This just in from Grace Potter & the Nocturnals’ Cado Burr: the official band response to former GPN bassist Bryan Dondero’s claims on his blog earlier today. It reads:
Many of the statements made by Bryan about the facts surrounding his leaving the band are inaccurate. Since Bryan left the band, we have accommodated many of his requests for additional compensation which go above and beyond the original contract he, and all band members, signed upon joining GPN. That original contract clearly states all compensation any departing band member will be entitled to upon leaving the band. The additional compensation that we are offering him goes beyond any contractual obligations we have with him and we offered this in the hopes of continuing a positive relationship with someone that we have great respect for. We are surprised and saddened by Bryan’s recent show of public disdain for us, particularly since we believed that an understanding had been reached that was acceptable to everyone. Despite Bryan’s response, we wish him only the best in his future endeavors.
Well, that should just about cover it, right? (Cue chirping crickets)
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Question: Why do y’all think T-Bone Burnett chose to work with Grace? Do you think her sex appeal influenced his decision? I’m pretty sure that dude is all about the THE SONG and THE MUSIC.
As the person who originally made the “chunky” comment that got this discussion derailed through the misinterpretation of context, my thanks to Tyler for getting the true point I was trying to make across:”anytime a musician tries to use sex appeal to sell themselves, it’s cheap. And there’s been a pretty serious, blatant shift in the “image” of Grace and the band since they went to a major label. If you can’t be successful based on talent alone, and you resort to cultivating some superficial image, then find a different career.”The mention that she’s “chunky” was just to accentuate the ridiculousness of the phony posturing and pandering that she’s doing now doing for Hollywood.
Can someone provide the link (or an archive somewhere) of Dondero’s full blog piece?
I don’t really think it matters if you think she’s too “chunky” to fit the sexpot role or plenty hot enough–anytime a musician tries to use sex appeal to sell themselves, it’s cheap. And there’s been a pretty serious, blatant shift in the “image” of Grace and the band since they went to a major label. If you can’t be successful based on talent alone, and you resort to cultivating some superficial image, then find a different career. There are plenty of attractive and talented female musicians who don’t wear super-revealing dresses or focus on taking sexy promo shots or hump their guitars.Also, their music is pretty dull, anyway. Technically sound, yes, and Grace does have a great voice, but I’d rather them not deal so much in blues-rock cliches. Nothing special going on here.
I hear, ya, Ari, and, I respect your perspective. I also really like your name! Thanks for the rousing discussion on a less serious topic. Cheers, James (with penis, but gay, so kind of girly) 😉
I think all this stuff should be between Bryan and the band. But I felt the need to put my foot down when it came to calling a chick “chunky” and “old” – I’m sure many of the female readers out there (anyone?) were also rolling their eyes. There are more constructive ways to criticize.
No. In reality, none of this really matters, not even their music. None of it puts air in our lungs or food in our bellies. And, my penis aside, I definitely didn’t suggest burka wearing. Did I? I’ll have to go back and re-read my post. In the meantime, perhaps you should research some recent and historical Potter comments regarding feminism before dismissing the idea that she perhaps isn’t the most informed or best advocate for women. Does the fact that I’m gay carry any extra weight with you? I ask since you made it clear that my genetalia prohibits me from having a non-bias view on feminism. http://www.grcmc.org/radio/index.php?get_news_items_past_limit=5Check out this link to an interview (a little before 6 mins into the recording). Maybe the sentiments won’t resonate with you…but they did with some of my girl friends who pointed it out to me.
This matters? Really?The funniest part of this whole commentary was this James dude acting like Grace Potter needs to be rocking a Burka to be a “real feminist.” Maybe, since you have a dick and stuff, you’re not really qualified to pass that judgement? Just a thought.
I always comment on man boobs.And, I’m not sure the point is lame or valueless (no, it wasn’t me who made it). I think it was made to call out the fact that if she’s going for the sexed-up superstar role, she doesn’t fit the traditional mold (whether you agree with the traditional mold or not). Our society is hyper focused on aesthetics. It’s disappointing to see Grace playing into that stereotype. Maybe she’s not, though. Maybe she’s playing shows in those outfits to further a secret feminist agenda. I think not, though. And, I’ve long stopped looking to Grace for anything beyond the obvious.
Of course sex plays into it, of course that’s part of her appeal and part of why she’s signed to Hollywood. I just think it’s lame to make decent points about humility/talent/whatever this whole thing is about, and then say “Oh, yeah, and she’s chunky!” as though it adds any value to the conversation.And I’ve been to enough shows and seen my fair share of fat, hairy, sweaty and shirtless male guitarists and drummers to know that the rules don’t really go both ways. “God, that lead singer thinks he’s so great but he sucks. And check out his man-boobs, right?”