Open Letter to New York's Music Press

Hi.

I wrote a letter today, in reaction to an ARTICLE I read in New York Magazine.

I don't really think it's going to make much impact, but I had something I needed to get off my chest.

What do you think?

If you have an opinion one way or another, I encourage you to write to comments@nymag.com and let them know, just like I did.

Anyway....

Here it is:

To Whom It May (or may not) Concern,

I noticed your cover story about Brooklyn's music scene. Sure, it's in-depth article, but it is extremely one-dimensional....which is something that the music scene in NYC is definitely not.

I think your coverage of what you call the "New York Rock Scene", as you call it, is limited at best, to Indie Rock, and the like.

I have nothing against that genre of music, and know that there's a lot of talent there.

That said, there is more to life than just one thing. Variety, as they say is the spice of life....and really, that's what life in the city is all about, for my money (or lack thereof).

There are lots of great bands in NYC (whether it be Manhattan or Brooklyn), playing classic American Rock N' Roll, Hard Rock, Metal, Punk, and various fusions thereof, that are thriving in NYC right now, and have for years. These bands are fresh, enthusiastic, work hard, and are very inspired and talented. Some of them also have large followings and sell out a lot of shows in and out of the city. And they don't make any more money than the bands you cover, and are taking just as many "risks" for their craft and the love of their music. Trust me...I know.

For some reason, most of the press in this town has chosen to all but ignore them.

Music in whatever form, is supposed to be about inspiration and expression. Trends come and go, and sometimes happen synonymously. This year's "old hat" is next year's "next big thing." You, as critics, I think, owe it to yourselves, and to your readers, to be a little bit more open-minded to what's going on with music in this great city of ours.

Try something different, and maybe check out a Rock N' Roll show at Trash Bar (a great Brooklyn Rock N' Roll venue that's been around for years, and deserves mentioning in any article about music in Brooklyn) sometime, or countless venues in Manhattan. I think you'll be glad you did.

If you need recommendations, I'd be more than happy to oblige you.

Thanks for your time,

Marty E.
The Dirty Pearls