Dear Brown Bear,

I recently read an interview with Frank Black of the Pixies. He said "We're interested in anything that's going to earn us a fair wage. It's not to say it's not about art, but we made that art fucking 20 years ago. So forget the fucking goddamn art. This ain't about the art anymore. I did the arty farty part. Now it's time to talk about the money. How much do you think we should sell the tickets for? Where do you think we should play? How many shows do you think we should play?"  

After being asked about recording new material with the Pixies, he said:

"It's not my decision, but I'd like it too. Of course I would. Do I seem like I've said anything in the past different? The more I talk about it with guys like you the less likely it is to happen."

I think that he comes off as kind of a dick.  What do you think about this?  Is Frank Black a sell out?

Michael

San Diego, Ca

Answer:

Hello Michael!  Thanks for the question.  I'd like to field this one by saying that I'm a major Pixies fan and I like some of the stuff Frank Black has put out over the years.  They're also from the same University as I am.  That being said, there's a great documentary you can see about the Pixies called LoudQUIETLoud.  Check it out here. 

Skipping all the historical bullshit about the band, I'd say his response was half warranted and half dickheaded.  First off, the reason why people love the Pixies is that the music conveys passion.  The songs are "artsy" sure, but you can tell that when they were created, the creators were psyched on them.  The Pixies were pioneers back in their day.  Now we've got a bloated Frank Black basically saying he'll play the music for a payday.  I went to see them at their first reunion, at UMASS AMHERST.  It was a great show but it didn't feel like I hoped it would.  It was on a huge stage, there was gigantic bright lights and it was obviously the opposite of an intimate performance.  I felt like the passion was lacking big time.  This is similar though, to when I go see other bands who are re-uniting after a long time.  You can tell that the people are getting together after hating on each other for a pay day, and to have a few last days in the sun.

Either way, I'd welcome more music from The Pixies but there's a huge potential for a bum out there.  Fuck what he says, I understand wanting to get paid for your art at some point.. everyone has to eat.  I guess he could have just said it in a nicer way.  Also, if you notice.. he seems somewhat annoyed by the press in the second quote. Bottom line, it's hard to call the guy a sell out when they've been on a major forever.  You know he's trying to make money, I guess just putting it out there honestly somehow makes him look like a dick.  People need to be careful of the tone of their message, unless of course they have Aspberger's.  Then they can't control it or whatever.. and mostly play video games and have no friends.

Thanks for the question.  Hope I answered it sufficiently.