I heard it all the time, cries of how bands “sold out” or “gone commercial.” It is mostly taken out of context. A band release a CD you don’t like and you, with a limited musical vocabulary have to use phrases like “sold out.”

Example, on Youtube for the new Edguy song ‘Ministry of Saints’ (haven’t heard of them? Thought so) there are several comments on how Tobias (singer) went commercial with the songs. Gone commercial? You will never hear this on the radio (at least in North America) with Europe you have a chance, but it is slim. Either way, it will never make the top 40 countdown or whatever.

It’s a shame really, there’s so much unheard music out there and some of it is pretty good. Most people rely on “hit songs” in order to expand their library. Now, apparently once the artist that releases a “hit song” comes out with a new one that’s not a hit, the audience claims he sold out. Ohh how wonderful. A perfect example of this would be Metallica, having already been a popular band, fans of the old shit claim them to have sold out.

Now is selling out really that bad anyways? This is not punk music, music these days isn’t usually about boycotting the company or government. If a band signs to a large record label it shouldn’t be considered a bad thing, though to some it is. Listen, as long as the band continues to produce kick ass music I will still follow them. I do not have any objection to a band making MORE MONEY for them to have BETTER RECORDING, and have BETTER MANAGEMENT, so they could have BETTER TOURS, and CHEAPER PRICES on their CDs.

If the band takes a new direction after signing a contract, and you don’t like it anymore, though luck. If the band truly went a step in the wrong direction it will see it’s mistake and correct it. If they don’t correct it and are selling millions of CDs, then they are CLEARLY doing something right. Don’t blame them for your musical tastes.

In short, selling out is not bad, unless you are a hipster fuck and believe commercialism is evil. If a band “sold out” but can still produce kick ass music that I enjoy I will continue to support them.