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Rant & Rave by Sean O'Grady (The following letter was sent to the New Music West festival and forwarded to Fast Forward.) Do you really expect me to believe that over 90 per cent of the West's best or most promising music comes from Vancouver and immediate surroundings? This conference reeks of arrogance! If I was a stupid person I would have almost thought that Vancouver has taken over the centre of the universe spot from Toronto. Even they aren't that self-centred. To be honest, when I first read the list of acts (for New Music West) and then received my "Dear Sean" letter, I was a little upset considering I belong to one of the hottest bands in Calgary. We've toured B.C. and Vancouver the last two years, as well as recorded both of our CDs in Vancouver with members of Vancouver-based bands. Not to mention shows with SNFU, JAR, Field Day, Strong Like Tractor, Ocean3, Koark, Removal, Another Joe, Choke and hundreds more. We've always done our best to help Van bands hook up shows in Calgary, Edmonton and Lethbridge, with the same support in return. What really pissed me off was when I saw the hometowns of the bands picked to play: 90-plus bands from Van and area; four from Toronto; three from Calgary; three from Winnipeg; one from Edmonton; one from Saskatchewan. Now that I've read the full list, I don't feel disappointed anymore. I’m almost grateful, to be honest, that we're not taking part in the biggest sham we've ever seen. There are always weasels and snakes in the music biz, but of all places to find them (YOU) I figured a festival and conference in Vancouver to help get some exposure for up-and-coming bands would be free of the politics and bullshit. I am soooo wrong. I guess this festival really does reflect how the biz works. Why don't you do yourself a favour, and everyone else, and pull your heads out of your asses when you decide to put on a festival like this. You really are discouraging to the bands who work hard and are willing to travel long distance and play for free to try and get some exposure. (Sean O’Grady is a member of the Calgary band Hiatus.)

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