And not for me to drag this out any further. I started this thread. Ford isn't exploiting Juan in the sense of not paying him. I'm sure he'll be paid handsomely. Techno will survive Ford.
Ford commercial aside, there are two cultures in the US -- Mass consumer culture -- designed and manufactured to serve the financial needs of stockholders, and the real culture and commerce that arises from human interactions. Contrast a Walmart and a Sunday Flea Market and you'll see the distinction I'm making. I believe art is impossible in mass consumer culture. The goals of consumer culture and art are incompatible. Art seeks to communicate the unique and idiosyncratic, and consumer culture seeks to standardize and enforce the status quo. This doesn't mean that musicians can't make good art and still get paid. A lot of money comes out of underground dance music, and some people are getting, if not rich, at least comfortable from it. But the whole decentralized DIY ethic of dance music exists almost entirely outside the major label system. The worldwide network of independent distributors, labels, specialty vinyl record shops, clubs, etc. If Ford, or whomever, decides to license tracks, I do not blame people for taking the money. Who knows, maybe the Focus commercial will spur a few people to actually seek out Juan's music. THAT'S FINE BY ME. What bothers me is the feeling that they're appropriating something for commercial reasons, with no concern for the cultural context and artistic history involved. I feel the same way about acts like Deep Forest, who have made huge bank by exploiting the music of Pygmies. kent williams -- [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://jump.to/cornwarning -- Iowa's First Techno Record Label http://www.mp3.com/chaircrusher -- tunes
