Friday, December 5, 2008
Whatevs Thoughts on Haircut Rock: HotChelleRae
Posted by Tracy Moore on Fri, Dec 5, 2008 at 2:49 PM
Anyone reading this blog long enough knows I will passionately defend that looking cool and rocking and rolling go hand in hand. Nothing shrinks my boner faster than an awesome band full of dudes who look like they just got off work waiting tables.
Rock is theatrics and dramatics. It is pure escape, it is an art form literally raised in front of us on a stage that promises to elevate and amplify. Perhaps this is why I have a slight aversion to the illusion of intimacy acoustic sets provide. I want pomp and mystique; I wanna be able to tell the difference between the dude on stage and the dude taking door. I don't wanna actually know you--if you're getting over a cold, or if you worked really hard on your new record. I want the smoke and mirrors. I want the artistic lie. In short, I want a fucking rock show.
So imagine my pleasure when I stumbled across this little gem of a quote in Billboard from an A&R suit at Zomba on the recent Jive Records signing of a local Nashville band called HotChelleRae.
"This band has everything we were looking for. Great songs, great musicianship, a great work ethic, and, best of all, great haircuts."
First thought: should A&R dudes actually be allowed to speak? Has the naked careerism of the industry become so transparent that they're finally forgoing the whole, "Let's at least pretend we're looking to grow artists while we instead recruit Bop cover boys."
Second thought: I love many a band with great haircuts, but the contrivedness of it all should seem effortless. Again, the artistic lie. Make it seem like you're not trying too hard, but please secretly try really fucking hard. Just don't let us see it. I will never rule a band out automatically for their haircuts, but I will never rule them in, either.
So I checked it out and it sounds like exactly what you'd think: body rock. You know, Luna Halo meets AutoVaughn meets any band working that come-hither, dance-floor aesthetic that sounds like its aiming for the Gossip Girl soundtrack. Commercial. Likely to get some good licensing deals I suspect, God bless 'em.
Comments (39)
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All great points, Tracy. I really don't understand the band name, though. But am I supposed to?
full disclosure: children of local producers and songwriters. hope they don't mind the venom
The obvious front man, the Cute One, the guy in the marching band jacket, has a Demetri Martin-ish look about him. Which means they are my new favorite band.
Anyone know where to get a haircut? Preferably one that costs a couple hundred bucks? Scotty?
Now I don't like this band, but you're obviously just trying to start shit Tracy. Technically these guys are talented but you know the majority of this site's readers will just see red; there's a major douche factor going on with the music and the look of these guys and, yes, they're music business kids. Don't make it so easy is all I am saying. But I do appreciate the softball.
Oh, their clothes suck too.
I haven't bothered to listen to their music, but it's terrible.
Very commercial.
And "just sayin'": dude, america is based on
the idea that the media is allowed to discuss public
figures- because they make the decision to be public.
so get a grip.
and while the music is commercial- perhaps
later on the rock-boy-band will make
some good use of their talent. just look on john mayer.
HotChelleRae wiki highlights circa 2010:
-band signs to major label via parents industry contacts.
-band spends $100k and 3 months recording 5 song EP in L.A. with B-list producer.
-Jive enthusiastically releases EP to 'raise awareness' about the band. EP sells for $5.99 on an endcap at Best Buy.
-lead track from EP lands on a national television marketing campaign for a new Coca-Cola product
-band tours the southeast (in a tour bus) opening for Butch Walker, and everywhere else with a handful of major label bands nobody has ever heard (of).
-with a $250k budget, band begins recording full length debut in L.A. with an A-list producer.
-A&R guy is not thrilled with the daily board mixes.
-band reluctantly agrees to work with hip L.A. pop songwriter
-after recording for 5 months, band 'takes some time off' from the studio with the record '80% done'.
-label department heads quietly lose enthusiasm for band after watching underattended show at SXSW
-bass player gets a gig touring with Butch Walker, but swears he's not quitting the band.
-with label funds dwindling, band returns home to do overdubs at father's home studio.
-A&R guy is fired.
-bass player officially quits to join Paramore, playing keys
-rest of band gets new haircuts and a wardrobe makeover; each picks up gigs with various christian bands, making decent money
-bands attorneys can't wrestle away the masters for the record from Jive, who has an iron-clad contract
-the band's full length debut, 95% done after $400k spent, remains unreleased
please tracy,
stop mentioning the hardness or non-hardness
of your "boners" for certain bands.
it's a real "turn off".
Sincerely, a friend.
i think the guy in the white jacket is the cute one. and he has the best haircut too.
marty mcfly:
that was the funniest comment ive ever read. really.
i don't care anything about this band enough to even go listen to it, but that was really funny.
i really can't stop laughing. nice detailed forecast.
your allllllllllllllll stuuuuuuupppiiiddd nasvhillle sceneeeeee loserrrsssssssssssss
I have never read something writtin by a more insignificant, and disposable author. I have despised anything I have read in the scene ever since they published an article on an event THEY themselves were sponsoring...Next Big Nashville. They bashed each and every Main Event band, when they should've been singing the praises of everyone of them for giving them something to have a festival about! Luna Halo, The Hollywood Kills, The Pink Spiders. If they suck, they wouldn't have been on that show, with that crowd!
Tracy Moore is an idiot. GET LAID! no boners over ANY bands with dudes in them please. it's scary. also, take a hint. to mention signing a band because of haircuts is very obviously a lighthearted joke.
Wowwwwww this "Nashville Scene" writer is so shitty and soooo typical....I agree with john above I have never read and article in this magazine that is good! Its a bunch of either frustrated artists who thrive on indy shit rock or 2 year college drop-out journalists.
Stop pissing on everything in nashville you cunts.
Marty Mcfly you have no life at all...that had to take a good 45 mintues to write....who the fuck are you anyway?
Hot Chelle Rae is the first band in the 3 years of living in nashville that is worth anything.
its interesting that, in nashville, if u look like u take a shower once in a while u get smashed and criticized.
these guys are awesome.
fuck lame ass nashville southern rock KOL rip offs.. thats all the BS thats here its nice to hear somthing good.
First of all, let me say, I would generally appreciate anyones view or opinion, on any band or artist, but this is no review, it is simply an attack of the physicality and fashion choices of the bands members? Are you serious?
If you had done any research, whatsoever, on this band, or the members of this band, you would know what remarkable, talented musicians and writers they all are. However, as far as major labels and the top 40 music scene goes, marketability is a key factor to success. Hot Chelle Rae are one of the few bands I've seen and heard that are able to deliver from a marketing standpoint and musical standpoint. Rock on boys.
It's pretty sad when you have to stoop to writing articles attacking the way a band looks rather then actually reviewing their music. This is NASHVILLE, write about music...you've got plenty of options. Like Meghan said, had you have done any legit research on Hot Chelle Rae you would discover how hard they've all worked over the past several years. They aren't some record label created band. And having been to several of their shows, I can tell you, they know how to rock and they know how to put on a show. On stage, these guys exude pure talent and could easily convince everyone in the room that they're pure blooded rock stars. Off stage they're incredibly down to earth, humble, genuine guys. There's no doubt in my mind that they're going to have a huge fan base because of this. So please stop picking on a band just because their record label was quoted as making a light hearted joke while announcing their excitement about signing them.
I am not affliated with the Nashville Scene.
I have met a few of these guys and they were nice people, not nearly as douchey as this photo might suggest. However, their music is predictable, safe, and fairly mediocre at best. Which is perfect if mainstream success is on your to-do list!
I don't agree with much of what the Scene touts as 'great' (they like gimicks here), but I agree with their assesment of HCR. There's nothing original or groundbreaking about this music. It's very formulaic and very "now."
Finally, Miss E, what the hell is a 'pure blooded rock star?' Is that someone who's parents are in the biz? Yet another strike against credibility I'm afraid, but a great asset if you want to end up like SafetySuit!
At first glance I was skeptical of HCR, one of my friends said they were amazing. So I went to their site and listened to a couple of the songs. After listening I came to the conclusion that they have such a fresh new sound that is being intigrated into the world of music. While bringing back the classic rock sound from the Legends and still maintaining the enticing youth that they exude. Now my one reservation was whether their showmenship would equal their eclectic sound. so when i went to see them they suprised me in every way and I am fully convinced that this will be a band to beat. They have an eloquence and presence on stage like no other and I encourage all of you to see for yourself. Obviously Jive saw these same qualities. I hope the best for them!
If you have actually LISTENED to Hot Chelle Rae you would know that their music is hot honest to god rock. Speaking from someone who has been going to their shows since their days as "Miracle Drug" they have come a long way. They have never just played to get signed produce tons of low quality/high quantity of albums. Loving what they do is their motivation. If any of you ever have the chance go to one of their shows and then tell me that they are bad or "commercial."
Those of you who have attacked their haircuts and fashion sense --GO LOOK AT A FUCKING FASHION MAGAZINE. I dont know what kind of white trash that you're used to but that is something that HCR is NOT.
These guys are amazing and are passionate about what they do. Watching them play at 12th and Porter in Nashville on Dec. 4th I realized just how far they have come. People dancing and screaming for more--it was beautiful.
Whoever wrote this-I dont know what your deal is. I don't know if you're just jealous because these guys are actually talented and you're just a no-talent wannabe who hasn't made it. You should seriously consider making your "Music" criticism about MUSIC and not your personal oppinion of today's fashions.
P.S. If these guys had used their "daddy's" connections, they would have been signed years ago. Instead, they have worked hard writing songs and building up a Nashville reputation and playing tons of shows. The final and well earned success of these boys is not because their parents have a few numbers, it's because they have worked their asses off!
ROCK ON BOYS!!!!
"HotChelleRae's intrinsic swagger and dominance belie their youth, but that's the only misleading bit about this Nashville four-piece. They are honest to goodness rock and roll at its finest--ripe and arrogant, sweating with tangible promise that hangs in the air at their live shows. Posh arrangements featuring refreshingly tasteful guitar, sly lyrics and a 20-year-old lead singer dripping with charisma leave you knowing that these guys will end up somewhere--everywhere. " -BMI.com
^ That is a real fucking review. Block the projectile bullshit coming from your mouth.
Tracy, I'm sorry that you are having to critisize people on a damn blog site, but if that is the way you choose to live YOUR life than that's fine by me, and everyone else. Your oppinions don't matter because you're not the one signing them,and you don't even have to listen to them. but- I would watch what you say because these boys are going to be EVERYWHERE. Get used to it.
Maybe you should take a look at yourself before you judge others.
:)-DDC&OJC
ROCK ON BOYS!!
Dear "Dakotadc-Lyvjc",
That is not a "real fucking review". It's a peice of PR wtitten by a company that has a vested interest in the financial success of the band. If HCR make money, BMI makes money - not exactly the most impartial of motherfuckers, frankly.
"today's fashions"
LOL
"Jive... qualities."
*JIVE AND QUALITY IS LIKE OIL AND WATER
"GO LOOK AT A FUCKING FASHION MAGAZINE"
*DO YOU OWN ANY FASHION MAGAZAZINES THAT ARENT FROM 2004?
"could easily convince everyone in the room that they're pure blooded rock stars"
THEY ARENT CONVINCING ANYONE HERE.
"That is a real fucking review. Block the projectile bullshit coming from your mouth."
OMG, WHERE TO START?
IF YOU BELIEVE COOPERATE CUT N PASTE HYPE PLS JUST KILL YOURSELF NOW. NO ONE WILL MISS YOU. KARMA IS HIPPIE BOLOGNA AND THERE IS NO GOD.
PS- I WOULD GUESS EVERY GIRL THAT POSTED IN FAVOR OF THIS GARBAGE CANT DRESS AND IS UGLY AS SHIT. UGLY GIRLS LOVE BUTTROCK. IT'S LIKE A MAGNET FOR BAGGERS. SWEAR TO GOD YALL.
RESPOND IN ALLCAPS ONLY PLS
I get newsletters featuring bands like this every month from BMI, which is a PERFORMING RIGHTS ORGANIZATION, not a music magazine. Usually the rest of the newsletter is about how many records Kanye West has sold and what Babyface(!) is up to these days. Credible.
So, Sean, go back to not knowing anything about music, because joe jonas is here to set things straight.
Hey Tracy how does it feel to get Ass Raped you piece of shit? Isnt Tracy a girls name?
ROCK ON HCR!!!!!!!! You guys are going to be the next big thing!
Ben Th3Plague I agree with you on everything you said except I recently found out it was a woman. Sorry to tell you that but its ok She must of had a sex change or something.
It turns out your choice of anonymous names was incredibly prescient, Ben Th3 Plague. You have succeeded in making me sick and reaffirming the Greater Internet Fuckwad Theory. And by the way, how can anyone stick up for HCR? One look at that picture and I can predict to a certainty that they're guilty of all kinds of shaggy hipster douchebaggery, and are the type of prancing, hip-to-death music that I'll never listen to.
No hipness at the HCR camp, that's for sure dude. But you were dead on with the douchebaggery.
Damn we've gotten a shit ton of comments on this. I'm a believer in freedom of speech, everyones opinions and all. So spend as much time as you like talking us up, or just talking shit. It's all for the fun of people having something to be entertained by. And if anyone is ACTUALLY angry... It's ok, you'll get an iPhone one day!
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