In the midst of yet another controversy regarding one Miley Cyrus, I wanted to touch on someth
ing that is more relevant to me.

I am from a place where I have had the priviledge of being exposed to so much local talent. Whether that be an internationally recognized or new Band starting out, I know my deal of bands in the area. I continuously speak of what I think of local musicians. So often, I was suggested to actually write a post regarding a specific issue that is my one pet peeve. The one thing keeping a band going - the fans- are what I also consider one of the worst things.

By listening to different genres and hearing from the fanbases of the bands directly, I have come to have a strong opinion. Three favourite bands of mine include Faber Drive (Mission), Hedley (Abbotsford), and Marianas Trench (Vancouver). Each have released albums that don't sound like the previous. Seeing as I have liked each band from the release of their debut albums (and FD in March 2008), I have heard countless reactions from fans and have formed my own opinions on each Album. What I fail to understand is the perception that fans have.

For Faber Drive, I constantly hear complaints that they don't sound like they do on Seven Second Surgery (2007). I know Seven Second Surgery, canT keEp A SecrEt, and Lost in Paradise by heart. When comparing each of these, I can note similarities immediately. Take SSS compared to CKAS. Due to the release of "G-Get Up and Dance" and "Give Him Up", everybody I spoke with complained that it was completely different than their debut. When listening to the rest of the album, including the single, "You and I Tonight", you can tell that they were staying in touch with what you have heard on the Seven Second Surgery. Upon the release of "Lost in Paradise", I was shocked to hear the same responses. I know the album. The majority of the album is similar to the first with new genres being discovered. I mean, we have rappers being featured and "Candy Store" was just a cute song!

Instead of writing solely about one band, I want to note two popular bands in Canada. First off, Marianas Trench. For every release, fans absolutely rave about the transitions of each album. When comparing Fix Me to Masterpiece Theatre, there is a significant difference between the two. Same with Masterpiece Theatre and Ever After. Yet, no one says anything about the band doing something different and the same people criticize Faber Drive for doing so.

Another example mentioned was Hedley. Hedley's first album was rock/poprock. Their second album was darker, yet concluded with Never Too Late - a very upbeat song! The third, "The Show Must Go" had some darker undertones lyrically and was stadium ready. Finally, "Storms", completed during Mr Tommy Mac's battle with cancer was slower in comparison to previous albums. All are remarkable records. People continue to praise the band for all released without complaint.

If you call yourself a fan of a band, don't criticize them for changing their sound while praising others for doing the same thing. When performing, bands like to be able to have a change in pace. I mean, if you were doing the same material every night, would you want every song to sound the same? No. It needs to be changed up! In addition, modifications and playing with new sounds allow the artist to grow and develop - which means producing more material for fans to listen to!