When does it become a gimmick?
Last year when indie rock duo Wye Oak (then known as Monarch) came to record a Baltimore Unsigned session, drummer Andy Stack was leery of me talking about his talents.
Since singer/guitarist Jenn Wasner is Wye Oak's only other member, Stack pulls double duty live.
He covers the drums with one hand and two feet while playing bass on a small keyboard to his left.
Stack didn't want me discussing this on air because he thought it took away from their music.
He thought it felt too gimmicky.
I disagree. I think someone like Stack can be recognized for his talents without it becoming a gimmick.
But it raises a good point. Where do you draw the line?
Here's a video of Stack playing the drum/bass parts to the song "Warning."
Erik Maza is a features reporter at the Baltimore Sun. He writes for several sections of the Sun paper and contributes weekly columns on music and nightlife. He also writes and edits the Midnight Sun blog. He often covers entertainment, business, and the business of entertainment. Occasionally, he writes about Four Loko, The Block, the liquor board, and those who practice "
Comments
I don't think it's gimmicky at all. Giant Drag had the same setup, and if anything it only impresses more.
That being said, live i really think the band could benefit from the addition of another person. Maybe even just a cello player...which i love on the album, but isn't there live.
Posted by: ryan97ou | March 28, 2008 10:19 AM
When it gives fodder to lazy reporters for blog posts?
"Gimmick" implies that the artist is doing something superfluous to get attention.
Posted by: gofreescout | March 28, 2008 12:25 PM
When it provides fodder for the blog posts of lazy reporters? (Who censor their comments, perhaps? If not, excuse the double post.)
A "gimmick" is something superfluous designed to attract extra attention.
Posted by: gofreescout | March 28, 2008 3:31 PM
He never implied that it might be a gimmick, the artist himself was concerned with seeming gimmicky.
Posted by: Evan | March 28, 2008 5:09 PM
Kenny Liner of The Bridge plays mandolin and beatboxes at the same time...I don't see that as gimicky either!
Posted by: (Bowling) Ben | March 28, 2008 8:18 PM
Ryan, are you covering Wye Oak's G-Spot show April 10?
Posted by: Sam Sessa | March 30, 2008 12:27 PM
I've seen Wye Oak/Monarch about 4-5 times and it wasn't until the last time that I finally saw that Andy plays the keyboard while drumming.
I don't see how that can be thought of as a gimmick, especially considering it's gotta be hard as hell to do.
Posted by: Jeff | April 2, 2008 3:49 PM