The shredders at Metal Injection have done it again, bringing you the finest metal content to feast upon. They have undertaken their largest production to date by attending and covering the 2010 National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) show in Anaheim California.
NAMM, the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), commonly called NAMM in reference to the organization's popular NAMM trade shows, is the not-for-profit association that unifies, leads and strengthens the $17 billion global music products industry. Our association—and our trade shows—serve as a hub for people wanting to seek out the newest innovations in musical products, recording technology, sound and lighting—everything you need to enhance and grow your business, presentation or event! Founded more than a century ago, NAMM proudly represents a worldwide community of people who are passionate about what they do and provides them with the tools, learning and business environment they need to do it.
Obviously, my posts have been sparse the last few weeks due to my commitment to studying for the GMAT, but in an effort to still deliver you the finest material for your reading and viewing pleasure I plan on bastardizing a few of Metal Injection's webisodes documenting this fine event. NAMM not only sounds cool, it embodies of few of the things I am passionate about; music and the innovation and entrepreneurship that fuel the music industry. Whether it is creating new products or new ways to fuel your brand this event gives the lowly commoner an all access look into the real music industry vice the bubblegum pop antics displayed on MTV when they actually decide to play music. So enjoy my recycled post and hopefully I can begin dedicating a bit more time to post again shortly.
A group of 50 year old Canadian 80's thrash metal has beens tour Europe to play for whopping crowds of 174 people on a good night fully convinced that they are going to make their big splash in the music industry. It doesn't sound like the storyline of a highly acclaimed documentary, but that is exactly what Anvil: The Story of Anvil is. I wrote a post on the phenomenon that is the Anvil movie back when momentum was really starting to build around the film. At the time I really wanted to see the film but never made it to an indie theater where the movie was playing. Luckily my parents, who loved the film by the way, bought it for me on DVD for Christmas this year. I watched the film last night and was amazed at how good it was. I will admit that I can relate in many ways to the guys in the film. I have been really passionate about metal my entire life. In high school my band Mask of Sanity used to play shows for 15 people most of which were high school girls that thought Good Charlotte was heavy. Needless to say we received all but rave reviews. I also grew up playing hockey in Portland which was anything but a hockey hotbed. Yet I slugged my way through marathon like van and bus trips across the country and Canada fueled only by my love of the game and my parents love to see me succeed. As you watch the film you can see why I would be so touched by these goofy metalheads and their 30 year plus career through obscurity. However, what really touched me about the film were the lessons that transcend the comedic Spinal Tap-esque backdrop. Everyone can learn something from these guys and if everyone had a little more Anvil in them the world would probably be a bit better off. Here are the things I took away from this inspiring film.
1. Passion - The film shows Steve Kudlow and Robb Reiner's enduring love for the music they love. At times their passion borders on delusional, but I must say there is something really moving about people who so passionately undertake what they love to do. Not only does that passion serve as the catalyst for way they live their own lives, but that passion is infectious to those around them. When you are surrounded by a passionate person you cannot help but feed on that energy. That is why I loved my band and why I loved the game of hockey so much. I was constantly surrounded by people who loved what they were doing. Those who didn't love it didn't last very long. That is the great thing about passion is that it is a self regulating virtue. In order to keep pace with passionate people or within a passionate team/organization you must exude it yourself. People would rather be around someone who oozes passion than a talented individual who coasts through what they do. Just watch the film and by the end you feel like you know the guys, like they were buddies you grew up with your whole life. I attribute that feeling to their constant display of intense passion which opens the door for outsiders to see what these guys are really about.
2. Dedication -"It can't get any worse than it is right now. But if it does then at least we know we tried." That is a quote by lead singer Steven "Lips" Kudlow regarding the stage of the band as the film was being created. I thought that quote was great because it gave a glimpse into the bands optimistic nature, but it also showed that they are willing to do whatever it takes to continue to do what they love. I know that my hockey career was filled with plenty of obstacles, sacrifices, and life changing events that often caused me to question whether it was all worth it. But I persevered and remained dedicated because, like Lips, I knew that it was something I loved and over time no matter what happened I would look back fondly upon my journey. I think that is when you know you are truly are dedicated to something. You have an unwavering commitment to something because at the end of the day you would rather persevere hellish experiences doing what you love than suffer through the alternative. Perhaps that says more about optimism than dedication in that you have faith that over time you made the right choice by soldiering on. However, it is that act of soldering on like Anvil that truly embodies dedication.
3. A Lust For Life - There was a point near the end of the film where the band is reflecting on what life is all about and Lips says what it is all about for him. He says that life is all about relationships and the experiences you have. He talks about the most powerful choices are who you share your journey with and what you choose to do on that journey. I loved that! We all face adversity, challenges, and unexpected twists and turns. But one constant theme in happy people's lives is that they are surrounded by other good people on their journey. When you are watching this film you can just see that these guys love to be alive. In fact I think it is much stronger than a love for life; it is a lust for life. They need to feel alive. They crave it like an addiction. It radiates off the screen. I think they maintain that lust for life by keeping their simple philosophy in perspective regarding what they choose to do and more importantly who they choose to do it with.
If you haven't seen this movie then go see it today. Like NOW. You will laugh, you will be shocked, probably be a little touched, and most certainly walk away having learned something. I made the mistake of waiting far too long to see the film that takes a glimpse into a real life happy ending. Don't do the same! I have included a trailer below for those that still need further convincing.
I have been wanting to see this movie for a few months now and it's clips like this that make me want to even more. My parents and brother saw the movie and said it was awesome. They described it as funny and borderline sad how delusional the band is, yet they said it truly was an inspiring movie to see someone who is so passionate, optimistic, and dedicated to their craft. Not only does the film touch on topics explored on BadskiBlog such as optimism, a passion for living, and friendship the movie is all about a metal band.
For those who haven't heard Anvil was at the forefront of the 80's thrash movement and got a touch of spotlight on the Monster's of Rock tour alongside bands like the Scorpions and ACDC. Since then they have toured endlessly in relative obscurity until they ran into an old fan and friend who happened to be a movie maker. The old fan/movie maker was so inspired that they had carried on their childhood promise to live the 'metal life' that he convinced them to do a documentary. And that is how the film came to be.
Here is portion of an interview done on CNN which can be viewed in its entirety here.
CNN: What was the reaction when Sacha came to you and said he wanted to do a documentary on Anvil?
Steve "Lips" Kudlow: I started crying, because it seemed like kismet, as if it was all meant to be this way. And quite honestly, it is. My internal optimism told me this is going to be the most successful thing that's ever happened to me, and perhaps one of the greatest things that's happened to rock music -- the greatest rock documentary that's ever happened.
CNN: Robb?
Robb Reiner: My initial reaction was that this was going to be cool, but I wasn't really sure if anybody would care. After Sundance, I knew that this thing was going to be very successful. ... [It got] standing ovations. At that point, I knew something was coming.
CNN: The film, fairly or unfairly, has been presented as a real-life "Spinal Tap." Is that fair?
Kudlow: It was purposely done.
Reiner: It's fair. What can you say? We're a heavy metal band. My name is Robb Reiner. [The director] is the other Rob Reiner, and Spinal Tap is the fake Anvil.
But, outside of that ... it was a Trojan horse to lead people into this. Realistically, we're not like Spinal Tap, and the movie's nothing like it either. It's a spin that's been created by the media, and we've just been having fun with it.
Hopefully I can see the film soon and write a follow up review for all the metalheads and Badskiblog readers out there.
Another inspiring metal story. Maybe I am the only person that finds an 82 year old metalist inspiring but I love seeing people who are truly passionate about something. This is probably part of the allure to the most watched and viewed events on TV. Most of my favorite things to watch are all about people who are passionate about something. A few samples from the last month or so include the super bowl, the Australian open, the NHL All Start weekend, Flip this House, Plus this guy is my idol so I thought I would post it.
I am starting a new segment that hopefully I can contribute to on a consistent basis; music reviews. I love music. My true passion is metal so I imagine most of my contributions will be geared towards that genre and its sub-genres, but who knows what the future may bring. The band I want to write about is fresh on the scene and truly serves as a breath of fresh air. I am speaking of Sylosis. These guys come to us from the land of forgotten bands the UK. It seems like it has been so long since I actually liked a band from the UK so it was a treat to get my hands on their stuff. I cannot take credit for their discovery. Those accolades must be directed towards my little brother who is the Lewis and Clark of metal, as it seems that every badass band I find comes courtesy of him.
Their debut full length Conclusion of an Age is one of those albums that truly sets the bar high for this young talent. Some of my best memories as a kid were of putting on cheesy metal shirts over my bowl cut head and taking the bus with my brother and buddy to the mall or to records stores to "live the metal life." Living the metal life basically entailed being in public with an Obituary long sleeve death metal shirt, talking about chicks, talking about metal, and going to 'discover new trues' which were legitimate metalists by the standards we set at the time. What a great time in my life. When I first heard Sylosis the first thing I thought of was how they shredded life, but the second thing I thought of was the glory days living the metal life.
What's the point you ask? Well the point is that my metal life story is synonymous with what this band is all about. These guys have an uncanny ability of bringing back the thrash days of old while incorporating new influences and playing styles. These guys mix master of puppets era Metallica, rust in peace Megadeth, and beneath the remains Sepultura with newer melodic guitar styles and harsh singing of In Flames, All that Remains, Killswitch Engage. Am I saying these guys are better than all those bands....no. But they kick ass and their debut full length shows that they have the potential to be a great band for many years.
If you have a craving for a bowl cut and metal shirts then check these shredders out. They reign!. Check out the posted videos on my blog or look them up on Myspace and spread the word...they deserve it.
