Milk It
In most records of the alternative music scene, the 1990s is considered a decade of explosion for this genre. In keeping with that theme, Jim DeRogatis penned a book that drew immediate attention on publication. "Milk It" (De Capo Press 2003) was soon hailed as a "cool book" (Gina Vivinetto, St. Petersburg Times) and a book of truth that pulled no punches (Dave Chamberlain, New City).
His subjects included Kurt Cobain just months before he died, Arrested Development (DeRogatis said this group best "updated" the feeling of Woodstock ‘69), and Pearl Jam. This very brief list of subjects from DeRogatis’ tenure as pop music critic for the Chicago Sun Times does little to show the breadth and depth of the writing this fellow offered in the Alternative Nation decade.
So what is DeRogatis up to now, during this explosion of indie music that includes everything from legitimate rock/alternative groups to single artists who just want someone to listen to them? In 2002 he was still at the Sun Times as pop music critic and hosted a radio show called Sound Opinions. In 2006 he published a book about the Flaming Lips: "Staring At Sound: The True Story of Oklahoma’s Flaming Lips" (Broadway Books 2006). Apparently he still has something to say about the fascinating world of alternative and independent label music. www.jimdero.com
Tags: indie music, indie, independent music, music
With the merge of this style of music in the early 90’s I fully understand why they would refer to it as the decade of explosion for the genre. Kurt Cobain and Nirvana was definately one of those bands that brought this style forward for people and showed that there are many people who wanted this and had been waiting for it for a very long time.
I am personally glad to see that it continued to stick around.
Indie music , independent music , unsigned artists or artists that have signed to independent record lables , all of these terms define the artists or bands that influenced as many people as we could imagine.It was an inspiration to a lot of people which made it seem the most important thing at that moment.Kurt Cobain Nirvana , Soundgarden , Pearl Jam and many more highly appreciated names ,were and still are very exposed to the US market ,even after some of the artists’death ,as they made it through rough times , people found themselves in the lyrics and the life style.When you take real facts of life , random things that you know for sure you are not the only one going through it , it can get you as far as you can see.People love independence and reality.
And yes , it does stick around because big things do not fade away that quickly.
alternative music is one of the kind of music that will surely won’t fade. Nirvana and Kurt Cobain are those who were really popular. and i appreciate this kind of music. i know many people also do. and it is true that this music influenced and affected many people’s lives.
I agree attagirl. i think that they are an inspiration to many aspiring bands and those who wanted this also. they made it in the music industry and until now they are still recognized and remembered. i know that many people are inspired by them and will surely achieve their goals.