Happy Memorial Day! We want to thank the brave men and women of our armed services who protect our country daily!
We'll be posting up photos from Rock on the Range this week! Stay tuned!
Monday, May 30, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Living With Lions issue statement regarding new album
If you've been living under a rock in the punk world then you've missed out the controversy surrounding Canadian pop punkers, Living With Lions. Their latest release, Holy Shit, has been causing quite a bit a trouble for newly appointed Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
The album which released last week is under scrutiny for offensive album titling and artwork that was funded by the Canadian government art assistance program FACTOR. The Prime Minister has decided to make an example of Living With Lions by instating a motion to cut their artist funding completely.
The issue has drawn a distinct line between extremely conservative political views, and artistic freedom.
Living With Lions have decided to remain true to their art by refusing to alter the album, and instead will payback every cent used to produce the album.
LWL's official statement:
A statement from Vancouver’s Living With Lions, regarding the recent controversy over the artwork to the band’s new album “Holy Shit” (Adeline Records):
The content of our artwork for our new recording was created out of our passion for satire and absurdist humor. The lyrical and musical content of this record does not contain any commentary on religion, nor does it use a pejorative or malicious voice against any particular group of people (excluding possibly some of our ex-girlfriends).
When the idea came up to simply alter the artwork for HOLY SHIT without having to expedite the repayment to FACTOR (The Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings), we chose to entirely return the money so that HOLY SHIT can forever remain true to the original format.
The debate about government funding contributing to potentially controversial art is neither new nor truly resolved; but when the offended public complains, the politicians habitually remind groups like FACTOR, the NEA and the Arts Council that they can pull the plug rather than encourage discourse or scholarly debate.
We would like to thank our fans, friends and family for their continued support. We'd especially like to thank some of our newer fans in the media whose stance(s) on free speech has been really influential:
"Only a fool would think that censoring and gagging someone is equivalent of changing their mind." - Ezra Levant
"I'm a mad believer in free speech and standing up to those who want to stifle free speech and impose standards of expectations." - James Moore
- Living with Lions, May 24th 2011
Who is really to say what is art and what is not? C'mon, don't we all have those "Holy Shit" moments from time to time?
What are your thoughts on this issue? If a government does not define what is "offensive" when it comes to artistic loans, should they be able to censor art after production? Does censorship defeat the purpose of art? Hit us up with your comments and tweets! (@barricadebuzz)
Sunday, May 15, 2011
DC101 Chili Cook Off
This weekend catch Weezer, Seether, Papa Roach, Panic! At the Disco, Neon Trees, Paper Tongues, and Middle Class Rut at the DC 1010 Chili Cook Off at RFK Stadium in Washington DC.
Proceeds benefit the National Kidney Foundation.
For tickets and info visit: http://www.dc101chilicookoff.com
Friday, May 13, 2011
This Weekend at the 9:30 Club
Tonight: Xavier Rudd and Honey Honey
Tomorrow:
The Reverend Horton Heat
and Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band
Sunday:
Lykke Li
and Grimes
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