News on the new album!

[Chip]

We just got a little more information to share on the upcoming album, called This Side and named for the title cut. The August 13th release date that's been on Amazon *is* the official date. Everyone associated with the band is very excited, because the new record will showcase Nickel Creek's continuing evolution as a groundbreaking and category-defying band.

And, in a move that will help bring their music to a much wider audience, it will be promoted as much more of a rock/pop record than a bluegrass record. (No bluegrass tunes on the record, and the production and quality of the record is more uptempo, closer to what they've been doing in their live shows.) The cut that they'll be promoting for airplay will be This Side, which, if you haven't heard it in concert yet, is an *amazing* tune that is incredibly radio friendly, and (I think, anyway) has a lot of potential on the pop/rock stations as well as the country/bluegrass stations.


Matt and I haven't heard the new album yet, but my impression is that it won't be so much a departure from NC's previous material as a continuation of the evolution they've made from the Here to There record to the first Sugar Hill release to this one... the band is very excited, and their management and record company are feeling extremely positive about what this new record could do to help bring Nickel Creek's music to a much wider audience.... MTV, maybe??!!

We also heard that Sugar Hill got overwhelmed with responses to the street team request... something like 600 people have asked to participate... so they're gearing up now, but y'all who have applied should just be a little patient :)

The next few months will be a very exciting time for the band and for the fans!! Be sure and tell your friends about this discussion forum, and help spread the word! Let's help to make the upcoming release a huge success!!

[nitejule]

thanks for the update i can't wait to hear some of it........i am just hating this wait!!

[NCroxmysox]

Sounds cool-I can't wait for it to come out:)

[nitejule]

when it comes out i say we plan a party on the boards.........

[LauraJ7713]

Don't get me wrong... I LOVE NICKEL CREEK, and i'm sure to LOVE the new cd and play it too much... but that first message makes it seem like Nickel Creek is selling out. I mean, I know money is definitely a huge issue as far as being a recording artist... you have to survive on something. But it shouldn't always be about getting on TRL and pop radio, right? I kind of dug it that their fans liked bluegrass and had a respect for a unique type of music for their age group. I will love the new cd, I'm sure. But i bet I'll miss their incredible bluegrass. So i guess my point is...Does anyone know why they've decided to drop the b-grass? Love ya'll...
-Laura

[nitejule]

i'm not sure that they will drop BG completely. i mean they are haveing alot to do with the writing and stuff as far as i know. so i think all of us will like it, but i can understand to some why it might seem like they are selling out. and another thing i worry about is......you know how they have a good fan base now, and we can meet them and hang with them after the shows, i have a feeling that the fan base is gonna get HUGE. (not that its a bad thing really) and i still like meetin with them and everything, and if they get TOO big that us fans that have been here from the beginning will not be able to chat with them after the shows. its just something that i would miss.

and with the new popularity will bring more untrue, teenie, and just fans that aren't completely about the music. sorry i vented a little there. hope i didn't offend anyone. if i did i di apologize.

[dollyfan1_1999]

I agree completely with the concerns of the last two replies. The fact that it sounds like NC would be somewhat selling out, in addition the fact that a huge fan base would diminish the intimacy we have shared with them thus far. Also, I think the fact that NC has a unique sound, a mixture/blend of bluegrass, folk, jazz, classical, and pop makes them so great. If they remove one of these elements from their music, then it does change. I hope this will not happen and I hope that NC does not become overexposed and teenie popular as the last reply mentioned.

My personal feeling is that this will not happen. First off, I have seen NC in several interviews defend their unique style of music and how it will NOT be drastically different than their self-titled album, just progressive. Progressive could mean many things though, including more mature, better, and more inclusive. I hope that progressive DOES NOT imply different. In addition, I recall members of NC saying that they do not want to sacrifice their image and music for what is popular and selling such as what we hear on the pop radio stations. With these thoughts in mind and hearing the NC and various solo efforts, where do these notions of drastic change stem from?

I believe the following statement made by Chip has put us into a dither. He stated ...it will be promoted as much more of a rock/pop record than a bluegrass record. (No bluegrass tunes on the record...
FIRST, if I may ask, Chip, where did the word choice of rock/pop record come from and where did you hear this?
SECOND, you stated, no bluegreass tunes, do you mean as in fast bluegrass (ie bill monroe) or do you include folk sounding music in this category of bluegrass? I beg to differ with you if you are claiming that Green and Grey and 7 Wonders (both of which will be on the new album) are not bluegrass/folk. I believe them both to be bluegrass/folk.
THIRD, you state, the production and quality of the record is more uptempo, closer to what they've been doing in their live shows. This is a positive fact, but they also slower paced songs in concert as well. Also, a more uptempo quality still does not imply rock/pop.

If you could clear this up it would be much appreciated by me and many other fans I'm sure. Hopefully this post will spur some discussion!

Nickel Creek kicks butt!!:D

-Greg

[nitejule]

GREG YOU ROCK!!!! i totally agree with you on sooooo many points. i just think that a lot of us are just concerned, and some a little worried. nickel creek are not just great musicians but they are great people on a personal level with some of us. but i don't really know what to think. i'm a little confused at this whole little subject. and would just like to get thing straightened out about all this.

[mandofocus]

I really hope that they don't get such a big fan base that they only talk to the people with backstage or special passes because I am finally going to get to see them at the Sept 6th concert in Jacksonville, Or. I not too worried about the band losing thier style of playing. From what I understand, they like being unclassified due to thier many styles. I think that the cd will be as good if not better than the first.
-PJ-

By the way, no that is not me that is one of my russian friends that I party with.

[tonyfelice]

I have been reading through the posts on this thread and wanted to throw in my two cents here.

I see two paths that are possible here: NC can change their style of music in order to get more airplay on major market country radio and become the next Dixie Chicks or they can build on their existing fan base and become the next Alison Krauss.

The latter is far more likely than the former given what we know about the band, their history together, their personal tastes in music and the people they have collaborated with in the past.

It would take a major reworking for NC to cross over to the mainstream market. Granted they are 3 very attractive young musicians who could definitly pull this off if they wanted to but let's be a little realistic in the possibility of NC getting major airplay. Alison Krauss had a Grammy award winning album in New Favorite and was part of the Grammy award winning O Brother Where Art Thou Soundtrack, yet she still gets very little airplay on country stations. Why?? Because she's TOO COUNTRY for country radio.

My guess is that you'll see NC continue to do what they have been doing and build on it. If they were to be able to capture the Top40 crowd they would be doing a style of music so drastically different from what they are doing now that the majority of us fans here on this board wouldn't be interested in them any longer.

I don't think we have anything to worry about. NC is strongly rooted in their musical style and while they may be progressive and evolutionary I don't think they'll be selling out at all.

[mandoBob]

I agree with Tony here. It seems to me they are wise enough to see the merits in building a career akin to Alison's (or Gillian's for that matter).
I take issue with the selling out talk. They don't claim to be a bluegrass band, yet they obviously have bluegrassy roots. Those roots will never go away. Take for instance Bela Fleck. Amazing bluegrass banjo player, but he spends his time with jazzy/world kinda music these days. Yet in concert and even some recordings he'll do strait-up blow-you-away bluegrass.

[nitejule]

i agree with you guys too. i just have so much to say on this topic that when i try to write something not all of it comes out. and what does may sound wrong. i will like them no matter what, and i feel that i will like their music the same. so i just think theres a little worry and confusion among some of us.

[Chip]

Matt and I discussed, before I posted the message, how many people would start on the Nickel Creek is selling out vibe... because *any* time a band evolves or grows, there's always at least one person who wants everything to stay exactly as it is.

<Disclaimer>
Neither Matt nor I have discussed this issue with any of the band members for several months, and we don't speak for the band or its management in any way. The following is my unofficial babbling.
</Disclaimer>

Nickel Creek, from everything Matt and I (and probably anyone else who knows them) knows, would NEVER sell out themselves or their music for popularity, fame, money, etc. Chris, Sara, and Sean are three of the most ethical, Spirit-focused people I've run into in the music biz.

At the same time, look at what the three of them listen to... among the playlist is Toad the Wet Sprocket, Radiohead, Bob Dylan, and many others. The influences that the band listens to are very diverse, and their music is equally diverse. If you've listened to the music they wrote and performed for Here to There, for the first Sugar Hill album, and what they're playing in their live shows, it's an incredible evolution of three extraordinarily talented and growing musicians.

I don't think that NC could stay the same if they tried. And I don't think they could lose their roots if they tried, either.

The band Green Day cut their chops at a punk club in Berkeley. They created a buzz, got signed, and became enormously popular. Immediately, their Berkeley fans accused them of selling out... but their music hadn't changed, their sensibilities didn't change. The only difference is that their music touched a lot of people, who wanted to see their shows and hear their music... and they became enormously popular. Then, they got older, lost a lot of the teen angst, and their music became more mellow. They didn't change their musical style because their label asked them to... if anything, they probably would have done the opposite, being the Berkeley radical types they are. They changed because they grew as people and as musicians.

Now of course, there's about as much comparable between Green Day and Nickel Creek as their is between, say, Korn and Garth Brooks... but the underlying elements are the same in many ways.

Nickel Creek's current live show has a lot of upbeat, catchy music that *is* pop radio friendly. Sean didn't write This Side to have a pop radio hit... he wrote it because he was influenced by The Matrix and that tune came out. And Chris didn't write Green and Grey thinking Wow, this will get me signed to Warner Brothers... he wrote it because it spoke to something he was feeling at the time.

Now if their management, record company, and publicists can take some incredible tunes and get airplay so that people that might otherwise not listen to music that has its roots in bluegrass tradition will listen and enjoy those tunes, and tell their friends. so that more people can experience Nickel Creek's music and feel the same sort of joy that we fans have felt for several years or more, how is that a bad thing?

One other thought: My personal guess is that the band *will* probably find itself performing for crowds of 2-5000 in the next year or two, rather than for crowds of 100-500 as they have been for the past year. Yes, that means that they may have less time to spend with each fan, and the rigors of the road may make it necessary for them to have some more time to themselves... but I would consider it selfish on the part of individual fans to want Nickel Creek to stay small just so those of us who knew them 2 years ago can still hang out after shows... I'd vote in favor of continuing to help share NC's music and message with our friends and acquaintances so that more people can enjoy their music, and be inspired by their message.

Of course, all of this is just my opinion.

[Chip]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by dollyfan1_1999

FIRST, if I may ask, Chip, where did the word choice of rock/pop record come from and where did you hear this?


Um, that came directly from NC's team. All of the band's team (management, tour management, booking agent, record company, etc) are *totally* in tune with the band's values and beliefs, and my first question in response to the statement about the album being racked as rock/pop was how the band was feeling about that decision. They are totally stoked... it is not at all about management (or record company) dictating what the band will do... as I said elsewhere, NC is very lucky to have complete artistic control over their recordings, something rarely granted to a new artist.



SECOND, you stated, no bluegreass tunes, do you mean as in fast bluegrass (ie bill monroe) or do you include folk sounding music in this category of bluegrass? I beg to differ with you if you are claiming that Green and Grey and 7 Wonders (both of which will be on the new album) are not bluegrass/folk. I believe them both to be bluegrass/folk.

Can't answer that, as I haven't heard the recording. I'm also not claiming anything, just relaying information that was shared with us. I do think, however, that both of the tunes you describe could be categorized as folk or as new/bluegrass, or could also easily fit into the pop genre. That's why I think that NC is really a category-defying band.


THIRD, you state, the production and quality of the record is more uptempo, closer to what they've been doing in their live shows. This is a positive fact, but they also slower paced songs in concert as well. Also, a more uptempo quality still does not imply rock/pop.


Again, these are quotes from those who have been directly involved with the recording, production, and marketing of the record. When we've all heard the recording, we'll all be able to determine if the info we've received matches our experience of what is or isn't pop or bluegrass. But who really cares how it's labeled?

As people who have worked in the industry know, there are some artists that simply don't fit into any category well. Nickel Creek is one of those artists. I really couldn't care less whether somebody calls them bluegrass, folk, pop, rock, or heavy metal for that matter... it's still Nickel Creek, and still the music that we're hearing in their shows, albeit most likely with a degree of polish and production that we may not have heard before.

If calling it pop or rock means that it gets racked in that section, and, as a result, more music stores carry it and more people get to hear it on the radio, that's a good thing. I understand the sellout concern, but in the case of NC, I really believe... and got an email after my first post that confirmed that belief... that we don't need to worry about that.

Those of us who have had a chance to meet/work with/correspond with Chris, Sara or Sean or any of the team that helps them to be successful *knows* that there isn't a worry about the labeling of the music or the band selling out... so I've got a suggestion: Since everyone's opinion as to whether it's a bluegrass record or a rock record or a heavy metal record (NOT) is all conjecture until we hear the album anyway, let's not worry about the labeling, and instead focus on what we can do to help make the album be successful and more people to find out about NC.

[dollyfan1_1999]

Hey again,

Thanks Christy for your compliment! Also, I think Tony said it best w/ his comparison to Alison Krauss, less we forget she produced them again on this album.

I completely agree with your last posting Chip, but you didn't answer the 3 questions I posted earlier.

You prefaced your first post by stating, that you received more information on the album and then went on to make several statements that spawned this discussion. If you could clarify these questions it would help. (again i agree w/ your most recent post)

FIRST, where did this fact come from it will be promoted as much more of a rock/pop record than a bluegrass record?
SECOND, you stated, no bluegreass tunes, do you mean as in fast bluegrass (ie bill monroe) or do you include folk sounding music in this category of bluegrass? I beg to differ with you if you are claiming that Green and Grey and 7 Wonders (both of which will be on the new album) are not bluegrass/folk. I believe them both to be bluegrass/folk.
THIRD, you state, the production and quality of the record is more uptempo, closer to what they've been doing in their live shows. This is a positive fact, but they also still perform slower paced songs in concert as well. Also, a more uptempo quality still does not imply rock/pop.

Thanks!

-Greg

[Chip]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by dollyfan1_1999
Hey again,


I completely agree with your last posting Chip, but you didn't answer the 3 questions I posted earlier.



Sorry, I was catching up on 5 days of email and board moderation responsibilities (I moved over the weekend, and Matt is touring with a musical group and will have only limited access for the next 2 months) and missed your questions... and then I think you were composing your message while I was responding to your earlier message! That's twice today that I've done that!

[dollyfan1_1999]

Hey again,

Chip thanks for clearing things up. You're right, I was comoposing my last email as you were responding to the board. Time lapse hehe.

I think that I, along w/ others get wrapped up around word choice such as rock/pop because we would hate to see Nickel Creek change in drastic ways. I'm all for progress and evolution, that is why I stated in an earlier post that I didn't think based on interviews of them, that they would move away from what they already do best; just do it better and more encompassing of genres at large.

Your absolutely right about your statement, look at what the three of them listen to... among the playlist is Toad the Wet Sprocket, Radiohead, Bob Dylan, because they are rock/pop yet we see NC perform their music and we like it and it becomes NC's music.

I also agree with your statement, When we've all heard the recording, we'll all be able to determine if the info we've received matches our experience of what is or isn't pop or bluegrass. But who really cares how it's labeled? I don't think we care about labels either. They could be called heavy metal for all I care. I think we were just associating rock/pop with the likes of Brittney Spears, N'sync, and BSB. (I'm not trying to bad mouth them) but I do believe that NC is VERY different than that form of rock pop and those words threw us into a tail spin.

So, what it boils down to is, we have nothing to worry about:D

-Greg

[jaceyhomen]

Chip Thanks for taking the time to share with us your great analysis of NC's future. I understand and agree with every word.

NC never insisted they were bluegrass or anything else. As Alison said once....you can't pigeon hole them...their music is simply Nickel Creek music. Where radio or bluegrass mags or the pop/rock genre puts them is their call, not NC's.

As you so wisely reminded us, Sean and Chris do not write music based on its possible sellability in any particular genre. They write music because they are able to, and want to and love to. I don't think it matters to them...and certainly shouldn't matter to us....which market buys their music.

As for the fans agonizing over the emerging possibility that they may no longer be able to make small talk with NC, or shake their hands....good grief. Being a fan means buying their products, spreading the word about their abilities and being thankful that their music is part of your life.

Thanks again for sharing.

[nitejule]

i agree on a lot of things you have said. as far as meeting them i love being able to talk to them about music/shows/etc. they are great people and are one of the FEW bands that meet their fans a lot. i would hate to lose that, but the music IS what comes first. and no matter where their next album happens to fall i will always be a fan :) :D

[matt the fiddler]

gosh- you miss a few days of the thread... and there is millions of stuff to catch up on....

really wish i could keep up with all of these new album things- but chip is doing a great job! i will try to get on occasionally and answer q's if chip hasn't gotten to them yet......


who here is going to be at the chicago creek/ FLECKTONES!!! concert- at ravinia?



matt

[LauraJ7713]

Hey all! Wow this topic took an interesting journey... everyone's points seem equally valid and meaningful. I know we don't really have anything to worry about as far as Nickel Creek losing their awesomeness... sometimes it's just hard to face change/progression/evolution or whatever we're calling it...
So on a different, yet still the same in a progressing-the-discussion sense (;)) note... Does anyone have any ideas on a new title for the genre of Nickel Creek and other similar artists who don't seem to fit well into the category of pop/rock that is home to the likes of Britney Spears and 'N Sync? Included in this newly titled genre would be artists like Nickel Creek, John Mayer, Dave Matthews... etc. I suppose artists in this genre would be characterized as intelligent, posessing great musicianship, and superior song-writing skills. Any ideas??? -Laura

[NickelCreekFan1]

im not even sure how i classify dave matthews:confused: he has alot of acoustic stuff...so at least thats something nickel creek can relate to greatly..maybe a soft rock type? the ballads can be soft rock..but i cant say much for the instrumentals...those tend to be more blugrassy/celtic....

[mandofocus]

DMB? I think that I would classify him into the same catagory as if you were to go have a jam session with you friends. Kinda jazz like. I love his music.
-PJ-

[Chip]

Dave Matthews Band is considered by many in the industry to be a jam band (ala Phish, Leftover Salmon, etc)... but I never felt that the label fit particularly well, and they've evolved a lot... and, to some extent, in an effort to consciously move away from the jam band image. (Not sure why.)

But I do think there are some interesting similarities between DMB and Nickel Creek... and, of course, for those who follow that scene, there's quite a crossover between the jam band scene and the bluegrass scene.

I was a little surprised to pick up a jam band magazine a few months back and find an article on Nickel Creek, and, elsewhere in the same issue, some photos/references to Chris Thile... because I would never have made that connection. But apparently somebody at the magazine did.

And while the sensibilities and spiritual focus of NC are probably pretty dissimilar from the typical jam band, there are definitely some simliar vibes musically... but I think it ends there.

Somehow, I just don't expect to see Chris, Sara and Sean growing dreads and wearing tiedyes any time soon, any more than I can imagine them dressed in sequined outfits rigged to a fly system so they can sail out over their audience's heads while performing :-)

(Sorry if I've offended anyone with stereotypes... I've worked with jam bands and have several friends in that scene, so it's said with humor and love, not with disrespect. )

[LauraJ7713]

Comments accepted with humor...:) i can also see the similarities that you pointed out. Anyone come up with any other labels?

[NCFan4Ever]

NICKEL CREEK? SELL OUT? That's the biggest bunch of crap I've ever heard. I don't care if their next album was produced jointly by Ozzy Osbourne and the Backstreet Boys, I know whatever they turn out is going to be awesome! And it really makes me mad to hear people talk about how they might not get to hang out with Nickel Creek if their album is too successful. I mean, I want NC to get as famous as possible! i want them to earn lots of money, to get hugely popular, and to be played on the radio. THEY DESERVE IT! Not that I'm saying that money and fame is all there is to life, but really, is it not selfish to think that if NC turns out an album that will actually get PLAYED on the radio and CMT, then us die-hard fans might not get to hang out with them as much? I mean really, I love Nickel Creek so much, and it makes me so mad to hear everyone accusing them of selling out before we've even heard the album!! Have a little faith people! And actually, it would be a dream come true for me to one day turn on MTV and hear it infiltrated by such an awesome band as Nickel Creek!!!

[nitejule]

no offense to your or anyone else or to nickel creek. but MTV wouldn't be the best thing for NC. MTV usually makes people and then brakes them. not all of us are worried about NC selling out, we just didn't want their music to change so drastically that it wouldn't be NC. there is no need to be mad at us creeksters. plus alot of us that like to hang with them, well its fun, and we would miss that, not saying thats the only reason why we go see them. we love their music and will love them, its just nice to be able to hang with them and talk to them on a personal level.

[mindy]

i agree nitejule, i think most of us were just concerned that their music would change, but i think they have such strong roots in their music that i don't think we'll have to worry about that. i sure hope to hear them on a radio station near me soon. i don't know why i don't hear them now!! i really hope that this new album does well for them, because i would love to see them get more attention and appreciation for their music. they are extremely talented people and deserve to be recognized. yes, i would definately miss being able to talk with them after a show, but that's not as important as them getting more attention and plus, i just would LOVE to be able to see them again. their shows are awesome!!! Good luck Nickel Creek!!!!!!

[NCFan4Ever]

Shouldn't it be up to the BAND whether they want to change their style or not? I mean, they've been a bluegrass band for 10 years now; I think that it's really cool that they want to move towards a different style and try something new. I mean, one of the things I love best about Nickel Creek is that they're so unique and that every single show I've seen of theirs has been different. I'm so excited to hear the new album...because I know Nickel Creek is so awesome that whatever they put out will blow my mind. I don't consider trying new things as selling out...in fact, it makes me respect them even more because it's almost like they're starting all over. I mean, they know that if they put out another bluegrass album all of their fans will love it. But they have no idea how everyone (including their existing fans and everyone who has never even heard them) will accept the new sound. Not to mention, I really don't even think that This Side will be THAT much of a departure from the way they sound now. I mean, when I think of Nickel Creek, I think fun, young, and one of a kind and I really can't imagine anything they put out wouldn't be just that. Can't we all just wait and give the new album a chance before we all point fingers at them and accuse them of selling out?

[NCFan4Ever]

Just wanted to add that I'm not a pshycho who's going to stalk and kill anyone who says anything negative about Nickel Creek...it might have sounded that way from my last two posts. It's just that Nickel Creek's music has had such a profound effect on my life and I love them so much that I get upset to hear negative things said about them. But everyone has a right to their own opinion...and I'm sure we'll be hearing a LOT more of them come August 13. And if you want to hear my complete views on the subject of that dreaded word sell out...just read Chip's comments way back up there. I COMPLETELY agree with EVERYTHING he said...CHIP YOU'RE AWESOME!

[jaceyhomen]

Melanie Thanks for your posts...I agree completely!

[NCFan4Ever]

thanks...i'm glad someone does! [noise]

[LauraJ7713]

I hope people aren't getting frustrated with the mention of selling out. It was just a good discussion starter. I agree with most of what you're saying about how we'll all love the new cd, and how Nickel Creek has every right to do what they want as a band. BUT, Nickel Creek would tell you, I'm sure, that they really respect their fans and care alot about their opinions. I mean, what's a band without fans, right? It's a band that has no one to play for, and no one to profoundly effect. So i'm sure their fans, and their preferences, were taken into consideration while compiling the new cd. Thats why i'm sure we have nothing to worry about as far as LOVING it. So the only thing i disagree with is thinking that band can and should do whatever they want with blatant disregard for their fans. I'm sure nickel creek knows the kind of sound that their fans listen for and i'm sure they'll provide it. :) Thanks for all the comments, guys! -Laura

[jaceyhomen]

Laura: I'm afraid the band, any band...any actor, musician, artist, opera star....has every right to follow any dream, any artistic path they want. They don't owe us anything.

If they lose their fan base because of different choices...they may lose money. And maybe learn that it wasn't a good idea. But, they may very well gain a new fan base. They may be very successful financially. And they may feel very satisfied personally and professionally with the new path taken.

It's their lives. Their talent, their dreams. They are not ours and if we truly love them and want the best for them...so be it! If their new sound doesn't please us, someone else's sound will. And NC will find new fans.

That's show biz!!

Jacey

[Fiddlechic Erin]

Personally, I was very disappointed to hear that their next album isn't going to be as bluegrassy. But of course, I don't think Nickel Creek falls under any specified genre- they're pretty one-of-a-kind, unique, and have a lot of freedom, so I can't be mad that they're doing something new. I'm only respectful of their choice to try a different perspectitive, a different sound. Everyone's gotta explore sometime... I just hope they won't drop the original Nickel Creek sound completely... [noise]

[Walrus]

This reminds me of the old news footage showing the Beatle fans in liverpool bummed out because the Beatles were moving to London.

Artists grow and change. If they didn't then maybe they are in it only for the money, repeating the same formula over and over.

As Nickel Creek mature, gain life experience, their music will reflect that. That's what makes a career interesting. Look at all the changes the Beatle's music went through. How interesting would it have been if they stayed in the I want to hold your hand phase their entire career?

No doubt Nickel Creek will gain a larger fan base in the coming years. Enjoy them now while you still can hang out with them.
Who knows, Bela Fleck still signs things and talks with his fans.

With four new projects coming out, There should be something for everyone to enjoy.

On their website Chris says he has been listening to Wilco's Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. That's pretty abstract stuff. Maybe they'll go Psychedelic at some point.[eek!!]



Walrus

[jaceyhomen]

Walrus Psychedelic??? EEEEEKKKKK! That might bother even me!

[nitejule]

wow!! i really think this discussion made alot of people think, lol. good and bad things. i just think alot of it is just that thinkin but no matter what happens i feel that all of us will still listen to nickel creek, love them, and support them. after all its what fans are for :)

[alysonluvsNC]

ya know, the fact that sean, sara and chris are christians really is a plus - their music is not only GREAT, but encouraging. i think their music is a great ministry to teens - heck, and even adults!!
i am very inspired by how open they are with their faith. they are such a blessing!!!
i've read a few posts mentioning that NC's music helped them through a bad time - i have had the same experience. and if their new CD is either bluegrass or folk or pop or new age or even rap, i wouldn't give a crap - i would still listen because these musicians have inspired me, comforted me, thrilled me, entertained me and opened my eyes wider to the Lord's greatness.
as they continue to grow in their career, i am impressed even more!!
so, NC - whatever music you have, bring it on! the Lord has blessed you with talent - and in return, He has blessed us with some phenominal music!! love ya, NC!!!

[NCFan4Ever]

Originally posted by jaceyhomen
I'm afraid the band, any band...any actor, musician, artist, opera star....has every right to follow any dream, any artistic path they want. They don't owe us anything.



I agree completely! Just because we buy records, T-shirts, concert tickets, etc...does not make us the owners of Nickel Creek!

Jaceyhomen....you're awesome!

[jaceyhomen]

NCFan4ever Thanks, hon. I'm just old and with age comes wrinkles and wisdom.

I think for many fans, and I have felt this way sometimes over the years, the fact that we spend money buying cds or concert tickets gives us this little tiny feeling that the artists do owe us....something.

But they don't, of course. It's an exchange. They give us joy, we give them a livlihood. The amount of joy they give us equals the amount of livilhood they earn!

An off-side on your other post mentioning Dixie Chicks. I forget that they have very traditional country roots. Why aren't they performing these days? Or are they, and I have missed them? They were embroiled in some legal mess, yes? They're very talented gals.

Thanks again for your kind words.
Jacey

[NCFan4Ever]

Well, they do have a new song out, and it is totally bluegrass if you ask me...it's called Long Time Gone I think, and it rocks! I think they have an album coming out sometime soon too.

[jaceyhomen]

Melanie Is that geocities link your very own NC site? I'm going to go there....

[NCFan4Ever]

Yep, it's my site....it's not much at all...and I haven't updated it in a while...but oh well. i'll get around to it eventually! :)

[LauraJ7713]

Jaceyhomen- You've given me some ideas to ponder! [think]

[jaceyhomen]

Laura -- Ouch! You don't like old folks? Or maybe just having a snarky day?

Back on topic (the new cd): The Sugarhill site does have some good cd promotional stuff to read about This Side. The new bio isn't very new, but there's some other stuff worth accessing.

Well, off to water the vinyard...my grapes are really yummy this time of year and we wouldn't want them to wither on the vine, would we?

Jacey

[jaceyhomen]

Laura Didn't hit the edit button in time so have to make a whole new message....

Actually, since my wisdom (or lack of it) and your quotations have absolutely nothing to do with Nickel Creek, let's stop tossing anvils here. We could go to e-mail but frankly.....it's not worth it, is it?

Welcome aboard.
Jacey

[LauraJ7713]

Jacey- Those quotes weren't intended for you whatsoever! It's just my signature for when I leave a message on a message board! Please don't be offended. I've taken them down in an effort to prevent any more odious posts. Anyway, back to the music... I'm excited to hear the clips that Sugar Hill will be releasing! Hopefully Nickel Creek will add more tour dates soon so we can all see them live!

Hoping we don't have to go to e-mail,
Laura

[ncangie]

Greg wrote,

But who really cares how it's labeled? I don't think we care about labels either.

I found for some artists I listen to (Loreena McKennitt - this happens a lot to her music, for one) get thrown in any bin as they are unclassified like NC are. It all depends on the store...Best Buy by me threw in Nickel Creek in the country section, after we'd hunted them down in Rock, Folk, World (you never know), and finally found their NC card stuffed behind some country artist 5 deep.

I think you're right Greg, people don't care what the label is, as long as the store carries whatever artist you're looking for! :)

I think whatever happens with their new album will mean more unclassification, which I think in a sense, is good. Unclassified means diverse to me, and that's what NC is.

-Angie

[jaceyhomen]

Laura Like your new quotes much better....and if you say they didn't pertain to my post I believe you. NC fans never, ever tell fibbies.

Re tour dates....I wish in addtion to more tour dates they'd be more geographically spread out. LA is the closest they've been to us, and that's 3 hours away. 3 LA traffic hours. I think when NC is home here in the San Diego area they do non-NC jam sessions, etc. Our family would love to see them live, I think we have missed much by not having that opportunity.

Have a nice day.
Jacey

[NCFan4Ever]

Hey speaking of labels---if anyone can provide me with an accurate label for Nickel Creek's music, I'll like, buy you tickets to all of their concerts. When trying to explain to my anti-bluegrass friends (who think that they are WAYY to cool for bluegrass....I argue that they are not cool ENOUGH) what kind of music NC plays, I'm always stumped! I don't think that there's any category broad enough for them! All I can think of is that they should make a new category entitled THE TOTALLY AWESOME, TOTALLY UNIQUE, TOTALLY ROCKIN, TOTALLY CUTE GUYS IN THE BAND MUSIC

What do you think?

[nitejule]

lol HAHAHA thats about right, lol. oh well they are just nickel creek that should be a genre all in its own. nickel creek b/c thats the only way that you can really describe them, lol

[NCFan4Ever]

that is so true! there is no way to describe them!

[LauraJ7713]

Yeah I've had the same problem with trying to describe NC. Sometimes I tell people it's acoustic, singer/songwriter, rootsish, instrumentally-strong, yet vocally accomplished, amazing music! But that's a little lengthy! Can anyone give an accurate description as to what roots music is anyways? I've heard so many different artists described as such and wondered what the true definition is. :confused: Thanks to any replies! :D -Laura

Jacey- I completely agree about the touring! It seems like their close enough to tempt me to go, but just too far away to actually make the trip! I hope they come around soon!

[mandoBob]

from the sugar hill site, here's the song list of the new album:

1.Smoothie Song
2. Spit on a Stranger
3. Speak
4. Hanging by a Thread
5. Should've Known Better
6. This Side
7. Green and Gray
8. Seven Wonders
9. House Carpenter
10. Beauty and teh Mess
11. Sabra Girl
12. Young
13. Brand New Sidewalk

[jaceyhomen]

Laura....to me rootish music is pure, traditional country. Maybe not, but that's what I think of when I hear it. From those roots...the mountains of Kentucky and Tennessee, etc....came early country, then bluegrass and then all of the spin-offs.

I've never thought of NC as country....acoustic bluegrassy yes, but not really country. I don't play an instrument (I pick a little, but can't call it playing) so I don't have a good ear or much knowledge about the different music genres. I just like NC!

I think we, their fans, should try to come up with our collective definition of NC's music. You and NCFan4Ever had excellent definitions....but we gotta condense, condense, condense.

Off to work, have a good day.
Jacey

[sarah]

NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!! I WANTED THE RIDDLE TO BE ON THERE! AHHH!!!!!! I'm so sad. [sosad]

[NCFan4Ever]

Darn, I was hoping Locking Doors would be on there too...I guess it's not really the kind of song you can put on an album, since it's more like a song for the soundtrack of As Good As it Gets...which, unfortuenately, has already been published....

:)

[jaceyhomen]

The Sugarhill site has an interesting and raving review of This Side, written by Robert Doerschuk, former editor of Musician magazine.

He says, in closing, Quietly, with gestures so understated that they almost slip by unnoticed, Nickel Creek does something remarkable on This Side. No longer are they about fidelity to a single idea; they've crossed the line into fields more strange and wonderful, where contradictory notions nuture rather than battle each other, and where exotic wildflowers bloom in the gardens of tradition.

The rest of the review is also worth the read.

[alysonluvsNC]

JACEYHOMEN -
i looked all over the Sugar Hill site for that review . . . can you post the link? thanks!

alyson

[jaceyhomen]

Alyson....I'll try to find it again. I think it was in the same place that picture I see you have here.... Maybe not. I'll go look now.
Jacey

[jaceyhomen]

Well, I can't find the darn thing. Whatever site I got to (and I thought it was a Sugar Hill site) had a list of things you could look at...a bio, publicity, reviews, etc. I didn't have time to read them all at the time, so I tried to save them. They ended up saved as icons on my main menu.

I am really, really dumb about computers. I read them all, printed out the review (the rest were old and boring) and dumped the icons.

If Matt or Chip don't object to the length (1 1/2 pages single spaced) I'll retype it here. It's really worth reading. Maybe someone else can find it. Heading is: Nickel Creek - This Side
Release Date: August 13 robert L. Doerschuk former editor, Musician magazine.

[mmt]

Here's the link to the review, along with some other pics and stuff. It was hidden somewhere on the Sugarhill site, so I had to go back to the link that someone posted here a few days ago. Hope this helps!

http://www.sugarhillrecords.com/pub/publicity.cgi?Nickel+Creek

[alysonluvsNC]

thanks, jaceyhomen and mmt for finding that article for me!

that was sweet of you, jaceyhomen, to offer to type it in!!

glad to have fan friends like you two!
:p

[jaceyhomen]

mmt Good for you! That's it! Smashing review, yes?

[alysonluvsNC]

yes it is!!!
ahhh - i cannot wait to hear the new CD!!
COUNTDOWN: 45 days to go!
[noise]

[NCFan4Ever]

45 days left? That's 44 and a half days too many!

[jazzbassnorm]

I am sitting at work, listening to the new NC CD. This Side. Working in the industry has it's benefits. This is quite a departure from the last CD, but still has the definite signature of Chris, Sara and Sean.

Song titles include:
Smoothie Song
Spit on a Stranger
Speak
Hanging by a Thread
Should've Known Better
This Side
Green and Gray
Seven Wonders
House Carpenter
Beauty and the Mess
Sabra Girl
Young
Brand New Sidewalk

I can't wait to get my hands on the disc!

[jazzbassnorm]

A little more on the songs- I am still listening over and over to this, but I have put a few little tidbits about some of the songs below.


Smoothie Song - The only instrumental on the CD
Spit on a Stranger
Speak
Hanging by a Thread
Should've Known Better
This Side
Green and Gray
Seven Wonders - Sara slow and haunting
House Carpenter
Beauty and the Mess - Sara hot number
Sabra Girl - Sara
Young
Brand New Sidewalk

So I think this CD still holds onto the band's bluegrass background, but takes a few steps beyond. I have always been impressed with the band as musicians and songwriters, this CD reinforces my opinion. The bass work sounds great, not sure if it is Derek Jones or someone else, but this is a great CD.

[AmandaLynn]

I really don't think we need to be concerned about NC having sold out. At one of their recent concerts I heard them perform three songs from their new album, and I did't find the songs to be much like anything else you'd hear on pop/rock radio stations. Although I'll admit seeing them go mainstream would be somewhat bewildering, wouldn't it be cool to think that maybe instead of fading into the mainstream, they'll revolutionize it?

[Thilefan]

Hey People,

Just two things I would like to say about NC:

1.) That is one WEIRD CD cover! Where did that come from?

2.) I was really dissapointed to hear that there is only one instrumental on the new album. That, to me, is proof in itself that NC is going mainstream. Bands, when they lower the amount of instrumentals and up the amount of vocals become more and more mainstream; thats too bad.

Just My $0.02

Robin

[matt the fiddler]

personally- i really like the cover-
it is different, and don't follow the norm, and is pretty artistic... i like it!



matt

[NCFan4Ever]

i agree with you matt! i think the new cover is totally NOT mainstream!

[nitejule]

i think that it was a good choice. i think that it will make more people notice it!

[musicfan49]

Oh no, there's only one instrumental, Nickel Creek has gone mainstream.

Mainstream blah blah blah. Plain and simple, the CD is amazing. It may be less traditional bluegrass than the previous CD but who is anyone here to say what should and shouldn't be done. The CD is definitely more funky with a little more of a jazz like influence but it still is Nickel Creek. If you like the new songs, buy the CD and continue to support the band, if you don't like it then don't buy it, but just stop crying out phrases like mainstream and selling out. You're saying all this without even hearing the CD, just chill out. It makes the vibe of the message board more hostile and univiting.

Let it be, listen to the CD, and prepare to be blown away if you like amazingly well written songs by an amzing group.

[jazzbassnorm]

Once again, I will say that this is a great CD. It is a departure from the last , but no one in their right mind (or left mind for that matter) can call this mainstream. This CD is totally unique, but still bears the signature of Chris Sean and Sara. I have heard all kinds of music for almost 50 years, and find this different and refreshing. You can hear bluegrass, Beatles, folk, Dawg, jazz and a whole lot more in the songs on this CD.

I loved it the first time I heard it, and like it more each time I listen.

THIS CD IS AWESOME!!!!

[NCFan4Ever]

so what do you think of the new album jazzbassnorm? lol

[oogabooga]

jbnorm!!! I am completely jealous!

I don't think we have to worry about them going mainstream...what does mainstream mean? if it means selling out - They will make good music always...because they are Sean, Sara, and Chris and they aren't going to start producing poor music. They have to much talent and vision for that. If mainstream means popular and accesible- you know what? how great would it be if everyone knew how wonderful they are? I would love to see them get popular and I would love to be able to listen to the on the radio. If getting popular equals mainstream for them, then as much as I would like to be selfish and keep them to myself ;) I would be so happy for them if they were more widely appreciated.

so that is my unrequested opinion. I am anxiously awaiting the new cd, and I know I will love it even if there isn't lots of instrumental :)

[NCFan4Ever]

Originally posted by katybosu

If mainstream means popular and accesible- you know what? how great would it be if everyone knew how wonderful they are? I would love to see them get popular and I would love to be able to listen to the on the radio. If getting popular equals mainstream for them, then as much as I would like to be selfish and keep them to myself ;) I would be so happy for them if they were more widely appreciated.


I completely agree with you! Just because Nickel Creek may become huge superstars doesn't make them any less of true artists. It just helps everyone who has been zombie-fied by stars like Brooks and Dunn, Garth Brooks, Reba MacEntire, etc. see what *REAL* music is all about! <I hope I don't get mobbed by some Garth, B&D, or Reba fan for saying that>

[bekka]

hey, as long as they stay SINCERE we will be good! ;)

of course i dont think we have any reason to worry about that!

love,
bekka

[nitejule]

i mean as long as they keep makin great music i don't really care!!!

[caseyanne1221]

If you actually care enough to come all the way to the end of the second page to read this, then GOOD FOR YOU!!! I just want to say that I 've heard the whole album because I preordered off of amazon.com and you guys have absolutely nothing to worry about. Yes, the songs are different, but just very mature. Not really a different genre, just Nickel Creek in a more progressed state of their musical journies. While the songs also sound less Bluegrass than the other album (not that Nickel Creek is actually bluegrass), you can still hear that roots connection in them. I mean, you could take a hard rock or even a rap song and if you played it with a mandolin, a guitar, a fiddle, and an acoustic bass, plus three very pure voices, its going to sound a little a bluegrassy. This album makes me so proud of Nickel Creek because in a mere 13 songs they have managed to show old fans a newer, more matured, but still Chris, Sara, and Sean Nickel Creek and they can attract new fans because these songs are more upbeat, the kind of stuff radio stations look for. There's no doubt, Nickel Creek knows where their loyalties lie. In the roots that they came from and in preserving but also maturing the music that their dedicated fans have come to know and love. But look out, there's a new wave coming. Its just our job to make sure they know both pre and post This Side Nickel Creek so that they can fully appreciate our favorite three SoCal-ers. GO NICKEL CREEK!!
Casey[noise]

[jazzbassnorm]

Talking about taking rap or rock and adding mando to it, the second song Spit on a Stranger is a cover of a song by the punk/alt band Pavement. One of my punk musician friends actually likes NC's version better than the original. NC is growing up and exploring the music in and around them.