Comments on: Local CD Reviews

By: David

David — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:52:12 +0000

Bottom line: don’t send your music out for review if you’re not prepared to hear crticism of it. Any beginner should know this as it has been published in countless musician’s periodicals and music business sources.

Thank you to Illinois Entertainer for being willing to review EVERYTHING YOU RECEIVE, which is nearly impossible to find in any other publication these days, and lets not expect every one of those reviews to be positive.

…and to Josh Rouch, that review was not aimed to hurt anyone or “the scene”. She was simply doing her job and calling it like she heard it – which Scott voulenteered to have done. I understand you were personally offended because someone didn’t share your musical taste (which is ridiculous in and of itself), but attacking Janine’s integrity and ethics as being coporately paid off, an indie scene killer and an art hating facist? Seriously? You’re going to find a lot of people who don’t like you in this world, so my advice is to grow some thicker skin and get over it.

By: J.P.

J.P. — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:50:25 +0000

Kudos to you for being fearless and allowing your music to be reviewed Scott, we all know it is very difficult to create something on your own. That being said, I don’t believe it is right to bully a reviewer into saying something good about your music. I have never heard your music, and am therefore exempt from making an opinion, but as a fellow musician, and sometimes reviewer – the only person you are hurting on this board is yourself. There are two ways you can take criticism – the first is to become defensive, as we’ve already seen you do – the second is to take the good away, and learn from the bad – which would benefit all parties – including the local music scene, which you, I, and the Illinois Entertainer all support. Stay positive, and good things will find you.

By: Josh Rouch

Josh Rouch — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 06:07:07 +0000

I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy Scott Darda’s album Janine Schaults. Now, I realize its your job to be honest, or whatever passes for honesty these days in the music journalism business, but come on. Really? So what if his music doesn’t fit your archetype of what should be. I’m sure some of your readers (assuming you have some) would dig his album. Darda brings enthusiasm and a refreshing sense of chaos to the scene. Reguardless of how you feel though, I know Scott, and I know he will own your bad review and rise above it. So thanks for trying to hurt the Indy music scene out here in Po-dunk Indiana. Great job. Now go listen to the corporate radio-station you probably get your pay-check from you art hating facist. By the way, more people will definitely be posting in support of Darda, BECAUSE WE SUPPORT LOCAL MUSIC! Funny how thats supposed to be your job though….
PEACE!!

By: Scott Darda - Songsmith

Scott Darda - Songsmith — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 15:15:16 +0000

In response to your review of my album:

Now, I don’t mind if someone doesn’t like my music. But, why would you WRITE a negative review about someone’s art, especially if they’re independent of the status quo gobbledy guck that main stream media perpetually forces down throats? What’s wrong with you? You have no idea what it took for me to complete this project. How long did it take you to conjure up such vivid imagery in this review? If local artists weren’t kind enough to take the time to pour their heart out, make an album, assemble a lovely press package, and mail it to your office, you wouldn’t have anything to review! Maybe this job is an outlet for your negative energy. Maybe it makes you feel good putting down these independent artists. Say what you like. But, the next time you write a review, imagine what YOU would want someone to say about YOUR creations.

If you want real honey, Honey, go local. If you want real music, go local.