Quote:
Originally Posted by
electic 
When I hear people talk about music nowadays a term that I hear often is "underground", an example would be "Dude these guys are soooo cool, they are so underground". Theres also the word "sell out" that comes six months to a year later, an example would be, " These guys were so good when they were still underground, but they sold out man, I heard a song of theirs on the radio". Some examples of bands that have been described by one or both of these words are: Blink-182, AFI, The Black Eyed Peas, A New Found Glory, Cradle Of filth, Dimmu Borgir, and of course Metallica.
Now my question is this. Does being described as underground give a band instant credibility? Does it mean that because a song of theirs was played on the radio, that they have sold out? Isn't a band's goal to make it big in the music industry? I just find that the use of these words are somewhat moronic in sense, instead of selling out, could it not be a possibility that your favorite band has evolved from what it once was?
Please give me your opinion on this topic, thanks.
I can't speak for any other genres, as I don't listen to any other underground genres other than underground rap, but for me, a person who sells out is a person that loses their message. I have the strong belief that a hiphop artist speaks a deep message. Those who make it to the radio with some sort of club jam are "sell outs". They've stepped away from true hiphop to embrace fame. One should pursue art, not for fame, but rather to expose the truth behind life or to express one's true feelings. Those who make a million dollars talking about "bitches and hos" and braggins about their riches, are sellouts. The sad thing is, this is the only thing the radio plays these days, so radio artist are usually sell outs. Underground artist have separated themselves from the mainstream for those who want to hear the truth. Well, that's just my two cents.
