I really hate the term "sell-out." A band who went from being punk, playing good music, to being a commercial, poppy sounding band didn't sell out, they just made a choice to appeal to a different demographic. Every band who makes a serious run at it is aiming to reach a certain level of success or popularity, it all depends on how much they are willing to devote to it. It's no more respectful to be playing small shows in local pubs and bars your entire career than it is to be playing massive stadium shows and selling action figures of the band next to the new CD. It's merely a business choice.
Any band that whines about how other bands sell out, how they will "stay true to their roots," and how they don't care about the money, all the while bashing every successful band out there for being a "sellout" are one of two things, idiots, or liars.
They're idiots for not realizing that the music industry is a business. As soon as you put out a record, you are in that business. You might want to just dabble, you might want to make it your full time job, but don't get up on your high horse calling it integrity that you're not successful.
Or they're liars because they really want all that money, fame, and success, but know they can't get it so they bitch and whine.
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What you've done becomes the judge of what you're going to do -- especially in other people's minds. When you're traveling, you are what you are right there and then. People don't have your past to hold against you. No yesterdays on the road.
William Least Heat Moon, Blue Highways
Your toughest competitor lives in your head. Some days his name is fear, or pain, or gravity. Stomp his ass.
HOOKED ON THE WHITE POWDER
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