Believe me. The irony of discussing THE big award show on an underground record label’s blog isn’t lost on me. However, the 2014 Grammys featured a small handful of important electronic music acts (and otherwise) that undoubtedly influenced the biggest names in dance music. Both Nine Inch Nails and Daft Punk received nominations, with the latter winning two statues.
I flipped on the Grammys for the last few minutes solely to watch Nine Inch Nails’ performance with David Grohl, Lindsey Buckingham, and Queens of the Stone Age. I’m a long time fan of Reznor and company, having just reached twenty years of collecting and (somewhat obsessively) analyzing his work. I don’t love everything Queens of the Stone Age puts out, but I’ve certainly shredded a few car stereo speakers to Songs for the Deaf. CBS’s decision to roll ads and credits during the performance was incredibly tacky. You’re supposed to be honoring the music and musicians, not treating them as background music to a fucking Delta Airlines screener. Lou Reed’s passing was barely a blip on the radar.
It’s time to make a promise to ourselves. It’s time to quit watching the Grammys. Period. We demand better. Of course, we’re all watching an awards show that had Taylor Swift nominated for best album.
We should know better.