Interview with Michelle (i Hate The 90s)

Bandmo interviews Michelle (i Hate The 90s) from http://ihatethe90s.blogspot.com

Introduce yourself to our readers. Who are you and what is your background?
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My name is Michelle and I live in Pensacola, Florida. I currently work in the computer industry. I earned my BA in International Studies and went on to study Spanish and travel Europe for a few months back in 1991.

What relation do you have with music (past-time, passion, a business)?
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Music is definitely a past-time for me as well as a deep passion. I can’t get enough of music and always want to hear more. I played in a few bands back in the 90’s at local clubs and had great experiences. Bars where new bands came to town were my favorite places to hang out where I saw and met numerous bands such as Green Day and Everclear, just to name a few.
I was also a college radio DJ and music director and had a wonderful and memorable opportunity to experience as much new music as possible and meet some great bands.
Business-wise, music is absent in my life but the passion of it makes up for the loss.
I currently am running a new internet streamed radio station called I Hate the 90s College Radio, where I am trying to emulate college radio that you would have heard back in the 90’s, sans the monotone DJs. It’s located here: http://myradiostream.com/ihatethe90s

I also run the blog I Hate the 90s which focuses on alternative/college radio bands that were playing and producing records back in the 1990’s. I feel it’s important to remember the past and sometimes soak in the nostalgia it brings, and I try to evoke that from my blog. One thing that I think is humorous is that I am often taken for a guy so I’m called dude, buddy, mate, and man. I get a kick out of it. LOL This brings me to believe there aren’t enough female music bloggers out there. Hopefully that will change in the future. There’s room for all out there in blogging land.

What do you think of the current state of music?
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I’m pretty picky about new music and am always looking for some new bands to dig. I do believe there are a lot of bands today that tend to have the same sound as many other bands. Others might contend that 90’s bands also had some of the same type sounds and I can agree with that. It’s always going to be that way when trends are grasped and followed. But what makes bands rise above others with my ear is something that will really grab me and blow my hair back! Anything that has a good beat and great guitar are good enough for me.
Some current bands I really enjoy listening to loud are Guyana Punch Line, Isis, Battles, Pelican, Fuck U Is My Name, Trend and Lavodrama.

Where do you think it’s heading?
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Music is always evolving and goes through trends but I have to say I’m a little pessimistic that many of these currently popular bands probably won’t have staying power.
I hope that we bloggers will continue to play a big part in helping people discover new and old music as well. There are so many ways to access music now through different mediums that it can be overwhelming, but in a way fascinating as well. We’re surrounded by innumerous electronic gadgets that are convenient to carry around and enable access to our favorite music at any time.
Compact discs, I believe, are on the way out. Vinyl has been making a huge comeback, however, even though it is relatively more expensive than CDs. People are still collecting vinyl and enjoying music through a very old medium that’s been with us since the early 1900’s. I find that amazing!

What are your favorite websites to discover new talent, any tips for our readers?
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Occasionally I surf through blogs that offer newer music to try out. Also, Spotify plays a large part in what I hear. But Amazon works well for me by suggesting music to listen to and there are times when I will spend a couple of hours just checking out new bands I’ve never heard of to see if there is something that makes me want to actually listen to the whole album. Once I find some bands, I head over to Spotify and check out the whole album.
I’m still into punk rock and read magazines as well that focus on that genre and MaximumRockNRoll website and MRR Radio helps me keep tabs on my first love, punk.

What role will the internet play in the music industry future?
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Without the internet, music industry will crumble and die a fiery death. Although that’s a bit morbid, I do believe that is what would happen without the internet to bolster production and distribution of music and bands in particular.
We’ve already seen how sites like Spotify, LastFM, and even more obscure Soundcloud can be a boon for bands trying to get out there and sell albums and promote their music. Today, it’s much easier to get your music out there and heard, and that’s beautiful. The web has been a godsend for music. Currently, I’ve personally discovered loads more bands than I ever would have discovered without having access to the internet. And just take a look at Discogs website where you can buy almost any album you’re looking for and even hug nostalgia around the neck.
The music industry is doing well, I think, with the internet. I’m excited to see what more the future will bring for music as a whole.

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Bandmo would like to thank Michelle (i Hate The 90s) for taking the time to participate in this interview. Head to http://ihatethe90s.blogspot.com today.

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