One of the fascinating things about music is the subjective process involved in forming listening tastes. It is fascinating the way that music helps to build a life narrative affecting how people make sense of their everyday experience. Music is, in a very real sense, a kind of philosophy. Bands and genres often form an almost tribal following, with clear examples of what genres a part of another tribe. These tribal followings have their own social codes, general frameworks for acting and certain forms of living which are associated with them.

Along this line of thinking, the artists who create music are in some sense philosophers. Ok, they don´t have long beards and write very long books, but they share something of the philosophers spirit. Through reflecting on their life experiences, or simply because of them, they compose an artefact which in some way transmits their vision of how things are; melody and rhythm acting like different shades of colour on a paintbrush, like words on a blank page. Whether it is a chirpy guitar riff, a dazzling drum beat or a soaring piano melody or the mournful lyrics of an ode; it communicates something to the listener. Though the emotional effect of music lacks the precision of verbal expression, it often speaks with much more clarity. Dancing is when the emotional truth of music translates into action. The origin of rhythm may well lie in the steady beat of the heart pumping our around our biological self; in this case, music shares and intimate relation with our very existence. We will finish this contemplative post with a quote:

“Music expresses that which can not be said and on

which it is impossible to be silent”

- Victor Hugo (1802-1885)

New York rapper Immortal Technique takes independent music to a new, revolutionary, level. Techs regard for major Record Labels can be best described as one of contempt. Echoing the move of many artists who wish to exercise control over the content and production of their music, he did not sign with a record label that would alter his  music and fillter his message. This gives him the freedom to say whatever he wants about whoever he wants. His gritty and sober reflection on the realities of Harlem life, social injustice, racism, corporate America, the hypocrisy of western governemnts, religion,  and the manufacturing of consent reflects his belief that Hip-Hop is an emacipatory and critical movement which should question existing power structures, not perpetuate them.

It is interesting the homogenising effects that major labels have on artists with an outspoken anti establishment message, and Immortal Technique is all too aware of this. He has reputedly turned down at least one major record offer. After the initial underground success of Revolutionary vol. 1 (which got him unsigned hype in Source), he released Revolutionary vol. 2 with Viper Records, for which he is executive VP. To date, he has moved over 135,000 units without a major label. Immortal Technique embodies the spirit of the independent music, the reality of his expression is rooted in his experience of the world, and the deliverance of this vision will not be compromised by anything. A profoundly accomplished lyricist and musician, his music is both provocative and engaging. Tech is a prolific activist, and his tireless work ethic is well known.

“I live and breathe Revolution, Rebellion is in my blood and HipHop is the heart that pumps it”

- Immortal technique

Francis and the Lights, a New York based band (whose music is best heard or seen than described – it’s really quite special) did something very intriguing recently. Feeling no pressure to sign to a record label, who may wish to exert external control over their creations, they decided to incorporate themselves into a company. They then raised $100,000 from the normative music company, as an investment. This move was not so much an alternative to signing a record deal, more a way of orientating themselves towards their future development.

The partnership between Normative and Francis and the Light reflects a joint understanding of the place of independent music, and a shared regard for music as an art form not open to compromise. The promise of independent music, says Jake Lodwick, the manager of Normative, is that of “unmolested artistic integrity”. This art begins with a vision, a “spark in the musicians mind” and must be “absolutely realized, irrespective of cost“. Such dedication to a pure aesthetic ideal is surely something to be commended on both sides, especially in the age of mechanical reproduction and the homogenizing effects of the culture industry.

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Billy Salisbury a.k.a The Undercover Hippy is a ruthlessly independent musician originating out of the UK. He creates studio quality music out of his own bedroom, which he showcases and sells from his own personal website. The Undercover Hippy is an inspirational example of how musicians now have the power to make music on their own territory, on their own terms, and in their own way. This creative freedom is reflected in the tone of his music. If you like your music enlightening and dealing with issues facing the world today, while at the same time sounding great, then this guy is right up your street. It´s nice to have a change from the monotonous sensationalist feel good nonsense which they sometimes play on mainstream radio, and this guy fills that void brilliantly. It is difficult to locate The Undercover Hippy within any particular genre, so its best quote the man himself, who describes his music as “Ben Harper meets Mos Def… at a Drum n Bass night… hosted by Delasoul”. Hmmm, that clarifies things…a little. Pressed on the matter, he describes his music as “acoustic jazzy bluesy hip-hop reggae with a drum n bass flavour”. Whatever his music is, it sounds great. Combining pointed and clever lyrics with an almost spiritual acoustic guitar, the emotion and truth in his words pierce deep. His is the kind of music which makes one want to quit their job, grow dreds, become good at something creative, and just chill out. He has recently released a single called “money money money” on vinyl with an independent German label Agogo Records, and we wish him the best of luck. Check him out at www.undercoverhippy.com.