I'm all about crazy album art, but can we stop exploiting the Romani cultural image? Here are some examples that just drive me crazy. These musicians are using the perceived Romani image as a "stamp" of authenticity. And like it or not, the media and western culture has accepted these artists as the representations of Romani and Balkan Music. Just read the NY Times or any of the hip blogs.The Stereotypical Problem:
When you talk to Europeans about Romani people, usually two things pop into their minds: 1) nomadic musicians that live a bohemic and romantic lifestyle playing where ever the wind takes them 2) Street thieves and beggars. And then, after some thought or if someone that has done a little research about Roma he or she will think: 3) Abject poverty cause by lack of education and culture.
Is this really the whole cultural spectrum of the Romani Culture?
The answer is obviously no. Anyone who is interested in Romani or Balkan culture will discover this as they research the region and discover more of its beauty. But, this is something that most people don't have time for and don't want to commit to time to. And that's okay, but I think we need to be aware of these shortfalls and recognize them for what they are. In a perfect world, bands wouldn't feel the need to put stereotypical images of Roma on their covers (Because their music isn't Balkan nor is it Roma, more like DJ mixed music with Balkan and Roma samples). But I realize these bands want an image that the will instantly associate them with a certain image (Roma and Balkans). And for them, these images are the easiest way get their message across.
Cashing In
Balkan music has become somewhat "cool" in the past couple of years and a lot Americans and Europeans are cashing in with record deals and concerts (Balkan Beat Box, Shantel, Balkan Beats). Now, granted, they aren't exactly Madonna or 50 cent, but they aren't living in abject poverty either. They are acting as the cultural ambassadors to the west; interpreting these Balkan sounds into something that western audiences can understand . . . and charging cover at the door for the translation.
Giving Back
Look. If you are going to sample heavily from Balkan and Romani Musicans and then repeatedly stereotype Romani and their culture for you own personal gains (be money, popularity, hipsterism), then I say you've got to give back. So, maybe you'll keep exploiting the images and sounds of Romani culture for night clubs in Berlin and Paris--and like I said before, that's okay. But give something back. Perhaps a program similar to Patagonia where 1% of revenue goes to charity, every year--regardless of whether they were profitable. This concept has gained momentum and now its got over 700 business involved with the 1% for the Planet environmentalism campaign. I know its hard to be a musician and also champion causes but that's just part of deal. When you take something, you need to give back. Start by forming Romani scholarships or by contributing to already existing ones, like George Soros's Roma Education Fund.
Oh, did I mention that giving back to the community gives you free marketing and also makes you more appealable to a greater market? Think about it. Either stop the blatant I'm-with-the-Romani associations or give some money back to where you are getting your marketing strategies. Its worth it.
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2 comments:
Obviously, you have neither listened to the Balkanbeats compilations, which you picture here, nor do you have any clue about the music business.
Most bands on our BalkanBeats compilations are actually from the Balkans and often of Romani origin. We are purely representing the sound of the region. The artists involved are very happy with us doing this and don't mind at all the imagery we use. What's wrong with brass musicians on the cover of a record featuring brass bands?
The BalkanBeats series has been compiled by Robert Soko, who is a Bosnian to Croat-Serbien parents. Again, pretty much authentic.
Regarding 'cashing in' - as a small record label you take up a high risk releasing someting so special as music from the Balkans on the Western market. Just because you have a Balkan hour blog here, doesn't mean you can hear this music on the radio and watch it on TV. It's still a long way to go. Furthermore, with all this CD burning and illegal downloading around, our margins as a label are very small. We are music enthusiasts, who invest our personal money into this and can be happy, if this is ever returned, not to mention making a profit. The bands on the other hands are being invited to play live in Europe, often solely based on the promotion we made for them featuring them on BalkanBeats. This way they often earn more money with one gig in London or Paris than we earn with the record within a year! There you have our support scheme.
Armin Siebert
Eastblok Music
As is often within the internet world, I am guilty of wanton hyperbole that has obstructed the message that I wanted to discuss. I can understand why my my comments could be upsetting to you and your record company. I apologize. I only meant to use the images as examples of what I wanted to talk about and not by any means degrade you or your record label.
I wanted to discuss this concept of Balkan or Romani Branding to raise awareness about it and also discuss what this means from Western Society and how we can pro-actively address this stereotyping.
So, here are my summarized points without the detracting hyperbole:
- Romani Branding; Accepting that it exists and recognizing that it is stereotyping (branding) and further reflections as to the value of this branding (good/bad, effect on western and Romani society). For instance, is this promoting a positive image (or honest image) of Romani society? Additionally, is this type of branding the only way western society will be able to digest this music?
- Cultural Ambassadors that import/introduce/promote/translate Romani music to the Western markets and whether they have a responsibility to represent romani society to the western culture as well? By claiming the Brand of Romani music, one is representing a band and/or a culture. To what extent does the Music Ambassador become a Cultural Ambassador?
-Mixing a Social Message
When discussing giving back, I was referring to the systematic problems Balkan countries have had with discriminating against their Roma populations. By and large, the musicians that are able to break into a international market earn much more than their fellow Roma peers in their respective countries. It is these Roma communities, from where the Romani musicians come from, that also need help.
Bringing Social Justice Issues into music can be, sometimes, too big and too idealist. But I think it is worth mentioning. Other businesses, such as Patagonia, have been successful using similar models by creating social good and profits.
This is more a social discussion of the digestion of music than a personal attack to particular music labels or artists.
And I promise I'll to limit the hyperbole next time. My apologies.
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