I never thought these words would ever come out of my mouth, but they did on the 19th of May 2014. A date for the history books.
Some reading this might wonder why a left wing, "Reality TV" hater would say such words, but it's because of one word.
Peace.
For those unfamiliar with this band, they rose to critical acclaim at the start of 2012 and were relatively well-known by the summer of 2013 after the release of their debut album In Love. They have arguably become one of the most exciting new bands in the UK, leading the up-and-coming music scene from Birmingham.
However, yesterday I was skimming through my endless Twitter timeline and I came across the band's Twitter page, telling their thousands of their indie darlings that they were playing a few songs - including their new single Money - on the popular posh programme. You only had to go on NME's Facebook page to see the mixed reactions:
"Gash sell out shit"
"I don't care if The Beatles are playing, nothing will ever make me watch that shite!"
"It seems odd and maybe as if they are selling out. But actually good for them! We have no top of the pops anymore, bands have got to break into the mainstream somehow"
"Fuck off Selena Jackson" (Ok, that one was in reply to a spammer).
So I decided to watch it anyway. They show started with them playing Lovesick and then Wraith, but mainly in the background whilst the MIC cast argued about who nicked the last caviare ready meal. Then they played Money, a little ironic playing a song about not needing it in front of millionaires, but getting to the point: are they or are they not sell outs?
Of course they aren't.
Sure, they might feel like they sold their soul to the devil, but put yourself in the situation of these four young lads.
You are in a band with your mates and you are making the music because you love the music. Ok, girls and money is a bonus, but you genuinely love making music. Then, one day you get noticed, you get a record deal, you release an album, you have a huge (on the new band scale) fan base and your songs are used on things from Match of the Day to adverts. However, you only have that group of fans who know who you are and like most bands, you wouldn't mind being more famous. Then you get some TV coverage to promote your new single and you get paid handsomely. Where did they sell out?
Peace simply gained some TV time and got paid. At no point did they change their music to suit the weak-minded (you know, that lot that think Mumford and Sons are the 21st century answer to Bob Dylan), but simply earned some money to do what they love doing and mingling with a couple of celebrities. Plus, not all of MIC is bad, I've heard that Proudlock guy is a laugh.
Those who call them sell outs are forgetting that bands hardly make money off CDs these days and playing live is where they make their money. A huge number of people watch Made In Chelsea as well, why not let them hear you if they haven't already? You may gain a few fans and you may make them want to search for other bands. That's a win-win-win.
And to finish, sell outs don't play three free (that's hard to say) shows for their fans. They have a great personality towards music and they don't compromise to appeal to the boring rock fans. Hell, I'd do it to get some money and let everyone know about my band.
So to Harry Koisser and co, Peace x
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