Regarding Rifflandia

[ZACH ATTACK]

Scott and I chatted with her for a bit and smoothed things out. And by that I mean Scott smoothed things out after I got frustrated and walked away because I don't like dealing with drunk teenagers. But regardless she came back for day two, had a fantastic time, and took the time to send Willa an email apologizing for acting the fool.

[KYLESTYLE]

As someone who as on many occasions defended the festival, and Atomique, I'll be the first one to say that this was a really fucking low thing to do. I'm not even sure what they were trying to accomplish other than get a bunch of people to think "Man, Talk's Cheap...those guys are assholes!"

I can understand why Rifflandia would want the mags in Talk's Cheap. Why wouldn't they? It's a record store where people go and talk music. There are a couple bands playing that the average Talk's Cheap may like. And, I can understand Talk's Cheap not being into it. So they said no. And then that should have been the end of it. Who really cares that they didn't want the mag in their store? No one should... it's in 100 other places.

So yes, who ever runs the Facebook page absolutely was out of line, and just all around made a really, really dumb decision. And I do agree Atomique should apologize for it.

One thing I really find frustrating though is the direct like sentiment the festival gets from a lot of people. I just don't really understand it...

I realize my opinions are usually hated here anyways so I'll just play devils advocate for a bit. And full disclosure, maybe I'm biased because I'm playing, but I didn't play the last two years and had a great time.

First off in reference to what Tyler said about CFUV: Rifflandia isn't doing any media passes this year, as they this year are trying having their own crew, and dealing with that. Is CFUV not receiving any general passes at all? Maybe it's trite, but if CFUV is getting so screwed... then why are they letting it happen? CFUV could simply say "No" to advertising, to giving Rifflandia air time, couldn't it?

To what Willa and Tyler said about the line-ups. The first year, the major line-up/couldn't get in problem was at Logan's with Bison. I'm 99% sure as I've heard it from a lot of different people, Bison actually ASKED to play at Logan's as it's something they'd wanted to do for awhile, and considering they had sold out Sugar not too long ago with Black Mountain, it's no surprise it filled up super fast and people couldn't get in. But if Bison were the one's who got Bison Logan's to play why are you mad at the festival? Also, last year, the problem with line-ups was BECAUSE the big bands DIDN'T play at the same time. The biggest problem came when every single person who had just seen Tegan and Sara at Alix Gooldin Hall all tried to get into an already full Market Square to see Mother Mother. I think the idea of being able to see EVERY big band and not having an issue with it, just isn't a reasonable thing to think. I don't think everyone expects this at SXSW, a festival that runs on a rather similar basis. This year I think they've done a much better job of making the big headliners play at the same time to (hopefully) prevent big line-ups like last year. Also I think now because more big bands are playing at the same time, there's more options for someone to go to if they CAN'T get into a certain show. Which is a good thing for sure.

Individual show passes: I think the big reason they don't do this, is how can you tell people who bought a bracelet they can't get into a show because it is too full because of single show passes? I think it's the capacity thing that prevents them from doing this, as I imagine it would create more problems than solve.

Also, not to shit on you Kyle, but if Rifflandia is such a piece of shit, maybe you shouldn't be playing it? But I'm looking forward to your set, anyways!!

Also, I think it's worth remembering Rifflandia is still a baby! Fuck, this is only it's third year. Yes there's been some wrinkles, and probably there will be this year too. SXSW is over 20 years old! It takes time to get it down to a science...

I totally understand if this festival, be it the way it's laid out (Maybe you'd prefer a big giant stage festival like Sasquatch or something..?), or the type of bands it garners (Yup, last year and this year are more on the mainstream side of things, as opposed to the first year which was a bit more "cool" but they lost A LOT of money) is not your thing. But to constantly shit on it and say it's the worst thing ever and blah blah blah I find just really negative for no reason. Sure, It may not be for you, but how many people who are into Rifflandia say "Hardcorefest is a fucking piece of shit!" No one I've ever heard of. (except maybe that crazy punk girl that got kicked out because she was "moshing" weird)

Peter,

I've never thought your opinion wasn't appreciated. In fact, I'm glad you post on here because I personally enjoy many different opinions and view points within a community. Anyway that being said, here goes my defence...

I went to see Bison the first year, but couldn't afford a wrist band to see one show so I had someone sneak me in to see them. That was great and I had no issue with the festival other than that it felt like a form of gentrification - Bison out of East Van, playing shitty bars, all of a sudden you need to pay $65 to see them. Last year I bought a wristband off a friend for $10 and honestly tried to get into shows, but had no luck so I saw ONE show that night I went (it was Bogus Tokus so it was worth $10, but if I had payed $65 I would have been pissed). After seeing Bogus Tokus we tried multiple different venues and everyone was at capacity. Why should I, and others that attended that show, suffer for seeing a smaller band (by not being able to get into other venues afterwards)? This year I went to Sasquatch and I also did not enjoy it, but I went because my girlfriend wanted to and there were some bands I would have liked to see. I found out that festival was not for me and overall did not enjoy it. A few weeks later I decided to go to Calgary's Sled Island festival (very similar layout to Rifflandia, if not almost identical) which was the best decision all summer. I never waited in a line up and was able to see every band I wanted. Honestly, after attending that festival, I was incredibly perplexed as to why Rifflandia was so much worse - in my opinion. Saying Rifflandia is a peace of shit was maybe not the best choice of words. Yes, I think it's a pretty lame excuse for a festival, but maybe not to that degree. I was also going off of that post on their facebook I had just read which made me a little bit angry. I find it confusing that the 'anti-rifflandia' shows and parties are more exciting than actual rifflandia, though I understand I enjoy that experience better than the festival itself (obviously I have different values than the people they're targetting, which is fine).

As for your slight poke at why I'm playing Rifflandia, I don't necessarily think that's fair, but I see where you're coming from. I joined The Sentimentals for fun and I have no say in what shows we play or where we play, I'm just down to play. That has nothing to do with my qualms with the festival itself. I don't consider it my band, It's aaron and sean's band, but I'm happy to play in it. Yeah, I'm excited to see Lee Ranaldo, but again, I would not pay $65+ for a wristband to see him and the other two bands I would see. Honestly (I think I get a wristband for playing it, and if that's true) I doubt I'll even try to get in to see those two other bands because of my experience last year with lineups and capacity. I'm much happier at 'The Good Parties' (not being a dick, that's what they're called).

Also, your response seemed a little heated. I hope you understand I had no intentions to bother you (or insult your band for playing), I simply posted it because I thought it (the status update) was an incredibly unethical move, by whomever the individual involved in Rifflandia's facebook page.

[wolfgang]

First off...did they remove this status update from their facebook page? I can't find it anywhere???

[Jordan f.]

I didn't read any of this thread but....

Talk's Cheap > Rifflandia

[KYLESTYLE]

First off...did they remove this status update from their facebook page? I can't find it anywhere???

I believe so. I could not find it either, and it was posted early this morning on tumblr. I think they realised they're FAIL.

[Peter]

Also, your response seemed a little heated. I hope you understand I had no intentions to bother you (or insult your band for playing), I simply posted it because I thought it (the status update) was an incredibly unethical move, by whomever the individual involved in Rifflandia's facebook page.

No, I never thought it was meant to bother me. And while I agree with you 100% on the Facebook thing, which I realize what this whole thing is about, I just find it frustrating, and a bit perplexing the out-and-out like and DISDAIN for Rifflandia. I mean if it's not your thing, totally cool. It's not for everyone. And Good Party is probably going to be a Good Time. But to just called it a piece of shit, which so many too-cool-for-school do, just really bugs me.

[keith.]

i look forward to rifflandia because of freelandia
last year was so fun. lots of good house shows

[KYLESTYLE]

As I explained, though, Peter, I have a reason for not liking the festival. I attended it and gave it a chance and was still let down. I don't like out of "coolness" if that's what you're getting at. I don't like at all, I just don't like.

[wolfgang]

Hey...thanks to everyone who said nice things about TALK'S CHEAP. It's funny how petty people can be...and how easily some people in this town turn some little thing into a feud. You know how many times I've heard about people boycotting my store since it opened. If it isn't one group of people, it's another...I guess I'm just stepping on too many people's toes with my little store. My biggest beef with Rifflandia has always been that it is a safe and predictable festival...that nobody has gone out of there way to book anything exciting or new....and that it's the same bands playing every other festival in North America this season. I told them they couldn't leave their magazines at my store because there wasn't a single out of town band (that hasn't played here in the past 3 months...or was 30 years past their prime) that I would pay to see or sell in my store. The festival doesn't represent me or what my store is about...or the majority of people that would buy anything there. Simple as that...I don't hang posters for shows that don't need my help promoting it...and I don't need to help distribute programs for a fest I can't get (even somewhat) behind. I just can't believe that I'm the ONLY business owner in town who declined taking them...

[justin]

Is this festival mostly local bands? Does it cater to the punk rock or hardcore community?

Why was it bad the last two years?

It does not, in fact, cater to the punk rock community at all. They have DOA on the bill this year, and the first year Mexican Power Authority played. That's the closest they've come to having any punk.

Dayglo is playing tonight...

[ZACH ATTACK]

My biggest beef with Rifflandia has always been that it is a safe and predictable festival...that nobody has gone out of there way to book anything exciting or new....and that it's the same bands playing every other festival in North America this season.

QFT
This years line up reads like a CBC Radio 3 pod cast. All that's missing is Jian Ghomeshi blowing smoke up everyone's asses.

[Hollow]

Is this festival mostly local bands? Does it cater to the punk rock or hardcore community?

Why was it bad the last two years?

It does not, in fact, cater to the punk rock community at all. They have DOA on the bill this year, and the first year Mexican Power Authority played. That's the closest they've come to having any punk.

Dayglo is playing tonight...

With the aformentioned DOA. Having DOA on the bill feels more like pandering to the punk community than inclusion. Theyre not the focus of Rifflandia this the year. They probably wont be the focus any year. We're an afterthought.

And Pete, none of my anger at Rifflandia is focused at the bands. Only the promoters. Sorry if it came across any other way, that was certainly not my intention. Rifflandia doesnt really interest me, but this is the first time its made me angry.

[ZACH ATTACK]

There's a handful of other punk bands playing, mostly locals. But they're also the same bands that play every "big" punk show in town. Keg Killers, Class of 1984, Lesbian Fist Magnet, etc. Good for them for playing I guess, but they're inclusion isn't going to introduce anybody to anything new.

[tylerp]

for me it's the organizational approach, not the genres of choice. we already have a hardcore fest, right? I mean they are trying to copy the various other "indie" festivals happening in different cities and they do that pretty well. you know, the kinds of bands that would be in exclaim magazine. but even for that, they are very, as tiemen put it, "safe". nothing too exciting or interesting, though I would love to see lee ranaldo, my guilty pleasure of hot hot heat, twin crystals, and a couple others. but yeah... looking at the lineup, most bands have been here pretty recently.

[age of quarrel]

I knew nothing about this fest until i heard about the talks cheap fiasco. I would have been indifferent towards the fest if they werent fucking babies.
stores that sell hardcore records>festivals organized by cry babies



also, i am going to be in town this weekend and hope to finally check out talks cheap

[Jordan f.]

also, i am going to be in town this weekend and hope to finally check out talks cheap

hollar at me dude

[age of quarrel]

also, i am going to be in town this weekend and hope to finally check out talks cheap

hollar at me dude

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

[Hollow]

also, i am going to be in town this weekend and hope to finally check out talks cheap

YO!

[dalamar501]

lame move on rifflandia's part.

I went the first year. Got a free pass from CFUV (they supplied passes to the Staff the first two years, this year they only gave passes to be given away)

I enjoyed the few shows i went to. Didn't go to many as well i think i was pretty busy that week. Did see Man Man and was stoked. Also got to meet up with Dev, Peej, Aidan as they were discussing some band that was to become Vegan Holocaust!

2nd year i didn't get a pass. would have loved one to see black mountain and a few others.


basically besides not able to get this model down (which works in other cities like sled island in calgary) i enjoy the acts they bring to town most years. There are always a few i would want to see this year being: Dodos, Lee Ranaldo, Frog Eyes, Forestry, Aesop Rock, a few others.


Maybe one year they will have it down. or maybe atomique needs to reevaluate how they do this fest. Sled Island is curated by a band(s) and one person. Fucked Up was one of the bands that picked artists for Sled Island this past year.

[keith.]

black mountain played the first year
pink mountaintops played the second year***

Sled Island is only 1 year older than Rifflandia isnt it? pretty hard to see Rifflandia at the state SledIsland was last year...