To the Editor:
Scott Greer's column (“Vanderbilt must broaden its musical horizons,” April 24) claims Vanderbilt’s music scene is shortsighted because fraternities do not play “indie” music on their lawns. The article then plugs an upcoming Ratatat show at Mercy Lounge. I checked out Ratatat, and enjoyed their music. Regardless, please do not criticize the music community here to advertise your new favorite band.
What I find interesting in Monday’s article is the explanation of the term “indie.” Quoting from the article, “Now when I use the word ‘indie,’ I mean the middle ground between popped collars and hemp necklaces.” The term actually stands for “independent,” meaning a band is not signed by one of the four major record conglomerates: SonyBMG, EMI, Warner Bros. or Universal. While the term “indie” may be stereotyped to include offbeat or alternative-sounding acts, it actually has nothing to do with genre. Independently backed bands are usually less known, though this is not necessarily the case. In fact, Tim McGraw signed to an “indie” label right here in Nashville, and he is as about as big as any country star will ever be. Thus, Greer’s definition of “indie” is misleading.
The truth is, Vanderbilt’s music scene is very healthy. Any given Friday afternoon we can hear everything from classic rock to country, bluegrass, hip-hop, funk, R&B, rap and, yes, the occasional Fergie single. Aside from any Greek notions, the entire Vanderbilt community has a very broad range of well-educated tastes and preferences.
While some claim “Vanderbilt must broaden its musical horizons,” we, in fact, have already done so and continue to do so every year with Commodore Quake and Rites of Spring. In combining well-known crowd pleasers and revenue boosters with up-and-coming lesser-known independent acts, Rites is one of the premier college music festivals in the nation. Most students are unaware of how unique our music culture is; how many other universities allow their student organizations to bring in Ludacris, The Roots, Wolfmother and names like Ben Folds, Hootie and My Morning Jacket? These are just headliners — any independent music lover can find solace in the dozen other bands that come each year.
Yes, I would always encourage students to venture out of the “Vanderbubble” to see some of the great shows Nashville has to offer, but just because everyone at Vandy doesn’t know who is playing at Exit/In next Tuesday, or Ratatat isn’t blaring on a fraternity lawn doesn’t mean our music scene is unhealthy. If you’re hungry for new music, keep an open mind and ear to the great variety of bands Vanderbilt brings in for our student body. We are lucky to have such opportunities.
Brian O’Neil
Junior, Peabody College
