by Erin P.S. Zimmerman | Feb 10, 2021 | perspective
What to do when you find out your favorite musician is
Racist and/or
Sexist and/or
Homophobic and/or
Transphobic and/or
COVID-denying and/or
A general piece of garbage…
You know that band/musician you loved growing up? The one that speaks to you at any age. The one you’ve seen in concert 10+ times? You’ve gone to festivals for them, you’ve had their posters since you were 8, their music got you through the good AND bad times – including moving to a new city as a kid. You requested a song of theirs and dedicated it to your twin sister at your wedding reception…
If you can’t tell, I have a band that fits this bill. And last week, it came to my attention that at least two of their members have revealed themselves as garbage.
And, I’m not kidding when I say that I have supported them, purchased their music and trivia books and even had lunch with them in high school. #BigFan
But, as of last week, that is no more. And, on top of that, I felt a strong urge to take a few more steps. So, if you are devastated and angry at a revelation that a musician that has had a strong impact in your life up to this point is actually COVID-denier – and more – and you aren’t sure what to do with that rage? How do you reconcile with the fact that you supported that trash for so long? Here’s what I’m doing:
- Sit with the fact that you wish they wouldn’t have said anything at all. It’s there. It’s real. AND it’s a red flag of privilege – that ignorance-is-bliss mentality COULD be easier at times, but isn’t something that many humans can afford, nor is it something to seek out. Easier does NOT equal better – at least in this case. Their saying something out loud may feel like a curse. It’s really a blessing. Because, once you know better, you do better, right?
- In your mind/journal, thank them for everything they brought/were to you/did for you in the before times. Maybe vent into a voice message. Scream into a pillow. All good things must come to an end. Now, get to work.
- Cut ‘em off. All social media follows and purchases.
- Call ‘em out. It’s not enough just to unfollow. Let people know the type of folks they are supporting/following. And, if all you can think with this step is, “WOW, another person promoting cancel culture and trying to silence someone”…read up on what cancel culture really is/means (and, this Times article is from 2019…still very much stands)
- Stop streaming. Even though it’s just pennies per stream – they are benefitting monetarily from you still tuning into their music.
- Count up how much money you’ve paid them over the years – posters, albums, concert tickets, merch, etc. – and demand they pay that in donations/reparations. Not sure what reparations are? Nicole Cardoza of Anti-Racism Daily (subscribe to the daily newsletter AND support their work monetarily), shared the following in the February 1, 2021 version of the newsletter:
“Reparations are necessary for achieving racial equity (Brookings). On an individual level, pay it forward to creators you learn from on social media or organizers in your community. On a local level, find the local or state initiative advocating for reparations and support for their work. In addition, I recommend completing the Reparations Now Tool Kit created by the Movement for Black Lives to create a comprehensive plan.” - That last ask feel like a bit of a stretch? That’s OK. If you have the means, pay those reparations/donations yourself. Installments are fine. Refer to my last point in where to contribute, if you can’t think of anything. (For example: I am contributing to KC Tenants – a multiracial group in my hometown that organizes to ensure everyone has a safe, accessible, and affordable home. I also contribute to Gift KC on a monthly recurring basis).
- Feel like there is a hole in your heart where that music lived? Find some new music – you are in the right place to find independent artists here at imperfect Fifth), and accept that this – like many things and all of 2020 – is a grieving process. You won’t “just get over it”.
Just know that not taking action shows lack of care, and even – dare I say it – complicity?
The world won’t change unless we each take steps – individually and collectively – towards the world we want.
wondering what former favorite band of mine I might be referring to? Hanson. It’s Hanson (find out what led me to this action and rant, here and here). ALSO? Brian Littrell. Fuck em.
by ImperfectFifth | Jun 30, 2020 | performances
On June 24th, Imperfect Fifth hosted our first official variety show with the indelible Cat Call. An idea sparked by Cat Call founder Brittany Brave, we were more than happen to collaborate it into existence with a badass lineup of incredible female voices. We started the evening with some awkward banter from Imperfect Fifth’s Meredith Schneider, followed by a bangin’ comedy set from Brittany Brave. Jillian Riscoe, Kamber, Jessie Hyde, and Lauren LoGrasso followed, with a night of compliments and good feelings all-around. But, truly, we were there for the talent. And not a single beautiful human disappointed.
Keep your eyes on the scroll for everyone’s tip jars. Remember, we’re all out of work to one degree or another right now, so every little bit helps. Feel free to donate to the Imperfect Fifth Tip Jar, and leave a note for which writer/intern/performer you’d like to support. Enjoy the entertainment, and remember to be kind to yourself and others!
P.S. Please take a moment to adore Brittany Brave, who is the object of our featured photo.
Sponsored by EZVisibility.
by Meredith Schneider | May 15, 2020 | performances
We were blessed with the presence of live music from Extra Medium Pony during night 2 of our Cancelled Plans Continued. The bauble lights threw an ambiance unlike any other. Donate directly to Extra Medium Pony through their Paypal with email realimportantmail@gmail.com, or to the Imperfect Fifth Tip Jar.
by Meredith Schneider | Apr 1, 2020 | 5 to 7
Ryan Cassata has dived head first into all things art and creation, especially, it seems, since this whole “social distancing” thing started. But the energy around music for Ryan is all the more palpable when you realize that his new album The Witches Made Me Do It just dropped. AND IT’S PHENOMENAL.
- 0:00 Intro
EZVisibility.com
imperfectfifth.com/merch
- 0:24 Ryan Cassata
- 1:35 Have you found that this time of social distancing has inspired you more or has it brought more distractions?
- 2:40 What’s keeping your head above water right now?
- 3:57 What music is getting you through?
- 4:39 While everyone else is pillaging paper products, what one item would you buy the store out of if given the chance?
- 5:10 What’s your favorite type of Reese’s?
- 5:17 What can you tell our audience about your album that’s dropping? (Just dropped at time published.)
Imperfect Fifth Virtual Tip Jar
by Meredith Schneider | Mar 30, 2020 | 5 to 7
Erik Sanden of Demitasse talks about Skype dates, happy accidents, and missing his writing partner during social distancing. (Hi, Joe Reyes! You’re amazing!)
- 0:00 Intro
EZVisibility.com
imperfectfifth.com/merch
- 0:24 Erik Sanden (Demitasse)
- 1:17 This isn’t your first rodeo together. How did you and Joe come up with the idea for this project?
- 3:06 Have you found that this time has inspired you more, or has it been more distracting for you?
- 7:24 Are you and Joe doing OK being separated like this?
- 7:56 While everyone else is pillaging paper products, what one item would you buy the store out of if given the chance?
- 9:04 Is there anything you’d like to share with the audience?
Imperfect Fifth Virtual Tip Jar
by Meredith Schneider | Mar 25, 2020 | 5 to 7
On Season 3, Episode 2 of The Imperfect Fifth Podcast | The Sofa Sessions, we chat with KP Hawthorn from The HawtThorns (partner duo with Johnny Hawthorn) about rearranging life right now and the incredible live performance opportunities online!
- 0:00 Intro
EZVisibility.com
imperfectfifth.com/merch
- 0:27 – How are you doing right now?
- 2:14 – How are you utilizing social media to keep your community engaged?
- 5:36 – What’s the most statement-making item of clothing or accessory you’re wearing right now?
- 6:40 – What’s some music or some authors you’re going back to to keep yourself in a good headspace?
- 10:12 – Is there anything else you’d like to share with the audience?
Imperfect Fifth Virtual Tip Jar
by Meredith Schneider | Aug 29, 2019 | 5 to 7
Today, we sit down with Ken Kurson from The Lilacs, a Chicago rock band formed in 1990. With their first album release in more than 25 years together, it’s safe to say we had a few questions. Our time together delves into musical influences, live performance, and – of course – unexplainable phenomena.
0:00 Intro
0:11 EZVisibility.com
0:22 Dbl-take.com
0:33 imperfectfifth.com/merch
1:10 Ken Kurson + The Lilacs intro
2:29 Ken’s brother’s musical influence (The Who, Elton John)
4:43 Modern influence (Young The Giant)
5:40 “Monica”
11:50 “My Sister Jane”
17:55 Endure
19:03 “The Very Last Time”
21:50 Supernatural presence
by Meredith Schneider | Mar 7, 2019 | 5 to 7
Today’s conversation is a sit down with songstress Alice Phoebe Lou, whose album Paper Castles is out tomorrow, March 8th. The lead up to this release has proven insane for her, as – since we spoke – Robert Plant opened up for her in Leeds and she recorded a Daytrotter session with Paste. Listen on for more.
0:00 Intro
0:11 EZVisibility.com
0:22. Dbl-take.com
0:33 imperfectfifth.com/merch
0:47 Intro: Alice Phoebe Lou
2:04 Portishead
3:09 South Africa
6:13 “Galaxies”
8:19 Paper Castles
10:25 Upcoming tour
13:14 Psychics
15:43. Self care
18:02. Living in the moment
Paper Castles is out March 8th. Keep up with Alice Phoebe Lou here.