INDEX
Dissolving the Labels: The Evolution of the Pro-Amateur Dichotomy in Indie Music
Goto: People who have jobs separate from their music decide to do only what they like in their music, and I think that is pure and beautiful. They have limited time to get together with their band members because of work and home obligations, so they don’t want to do anything they don’t want to do in that precious time. I sometimes feel the beauty that resides in such things. On the other hand, of course, there is also the goodness that comes from the evil intentions characteristic of pop music, such as struggling to sell well.
Young people are not quitting their jobs unnecessarily anymore, and I feel that more and more of them are grounded. As a musician, I have to think carefully about whether this is a good thing or not.
tami: In terms of “not having to make assumptions,” I feel it is a good thing. I feel that in the past, there was a strong assumption that you had to quit this in order to do this.
Goto: In the past, people used to question whether you were serious about what you were doing or whether you were doing it as a hobby. But you wouldn’t ask someone playing grassroots baseball, “Are you playing baseball if you don’t want to be a pro?” I don’t think people would ask that question. I now think that the terms “professional” and “amateur” themselves should disappear in the indie industry.
tami： That’s right. There is no point in separating them.
Goto: “It doesn’t matter. We do it because we enjoy making music. We do it because we think it enriches our lives. They wonder if it is really a success or happiness to sell out and get caught up in the politics of the music industry and survive there. Of course, there are people who say that is happiness, but I would like to say that it is okay to have a different sense of values.
Goto: Now that we live in an information society, we are able to see the lives of musicians of various styles. In the past, we only saw sensational deaths of rock stars, but now we live in an age where many people disclose their lifestyles. For example, I am sure there are many people who would like to live like Gomi of LOSTAGE. What is quitting or continuing music?) On the other hand, I also admire people like Hosomi of ELLEGARDEN, who seems to be a born rock star. There are many different styles. But in the end, I can never be Gomi or Hosomi, so I have to find my own way.
