying your a true country fan based on that past? You just like it here because you were tired of being made fun of as a pop-country fan.
We could say that, but I guess we have sympathy for you, so you might consider having an understanding for others. Or, again if you care about country music, you would share your knowledge and “facts” about these sell out artists, so as to not allow a fellow working class country fan go astray.
But how many times do you need to be asked that before we realize your not full of that much useful information?
February 16, 2011 @ 4:55 pm
Well now it becomes clear. What is your problem, Ice Cold? I never said I was the greatest fan, never said that I was sick of being made fun of for liking pop country, never said any of that. As I recall, you were the only one insisting on proof of selling out and being soul-less. I will think what I want, say what I want and don’t have to debate it with you. Go on over to http://www.selloutpopcountry.com and see what is going on over there.
I’m glad you don’t like me. That’s as arrogant as I get.
February 16, 2011 @ 5:14 pm
seriously… that is your response? Same cut and run as you have done in the past. I wouldn’t say I don’t like you, since I don’t know you beyond this blog. I just think your replies are baseless, factless, and completely uneducated.
February 16, 2011 @ 5:23 pm
you don’t even defend yourself one little bit??? I guess it is your right not to, but really? nothing? embarassing.
February 16, 2011 @ 8:25 pm
I went out to meet friends . . . embarrassing? uneducated? You’re right, you don’t know me. You act like I have to get XM because I leave a light on. You act like I have to like JJ. You act like you know it all, even though you say I’m arrogant. You like to pick on me, because you think I’ll break. You really don’t know me. This is getting tiresome. I don’t like JJ’s sell out ways. That is my right, my opinion and my fact. I suppose if he can turn that around and make me feel different, then more power to him. Since I don’t agree with you, and haven’t given you the proof you are salivating for, which by the way makes no sense as you need me to point out your idols’ shortcomings so you can defend your man and since I haven’t EXPLAINED my dislike for him, but rather expressed my dislike for him and all sellouts lets not forget, as it’s the selling out that makes me leary then I’m this and I’m that. I don’t need your opinion of me anymore than you need mine of JJ. He’s someone you like/love and that is fabulous Ice Cold. He must of been the third for a word in Honky Tonk Badonkadonk huh? Don’t talk to me about uneducated when you don’t even know the miles I’ve walked and the shoes I’ve worn. You know nothing about me and my comments on this board are my right, my expression and my realistic journey to truth in music. Got that? Mine. Arrogant enough for ya?
He came up with the idea to slap his grandma? He co-wrote got it goin’ on like donkey kong? He’s a stand up guy, Ice Cold and I don’t have any need to listen to his music. Now, if you want any more proof, then want in one hand and wish in the other because I’m through discussing it with you.
February 17, 2011 @ 8:29 am
So you talk tough and brag you have a bunch of facts, but really you have zero, and just have opinons? Thanks for clairifying that.
February 16, 2011 @ 5:35 pm
Again, everyone has internet access already, for numerous reasons beyond listening to music, and you can make a case that internet is a necessity these days, like telephone service. Satellite radio is a luxury, though maybe a cheap one.
And I am not siding with Denise, I am purposely staying out of this. I see both y’alls points. I’m just talking to you about the specific point that satellite radio is not for everyone. I have to watch every single dollar I spend every month, because the more money I spend, the less time I can devote to this website. That is why I won’t pay for music, or pay to see a concert, though by the end of the month I’ve usually spent quite a bit on both. It is self -defeating. If I spend money on satellite radio and CD’s, that means I have to spend more time working, and less time reporting and promoting music to pay for it. I can’t speak for Denise, but if I paid $12/mo. for satellite, that would be one less album review I could write that month, that is the way I look at it.
February 16, 2011 @ 4:27 pm
@Carla… does Trig have a tattoo of Taylor Swift? and he got all pissy when the tattooist couldn’t quite get the gold locks to curl up quite right?
February 16, 2011 @ 4:52 pm
You didn’t know this Keith?
February 16, 2011 @ 7:43 pm
DUDE… I LOVE IT…. i think it’s sweet.
February 16, 2011 @ 8:17 pm
hahaha. It is a thing of beauty!
February 18, 2011 @ 1:13 am
is this for real? I think he went the extra mile if so…… sweet boy award 2010, Trig n Taylor
February 17, 2011 @ 1:58 pm
Unfortunately the tattooist wasn’t very good and Taylor ended up looking like a tranny. A tranny with bad hair. Why do you think the man never takes his shirt off?!?
February 16, 2011 @ 6:23 pm
It seemed to me in this interview Keith came off very arrogant. It sounds like he is riding the coat tales of musicians rather then helping musicians. Just because he has the money to promote this “brand” (HBE) does not mean he is making a difference in the underground music business. He is doing the exact same thing that any big record label or promoters would do. Even to the point were he acts like an elitist prick to other people trying to do the same thing he “claims” to be doing. And that Multi-level marketing thing Keith is talking about for his other chapters is just a nice term to use rather then what it really is, a pyramid scheme! I feel sorry for the people who bought into it. To me it feels like Keith went to college and learned himself a few things, saw a market in the underground country music scene after going to a REAL underground show in his late 20’s, read up on some old country facts so no one could ever make him look stupid, created his brand, put a shit load of money into marketing his brand and since then has been doing everything possible to take advantage of any band that believes in all his hype. It’s business 101 what he is doing. Even calling all his merch “flags” is just a good marketing scheme, calling all his consumers “Dirty Foot Family” helps in making a person get a personal feeling after buying his merch. But your not part of any family, your just a consumer who has fallen for the trick of Marketing. Maybe since I’m an old punk rocker I just tend to read between the lines. And since I was raised on country music and come from a real country background I tend to take offence when I see a poser acting like an elitist prick. I’m glad Triggerman asked some tough questions in this interview, it really made me understand Keith’s mind frame more and now I can boycott Hillgrass Bluebilly with no shred of doubt in my mind that I’m doing the right thing. Which sucks because I really do like some of the artist Hillgrass supports, but the funny thing is this, I found those artist without the help of Hillgrass Bluebilly because I’m a music lover, not a follower.
February 16, 2011 @ 8:30 pm
Well first off, if you were to starve yourself of good music simply because you don’t like the guy running the label, that would be foolish. I listen to Hank III, and other country acts that are on labels that absolutely despicable, that no matter what you think of Keith, make him look like a schoolgirl.
I understand what you’re getting at with the marketing analogies. He runs a label, and his job is to market his product when you boil it all down. That’s business. But as for throwing cash around, I think you have him pegged wrongly. He cleans pools for a living to fund his passion. He’s a pretty average Joe, so if you think he’s from money or has big money backing him, this is false.
I am not saying you’re a Shooter fan, but I know that some Shooter fans or backers of XXX will look at Keith in a negative light because of the things he said. And just for the record, I don’t agree with him on some points. I do think we need more unity and collaboration. Is XXX the best way to do that? I’m not sure. That is why I asked him those questions. But I would be very careful alluding that he is bad for his artists or some sort of shyster, or a bad label manager. You don’t know that. I would ask the people who he works with now, AND in the past like Scott Biram (a XXX supporter), and I think they would all have nothing but complimentary things to say. Before you make such claims, you should really do your homework, and I think you would find them to be false on all counts. Think hes a piece of shit on a personal level all you want, but don’t give in to assumptions.
February 17, 2011 @ 4:54 am
Trigger, I don’t starve myself of good music EVER! I just don’t have any “Flags” or will ever be part of the “Dirty Foot Family”, Family’s are more about the togetherness, unity and openness. Dirty Foot’s seem very clicky and closed minded about other musicians or record labels that are very smiler to what HB is doing. It does not make any since not to open your arms to things like what shooter is doing. I think me and you Trigger are very smiler with the fact we both want unity and collaboration from ALL sides to make this into something bigger for EVERYONE! Not just one record label. No one should get ALL the credit for all the hard work these musicians have done on there own. And then to hear Shooter say in his interview that he was willing to shake Hank III’s hand and let it be water under the bridge shows a lot of maturity in Shooter. Then to have him be able to know about all these small end bands and try to get his fans into them by hosting his own radio show, I mean come on Keith!?!?! how can you not think that is a good thing for everyone involved with this scene? Some of the XXX stuff is kind of cheesy but at least he is trying to spread the wealth rather then hoard it all for himself.
I think Keith is an awesome business man, he works hard at letting people know about Hillgrass, thats why when a band gets involved with them it’s a big deal, because Hillgrass is a big deal. Thats what a free market is all about. He’s a business man, it’s his job to treat HIS musicians well and HIS Foot family well. But I have talked with a lot of non-Foot Family musicians that have said the same thing I’m saying now about hillgrass, but would never say anything public about the issue because Keith has kind of a temper and has spoken openly about slandering a musicians name threw his network of people. I’m glad he can make money off what he loves, thats every persons dream. But be a little more humble about it and try to help EVERYONE involved instead of being such an elitist. I mean look at his last comment? Keith just ranting and raving and even name calling! He may not have come from money but he sure acts like someone that has. It’s just that attitude and the feeling that Hillgrass puts out, that it’s all about Hillgrass and everyone else can fuck off! It’s that kind of attitude from people like Keith that divide scenes and build unwanted tension between bands, crowds and other record companies. So yes I read between the lines of why Keith doesn’t like what Shooter is doing, because it’s a threat to his bottom line. And for that I choose to Boycott anything Hillgrass is involved with, so sorry to the bands on his label in advance, but I’m most likely going to steal your awesome music, and might have to miss out on your shows if they are hosted by Hillgrass, but hey, thats my sacrifice and one of the best parts of living in an open market. Maybe these Dirty Feet people should wipe there boots off at the front door instead of tracking mud all over the place like they own the joint.
February 17, 2011 @ 7:01 am
Mob, I believe you are misinformed, yet again. What do you know about any part ofourcommunity or togetherness(behind the scenes)? You are still comin in here with your preformed opinions that are tacky, yet they don’t stick. A flag is just that, a representation of “our” movement. No difference in football, is any one team not part of the NFL? Its all communitive by involvement, and by circumstance. That doesnt mean my door has to be all welcoming & open. Sure, we are close minded to an extent… but thats because people with their “open minds” have been put a hurtin’ on this industry.
We have never thought of us as one, especially since I created Hillgrass Bluebilly to be owned regionally, yet ALLOWING other folks to come in on my hobby, still hobby, gravitating towards business.
Shooters fans arent coming to anyones shows in any kind of brow raisin manner, so get that out of your heard. I know crowds, and you will NOT be able to fuck with me on that. And what exactly am I hoarding to myself? Think hard and get back to me…..
Now Im an awesome businessman…no Im not, now we are a big deal? what regulates that? I dont slander names dude, thats ridiculous, and noones going to stand behind that, and as far as “non HB or non Dirtyfoot” bands, anyone knows they can talk to me,and if they dont think they can talk to me because of some “temper” I have… then fuck em. I am a sweet guy, anyone that gets somethin from me…deserves it, whatever it is.Noone has any money over here dude, I have to work hard for it. HB is almost to the -$70k mark, in its, goin on 6 years,so who you think I may or maynot support is only based on my cleaningpools income… and my wife it seems here lately,please know you are wrong. I aint name callin, I said your face was dumb, a friendly way to say “fuck off” without having too, knowing I have never seen your face, (the dumb one), that makes false accusations for SCM onreaders.
This business is a level of cutthroat , that you may not understand Mob, But there is a level of protection, and not 1 band has unwanted tension with any other band because of us…or anyone…
go ahead and “steal” our music like you stated, I appreciate that!
February 17, 2011 @ 8:01 am
For Mob:
I really have to disagree with you Mob. There’s no threat to the bottom line. I respect Keith for his willingness to stand up and voice his values and ethics. Opinions are not slander. I learned that in college. You want to boycott Hillgrass artists because of your disdain for Keith and yet pat Shooter on the back for wanting to shake Hank III’s hand. If it’s about the music for you then keep the politics of representation out of it. I can get my fix on several avenues and if Keith’s passion is too overwhelming for you, then just move on.
There’s all sorts of underground outfits that can fit the bill. I just have to point out that it is my understanding that Shooter is the spokesman for his XXX movement, backed by a huge conglomerate shareholding entity, and as long as everyone in that little niche of the world is making money, then all’s well that ends well? I just cannot see the adversion you have to Keith taking his passion and running with it. Shooter always will have the advantage of his legacy, as will Hank III, but it’s how you use that advantage that matters, (OR not use it). I never heard of Hank III until my late thirties, and of course I was intrigued. I had heard of Shooter, years before, I have his Put the Oh! Back in Country CD, I think several of his songs on that CD are very noteworthy (Check out the bonus track) but to continue to pit Keith’s vision against XM is ridiculous. You want XM in your car? Gotta pay. Guess what? I own CD’s and a CD player and if I feel like it, I turn on the radio.
Now, Outlaw Radio is based only a few hours away, depending on how fast I speed, so I really really wish I could get it when I drive an hour each way to my job. But I can’t. I can’t see affording myself XM and doing without the other things in my life that are more important.
Shooter is trying to open the door for unknown artists, and that’s fabulous, but so is Keith as well as others and there you go. The Good Lord would want you to choose wisely and have no false idols. You came to the table to argue and attack, Mob, and thus offer no distinction between Shooter sitting in a boardroom with a bunch of corporate suits and Keith who cleans pools and connects with the common folk.
February 17, 2011 @ 8:05 am
Denise: YAY! You learned something in college! I’m so glad to hear this. I teach college and often times I don’t think anyone leaves having learned anything…they’re all too busy trying to get an A! Three cheers for you for making my day! 🙂
February 17, 2011 @ 8:50 am
Denise, stop talking about things you don’t know anything about and just make up in your mind. XXX is not backed by a huge conglomerate shareholding entity.
You don’t know what your talking about.
February 17, 2011 @ 9:15 am
I have to agree with IceCold on this one. The idea behind XXX is to get financial backers for radio, TV shows, whatever to promote these artists, but the idea that Shooter is some figure head of some huge corporation is a mis-characterization. Shooter may have a famous name, just like Hank III, but just like Hank III, out of these very small circles, he is virtually unknown, and I’ll take him at his word that he is broke from making Black Ribbons.
February 17, 2011 @ 7:53 am
I do not want to get into this debate with any of y’all here…but something you said in this comment made me think. You mention that HBE cleans pools for a living…
Jason from Muddy Roots posted an interview with Francis Food Copolla on his personal FB page a while back. This interview was interesting, but the most interesting part was where he talked about how he has financed most of his recent films through the profits of his wine business. He made some interesting comments about financing art in this interview and some of them made me think of HBE.
I am not sure about this, I’m still working out these thoughts in my head, but isn’t there something of integrity in doing what Keith does? Isn’t there something sincere about someone who has to finance their passion with other employment? The minute feeding your family is aligned with your passion, things get compromised. You can’t tell your kids that they can’t eat that week because you won’t promote or produce shitty music/art/film/food…whatever…in order to feed them. You just suck it up and do it. In a way, Keith keeps his nose clean by not aligning his family’s well being with his involvement with music. I think this goes for anyone who walks this path…Trig included.
My comments here are not a slam directed at XXX but rather a critique of the criticism of HBE. I’m really just thinking about what it is that makes me proud of the Dirtyfoot family…what I admire about them and many others in this movement is the fact that the focus is good music…not making a profit.
Here’s the interview: http://the99percent.com/articles/6973/Francis-Ford-Coppola-On-Risk-Money-Craft-Collaboration
February 17, 2011 @ 9:21 am
I think there is a BIG difference when someone makes music, or does something to help support music, when they are doing it as their sole means of employment, or they are doing it as a passion, with maybe some financial rewards. I think it does give Keith an advantage that he doesn’t HAVE to do Hillgrass to make a living. It gives him more flexibility and freedom. When it is all you do, the stakes are higher, you can’t take as big of risks. That is the problem with Music Row right now, they CAN”T take risks even if they wanted to. Same goes for me and this website. I’d rather do odd crap on the side to pay my bills than write stories about things I’m not passionate about just to create revenue.
At the Possessed by Paul James show I interviewed Keith at, I talked to him. He’s a teacher, and like a lot of teachers in Texas right now, is in fear of losing his job. He has the music to fall back on, but like he explained, it’s a completely different game when you must RELY on the music. It makes the approach different. I think he would be fine, but when it’s your ass on the line (and your kids) instead of doing because you want to, it can significantly change the dynamic.
February 18, 2011 @ 12:15 pm
I think you’re right Trig. I think that this is at the heart of my objections to anything corporate. It is as if there is some sort of “magic middle” where an artist/writer/chef/musician,etc. balances their art with their other “work.” It works well when the art can support itself – when the artist makes enough off of the financial gain from the work to pay to continue making it – but it is not also the source of sole income for their family. The minute this happens is the minute that the art has the potential to be adulterated.
Copolla makes an interesting point though about patronage. This struggle with Nashville and Music Row is not unique. Artists have forever had to compromise their work to please their patrons. I just watched “Frida” the other night and in that film, Diego Rivera refuses to remove Communist icons from his work in Rockefeller’s building in NYC, so they tear his work down. He refused to give in to the desires of his patron and even his work was destroyed. Reminds me of the Curb struggle to a certain degree.
Freedom is really sexy to me. Like when you said you didn’t want to write drivel for a living but rather did odd jobs of sorts to support your website…this frees you. You aren’t compromising your “art.” I wish that same freedom for all of the folks involved in this movement. The more free from some sort of tyranny of patronage, the more sincere and “pure” their work will remain.
Is there a way for patronage to work without compromising freedom? Are the musicians who launch off of HBE and go on to bigger labels able to remain free? Is the spirit of their work compromised? Andy Warhol just grabbed that whole concept and ran with it. He basically exploited himself and made this process the subject of his artwork. I can’t think of a musical comparison, can you?
February 18, 2011 @ 2:00 pm
Did Coppolla make movies or wine first? I honestly don’t know, but my guess is movies. He probably had to compromise somethings to make a career in movies, allowing him to make money, allowing him to start vineyards.
Anyone can go off and be free and do something they want, but I think acceptance is what most strive for.
Kak, you stated, “Artists have forever had to compromise their work to please their patrons.” Why please the patrons? Why compromise for them? Because of acceptance. Because patrons will pay money to see your art. Big time acceptance. If your patrons are your main concern, then are you really a free artist?
There is also a difference in doing something to put food on the table and doing something for profit and doing something from passion.
I think ones passion comes first. Your passions develop as a child/kid. When food on the table isn’t always your responsibility.
Then food on the table becomes your responsibility when you leave home.
Then profit becomes something you strive for because no one wants to work forever, no one.
Unfortunately, profit/money can allow you to pursue some of those passions more easily.
It is a circle. Not many can balance it well let alone perfect it. I can’t.
Is there a way for patronage to work without compromising freedom? No, because your concern is patronage, not freedom.
Andy Warhol wanted acceptance. Not freedom.
February 18, 2011 @ 2:36 pm
You are correct about Andy Warhol. He was driven by acceptance for sure. I think what I am saying when I say “freedom” here is related to the freedom to make art that you find fulfilling, valuable, and satisfying without catering to the tastes of a patron (or the general public if you are talking about contemporary music). Even here, I wonder if the public actually makes their own choices most of the time or if they just accept what is offered up by the “patrons” (corporate music entities).
Using Konrad as an example, I truly believe he feels great when people enjoy his work. He gains acceptance from listeners when they come to his shows, buy his merch, and otherwise applaud his music. But I don’t think that drives him. I think he wants to make music because he is driven to do so. This is at least how he articulated it in Marc’s film, The Folk Singer.
He is free to make the music he wants without catering to the desires of the likes of Music Row in Nashville because he has the opportunity to work with HBE. He can support his family with his job as a teacher and then hopefully make back what he puts into his music…hell, hopefully he can make a little more than that! But in order to get all of the cash needed to sustain his life, he’d have to compromise (I am assuming) his music if he signed on to an industry label. This assumption is what I am wondering about. I’m wondering if I’m right here…or if there is a way to completely sustain yourself as a musician and NOT compromise your art toward pleasing your patron.
That is my big question.
And I will confess that it is personal for me. Right out of high school, I moved into Manhattan to go to art college. But after a couple of years, I realized exactly what the art world was like. I realized what it took to “make it” and it was really discouraging. I decided I’d butter my bread elsewhere…that I’d try to make a buck doing something other than making art.
I like what I do. But I don’t make any money. I don’t make art at the moment either because I’m spread too thin being a mom, working on a Phd and teaching. It hasn’t exactly worked out for me. I’m not bitching. I’m just saying that I have pondered these questions throughout my life. And Copolla’s comments made me think of all of the folks involved with the roots music we all love…
February 18, 2011 @ 3:09 pm
KAK, it is a great discussion.
As I understand your question, in the “country” music sense, can you make the art you want without compromising for the patrons/labels.
But your asking that in a time where the music that is being gobbled up by the masses and labels is pop-country. Certainly an artist in HBE would have to compromise to break into that money right now. One day when/if the masses decide HBE is the popular style music and start dumping their money there, then we will see how some HBE artists react when a label says “we will give you a deal for 5 records, worth ‘x’ amount. but we gotta do this and that to it” How true will they stay? You can’t answer that until the zero’s are in front of you. Perfect world, you don’t compromise, but I don’t think every pop-country artist expected to be stuck where they are and had good intentions.
You just can’t compare when the type of music on top is what it is. No doubt some of the artists on top compromised things to get there, but some may not have. Some may like that kind of music. Maybe they are true to their beliefs. They just aren’t our beliefs.
Pop country won’t be on top forever, and when they move out, they will take their money too. But it will be replaced with the next era.
You ask, “Even here, I wonder if the public actually makes their own choices most of the time or if they just accept what is offered up by the corporate music entities.”
Some people just accept it, and want vanilla music. They just want a beat they can tap a finger to on the ride home from work. They don’t care to get that deep. When you start to dig into any subject and dig down layers, less and less people are left. Not everyone has the passion or the drive.
Triggers site allows a resource for those that want more. Problem is (and this is not directed at trigger) , sometimes folks at the deeper levels wont’ accept that people who make the “big time” happen to be just as passionate and fight for the truth as us down here do. They made it! Good for them. Did they compromise on the way? Not all of them. They just have different beliefs.
February 20, 2011 @ 10:08 am
Great points. I think my contemplation is conducted in a vacuum…I’m not actually talking about historical moments or contemporary situations but rather am thinking in an ideological or theoretical sense. You are right about artists in today’s country market…I can’t agree more. I think everything needs to be considered on an individual basis.
And interestingly, I’m not entirely sure if many people on the top layer take music as seriously as we all do. As much infighting and disdain folks seem to have for each other here from time to time, we all take music VERY seriously. It is the blood that courses through the veins of our lives. It is our daily soundtrack and follows our moods and experiences. If you don’t have this engagement with music, and you are in the industry, you may just look at it as a way to make a buck. Period. This is where people like us bump heads with people like them.
I think my objection to XXX (beyond disliking the name) was an objection to the idea of marketing our passion. However, my failing here was that I really don’t know Shooter. Which takes me back to my original point in this whole discussion months ago which was that it is all about community. If I knew Shooter…if he had been at Muddy Roots last year or if he was a “Facebook Friend” I talked to regularly, perhaps my distrust and sense of his encroaching on “our world” and trying to own it and commoditize it would have been lesser.
Impersonal engagement with music as an industry can make people dehumanize the players. That’s the part that bums me out. When the players become dehumanized, the art suffers a majority of the time.
Thanks for the great conversation! What would we music lovers do without a forum like this one!?
February 16, 2011 @ 8:29 pm
alright….barely getting started with @MOBGoesWild: from [Keith]
It seemed to me in this interview Keith came off very arrogant. It sounds like he is riding the coat tales of musicians rather then helping musicians.
[ It is a fact that any artist we started pushing with promotions, had less fans, coming into it. A lot of that was starting with a roots “movement” as early as we did. But numbers are numbers…. Ok, helping, Our last summer tour, as if it’s your business, 2009 Left Lane Cruiser/Restavrant , write em and asked them who took care of them on the road, then call and ask my wife what I had to go through to make that happen. It appears to me that I have a level of common sense & dedication, that outweighs your thinkerizations. Any artist we represent will tell you, go ask… then maybe you’ll shut the fuck up?] You stupidly mistaken arrogance, for my labor of love, my baby…and my protection, of my baby (HB). So right out the gate, your theory is blown to shit, and all around you.]
Just because he has the money to promote this “brand” (HBE) does not mean he is making a difference in the underground music business. He is doing the exact same thing that any big record label or promoters would do. Even to the point were he acts like an elitist prick to other people trying to do the same thing he “claims” to be doing.
[ I have money? Who have I acted like a prick to, trying to promote shows & have a record label? I make tickets available via ticketweb / master etc etc? I do everything like everyone else? Do you know that noone will ever match the splits I have with all my artists (didn’t think of that did ya)? Oh….. oh yeah…duuuhhh…. cocksucker, you know shit. I would say I am doing the exact opposite of what most everyone else is doing. So lets blow this bullshit theory out of the water,once again. Go ask the artists, if you dont, I will hold your face in front of them while they tell you,if given the oppotunity. Deal? ] NEXT….
And that Multi-level marketing thing Keith is talking about for his other chapters is just a nice term to use rather then what it really is, a pyramid scheme! I feel sorry for the people who bought into it.
[what would you offer someone to start a chapter? Ok, Ok,,, we have all heard the “pyramid scheme” phrase a thousand times, and we are all so impressed that you know it too. I offer them the opportunity to make MORE money than me, by having their very own chapter. I offer them a successful foundation to start things off on. Its actually pretty solid, since I went and layed down the hard ground already. You so far, have no sense of pride, ownership or dedication. I grew up with playin all sports, on into boxing, dropped out high school in the second week of 10th grade and dropped out of math 094 in the community college. I worked my ASS off at 3 jobs a day until I reached the tender year of 22, when I started & operated branches of the naitionally owned company Truly Nolan (that pest control company that has created thousands of jobs for mother fuckers) then started my own Home Inspection buisness, then selling the name, then the same thing with 2 pool business. I offer a service! I come into home then…I come into your home now. Educated? I think I just get shit done! So if I rambled, but I could go on & on about my seemingly good for me accomplishments. Eveything around all y’all is multi level marketing….. and to bring your half ass knowlegde to the table has been seriously NOT worth my time as I think while I write…..] NEXT
To me it feels like Keith went to college and learned himself a few things, saw a market in the underground country music scene after going to a REAL underground show in his late 20”²s, read up on some old country facts so no one could ever make him look stupid, created his brand, put a shit load of money into marketing his brand and since then has been doing everything possible to take advantage of any band that believes in all his hype. It”™s business 101 what he is doing. Even calling all his merch “flags” is just a good marketing scheme, calling all his consumers “Dirty Foot Family” helps in making a person get a personal feeling after buying his merch. But your not part of any family, your just a consumer who has fallen for the trick of Marketing. Maybe since I”™m an old punk rocker I just tend to read between the lines. And since I was raised on country music and come from a real country background I tend to take offence when I see a poser acting like an elitist prick. I”™m glad Triggerman asked some tough questions in this interview, it really made me understand Keith”™s mind frame more and now I can boycott Hillgrass Bluebilly with no shred of doubt in my mind that I”™m doing the right thing. Which sucks because I really do like some of the artist Hillgrass supports, but the funny thing is this, I found those artist without the help of Hillgrass Bluebilly because I”™m a music lover, not a follower.
[ ok… so you are the one man, thats going to try “that noone can make look stupid”, and you going to prove to em all, you theory about how I saw the marketing ADVANTAGES, and have decided to cash in….. IN THIS LIFETIME? I dont even have to try… go preach all this bullshit quick, no time to lose, you’ll see what happens. I think the men I have associated myself with over the years will bust you in the mouth… lord known any “enemies” will…. you better add thousands to your faggoty ass crew before you knock on the door of this one man….] [ lol…country facts? I looked em up so I wouldnt look stupid. ha ha ha, you are classic. Every old schoolpunker rocker has given up. you are just like the rest. You formed an opinion and still think I do rockabilly shows… How many hats and shirts have I given vs.sold? the hotel rooms…. the nice gestures…. the un asked for food buyouts…. anyways…. your face is dumb.] the end. fer’ now’ Takin all challengers….. anyone? anyone?
February 16, 2011 @ 8:38 pm
Well Keith, to quote a Acuff-Rose song he just might “rather fight than eat” so be a long gone daddy cuz you don’t need him anyhow !
February 17, 2011 @ 8:38 am
For KAK: I’m glad I made you smile! One of my favorite professors taught business and he had some interesting ideas about the subject. So I listened, and then another instructor was a lawyer and had been busted for some things, so when he taught business law, I listened up too.
🙂 I bet you’re reaching more than you think . . .
February 17, 2011 @ 8:55 am
I think it is funny how people rip XXX and they never have heard how Shooter presents it on his show. It has nothing to do with XM, and Shooter doesn’t say he is any leader or spokesmen of it.
He simply has his 2hr. show to expose those artists. You all who talk shit abouit things you either don’t know, haven’t heard, or listened to one song and gave up on the artists, are a joke.
And don’t give me the B.S. you don’t have XM. If you can afford an internet connection, you can afford XM. Stop your smoking habit or buy a 6 pack instead of a case.
February 17, 2011 @ 9:23 am
Drop the XM shit, you AND Denise. It’s stupid and going nowhere, and starting to embarrass me. We’re better than this basic internet back and forth flame war. Bring relevant points. Y’all are not going to see eye to eye. Enough said.
February 18, 2011 @ 2:11 pm
Not a problem Triggerman.
February 17, 2011 @ 9:30 am
I need a vice or 2, and could really use to cut down on a habit or 2 for sure! But I aint getting XM. I already did that. Internet, Cable & Phone is a useful pakage for ANYONE…. we just happen to like music, and dig around for that, between emails & information! Like you have a set of encylcopedias, c’mon….
I am glad Shooter Jennings has the time & dedication to be a radio DJ, family man, musician and legacy deal’r with’r. I am sure everything is great about the actualities of it, seriously. He is marketing the class of folks who can afford cars with XM built in, or folks who are willing to spend that money. I actually GAVE my XM to Tom V. about 4 years ago…. He used it for sports I believe. Someone made a point up there too, shooter have/had/has ALL the resources in the world to do a lot of things. Noone has addressed local radio market, and my fight for that. Thats where an XXX format could be, but I say call it RRR, Roots Rock Radio, oh fuck, thats cool! Someone call Shooter and tell him to change it to RRR, and I will sign over the idear to him as a contribution and answer for the good im sure he means. XXX is a misfire, a fuck-up. He has resources he can use for the good. Let’s see if RRR is accepted, Ten Foot Polecats aint country or rock and they are or were listed XXX. RRR encompasses everybody, and I do not see any reason why me, HB, SCM, or anyone else couldnt throw up a free banner to support a RRR movement which actually allows EVERYONE to interact. I fight hard for a simple presentation, as long as you can see that THATS my fight, then I wouldnt be so hardnose, and you could maybe see what benefits we could all obtain AND contribute… I am sorry I do not want XXX tagged to whatever innosence I have left in my heart, from when I was a young boy, shown only love. I’m all grown now, and I want to make a difference. XM, cool, Local Radio…my fight…. its all for the good, and XXX, is a misfire and I hope it dont hit that little boy that reminds me of me. I get personal.
I did flare up and get personal, but I am Infantry by time, tattoo and true’d nature. Its how I do. but I am defending my actualities, not my “ideas”, and all I am tryying to do is keep things real, genuine & simple. Thats all the young heart is.
February 18, 2011 @ 11:30 am
So your problem seems to be with the name, XXX, and not so much the idea/theory of it?
Certainly your choice, and I didn’t agree witht he XXX out of the gate, but when I heard it presented on radio (given it was XM) it didn’t conjur up porn. Even if I hadn’t know of it before the show, it didn’t conjur up porn.
If the idea/theory are something you can get behind, I can only suggest that sometimes you have to compromise and over look things for the bigger picture.
February 18, 2011 @ 11:41 am
too much of a misfire…. XXX is across the line… this is too simple to fuck up, ya know? XXX will not be in everyones house… RRR could!
February 18, 2011 @ 1:36 pm
I know, like I said, XXX wouldn’t have been my first choice. But you have a good thing going and I would think merging with this XXX idea would only benefit everyone.
Your idea of name change is certainly something they should consider and compromise on if their side wants to make things better for the big picture. Why should a f-ing name keep the two apart?
Good luck.
February 17, 2011 @ 8:59 pm
So much bickering on here! Loved the interview and all the work you do Keith! You keep fighting for this stuff and I will keep doing all I can to support it! See you on the 18th!