It’s finally happening to me
The thing I just had to believe
It will be seven years in June
I know my time is coming soon
— Motopony, "June"
A gray, blustery Tuesday afternoon. The Mad Hat Tea Company in downtown Tacoma is quiet, almost empty. When Daniel Blue arrives, wearing skinny jeans, a denim jacket and a DayGlo orange hoodie, it’s like he’s coming home, in out of a storm. He shakes my hand, hugs the owner, Maureen, reaches into a drawer for some loose leaf and brews himself a cup.
The Motopony frontman, fashion designer, artist, poet, writer, and crown prince of T-town’s hipsterdom looks tired. Not like he stayed up too late or drank too much — not short-term, twentysomething tired — but grown-up, long-haul, life’s-a-bitch tired. He’s smiling, but it’s a tired smile. He’s talking, but it’s tired talk. Tea in hand, he retreats to a couch in the windowless back room.
I sink into a chair to his left. We exchange smiles, nods, harrumphs. Just to say something, I say the first thing that comes to me: “Is your head spinning?”
“Yeah,” he answers. But it’s not for the reasons I expected. It’s not because Motopony has just finished Motopony, one of the best debut records of 2009 — anywhere. It’s not because he’s been auditioning musicians to help him recreate the complexities of Motopony live. It’s not because of the endless rehearsals he and Buddy Ross, the production wizard who composed the album’s gourmet beats, have been undertaking to prepare for upcoming shows. It’s not because planning an epic CD release party (and it will be epic) is a lot like planning a wedding, or because being on the verge of breakthrough is as scary as it is exciting — even though it is. It’s because three nights ago 31-year-old Tacoma rock icon Brian Redman, who Blue tells me had agreed to play bass in Motopony, wrecked his scooter and died. It’s because it’s almost October, and it’s gray outside and a friend is dead and, well, there you go.
The jacket is still buttoned. The sweatshirt hood is up. The tea is untouched. Sitting beside me, Daniel Blue is somewhere else.
So I do the talking. There’s something behind this record, I say. I can’t name it, but I can feel it — weight, ballast, the proverbial iceberg two-thirds underwater. I recite the opening lines of the disc, the lines that introduce this story. It’s a strange pronouncement, I point out, like he’s saying in the first verse of his first record that he’s made it. I say the record seems like the culmination of something, like a birth.
“Am I reading too much into it?” I ask.
“I don’t know how much I should tell you,” he says.
Walking the talk
The first time I saw Motopony was at the Helm Gallery last winter. The crowd was thin, maybe a dozen people sitting on the floor and sipping coffee. A singer-songwriter whose name I’ve forgotten opened, sitting and strumming, singing and bantering — standard fare. And then Blue took the stage. Accompanied by an acoustic guitar player, he wore all black with a big medallion under a half-buttoned shirt. The guitarist strummed and Blue sang — loudly, bravely, desperately — rocking on his heels, craning his neck and sweating as if the medallion somehow controlled him. Suddenly the lights seemed too bright, the walls too close, the ceiling too low. It was too intimate. It was oppressive and impressive as hell.
Since then I’ve kept watch on Blue, waiting to see where he’d go, what he’d do, because it seemed impossible he’d go nowhere. It hasn’t been hard. In the home of the Tide Flats and Nalley Valley, of Knapp’s Restaurant and the Acme Grub Cage Tavern, Daniel Blue stands out. He is DayGlo amidst gray. He’s a disco medallion at a folk show. He’s an aesthete in a town where you can’t swing a funky vintage shirt by the tails without hitting three or four pragmatists, a spotlight lover in Shadowsville.
Nowhere does the spotlight shine more intensely than on the cross, where Blue often can be found hanging himself. Via his many creative outlets and especially the popular Exit 133 blog he wrote up until a few months ago, he publicly airs his private thoughts with reckless, if not masochistic, candor. In recent months, his equivocations over whether or not to stay in Tacoma, which can easily be read as questioning whether Tacoma is worthy of him, have been especially contentious. On Oct. 8, Exit 133 posted a video featuring Blue and Grace Sullivan of Goldfinch singing a song called “Tacoma.”
I ain’t trying to leave you
In fact I’m trying to stay
But everything that you do
Feels like, you’re pushing me away
The lyric is forgettable — indeed, lamentable — but the video, shot in the scrub along the Thea Foss Waterway, is true Blue. Like his performance at the Helm Gallery last winter, it is uncomfortably, almost embarrassingly, intimate. And like his Exit 133 writings, it is as honest as it is imprudent. With his trademark three-string guitar in hand, Blue emerges from a house made of sticks (symbolism noted) to join Sullivan outside for a duet. Sitting on the ground, hiding behind sunglasses, they croon Blue’s dear John, then hop on his “motopony,” a vintage Honda Trail 110, and putter away (presumably into downtown Tacoma).
The clip, unsurprisingly, sparked a shit storm. Fans mourned Blue’s seemingly imminent departure while cynics urged him to expedite it. Meanwhile, as they have all along, the silent minority questioned whether Blue’s work justifies all the talk.
Finally, with Motopony, it does.
Blue on Blue
At some point the jacket comes off. The hood comes down. Blue sips his tea and talks.
The narrative is not linear, nor circular, nor any other recognizable, namable shape. It is serpentine, labyrinthine, Byzantine. It is, as all real human stories are, a mystery that never unfolds.
At the heart of it is a piece of advice his mother gave him before she passed away in 2002.
“She told me, ‘Don’t pursue your talent. Pursue your character,’” Blue recalls. “‘Because your talent can get you to places your character can’t hold you.’”
Blue followed his mother’s advice like a religion for the next seven years — for the seven years that end in that strange pronouncement in the first verse of the first song on his first record. That meant becoming a fashion designer, artist, poet and writer though his dream, his obsession, was to become a musician. That meant living in Tacoma when his ambitions should have led him to a bigger city and a bigger stage. That meant waiting until 2007 to write his first song though he had known for years he was a songwriter, that writing and singing songs was, if not his destiny, at least his destination. That meant shunning the microphone until he was 27, the age Jimi, Janice, Jim, and Kurt were when their talent took them places their character couldn’t hold them and they fell. That meant offering himself like a sacrifice to his readers at Exit 133 and to audiences such as the one last winter at the Helm. That meant becoming Daniel Blue before becoming Motopony, and becoming Motopony before creating Motopony.
That means Motopony is a culmination, a birth, and that makes its depths, like the iceberg’s, outweigh even its formidable heights. Beginning with "June" and ending eight songs later with the gorgeously wistful "Euphoria," Motopony tells — sometimes overtly, often abstractly — the story Blue told me that gray afternoon in the back room of Mad Hat Tea. Ross’s beats and Blue’s vocals shimmer above the surface while mystery lurks below, something felt more than heard, something known if not understood. The album has its standout tracks, most notably the voluptuous Ross grooves "Seer" and "King of Diamonds," but it is best heard from start to finish, from overture to coda, from page one to the end.
The End
As Blue’s story draws to a close, we leave the tea room for a stroll. Our route, perhaps predictably, leads us past two of his favorite Tacoma haunts: first the boarded-up Black Water Café and then the now-shuttered Helm. Without them, he says, he sees some of his friends only online. Others he will never see again.
The jacket is on, the hood is up. There you go. Daniel Blue is gone.
[Urban Grace Basement, Saturday, Nov. 14, Motopony (CD release), with Goldfinch, Indian Valley Line and Barton Carroll, 8 p.m., $10, 902 Market St., Tacoma, 253.272.2184]
Comments for "Motopony: Will he stay or will he go now?" (136)
Weekly Volcano is not responsible for the content of these comments. Weekly Volcano reserves the right to remove comments at their discretion.
gone said on Oct. 29, 2009 at 5:43am
real tears
matt peregrine said on Oct. 29, 2009 at 11:10am
*yawns* The only thing remarkable about DB is persistent mediocrity
matt peregrine said on Oct. 29, 2009 at 11:13am
great pics though by one Tacoma's most consistent contributers to culture
yeah said on Oct. 29, 2009 at 11:36am
sick of the hype, he's pretty good. But he's not a freaking God or something. And I just can't get over the HUGE ego.
Bobby Left said on Oct. 29, 2009 at 1:00pm
Can't wait to hear this album, DB lives up to the hype.
Matt Driscoll said on Oct. 29, 2009 at 1:11pm
Whatever your feelings are about Mr. Blue, the new record is seriously good.
Maria said on Oct. 29, 2009 at 2:33pm
Nice article, it could've been printed in the pages of Spin or Rolling Stone. Best line: "He’s an aesthete in a town where you can’t swing a funky vintage shirt by the tails without hitting three or four pragmatists, a spotlight lover in Shadowsville." Best of luck to Daniel, whether he stays or goes.
Big Cat said on Oct. 29, 2009 at 2:49pm
Wow, we've got some serious self righteous shit heads in tacoma. when any of you shit talking fucks (you know who you are) can write a record, better yet create anything thing worth criticizing and we'll all shit on you.
a dogg said on Oct. 29, 2009 at 2:59pm
shitheads for sure, and people that obviously don't know the man - ego? that's yours being projected you jackass. as for the rest of the crab pot: get over your own mediocre selves, and leave a man to shine.
Blue: nicely done. and may the road be well for you
t-loc said on Oct. 29, 2009 at 3:20pm
Blue isn't talked about because he's a great musician. It's only because he's popular. Or more importantly, he popularizes himself by any means necessary. This band sucks and only gets press because he puts in the face time. Just because someone is a friend of yours doesn't mean that the music they make is any good. C'mon, a three string guitar? Really??? It's because he doesn't know how to play. Tacoma is constantly comprimising it's standards, scared that it won't have a scene.
WouldntYouLikeToKnow said on Oct. 29, 2009 at 5:13pm
Neutral perspective:
Time will tell. Right now you pessimists are talking your talk, while he is walking his walk. If you don't like the way his hips sway then stop staring at his ass as he passes you by.
He's doing what he's passionate about, and whether or not his approach or material is agreeable, that, in my opinion, is irrelevant. That is something worth respecting...if not for the sake of Daniel Blue, or the appreciation of artists, then out of admiration for our great city.
I'm by no means a member of the "Daniel Blue Fanboy Club" but I see more benefits of him silencing you with the deafening sound of success than continue to listen to your feeble attempt at insult.
Local artist? You bet. Go Daniel Blue...Go Tacoma.
liketentimesmoreawsomerthanyou. said on Oct. 29, 2009 at 7:27pm
Daniel who?
leftcoastgrrl said on Oct. 29, 2009 at 7:29pm
Wow - catty comments with a vitriol chaser.
Been in Tacoma 4 months. Heard a preview of the Motopony album and then trekked to Seattle to see their first show. These guys have mad talent. It's the best new album I've heard in years.
So how about we let the music speak for itself? It has legs and will get up and go national and beyond. You'll be glad to call them Tacoma's own, soon enough.
Congrats Motopony.
Matt Eklund said on Oct. 29, 2009 at 9:11pm
I enjoyed a Fish Taco with fresh lime tonight. It was really REALLY good. Keep rockin MOTOPONY!
matt peregrine said on Oct. 29, 2009 at 10:07pm
MONOTONY! I couldn't listen through a whole song,
amanda j said on Oct. 29, 2009 at 10:15pm
awesome comment to add, matt! (Lol) ...it\'s really disheartening to see so much negativity going on \"here\". congrats on the album motopony!
kris crews said on Oct. 29, 2009 at 10:38pm
props to daniel and all involved.
tofuyumyum said on Oct. 29, 2009 at 10:57pm
Daniel Blue explodes with talent and we're lucky he's willing to share it with all of us. Thank you for helping Tacoma shine Daniel and congratulations on your Motopony album.
kris crews said on Oct. 29, 2009 at 11:29pm
hey everyone. here\'s the link to the video. i hope you like it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICzxygABVRA
Chiara said on Oct. 30, 2009 at 8:09am
Daniel Blue is as true, authentic, honest, reflective and original a talent as they come. What is with your ugly pulpmill/smelter~like comments on one of our own who has shown up to actually DO something with what he's got? You little crabs~in~a bucket haters trying to grab his leg to pull him back down...while he climbs up and over the top are so jealous you've lost your own vision of what is possible.
Daniel Blue is hardly hype. He's 4 Real and on the road to somewhere. Scuttle back under a rock before ya'll get your legs pulled off!
in love with chiara said on Oct. 30, 2009 at 8:14am
ha! well said. little crabbies. -crews
DAMac said on Oct. 30, 2009 at 9:55am
Oooo. The controversy! Do your thing, Daniel.
matt peregrine said on Oct. 30, 2009 at 10:30am
I tried a 3rd listening with awareness of my bias. I still can't warm up to it . It hits me as naive,forced,uninspired and right up there with Owl City. If that's your taste then fine. But, c'mon why pat him on the back just because he produces; there is a high level of shit sold as shinola being shoveled.
gordofo said on Oct. 30, 2009 at 12:33pm
what are you listening to matt?
if its the "tacoma" video...then you arent even hearing the band. that was a one off with a friend from another band. an unrehearsed bit of nostalgia for a town that has seen a lot of closure this past year. As far as "motopony" is concerned. where are you getting your listening?
try myspace. www.myspace.com/motopony
Matt peregrine said on Oct. 30, 2009 at 12:55pm
myspace that's what I've been trying to get through plus the warehouse videos on youtube. I literally cringe in embarrassment for him like I do when the protagonist in a "coming to age" flick goes in for that first awkward kiss. Does the world need a Joe cocker that writes his own songs? spastic!
ComeBackKid said on Oct. 30, 2009 at 1:31pm
are we talking about Daniel Gerding? Yes- yes we are. He is undoubtedly talented. He's had his hands into many different things and he has succeeded at some of them quite well. Art is all in the eye of the beholder. Is his music good? sure- to SOME people. To others it may be just another shitty hipster band. To some it may just be terrible noise made by a guy who calls himself a fashion designer when in reality he's simply recycling other people's designs.
But I digress-
To all of you wondering why Daniel induces such 50/50 reactions it's partly his fault and the fault of several others. A select group of people (mainly people with publishing power or blog capabilities, and himself from time to time) tend to ride this guy's nuts like he's the 2nd coming of Jesus and he can do no wrong. He puts himself on the internet and out in the public to be seen.
I don't really care either way- Ultimately he's just another guy doing his thing which in the grand scale of things isn't really much. He's a kid from Bonney Lake who moved to tacoma and has become a big fish in VERY VERY small pond. We Tacomans tend to forget how big things really are. How many west coast tours has motopony done? do they have a fan base in LA or SF or even Portland?
This band has a VERY LONG way to go before they can be crowned even a mild success and while they may not be my cup of tea, I love to see things and people from Tacoma get big- so I say Good Luck! Just don't let an article in the Volcano go to your head. Living in Tacoma and getting written about by the Volcano is like Tacoma Jacking itself off. You only do it in your own private quarters. Getting a feature article in The Stranger would be like sex with the popular girl (or guy- whatever you might prefer), and that's a good starting point! \m/
matt peregrine said on Oct. 30, 2009 at 1:54pm
he undoubtedly desires to be talented and that's something.
tornado said on Oct. 30, 2009 at 2:08pm
Wow, this is the best thread on the Volcano's website ever. Regardless of your thoughts on DB, Mark Thomas Deming is a writer Tacoma is lucky to have.
matt peregrine said on Oct. 30, 2009 at 3:37pm
I would suck DB's dick but I'm a no talent scum fuck from loserville. I have absolutely nothing interesting to say but "*yawn*" I wish I had a cock to work on right now.. *Ohhh Yaaawwwwnnn*
wow unfunny anon poster who stole my name said on Oct. 30, 2009 at 7:04pm
At least I'm not afraid to post with my OWN name
Matt peregrine said on Oct. 30, 2009 at 7:08pm
why?
Between You and Daniel Blue
Daniel Blue October 30 at 12:42pm Report
Why would you request to be my "friend" when you so obviously dislike what it is I do?
How is it someone who publicly criticizes me and my music could desire "friendship" with the object of his negativity.
I'm not necessarily telling you to fuck off....but common.
You've kind of set yourself against me.
Curious,
db
Matt Haisch Peregrine October 30 at 1:13pm
It just about the music dude-- Really! My sister likes you and I respect her artistic choices but she and I don't see eye to eye on Motopony. You've been flitting around trying to find you artistic voice for awhile now and maybe you will mature into your sound. who knows? I'd like to see more of GBV line of things from you. i know you try to "tap in" but this is too self conscience. As far as "friending" I almost blocked you after you "friended"me and thought the better of it --so there it its and so be it. And If you want to play the enemy game well we know who started what and who betrayed who and who won the last round! So stop acting so wounded and ask yourself - Can I be uncompromising? and also be popular?
Matt Haisch Peregrine October 30 at 1:14pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7V-1OuYL8U&feature=related
The Waterboys - Be My Enemy (Studio Version)
Source: www.youtube.com
The Waterboys - Be My Enemy. Openingsong from Miami Vice Episode 62: Lend Me An Ear Studio Version not live!
Share
Daniel Blue October 30 at 1:35pm Report
i dont really need anymore enemies. :)
you seem like a thoughtful guy, and i appreciate someone who really takes time to listen, even if they dont like it.
i can be your friend even if you dont like my music.
im not sure how i came to "friend" you in the first place.
i looked up your name after i read the comment about "mediocrity" on the volcano....i looked you up to see what you had created that gave you such a place to judge from, i must have friended you without realizing what i was doing.
at any rate. i dont claim to be uncompromising. i change my mind too much to be any kind of absolute. i guess the one thing i try to keep doing uncompromisingly is give it all i got in the moment. and yes...that leads to some pretty embarrassing movies on the yotube, cause sometimes the moment isnt the best moment ever. but it was the moment, and i cant stop people from posting stuff. contrary to popular belief, im not in control of everything that is said or posted or written or whatever about me.
i am what i am. its good that you dont like it. not everyone should.
i really like the line you wrote about the protagonist's first kiss. thats how i feel up there, like some nervous fucking teenage boy about to get some tongue.
db
Matt Haisch Peregrine October 30 at 1:48pm
man there really needs to be a sorry somewhere in there. I have no problem with "in the moment art" but that's not what you are putting out there you are having a fucking "CD RELEASE PARTY" not just some experimental masturbation, which is always hit and miss and I have patience for it to an extent... Obviously you are putting yourself out there but for who's benefit?
Ben said on Oct. 31, 2009 at 12:06am
i am Mr. Blue/Gerding\'s little brother, who still lives in Bonney Lake, who\'s same mother died 7 years ago last June, who grew up looking up to him as a young child, looking down on him as a slightly older child, listening to him sing, watching him come back, wearing a swoodie, witnessing the letters of loyalty flow together and become shirt logos and bumperstickers, and i\'ve seen him yell, i\'ve seen him cry, i\'ve heard him sing, i\'ve heard him lecture, he\'s my big brother. for the record, his last name is probably closer to \'Walling\' than anything else. But regardless of his name, or his hype, he\'s just another human being. another human being that just so happens to flipping rock at whatever he pours his heart into. he\'s a mystery, and no one should every try to put their finger on him, he\'ll show himself if you just wait long enough. and if you don\'t like his music, don\'t worry there\'s plenty of us out there that do. If there\'s anything i\'ve ever learned about my brother, its that you never know anything about him, and you should never try to find out. everything he does comes out of something much broader and stronger than himself. no one is required to understand him, no one is required to like him, but freaking holy crap, let him be. This is was a masterfully done article by Mr. Deming, and i can see my brother has stirred up a little excitement, but i don\'t see what all the hoopla is all about. No body really knows who daniel blue is, unless they already like him enough to delve into all the mazes and missunderstandings of his story, and therefor anyone that really knows anything about him is already bias. he\'s just another guy with another CD release and he rocks, and if you sit back long enough you\'ll see him, who ever he is. to be honest though, he is the perfect representation of Tacoma; he is motherless, fameless, controversial, homeless, moneyless, full of emotion, trying to do his own thing, and no one knows how but he still manages to survive, and he rocks. MUCH LOVE MY BROTHER! KEEP YOUR THREE STINGS ROCKING STRONG!
Rev. Adam McKinney said on Oct. 31, 2009 at 1:44am
This is impressive. I've never seen this many comments on one of our stories. I guess Daniel Blue just strikes a chord with people.
Fuck You Bitch said on Oct. 31, 2009 at 4:32am
As a fellow artist and as someone who has put all his cards in the Daniel Blue deck, I have no doubts. The fact that you "Matt Hate Fuck Peregrine" Tacoma's finest and the shining star of television as we know it have the nerve to sit here on a Tacoma weekly news mag, talk shit, and post stupid fucking stuff about the opening track for miami vice you should realize you don't have a career nor have proven anything so please stop. No one fucking cares and/or did anyone ask about your fucking band, nor did anyone know it was on miami vice(way to go fuck) you're not famous nor will you be you're wasting your time here. I personally believe Daniel is a very talented person and Buddy Ross could teach your whole band a lesson. How To Write Music 101. Welcome to reality and the fact that your music is doing nothing for you and you have a serious jealousy issue. So kindly, fuck you, you fucking blow hole motherfucker... Hope to see you at the next Motopony show. FUCK.
this isn\'t daniel blue posting in defense of himself said on Oct. 31, 2009 at 5:28am
motorpony is a real band?
have they played 3 shows?
daniel GERDING cant \"strike a chord with anyone, he\'s only got 3 strings on a guitar he\'s spent more time decorating than tuning.
whats all this talk about him being famous?
was it because he played at the comet in seattle on a tuesday?
thats HUGE.
well im glad (he) is on the cover for no good reason except daniel is \"planning and epic\" cdr release..
or maybe it\'s because he\'s the second coming of christ?
is that what you mean by \"hung on the cross\" ? daniel is no hay-seuss. he\'s the poster boy of urbanxchange..
creepy.
there are a lot more interesting groups doing much more interesting things in the tacoma music scene.
whether it be some SOTA born punk outfit or even a weathered metal band that has only played hells kitchen on a weeknight.
keep it up daniel, youre a laugh at best, if not just depressing or embarrassing.
P.S.
i bet all the blue supporters on here are actually just him sitting at the coffee shop on his macbook sipping on tea leaves, staring at his own reflection, etc..
Joeski said on Nov. 03, 2009 at 10:29am
How many hipsters does it take to put 3 strings on a guitar?
-Some obscure number you've never heard of.
Turbyfill said on Oct. 31, 2009 at 11:01am
A lot of venom for Mr. Blue it seems. I like Daniel I think he's very talented. You should try to get to know him and if you can't realize its hard to know a dude that's known by at least as many people that read the Volcano. In that case, just enjoy the stuff he makes and wants to share. If not, don't listen. Simple.
Any other beefs you have with him probably shouldn't show up in forum like this.
Tacoma Watchdog said on Oct. 31, 2009 at 12:35pm
Dear Buddy Ross, Grace Sullivan and all others involved with Motopony.
This is a gentle warning: Daniel will court you, convince you of your importance in the destiny he believes himself to be a part of, and then discard you when you are no longer of use to him. I have watched it happen to more than a handful. It is not just juvenile, jealous haters who have gross feelings surrounding this person. The unfortunate truth is that Daniel has left a trail of unpaid debt and emotional pain as he has spun around this small town. And before he created Mr. "Blue", Mr. Gerding was involved in more of the same. To all of you, do not give him more than he deserves, more of you than you should. His talent pales in comparison to his ability to use his character to get what he needs from other people.
He will use all of the drama in his life (see above) to convince you that you are good enough to stick around. Good enough and strong enough not to believe it. You have been warned.
Grace Sullivan said on Oct. 31, 2009 at 1:05pm
Preach it, Turby.
I think our city could use more real critics and less mud slingers. I'd love to see more insightful critiques of the art and less personal attacks. Wouldn't that help us all learn to be better artists?
I don't see what re-posting a personal email exchange on this public forum can accomplish.
It's so great to see folks learning and honing their craft. Hats off to Buddy and Daniel and Mark Deming!
On a personal note, I think the response to the Tacoma video Daniel and I did last month has been really interesting. Everyone takes their own perspective and history to art when they experience it. For me, "Tacoma" has an entirely different meaning than many others have ascribed to it. It was fairly unrehearsed. It fell on the anniversary of my own significant personal loss and had not much to do with staying in or leaving this town, but with making a very difficult day special for me with a bit of music and fun. Sometimes, calling a person "Tacoma" is the best way to say goodbye, and that's why that song is good art to me.
I deeply appreciate Daniel's spirit of growth and collaboration and feel so fortunate for our artistic relationship. I do not fit into the "hip" or "arty" category that so many folks seem to think make up Daniel's scene. I'm a nearly middle aged mom who is also trying to make art. He's the kind of friend who encourages that, which is just plain sweet and I'm pretty loyal to anyone who is actively trying to create something in this life.
2 grace said on Oct. 31, 2009 at 2:08pm
after the facebook converstion DB "de-friended' me. I wasn't done.
AP said on Oct. 31, 2009 at 4:45pm
I\'m no DB or MP fan. That being said, the only thing truly ridiculous here is how catty all you people are with each other. I\'ve noticed for a long time that people in Tacoma squabble with each other online, unnecessarily. I would love to see how your attitudes would change if this conversation were face to face.
zachary said on Oct. 31, 2009 at 8:04pm
In defense of Matt, he owned the Usual Cafe, and for those who are unfamiliar, it was host to many magical shows in Tacoma. Bands like Eyse of Autumn, Dilute, Ruma Sakit, 31 Knots, Aviso, Toast Greatly Now Parrots, Oran Day, Muffin Man, Jack Plastics, to name a few. So it is no surprise that he is taking the time to have an opinion about an acclaimed "Tacoma" artist. Just because he has a decisive opinion about Motopony doesn't mean he's out of line or being hateful. Forums like this are a place to express ones opinions. I think that the reason people are reacting so strongly to this article is because it states that Daniel is the "crowned prince" of the Tacoma art scene, and that's just kinda weird. There are many princes and princesses that live in Tacoma and contribute their talents.
tornado said on Nov. 01, 2009 at 10:06am
Good points, Zachary. While I think the article is generally good, it shares that hyperbolic tone that you often find in the Volcano ... they should simmer down a bit -- music and art can be worth seeing without having to be the next big thing.
Jason Ganwich said on Nov. 01, 2009 at 4:26pm
I had fun taking the pictures and looking at Buddy\'s nipples. That\'s all I have to say about that.
:)
Jason Ganwich said on Nov. 01, 2009 at 10:52pm
RE: submitted 03:37 on Oct 30, 2009 by unknown poster who pretended to be matt peregrine.
You said:
"I would suck DB's dick but I'm a no talent scum fuck from loserville. I have absolutely nothing interesting to say but "*yawn*" I wish I had a cock to work on right now.. *Ohhh Yaaawwwwnnn*"
Well, Mr. Matt Perigrine imposter,
I'm a cocksucker you asshole and the next time you want to use such a universally welcomed skill appreciated by anyone with a cock all over the world, please use it in a favorable manner, and not your choice as a derogatory response and clearly conveying, at the very least, disrespect for cocksuckers of the male kind.
Thankyou.
Have we met?
Mark Thomas Deming said on Nov. 01, 2009 at 11:58pm
Thanks, everyone, for reading and writing, and even (perhaps especially) for criticizing this piece. I think this is a valuable dialogue, and I'm glad I could help inspire it, however clumsily. The idea was to write a fair and balanced (in the pre- Fox News meaning) take on Daniel Blue, careful not to “fluff the ingrained image,†to quote Matt Driscoll, but careful also to give credit where credit was due. I'm surprised at the accusations of hyperbole. (In another forum, the ever-vigilant R.R. Anderson called it “fawning puffery.â€) While I was unequivocally positive regarding Blue’s disc (which, to reiterate, is truly very good) and upcoming show (top-notch bill, exciting venue, big-time production), I honestly worried I was too hard on him about the hand wringing, the attention grabbing, the messianic posturing and the gaffes. (The title "crown prince of T-town hipsterdom," by the way, was meant to describe the gratuitous popular image, not to anoint DB royalty.) I thought he should be called on these things, but not ridiculed, and that readers should make up their own minds about whether skinny jeans and three-string guitars are cool or not; maybe I was too subtle. I just tried to look past the phenomenon of Daniel Blue to the man himself, who is as insecure and arrogant and brilliant and stupid as the rest of us, only more conspicuously. I think he deserves it. I think you agree.
tornado said on Nov. 02, 2009 at 6:18pm
Points taken, Mr. Deming. Thanks for the explanation.
Alex said on Nov. 03, 2009 at 10:30am
Mark Deming is the one to blame for all of this crap. That stupidass article shouldn't have been written. The Volcano is responsible for so much B.S. around this city. ESPECIALLY when it comes to the Tacoma music scene. KNOW WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT BEFORE PRINTING SOMETHING.
Joeski said on Nov. 03, 2009 at 11:14am
"Motopony, one of the best debut records of 2009 â€" anywhere."
That is quite a statement coming from a paper that refuses to print bad reviews of anything and passes off articles about who saw who last night and who got drunk as journalism.
kris crews said on Nov. 03, 2009 at 2:18pm
i've got my eyes on all of you. ;)
hipsterholocaust said on Nov. 03, 2009 at 2:43pm
Well, I didn\'t want to join in on this thread, but, how could I resist? I\'ve seen DB get PISSED OFF AT PEOPLE for not knowing who he is, followed by the statement, \"I\'ve done a LOT of good things for Tacoma.\" I\'m sorry, DB, are you a politician or charitable volunteer? Have you passed some sort of bill that has improved our community, or done anything that has actually helped people? Or have you gotten a bunch of SOTA kids drunk? Oh I forgot, you\'re a FASHION DESIGNER. You went to school to learn how to pattern draft and start a business and OH WAIT NO YOU DIDN\'T. You don\'t have a line composed of clothes you make, you put your own logo on already made clothes. Original? Yes---just like each and every one of my turds! What does this have to do with this article, you may ask? Well, I for one am happy about this ridiculous assay because the more gasoline you throw on his ego, the quicker it\'ll burn out! I don\'t want one person pointing and laughing when he goes NOWHERE, I want the whole town! Mind you, that many people will never care about him, so that\'s just my wishful thinking, but I do hope that eventually he\'ll move onto another town and \"take over\", like...Des Moines...or something. Oh yeah, one more thing, when I searched youtube for the horrible monstrosity known as a Motopony video, my VERY FAVORITE YOUTUBE CLIP EVER came up in the \"Related Videos,\" section, and made my week! www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lQsZ4BVZGs&feature=related
crews said on Nov. 03, 2009 at 2:56pm
monstrosity? you don't like my videos? grrrrr.
chill crews said on Nov. 03, 2009 at 4:55pm
nobody dissed you
chillin said on Nov. 03, 2009 at 6:44pm
sorry. this is fun. you guys okay out there?
LeftatNextLight said on Nov. 03, 2009 at 7:04pm
Hipsterholocaust....jealous much?
not chillin said on Nov. 03, 2009 at 7:46pm
daniel blue is a complete joke.
werewolf said on Nov. 03, 2009 at 8:27pm
oh sweet jesus. It really is a related video!
Jamie Chase said on Nov. 03, 2009 at 9:57pm
I have my opinion, but opinions are like ass holes....
So the bigger more public issue is: Good luck, Daniel! You worked hard on this. Be unreasonable with you focus. Don't let any reason or comment on this blog be an excuse. This is your reality to create with perseverance. After all. This music is your gift and ultimately it impacts your life more than anyone else. I've been a financial patron of Daniel's for years. He's talented and we absolutely piss each other off. But the real deal in life is that we make our own happiness from our way of being. All the negativity spewing on here...oh, the misery. Because I am successful in pursuing my dreams in life, powerfully. I wish the same for Daniel, even though we don't always get along. How can we all life each other up? How can we lift Daniel up? How can you be a kinder person to someone you don't even like? (Yes you, reading this right now.) His music caries a lot of that- and it is controversial & beautiful.
to jamie from matt said on Nov. 03, 2009 at 10:33pm
*yawn* "Because I am successful in pursuing my dreams in life, powerfully." -Keep telling yourself that and you will be able to justify anything like screwing others over in the the name of DB's potential.
from kim to john from david said on Nov. 03, 2009 at 10:54pm
Lotsa people in Tacoma through the decades with talent... but uh, financial patron? He's got financial patrons? I can list a lot of people who went the way of putting dreams into their veins not because people didn't recognize their talent, but because they were too broke to change their strings and any other life felt a lot better. it's nice to finally see the "rich bestowing the blessings of leisure" upon "artists" in Tacoma for being gaudier than everyone else. It's like we're in a real city!!! Finally! The artists can be as bourgeois as the condo owners!
to the week-ly volcano said on Nov. 03, 2009 at 11:09pm
Now you have a real story. Dig deeper.
heere heear! said on Nov. 03, 2009 at 11:34pm
A story on self proclaimed artists and the condo owning/trust fund having/expensive degree wielding/suit job working/safe-art gallery curating yuppies that love them; The true story of what happened to Tacoma in the last 10 years. Kick the rabble out by raising their rent through new pavement and developments on every corner. Of course the keepers of the cheese are going to need a youthful hero to suck off their much deluded egos in exchange for a paycheck.
Marla said on Nov. 04, 2009 at 9:17am
Although I really should be doing my Arabic homework, I'd like to write a few words. As being a former resident of Tacoma and an occasional drunk dancer (occasionally dancing, but drunk most of the time) at various music/art social exchanges, I have witnessed the controversy surrounding Daniel. Either people love him or they LOVE to hate him. These critical responses are not binary but interrelated because either way, people are interested.
What's interesting to me is identifying why there is so much contempt. What does Daniel Blue (work/art aside) represent that people can't stand? From my experience I think it's an unfortunate disgust for his unrelenting motivation for success. And as true Tacomans know, lots of people have a tough time keeping their motivation in front of their bottles. It's true, there are lots of talented people in Tacoma, but really most of it's wasted. No one realizes that you have to put A LOT of effort time and money into recording, production, marketing, etc. if you want to make your talent your career instead of your hobby. Daniel, however, realizes this. The best of luck to him and his current and future endeavors.
glue gun girl said on Nov. 04, 2009 at 10:54am
I know many artists who have "worked hard" (jobs) in order to sustain themselves (rent, eat, kids, etc) and sink $$ into their art. "Working hard toward his dream", umm, does Daniel even have a job?
hipsterholocaust said on Nov. 04, 2009 at 1:19pm
Maybe the kids who love Daniel Blue look up to him because they realize with just a little bit of a warble, an adorable kid's novelty sewing machine, and a stupid haircut, that, they too, can grow up one day to be crowned the Prince of Tacoma on the cover of the Weekly Volcano. Yes, truly, he has made it. I can only hope to become what he is one day--I am so jealous.
Matt Driscoll said on Nov. 04, 2009 at 3:23pm
You guys are adorable.
Beer Me! said on Nov. 04, 2009 at 5:58pm
Sad Tacoma Titty Baby Alert. Waaa no one likes my stupid Tacoma band! Waaa! Why do all the other kids like his band better than my stupid bands that nobody cares about? I deserve to be on the cover of the Volcano more!! Waaa
Uh, oh Tacoma Titty Babies, time to go drown your disappointment with a half rack of Rainier.
Mum THE Word said on Nov. 04, 2009 at 6:16pm
The Weekly Volcano is a fucking joke. Daniel Blue is a completely talentless asshole. He hides behind his homosexuality and "Daddy was an alcohoooooolic" show. Does no one realize the best thing to come out of the Tacoma arts scene recently has been Makeup Monsters and Goldfinch? Hmmm... all with members from a high school... Give it up, DB, and all you other 27-year-old deadbeats.
oldy mcoldstein said on Nov. 04, 2009 at 7:35pm
aren't the goldfinch folks even older the DEEBEE himself?
Mum THE Word said on Nov. 04, 2009 at 8:27pm
Their drummer is 19. Yes, they're older, but are they deadbeats? No. Are they good artists? Yes.
mum forgot the nightgowns said on Nov. 04, 2009 at 9:02pm
and for that oversight, i shall smight you with my jameson!!! -crews
i am channeling krystal said on Nov. 04, 2009 at 9:16pm
when you are asking for something you should ask such and such and you will get it. when are are requesting something from the universe, you have to be specific. the universe asks that you are specific. right now i am asking that my actions reflect the greater good of all. right now i am asking for the healing power of god to help heal the planet.
the man said on Nov. 04, 2009 at 9:40pm
responses are cut off. you are done.
mums the volcano said on Nov. 04, 2009 at 9:59pm
I hope your'e not actually "the man." It would be foolish of the Volcano to cut off the only active dialogue it has ever created. No one takes your paper seriously because it's nothing but fluff. Unfounded positivity on everything. Just because somebody "does" something in Tacoma doesn't mean it's worthy of praise. Get some writers who can be honest. Please.
mums the volcano said on Nov. 04, 2009 at 10:01pm
And what the fuck constitutes a deadbeat? If you like rock and roll, or any memorable artist for that matter, chances are your favorites fall into the deadbeat category. Being paid by yuppies to live the dream sounds like a deadbeat existence to me.
Daniel said on Nov. 05, 2009 at 11:33am
he'll actually be 30 yrs old next spring, but age isnt the point, the p0int is to actually be on the cover of any publication when he's only played a handfull of shows and most people here in Tacoma only really know Daniel the person, not his band, yet. It is a clear indication of an "inside job". Oh, it may help that Daniel writes for the Volcano, or used to anyway. The Nightgowns were on the cover a few months back when they realeased their album, but theyve put in their time on stage over the years (as the Elephants too) they are talented and people recognize the greatness of their music. so, despite his degree of talent, its a shame that he begged to be a coverboy at this point. premature ejaculation. oops.
Cap'n Snark said on Nov. 05, 2009 at 2:38pm
No one thinks Daniel is an asshole, it's more that he's kind of a sunofabitch. I'm sure he'd agree.
not the man said on Nov. 05, 2009 at 4:24pm
former comment was not from the mgmnt, but rather from my whiskey. a side note, the singer/songwriter mentioned in the article as playing before daniel at the helm was the talented andrew mcneely (myspace.com/andrewtmcneely). andrew now lives in colorado, and is missed.
Joeski said on Nov. 05, 2009 at 5:23pm
mmmmmm whiskey
AMAZED !!! said on Nov. 06, 2009 at 6:55am
DB Really IS FAMOUS!!! At least on this endless and very dramatic "comment" blog. Wow! Stir it Up Big Daniel Blue!
what? said on Nov. 06, 2009 at 10:23am
If you all think his music is so awful... why did you spend the time commenting here?
Did you ever apply to contribute better feature articles to the Volcano?
(OK, I actually did write them an inquiry about how to go about contributing, as well as how to BUY ad space, but never got a response from anyone on staff. So I wrote the Volcano off entirely and bought adspace in the Stranger and Seattle magazine instead. Presumably they aren't fielding inquiries from actual contributors if they won't even write back to someone who wants to give them money. But still... feel bad for this guy who has a whole thread bashing him on the internet, that's unfortunate.)
pissed jeans said on Nov. 07, 2009 at 12:55am
i went to a moto pony show (they didnt actually play) and the bearded dude tried to touch me where poop comes out.
he said god told him to.
im scared sacred.
Daniel said on Nov. 07, 2009 at 1:01am
I want to thank all my supporters:
jesus jr.
condominium investors
old horny gay christians
talk o time
1st bank of sumner
trust fund
etc..
I've been working on my southern accent.
Y'all like it?
Oh tacoma, how much you have yet to learn from my the beauty of a word,
to the cold spring air in the back of baskin robbins.
copyright 2009 DB & MP (only in tacoma)
tom cruise-cut said on Nov. 07, 2009 at 1:03am
that moto pony dude sounds like cleaveland from family guy
video said on Nov. 07, 2009 at 1:18am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7d7CBcbivY
head said on Nov. 08, 2009 at 4:15pm
wow. ...love you, danny.
Sarah Rolstad said on Nov. 13, 2009 at 3:19pm
I'm surprised that more attention hasn't been paid to the actual crappy writing in this article. Equating Daniel to Jesus Christ, and other god like rock icons, is grossly inaccurate and offensive. Shame on the editor and anyone else that approved this trash for print. It's an embarrassment for Tacoma.
Sean A. said on Nov. 14, 2009 at 9:52am
I think that the article was well written. Mark has a cinematic style and uses motifs well. I imagine that a lot of people have a problem with the embellishments and exaggerations, but they are important to use when telling a story. Tacoma is fortunate to have Mark.
Sean A. said on Nov. 14, 2009 at 9:58am
Also, duhh, Daniel deserves to be written about. He has a lot of talent and has been working hard on this for a couple of years now.
Julia/SILVER said on Nov. 14, 2009 at 10:33am
Why would anybody get angry at a "magazine" which blows some random guy just to fullfill their little "cobain's second coming" fantasy? People need hope, and hey, some go to church, some go to AA and some have the Blue Man Group. More power to you.
However I am still amazed that such a "Cutting Edge Paper", blessed by such talented writers and their "cinematic style" have succesfully "overseen' a band which has been a huge part since 15 years. And of course I mean Silver.
Get off the hipster community trip and fucking rock for once.
Fucking Hippies.
If you would like to discuss this any further, I will be singing with The Painkillers tinight at the Scorpio Party.
Danke
hurt said on Nov. 15, 2009 at 11:27am
OK I went to this show. I only caught Goldfinch (great... maybe a little too \"Worship church band\" esque, but nice overall.) And Motopony.
Wow. Motopony.
I have to say I was extremely offended at seeing this rendition of what some people think is \"native culture\" (not that it refers to a specific nation) that took place on the stage. Every time white people take over a bastardized version of Indians because they think it is raw, powerful, etc. I feel extremely unsafe. Especially to see all the audience mostly laughing at it or \"wow look at this.\" Indigenous culture is not your spectacle.
It was a shame. If I closed my eyes and just listened to the music they were a pretty good band. Also, I appreciate it when people take the time to craft an experience. Especially on a low budget it\'s cool to see you can still make an impact. But when they came out in head dresses and doing the \"oo ooo ooo ooo\" hands over mouth thing and some inaccurate racist version of a rain dance or whatever that was? It HURT ME. It takes a lot of racial privilege to feel OK about doing that. And just because a couple band members are 1/20th \"native american\" or the one Indian guy that you asked if it\'s ok said sure, does not make it ok. Did you grow up on a reservation... is your ancestors\' religion your religion...? If Motopony can\'t honestly say yes (and frankly even if they can, given the context/audience) then they have no right to do what they did. The band need to ask themselves: would they do this performance, exactly as they did it here with the costumes and everything, on a reservation? On a reservation with a highly politicized community of residents who are extremely aware of racism, appropriation, and privilege? Who are still working to get the gov\'t and the other residents of this country to treat its original residents like human beings?
When the singer asked us to clear a floor space for the dancers... I refused to budge a single inch for people who are stealing my culture for their indie rock cool factor.
Too bad because I thought the band would have been fine if they didn\'t have this hurtful display of disrespect. Energy? Yes. Stage presence? Yes. Lyrics and music to hold our attention? Yes. They seemed like a good enough to not need any thoughtless little kid gimmicks like pretending to be Indian. This could have been a whole different response, 5 paragraphs about how cool the show was instead of how racist.
I await the next performance when they show up in full Blackface (not just the singers arms) with some darky plantation-influenced tunes... because this was kinda on the level of doing that.
Devin Barnett said on Nov. 15, 2009 at 11:13pm
\"Blue sang...rocking on his heels, craning his neck and sweating as if the medallion somehow controlled him.\" Are you fucking kidding me? Ha ha ha!
\"In recent months, his equivocations over whether or not to stay in Tacoma, which can easily be read as questioning whether Tacoma is worthy of him, have been especially contentious.\" We most certainly are NOT worthy of Daniel Blue. Please, let the Christ leave.
\"The lyric is forgettable � indeed, lamentable � but the video, shot in the scrub along the Thea Foss Waterway, is true Blue.\" Who is the asshole that wrote this trash anyway? Because it reads like a transcript from \'Inside the Actors Studio\'.
\"The narrative is not linear, nor circular, nor any other recognizable, namable shape. It is serpentine, labyrinthine, Byzantine. It is, as all real human stories are, a mystery that never unfolds.\"(Whatever the fuck that means...)
I\'m going to have to finish this article tomorrow.
Devin Barnett said on Nov. 15, 2009 at 11:19pm
"That meant becoming a fashion designer, artist, poet and writer" ...as well as a doctor, an ordained priest, a diesel mechanic and a cobbler. A cultural grifter, a fully licensed and bonded general contractor as well as happily wed mother of six. Is there anything this man cannot achieve?
Madeline said on Nov. 16, 2009 at 5:14am
Mr. or Ms. Hurt, I was at the show too. This was not a show of disrespect, as often times the Native American so misinterprets. This was art. I find that people who use Native American garb use them as an extension of their yearning, creative souls, to display, outwardly, what beats from within their being, in a form that is familiar to their audience, that their audience can understand as being true and humble, like a soul would be, like the feelings of the heart would be, like the interpreted "earthiness of a Native American" would be. Native American ways have always mystified the rest of the world, and the desire for the world to feel akin, to some part of that, makes them seem fumbling and child like when
they express in this way. As an artist, Daniel Blue exhibited an essence of passion and virtue true to his creative soul. The dancers as well as the props are an extension of his art work. You, as a Native American--if you are indeed--if you feel he can improve, then quit feeling hurt and give of yourself! You have the abilities, and perhaps the responsibility, to help him--to dress appropriately, to dance accordingly, to make his performance delivery one that would make the spirit of the Native American shine. For certainly in
his performance, his spirit does shine.
As for those who have commented on his choice of instrument--I have seen Tracy Chapman play a 3 stringed instrument(pandouris) and has never been so cruelly criticized as you have criticized this man. He CERTAINLY does indeed know how to play his instrument, tuned very nicely I must add. It may not be what you are used to, but it is definitely an instrument.
May I remind you, a violin has one more string--will you make fun of a violinist as well?
This was my first experience with Motopony's music and performance. I had never heard of Daniel Blue prior to CD release night except that someone purchased a ticket for me to go. I absolutely believe Daniel Blue has the true makings of a star, a diamond in the not so rough--for he has had much experience in sharing his creations with the public. And deals not only with the praises, but with the very critical comments as well, that people with little ambition or experience tend to dish out. I
compliment his imagination and bravery to take from his heart and mind and create, not just in music, but in extended visual art form, and in front of some people who, from my standpoint, have probably never experienced creative dance
performances so have no idea what genius this man has just shared with them. As for his music, he has a tremendous, wide ranging voice that many vocalists can only dream of having. The style is indicative of the current musical trend that is taking place nationwide--a mixture of rock, country, folk. I admire his well crafted lyrics. They are strong, simplistic, truthful. His choice of dancers is perfect, their eyes strong with the same passion as he has.
Although some may not remember his words, everyone leaves the night with the essence of his artwork emblazoned upon their beings, dancing in their heads--not so easy to forget, eh? (--Madeline, Performing Songwriter--)
Devin Barnett said on Nov. 16, 2009 at 9:17am
Hey Madeline, I think you've really spun this around. I was not at that show, but white people in a band dressing up as natives and coming out into the audience calling woo! woo! woo! is not at all familiar to me(other than reminding me of F-Troop.) To then continue and claim that natives have some sort of responsibility to help Daniel Blue dress accordingly when he wants to play 'Tacomans and Indians' for the night sounds bizarre and backwards to me. When you started off you struck a bad note: "This was not a show of disrespect, as often times the Native American so misinterprets." and continued downhill from there. If you wanna run PR for a white guy that thinks it's normal to don a head dress and ad-lib a rain dance, that's your mistake. Don't put this on the person(s) who were offended. Just try and pick your words a little better. I doubt you're going to win many people over by criticizing the people he offended -for daring to be offended instead of helping him offend them in more authentic garb!
I'm not trying to be a dick, but really lady, take at look at what you are saying here. Besides I bet that shit was embarrassing to watch.
Madeline said on Nov. 16, 2009 at 12:12pm
To Devin Barnett, What I wrote is as clear as day. I suggest you check your attitude before you even ATTEMPT to re-read it. You will find it is NOT WRITTEN TO YOU, for one. And, the fact that you were not there and want to start arguments online over something you have absolutely no knowledge of greatly diminishes your credibility as an opinion maker. In other words, YOU LOOK STUPID, if that isn't clear enough for you. You came online with the intent to try to be a part of something that you are not, to rather make verbal attacks and to harass people you have no right even talking to--your voice is nonsensical ramblings in the wind..you are no part of the original conversation. <br>Also, when others are learning, instead of being a nag and a whiner or feeling victim, it is always important to take responsibility as a human being to help people learn, and ultimately hope what you had to offer will give insight and refinement to a person's performance. Or, didn't anyone teach you that in life? Who are you anyway? You sound like a kid that hasn't even been to college. And, no need to answer that question ...that was a rhetorical question. And for clarification's sake, as it seems redundancy is befitting of your nature, don't answer that question. You will only prove my point. <br> As for Mr. or Ms. Hurt, please feel free to respond and let me know what you are thinking. I know that you were not offended by what I said, as Barnett would like to try to make me think, or make you think. (--Madeline--)
Madeline said on Nov. 16, 2009 at 12:49pm
Mr. or Ms. Hurt, I also meant to tell you that, yes, it would seem outrageous to see people, say, dressed in Catholic priest gowns singing indie rock and completely misinterpreting ceremonial actions. That is why I believe that by you educating them, it will help them correct their mistakes in trying to emulate something they only perceive. Perhaps if they learn from you, they will not make the mistake again. And, your soul will feel better too that you stepped in and brought a greater view to a young man. I believe in the power of the human spirit, to overcome the man-made walls of issues that separate, so that all of us benefit, and I hope your words, if you cannot take any more action than that, will help Daniel Blue to rethink and re-define and refine his visual creation. I do still feel wowed by his attempt to express outwardly, and hope that you can tap into that on some level, and help him make it a success. (--Madeline--)
hurt too said on Nov. 16, 2009 at 2:05pm
Madeline - your words are offensive. What you said is that because you personally did not find reason to be offended by the cultural \"renditions\" of the show that someone else\'s feelings of offense and hurt are invalid. Spoken truly like a person of privilege. shitty. It is like a male saying a woman doesn\'t have the right to feel hurt when viewing a demeaning sex show because he himself wasn\'t offended. In fact, he was into it and it \"wowed\" him. And furthermore that she should stop feeling hurt and talk to the creators of the show in order to educate them about their sexist errors so that everyone can learn and her soul will feel better. so shitty. This thread is bizarre and winding as it is, but I feel I have to speak up. Madeline, you need to get it. Racism, sexism, etc. are pervasive systems, and the most offensive thing you (who I must assume to be White) can do is tell someone that their honest and open feelings are not valid. They are feelings! You have your opinion that the performance was good, and despite what I\'ve heard I am not going to try to tell you that your personal thoughts are not legit. I do hope that you attempt to open your heart a bit more. I also hope that the band at least learns something from these posts and considers that the world is bigger than they are and that not everyone is privileged enough to pick and choose elements of minority culture in order to make an impact on a White audience. In the scheme of things, this band is a small drop in the bucket and will probably fade out shortly, but the issues of inequality in our city and beyond are long standing and vitally important to think about.
Daniel Blue said on Nov. 16, 2009 at 2:36pm
I serve, celebrate, and worship the Great Spirit, as have many of my ancestors, white, native and otherwise. If you are hurt by that because I don't have as much pure Cherokee blood (I don't pretend to know your tribe, Cherokee is mine) as you then I suggest you take it up with the Great Spirit for making me the way He/She did. No one taught me that dance, I move as my soul calls me. No one told me to howl, I let go of myself and let it come out. I am not pretending to be an "indian", I am just a man…made of many bloods and histories, calling upon many roots for the power to perform my function. I must sing and dance, because song and dance are free and the Great Spirit put it in my heart to be free. While humbled by what I have been freely given, I do not seek the permission of any man or woman of any race to call upon the power of my ancestry and their ways of art and magic, Native, Italian, Druidic, Christian or otherwise. You did not seem to be offended by my Lydian scales, Viking shoulders or my Civil War vest, yet I lay these at your feet for inspection as equally promiscuous bits of clue. Of that particular homage that seems to have caused offense: I am fascinated, inspired and proud of my Native American heritage. It offers more in the way of healing the trouble we have caused this planet and asks that I seek a path of harmony with the land and the creatures I share it with…which includes you, "hurt".
If you are truly offended by my method of worship, then please seek me out and let us sit peacefully so that I can put a face on your grief and grow in the understanding of our possible shared heritage and learn how not to hurt in the future.
"Modern man has heard enough about guilt and sin. He is sorely beset by his own bad conscience, and wants rather to know how he is to reconcile himself with his own nature-how he is to love the enemy in his own heart and call the wolf his brother. "
C . G . Jung
Devin Barnett said on Nov. 16, 2009 at 2:39pm
Hey madeline. What didn\\\'t you like about my actual post again? Besides me. As for your post not being directed at me that\\\'s horse shit. If Daniel Blue went out in denim overalls with a wedge of watermelon complaining about picking cotton and you defended his actions I would call you on your bullshit then and just the same. Why? Because your attitude diminishes all when you demand tolerance of minorities and assign them \\\'responsibility\\\' for being parodied. I would invite you to stay on topic and not presume to comment on another persons education or lack thereof. Especially when you are throwing around such grammatical pearls as: \\\"your voice is nonsensical ramblings in the wind..you are no part of the original conversation.\\\"
The point is that Tacoma is my hometown. I don\\\'t like seeing Daniel Blue act as an ambassador for the place, or as representative of it\\\'s culture. I don\\\'t believe he is. I believe he is a bullshit-artist, a decorated easter egg with nothing in it. I do not think his clothes are attractive, I do not like his music. Whether or not I attended the show does not matter -no one has disputed what happened there so I feel safe commenting on it. Seeing it in person simply would have added the potential for severe cringing. Those are some opinions of mine and it\\\'s perfectly alright for me to share them. Notice I haven\\\'t called you any names or \\\"harassed\\\" you in any way. Just stating my opinion on a guy who lives in my hometown who I believe to be full of shit. If you want to defend him that\\\'s fine, but have the fortitude to take some criticism as well.
Madeline said on Nov. 16, 2009 at 11:13pm
"Hurt too"-- You should not assume. Feeling hurt is only a step in your growth to creating something worthwhile for all of us. Since you feel hurt by what I say, I'm glad you didn't stop there. I am glad you are concerned enough to talk with me about it. I would be happy to meet you face to face, and we can discuss what issues have caused you not to see the artwork, but to choose to see indignance and disrespect. I will guarantee you, it has more to do with you than it does with Daniel Blue. Daniel Blue has created one of the greatest things an artist can ever create. He put his heart and soul into his piece of work, showed us, and he received from us a myriad of emotions that stemmed from him pouring out his existence. When it comes down to it, it is your thoughts that perceive. It is your experiences you draw from. It is your fear that makes attachments and call it "Daniel Blue" or in this case "Madeline". YES, your feelings are valid and you assume incorrectly that I do not care about them--I would not write if I did not care. But before trying to blame it on me or anyone else for that matter, ask yourself why you feel the way you do. Perhaps why it hurts so much is because it has brought out of yourself issues that need to be dealt with. As for assuming I am white, all of you sound white to me "on paper". You ought to take me
up on meeting face to face some day. And then you can prove to yourself that it is in your own perception what you want to assume, to see, to feel and to hurt about. As for your sordid sex comparison, if you knew me you would not say such things. And, I forgive you for your lack of better words or description to express what you meant to say. You cannot soundly compare that disgusting subject with what I have said. However, take this to mind--you only know yourself, and your hurt, and your feelings that have come up over this matter. I believe that those issues you bring to the table, you bring up, in order to be healed from the HOLD those feelings have on your spirit. Stop, just for a moment, before you respond and just breathe in what I have said to you and try to understand. Read and reread everything I have written. Perhaps what I say will sound clearer. I do not want you to hurt more over this. I do not say what I say to hurt you. I say what I have because I believe in people, that we all have the capacity to filter out what is no longer useful in our thoughts from all the thoughts that should be kept.
Madeline said on Nov. 16, 2009 at 11:50pm
oops, that last post to Mr Barnett was by me.
Matt peregrine said on Nov. 17, 2009 at 6:44am
Maddie, um... 2 things 1) this is a public forum
2) You use the slippery logic of the justifier, for that matter so does DB.
Madeline said on Nov. 17, 2009 at 1:56pm
Absolutely public forum, Matt. How then would you like me to respond? I positively dislike people who continue to look for anyway to negatively twist and mash my words so they can provoke anger and a following. I do not like to spend my energy on that kind of negative thinker. I may not be eloquent with my words, but I am direct about what I think. As a performer, I have had to live with criticism. There are four kinds of people who bring forward feedback--the ones who like or dislike the music, the ones who tell you about the technical issues, the ones who are emotionally attached, and then the ones who weren't there. How can someone who wasn't there bring any kind of constructive useful feedback? They don't usually. They are just trying to hang by everyone else's coat tails who were there and suck truth out of the moment. So what is slippery about not wanting to talk to that kind of person?
Madeline said on Nov. 17, 2009 at 3:04pm
Hurt and Hurt too, I have reread your posts again a few times. If it was possible to meet with you, I would. But, so that you know, I am not white nor black nor Native American nor would I be considered privileged. I have taken racial scorn throughout my life. My people, too, have had our history turned over time and again by people who took over our lands, stripping our culture down to barely noticeable. My grandfather's soul was plagued with memories of torture and I remember what others have done to our people through him and my elders. But, I will not live in hate and sadness, nor will I put anyone down for their attempts to emulate my culture. I won't because they are closer to understanding our pain and suffering than those you call "privileged" who do not care at all to venture in that direction. I always ask myself, "What do I want to leave my children?" I absolutely do not want to leave them with racial anger and sadness. So when I look at Daniel Blue, I see a young man who has, on some level, requested the guidance of all our ancestors through the pureness of creativity. And I look forward to witness him growing into a very awesome man because of his courage to "step out of the box". I have hopes that this message brings new light to the subject for you, and that you will not feel hurt any longer over my appreciation for Daniel Blue. (-Madeline-)
Andrew said on Nov. 17, 2009 at 5:02pm
Madeline, you wrote that you'd never heard of Daniel Blue before the CD release, yet you have so much to say about him. Give it a rest. He's a joke. Get off your computer and go outside.
Seattle said on Nov. 17, 2009 at 5:43pm
You're all fucks for not having anything else better to do.. your infatuation with Daniel is quite gross, it's almost like you try to put yourself in his wake of "destruction" so you can say something to weaken his "ego'. So as I begin I will start by saying Daniel Blue nobody cares for tacoma you probably should go take over lakewood or stellecoom start smaller because thats how you become successful. When you're like these tacoma people you gain this false sense of security because outsiders don't bother to intervene. My suggestion for you Daniel and all the other tacoma flies close to him is to get away from here, take the talent that you have with the new Motopony band and yourself and go somewhere, where the people matter. Where people have compassion for real art and music, not a town full of self loathing fucks that misunderstood the cheese and crackers science.. Goes in your mouth, not in your ass. Too much of that would make anybody irritable.
Daniel, Steve.
Seattle and Portland welcomes with open arms, great people, and real cities full of real people. tacoma is no more than an glorified truck stop. Come in from the cold and the bitter and join the real party.
tacoma2seattle said on Nov. 17, 2009 at 6:36pm
Troll
Madeline said on Nov. 17, 2009 at 7:20pm
Thank you Andrew. I've already been out in the rain and it was GREAT. Nice Seattle post.
seattle2tacoma said on Nov. 17, 2009 at 7:46pm
pay his toll or you'll never get into that hole of tacoma.
tacoma2seattle said on Nov. 17, 2009 at 7:54pm
Been away
here to stay
exhume the hatchet
To Seattle said on Nov. 17, 2009 at 7:57pm
To the \"Seattle\" person: Reading your post reminds me of other people I\'ve encountered who simply don\'t fit in here, so you bitch about how much Tacoma sucks. Good. Stay out. Move to Seattle or Portland and take Daniel Blue with you. Please. Don\'t even reply. Just shut up and take your artist God with you.
Devin Barnett said on Nov. 17, 2009 at 8:28pm
Nobody has voted me in as an ambassador. But one time The Rocket did an article on The Usual in one of it's last issues and the guy said I should grow up to be Mayor cause I danced a bunch at all the shows. I think it was The Rocket... That's kinda neat? Anybody remember that fucking pinball machine that was impossible to tilt? Ha ha ha.
next time you're hurt said on Nov. 17, 2009 at 8:40pm
... Did anyone think to ask that "black guy" in the back what his heritage was.. No? is it because you assumed he was "black, mexican, india--an". Well rest assure that he very well is 1/4 lakota sioux born on reservation with all on his mothers side still residing there. Was he offended by the show? No. Why? Because Daniel was not mocking, he touched on all of his ancestry, not only for performance but also for a wrongfully ambitious thought that people would enjoy. Would you be upset if they were all wearing revolutionary war uniforms and marching "kinda" like them riding in a on a ufo? NO! You wouldn't because patriotism cant be wrong.. So hopefully next time you run around crying racism you'll try to remember the chivalry of performance and ones passion of self...... Remember.. you're the one that payed to get hurt. hahaha.
Seattle said on Nov. 17, 2009 at 8:51pm
Devin Barnett.. you stupid fucker, next post is her to call on your love of tacoma, before you open your eyes and enter the real world and realize that you are a slathering, slithering, sack of tacoma snake shit. you'll be on your death bed, shouting "I wished I would have moved to seattle" hahaha dumbass. HAIL DANIEL BLUE!!!!!
Devin Barnett said on Nov. 17, 2009 at 9:25pm
Nice alliteration. You can just call me Devin if you like, though. I would have put a city as my name but I thought it would be a bit general.
Devin Barnett said on Nov. 17, 2009 at 9:25pm
Oh yeah... who is her? And why is she calling on my love of Tacoma?
Dawes Rolls said on Nov. 17, 2009 at 9:27pm
DB part Cherokee? ah c'mon!
Seattle said on Nov. 17, 2009 at 9:31pm
It is a little general, but for people like you with nothing to lose it's easy for you to get that little name yours out there wherever you can.
Devin Barnett said on Nov. 17, 2009 at 9:36pm
Yeah you're right. Same goes for people who aren't ashamed of what they say but it's really a toss up I guess.
Billy Ray Cyrus said on Nov. 17, 2009 at 9:36pm
I'm 1/2 Cherokee.
VOICE OF REASON said on Nov. 17, 2009 at 9:40pm
STUPID FUKING ARTICLE.......................................
Matt Peregrine said on Nov. 17, 2009 at 9:43pm
Devin, we still have that clipping.
Devin Barnett said on Nov. 17, 2009 at 9:44pm
Ha ha ha. >Billy Ray Cyrus
. . . . . .. said on Nov. 18, 2009 at 12:54am
It's interesting, see? There were a couple of calm, reserved comments about Daniel Blue, his music. Then a post on how good the album is followed by a comment on the article being well written. Then....Someone jumps in saying 'self righteous shitheads' and so on and on! Think about that shit! Come the fuck on, people are allowed to criticize, man! And name-calling merely detracts from the topic -why are you running flak for this guy? Should not his merits speak for themselves? Instead, what I am seeing is (im?)personal attacks via the internet, name calling, general pandering to emotion. Message to Daniel Blue: Get you peeps in line before they make an embarrassment of you by proxy any more. Because, as evidenced by your fervent supporters here, it is obvious that you have become a political party/Brand. Ha ha ha.
Brantley Cady said on Nov. 18, 2009 at 3:24am
This is our music, our art, our time. you think this is about Daniel but this stems further. Buddy, Thomas, and I from an individual standpoint have given up apart of our lives for all this to happen... Steve Naccarato has given all of his time and his money to do all of this and you don't even take this into account? This is a lot more than any of you think and all you people can do is sit on a blog and shit on it? I understand some of you have undone and unfinished time with Daniel but there is a time a and a place for that, and if public is where it resides for you then you are a coward and spineless. I'm sorry for all of the people that hate. Daniel is not my leader nor is he anyones leader merely an artist, no matter what shape or from it is in you should have some appreciation art and a true artist appreciates art. No matter what it is.
Brantley Cady said on Nov. 18, 2009 at 3:26am
sorry for the typos... just got home...
Madeline said on Nov. 18, 2009 at 4:48am
Right on Brantley! The entire performance rocked--all the performers showed great artistry.
The Brain said on Nov. 18, 2009 at 5:01am
Musicians and artists have a larger corpus callosum than others, that is why some others have a hard time appreciating true art. They physically don't have the capacity! It's true look it up!
Not Impressed said on Nov. 18, 2009 at 1:17pm
I was there and I want my $10 back! The only thing good about the show was DB's hired help musicians. The faux native american singing and dancing was so self indulgent I was actually nauseous.
Whoever wrote this article should be fired! You wouldn't know authentic art if it bitch slapped you in the face! You actually compared DB to Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Jim Morrison!?!? Wow you dont get out much do you?
Bottom line, there is so much talent, real authentic talent, in Tacoma alone that you should take an unpaid leave from writting about music to go to a Small Minds show so it can bitch slap you. Too bad Silver doesnt have any shows coming up, I'd pay to see Julia give you what you got coming! Ha!
Joeski said on Nov. 18, 2009 at 1:23pm
OH MY GOD. This thread is still alive! Don't you people have jobs and hobbies?
jesus...
The Jew Nazi said on Nov. 18, 2009 at 3:29pm
Holy shit. I heard this thread was amazing, but I was never expecting this. Blue should leave Tacoma, you're all a bunch of whiny bitches, living in a cluster fuck of a shithole, pretending like the world gives a fuck about your pitiful existence.
I hope Blue dresses up like Hitler for the next show so all of you can bitch about how offensive to the Jewish community he is for the sole sake of having something new to pretend to believe in. After that you can talk about how he often uses the word nigger to describe "black" people in daily conversation and how offensive he is to the African-American community. I also know for a fact that Blue once led an anti-Lesbian rally in South America as a cover for slaughtering Portuguese drug runners because they were cutting into The Man's profits.
Maybe even twice.
Alive and Well said on Nov. 18, 2009 at 10:01pm
Blue should leave Tacoma. I agree.
Matt Peregrine said on Nov. 19, 2009 at 7:53pm
I just saw the pics on the photo hotspot feature.
All I have to say is Adam Ant did it better.
cd release said on Nov. 20, 2009 at 5:16pm
Whatever happened to a big pat on the back to someone who is just starting? Give the guy some credit. He did it. His first cd release. I don't remember any that has drawn so much attention! Go dude! Stupid people think it's that easy. You'll get the hang of it, and rock their socks off when you do.
Adam Ant said on Nov. 22, 2009 at 9:13pm
HA HA! Oh shit. And homeboy is right -we got bigger brains and shit.
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