So there is something I have to get off my chest about the use of the word "Local" to describe artists and in particular myself. Please read all of this and get my meaning before jumping in... No disrespect to Melbournians or Australians is intended.
On a personal tip:
I've been mc'ing since 1992 and learnt my trade originally in the UK but then at global raves and stages. I have never been classed as a "Local" MC in London or the UK, in fact, the term 'local" doesn't even exist there as far as I know, you just have DJ's or MC's (sometimes split into established or up and coming).
When I lived, MC'd and promoted raves in Germany I wasn't classed as German (even though I have german family) as the UK tag does not relate to where I lay my head, it's more about my background, hours spent on the MIC training live, on radio and in the studio. Most importantly (IMO) the UK tag recognises my inbred attitude to and passionate love for drum & bass music.
So now I live in Melbourne (which I love) and some people keep trying to say i'm "local", most of the time with the best intentions - now here's the thing, I'm not and never will be a "Local" as you can't erase 17 years of performing history that has developed into what you see now just because I wake up in the southern hemisphere.
So whats the problem with being called a "Local" anyway?
Obviously the basis of Local is the flip to Internationals who tour here. International is a cool tag, here's why I don't think local is...
I may get shot down in flames, but my perception of the word local is often slightly derogatory, like if your a local you will always be on the 2nd tier, not able to fully compete with true international artists rolling through the raves.
In many cases this is rubbish, there are a stack of DJ's & MC's (who happen to be based in Melbourne) who can easily compete on big stages with the big boys.
As an example; Johnny Hooves B2B Saffire at BBA last saturday - both are signed and released producers on international labels, have played loads of gigs in different places and gave a killer performance on stage that the crowd loved, yet they get called local. In my eyes that wasn't a local set - that was world class.
So why not just call them artists, DJ's or MC's, remove the "local" tag and let them stand or fall by their performance, not their postcode.
Why not get to the club early and stay a bit later to support these artists as they perform alongside the bigger names. Your support will help give them faith to develop, but only support them if they are actually good!
Artists that are born here or move here but are achieving word wide releases, or gigs or recognition deserve a bit of love in this tough music game.
I really want the melbourne scene to keep growing and evolving and will do all i can to make that happen. I hope this post sparks a bit of positive debate about one minor, but IMO important aspect..
What do you lot think?
My names LowQui not Local
