What if?...

[Ikkin1018]

I'm not one to start threads, but for this I thought it deserved a little space on the General Discussions page, even if no one feels like writing about it after I'm done.

My friend Brooke and I (classic Nickel Creek fans, I loved it first, introduced it to her, etc...) heard that When in Rome was on VH1 tuesday (don't know if it's true or not, so don't quote me on it!) But it basically the reason I mention it is that it got us thinking: What if Nickel Creek becomes famous?

Brooke said she'd shoot herself. Lol. [bang]

Not that I don't want them to be successful, but what would that do to us as a fan base? Those of us who have loved them since their self titled Nickel Creek was the only album you could get by them besides Lil Cowpoke? Those of us who were among the 20 or so people going up to meet Chris by the bus at our first concert? What if they stopped doing small venues? What if the only way you could meet them was with a backstage pass?

What if when you said My favorite band is Nickel Creek half the people would reply MINE TOO! And the other half would say, Oh, they're ok.

I don't know if I would like that. I like being obsessed with an obscure band! Trying to explain the UNEXPLAINABLE, undefinable nature of this band, and all of the things they mean to me.

I don't know, just a reflection, kind of not appropriate among all the hurried fervor of the new album and it's amazingness, but still... something to think about.

[obsessedwithNC]

I wonder if anyone's gonna go off on me for replying to this post; would it be inappropriate to do so? lol anyways

I've always thought of Nickel Creek as being famous. They've been on VH1 Country since When You Come Back Down; that's when I discovered them.

But regardless, I think it would be bittersweet to lose my intimate connection with the band. (meet & greets, tiny venues, acoustic encores, etc)

I wouldn't stop enjoying their music, that's for sure, and honestly I think maybe that type of fame might be coming. I remember cocking my head when I read in the email the words a major headlining tour and just thinking... wow.

Also, when I picked up my new cd from FYE there wasn't just one on the shelf, but BOOM! right when you walk in the door, on a new release rack there were at least 20!

Honestly, I think it's kind of exciting. Nickel Creek deserves that kind of attention for their greatness. Know what? I wish them the Best of Luck.

[Thistle]

I wonder what will happen if they get super-famous in the USA but remain relatively unknown here - they've only planned one date over here (in London) before their extensive US tour. I hope that if this happens that they don't just decide to abandon the UK indefinitely. I don't think they will since they seem to really enjoy playing here but still...we love the Creek too!

I think they'll find it a lot more difficult to achieve the same level of success over here as they have in the US though. A few of the dates on their last tour in 2003 sold out over here but I've found that the music-listening public in general over here seem to be a lot more resistant to anything they deem as 'folk', especially younger people. It's just not 'cool' and I've lost count of the number of spluttering laughs I've heard from people over here when I say it's my favourite genre of music. Seth Lakeman was saying the same on Radio 5 the other day - whereas it can be very difficult to find a receptive audience over here, Those American kids are well into their folk - it's great!

And yet, most people to whom I've played this kind of music who veritably derided folk music (Seth Lakeman, Nickel Creek, Jim Moray, Kate Rusby, Blazin' Fiddles et al) have really enjoyed it. Just goes to show how prejudiced some people can be when it comes to music I guess...

[chickzilla]

well i guess i can say that while i would still be obsessed and listen faithfully and love every minute of it... i would be majorly sad as well. because everyone else is right, having such an intimate connection with the band (one that goes beyond what everyone thinks is intimate with bigger bands oh i saw him across a crowded mall one day with his bodyguards, i totally know him!) is special, and losing that would be devastating to all of us. i mean, having such a close connection to the band is what has caused US to be so closely connected.
however, if they are making such a push to become largely famous, i hope they make it. because worse to me than losing that small connection, is if they try and no one receives them, and they stay in their small status but everyone knows them as commercial failures. that was what happened in the US with The Corrs (another of my favourite bands) and since then i have found it much harder to enjoy them because where i could listen to them before and people not know them... now everyone knows them and says they were awful, they failed.
so if Nickel Creek is trying for this kind of success, which is their right if it makes them happy, i totally hope they succeed. and maybe all of us who have known them at this stage will band together, since we know each other fairly well now too, and become something bigger. who knows?

[Lolly691]

hey..... i've been working desperately with a PR group to promote Utada (www.utada-onlne.net)..... Nickel Creek is WAY more famous here than she'll ever be.


I'm competely satisfied with the level of popularity success that NC has. At least people know somewhat what you're talking about when you mention them rather than Ni-ni-who?

[PrincessNic]

Originally posted by obsessedwithNC

I remember cocking my head when I read in the email the words a major headlining tour and just thinking... wow.


I remember reading that too. It made me kind of sad and happy at the same time. I do want them to succeed in everything they do, but if they do get big then it will never be the same for us. We will always love them and still be huge fans, but for me there would always be a wistful sadness there. Even going to see them in a headlining tour this time around will be different. Though they have played in some of these places before, I am used to seeing them in small clubs with general admission with all of us racing to the first row, standing up for hours and hours just to see them once more.

Actually sitting in seats this time...it will be nice, but kind of sad too.

[thebiglargeness]

this is bound to happen at one point in time, it happened with dave matthews band too

i think it eventually happens to all good bands

[NJlowe]

OMG, that's hard to believe-what if they
decided to hire security 24/7... We wouldn't
have much luck trying to meet them after a
show...

Nancy

[mandolin_fan]

I agree.. about being split about it. I mean, I like that they aren't the most famous group ever - you say that's your favorite band, and no one knows who they are - even though that can be frustrating I like it like that.

I don't think that they are going to turn into Dave Matthews and be playing huge venues - even on this tour they are playing tiny gigs (near me, thankfully). :D

In a way, they are actually famous now, I mean, ask anyone who says they listen to bluegrass, and they know who they are. Anyone who listens to Alison, Dolly, Jerry, I mean, they are already famous - I just hope that they are trying to reach out to people who won't like them for what they started out to be.. like the Dixie Chicks did. They were real country when they started (wide open spaces) and then tried pop stuff (fly) and gained a new fan base, but when they turned back to country (home) those people who liked the pop stuff didn't like them anymore.... I don't want that to happen to them - they are too good of a band for that to happen.

[SFJEDI]

I posted similar thoughts yesterday.
I saw them here in San Francisco in the spring of '04 and after the show I waited outside to see if they'd sign the setlist I'd snagged..... and there were some younger girls who surrounded them when they came out so I just kinda hung back and let them do their thing.... I was drawing in my sketch book and all of a sudden I look up and Chris was standing a foot away and actually engaged ME in conversation. That was so cool and so down to earth......

I'd be sad to think that fans couldn't have those kinda moments.

[Adyn]

I know there are more of your out there who have been following this band for years... (and many much longer than me... I'm clockin' in at 5 years now) I guess I feel like they've gone from an unknown, talented band to being pretty dang well known... and I have watched audiences grow tenfold & seen it go from a casual meet & greet after a show to a mob scene of people trying to get to them (esp. Chris)

I've been involved with the Symposium and been to Merlefest where Chris was literally mobbed everywhere he went with fans (even backstage :p).

So, worrying about it being a different experience with the band... to me, that's already happened. I still love shows, and the times you get to say hey! are fun, but, at least in my area... it's a whole different ballgame than it was several years ago.

Do I worry about not being a fan of an obscure band? Heck no. I'm way too old to worry about that [lolol] Hey, I love lots of bands with big followings, it's all about the music :)

And in a funny way, I am sort of proud of them for coming as far as they have and their apparent goals of getting even bigger. That's no small feat!

It also gives me a little more faith in people LOL, if we could get music like the Creek to replace the crappy drivel that most people hear on the radio... that'd be freakin awesome!!

[NJlowe]

I must be younger than you and followed
NC for 3 years... As for any radio station
here putting them on their playlist-not a
chance...

[m4wagner]

Yeah I don't know if WSTFD is radio-friendly enough to be played on the radio ... i think this latest album is more inaccessible than This Side (which took me several listens to like it, but now I listen to it all the time). But even if it was, where would it fit? would the country stations play it? pop? jazz? adult contemporary *snicker*?

I don't know if they're looking for fame either. Look at the interviews for WSTFD --- the band said they weren't constrained by image at all or worried about being pigeonholed to a certain genre. WSTFD came totally out of their own self-motivation and taste.

and a famous band doesn't always equal a good band. i pride myself on listening to a group that's twice as interesting and three times more talented than the top 10 billboard hits. But if NC does strike it big, I'd be happy for them because they deserve it.

[Adyn]

Originally posted by NJlowe
I must be younger than you and followed
NC for 3 years

[lolol] I had to check your profile before answering this one ;) nope, I'm 31.

I should say, I'm old enough to not worry about what others like or don't like, what's cool or not, worry about being original etc... as is pretty important when you're younger and concerned with being cool... whether it's mainsteam cool or I'm so different cool hehe. I've just reached that point in my life where, if I like it, is IS cool :)

And the reason I asked about years is that to someone who's followed them since, say, childhood... they have already gone though some HUGE transitions, so this newest, more mainstream phase is just kinda part of a big transitional picture (from my point of view :) ) I mean, it's been a 16 year ride so far hehe. And they have come a long ways! I'd love to see them take it as big as they can dream :)

[Jimmie]

Originally posted by NJlowe
As for any radio station here putting them on their playlist-not a chance... Sadly, that may be true. I did some research and couldn't find a single instance of anyone playing the new Nickel Creek album in Syracuse. However, there are a couple of shows that would be likely to include it - perhaps you should make a request. Try Common Threads on 88.3, WAER, Sunday afternoons. Or After Midnight from 90.5, WXXE, Sunday nights midnight to 8AM Monday.

[buttermuffin4]

I don't care if they get uber famous, as long as they don't turn into pompus jerks. :).

[NJlowe]

I do have a few friends that work @ WAER-
they are in news, playing jazz music, or
whatever needs to be done...

Nancy

[somewherenorth]

there's a station in seattle - 103.7 the mountain....i don't know how they classify themselves, but i have heard them play nc before...nc has also appeared in the mountain music lounge four times now...the mountain's format of variety - their tagline is for people who love music - is probably the most appropriate for nc music that i can think of... :)

as far as the what if....i'm a fairly new fan - i was introduced to nickel creek in college, so it's been about 3 years now...i've never seen a true nickel creek concert....i had the opportunity to catch chris's seattle solo show that sean and sara showed up at...it was a small venue, 130 people max, and after the show they just kind of wandered around talking to people...sean was holding his guitar standing by the wall, and i walked up to him...he probably talked to me for about ten minutes ( and he did most of the talking!!! :D) i talked to chris for a couple minutes, and just quickly said hi to sara (i think she was eager to leave... :))
after that experience i feel spoiled - anything larger will feel too large...

like most, i would feel bittersweet seeing them move on to larger venues, etc...and everything that goes along with fame....it seems to me though that they seem to enjoy so much the close interaction with fans, and perhaps would still continue to be as accessible as is possible given the growing demand on them....

[JeffLester]

Originally posted by somewherenorth
there's a station in seattle - 103.7 the mountain....i don't know how they classify themselves, but i have heard them play nc before... The Mountain is definitely a AAA station - adult album alternative the format is known as. There's about 70 of these stations around the country.

Radio Format Definitions (http://www.nyradioguide.com/formats.htm)

(From AAA Station List (http://www.radioandrecords.com/Formats/Triplea.asp) )

Station - Market
DMX Folk Rock - Satellite
KBAC-FM - Santa Fe, NM
KBCO-FM - Denver-Boulder, CO
KBXR-FM - Columbia, MO
KCLC-FM - St. Louis, MO
KENZ-FM - Salt Lake City, UT
KEXP-FM - Seattle-Tacoma, WA
KFMU-FM - Steamboat Springs, CO
KFOG-FM - San Francisco, CA
KGSR-FM - Austin, TX
KINK-FM - Portland, OR
KLRR-FM - Bend, OR
KMMS-FM - Bozeman, MT
KMTN-FM - Jackson, WY
KMTT-FM - Seattle-Tacoma, WA
KNBA-FM - Anchorage, AK
KOZT-FM - Ft. Bragg, CA
KPIG-FM - Monterey-Salinas-Santa Cruz, CA
KPND-FM - Sandpoint, ID
KPRI-FM - San Diego, CA
KRSH-FM - Santa Rosa, CA
KRVB-FM - Boise, ID
KRVI-FM - Fargo-Moorhead, ND-MN
KSPN-FM - Aspen, CO
KSQY-FM - Rapid City, SD
KSUT-FM - Ignacio-Durango, CO
KTAO-FM - Taos, NM
KTBG-FM - Kansas City, MO
KTCZ-FM - Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN
KTHX-FM - Reno, NV
KWMT-FM - Tucson, AZ
KZPL-FM - Kansas City, MO
Music Choice Adult Alternative - Satellite
Sirius Spectrum - Satellite
WAPS-FM - Akron, OH
WBJB-FM - Monmouth-Ocean, NJ
WBOS-FM - Boston, MA
WCBE-FM - Columbus, OH
WCLZ-FM - Portland, ME
WDET-FM - Detroit, MI
WDOD-FM - Chattanooga, TN
WDST-FM - Poughkeepsie, NY
WEBK-FM - Killington, VT
WEHM-FM - Hamptons-Riverhead, NY
WFPK-FM - Louisville, KY
WFUV-FM - New York, NY
WGVX-FM - Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN
WIVI-FM - St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
WKZE-FM - Sharon, CT
WMMM-FM - Madison, WI
WMVY-FM - Cape Cod, MA
WMWV-FM - Conway, NH
WNCS-FM - Burlington-Plattsburgh, VT-NY
WNCW-FM - Spindale, NC
WNRN-FM - Charlottesville, VA
WOKI-FM - Knoxville, TN
WQKL-FM - Ann Arbor, MI
WRLT-FM - Nashville, TN
WRNR-FM - Baltimore, MD
WRNX-FM - Springfield, MA
WRSI-FM - Northampton, MA
WTMD-FM - Baltimore, MD
WTTS-FM - Indianapolis, IN
WUIN-FM - Wilmington, NC
WVOD-FM - Elizabeth City-Nags Head, NC
WWVV-FM - Hilton Head, SC
WXPK-FM - White Plains, NY
WXPN-FM - Philadelphia, PA
WXRT-FM - Chicago, IL
WXRV-FM - Portsmouth-Dover-Rochester, NH
WYEP-FM - Pittsburgh, PA
WZEW-FM - Mobile, AL
WZGC-FM - Atlanta, GA
XM Cafe - Satellite

[Lolly691]

yeah WYEP here in pgh does love the nickel creek. Actually that's how my dad heard them, (Smoothie Song). Cause I was in fan mode trying to get my dad to like them, so I threw it on and he says Oh yeah.. I heard this already on YEP, they're really good, I like this song

Same went for When in Rome


w00t w00t -- thanks WYEP!!!

[mandolin_fan]

I heard This Side once on the radio - it was the day the video had it's debut on CMT. On the radio station, they have a 'smackdown rodeo' and they play two songs, and people call in and say which one they like better, and the one with the most votes moves on to the next day, and the other one is never played on the station - and guess who lost, yes, This Side LOST... I was very angry - and that is the only time I've ever heard them on the radio...

And what the heck is 'adult contemporary????

[NJlowe]

I don't think that NC are pompous(sp?) jerks-
their folks raised them well...

Nancy

[Tinuviel Girl]

Originally posted by Ikkin1018

Not that I don't want them to be successful, but what would that do to us as a fan base? Those of us who have loved them since their self titled Nickel Creek was the only album you could get by them besides Lil Cowpoke? Those of us who were among the 20 or so people going up to meet Chris by the bus at our first concert? What if they stopped doing small venues? What if the only way you could meet them was with a backstage pass?


[sob] [sob] I hope not ... selfish I know, but I've never got to see them live ... [sob] [sob]

[Meghan Narser]

Well, I want them to become successful, for one because they deserve it, great people with awesome music and two, because it would prove that people actually like music, and don't just listen to stuff on the radio or MTV because that way they know what other people are talking to.

BUT, I'd really like to see them live at a small venue first, I actually want to meet them afterwards, and I think it's possible to do so here. I've been told that there are many creek fans in my area... but I have yet to actually meet any lol, and even if there are I don't think there's enough of us to 'mob' them.

[Ikkin1018]

Strangely enough, even though I started this thread, I really wouldn't mind if they become famous, because they DO deserve it. But they seem like they don't care one way or another, and if that's the case, I hope they're still leaning on the side of obscurity.
I think those who've never met them before don't realize how spoiled we've all become by Nickel Creek. I realized it last night when I saw Tracy Byrd in concert (it was kindof a everyone else is going so might as well... thing) I was getting really annoyed because everyone in the audience was going up to the stage and holding their hands out for him to touch while he was singing, and I was thinking how incredibly tacky that is. And then I realized that that's the ONLY chance they have to get close to him. And we really ARE spoiled by Nickel Creek, giving us unplugged encores and INVITING everyone to come up to the stage and then staying around to meet everyone after the show... and I just hope that the time never comes that we are going to have to settle for a hand touch from up on the stage and that's it...

[PrincessNic]

Originally posted by Ikkin1018
I think those who've never met them before don't realize how spoiled we've all become by Nickel Creek. I realized it last night when I saw Tracy Byrd in concert (it was kindof a everyone else is going so might as well... thing) I was getting really annoyed because everyone in the audience was going up to the stage and holding their hands out for him to touch while he was singing, and I was thinking how incredibly tacky that is. And then I realized that that's the ONLY chance they have to get close to him. And we really ARE spoiled by Nickel Creek, giving us unplugged encores and INVITING everyone to come up to the stage and then staying around to meet everyone after the show... and I just hope that the time never comes that we are going to have to settle for a hand touch from up on the stage and that's it...

I agree. We all have become spoiled. But I think the fact that we can meet them and they are so accessible is part of the reason we like them so much. They are amazing performers and great musicians and all, but the fact that they are so down to earth and so great about meeting everyone personally makes us all feel like we know them. That means a lot.

[PrincessNic]

Ok, I am reviving this thread after having an epiphany about this topic.

We all want them to be successful, but we don't want to lose that special connection. Even though it is sort of frustrating when you have to explain who Nickel Creek is and what kind of music they play, it is almost satisfying to like something that isn't popular. You are one of the few who know how good that something is and it makes you feel cool.

And on the off chance you do find someone else that knows what you are talking about it seems to form a bond between you. The fans of things like Nickel Creek (and other things like it-Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Veronica Mars-two of my favorites) tend to be more devoted to their band or show than fans of popular things like Desperate Housewives or U2. Sure you have a group of devoted fans, but with Nickel Creek-like things, there are rarely casual listeners to their music. Everyone who likes them are devoted fans who have seen them many many times in concert. And that small (getting larger) group of devoted fans tend to band together in support of their favorite thing...like the frequent vistors to this message board. It is not so much the band that makes it so special, but the small devoted group of fans that makes it so good to be a fan of Nickel Creek

[honortheking]

since this new cd came out... my friends who i consider to be self-titled fans (only know the first NC disc) seem taken aback by this new one.

my one friend was saying how <i>different</i> sara sounds and how he can't believe it's her. but of course, the dudes not a true fan. he's never looked for their live shows online and listened to how they've all kind of changed since the first cd. he doesn't even own This Side and has barely even heard much of it...

it's satisfying to me to know that i am a true seeker of the Creek. but it's also frustrating to me when people only like Nickel Creek for their first album. they don't like the change that they've made and somewhat resent them for it. when they're just limiting their own taste.

[mandolin_fan]

sara really does sound different - but not a bad different.. :D

i think that people who can't follow a group through changes is narrow-minded, but it's all just a matter of taste. Like I said with the Dixie Chicks - you really have to be able to follow a group if you call yourself a fan

Personally, I was astounded at the CD - because of the talent they are all showing. Sara writing a song by herself, and contributing to songs, and Sean singing a song himself... I mean, It's all amazing stuff.

[PrincessNic]

The first album was great, yes...we can all agree on that. But only the true fans can really grow with them as artists...no matter where they go.

And yes, Sara does sound different. Not bad. More mature. Not as child-like and breathy. Her voice is more...sultry.

[obsessedwithNC]

Originally posted by PrincessNic
The first album was great, yes...we can all agree on that. But only the true fans can really grow with them as artists...no matter where they go.
That's a real neat thought!

I had never realized that before. Growing WITH them as artists. I just always thought Nickel Creek was amazing and managed to produce music I always enjoyed, no matter what genre. But to think I actually was unknowingly molding myself to be a certain type of listener... wow.

FYI: When I re-read that whole little paragraph it makes no sense. Ah well.

[Meghan Narser]

I don't know there's a difference between people who are fans and people who like their music because it's simply their music. I mean, I consider myself a true fan, but I don't like all their songs. I know their songs are good, but I don't necessarily like them.

[Adyn]

The first album was great, yes...we can all agree on that. But only the true fans can really grow with them as artists...no matter where they go.

i think that people who can't follow a group through changes is narrow-minded, but it's all just a matter of taste. Like I said with the Dixie Chicks - you really have to be able to follow a group if you call yourself a fan

Do you guys really feel this way??? That is very interesting to me... I guess, to me, that says that the band will dictate your taste... your likes & dislikes. And somehow, I think that's the last thing on earth this band wants to do.

They want you to be open minded, yes... but they also want you to use your own brain & judgement & heart. I think there could be nothing worse than accepting that NC=Great Music blindly. I believe we should listen to everything with an open mind and be open to new genres and ideas... but hey... if a band grows in a direction that does not appeal to you, why should you force yourself to go with the flow?

If NC got into freestyle jazz or hmmm, hip hop hahahaha, I think I would try a listen then likely run away with covered ears hahaha. These are styles that don't appeal to me whatsoever, no matter who does them.

It's an extreme example... but honestly... I have NO problem with folks who loved the more traditional work & find the newer material harder to swallow. To each his own. That doesn't make them any less of a fan.

[chickzilla]

i have been having a side conversation about this with someone else. i believe the consensus we came to was this:
i would not like music just for the sake of it being music Nickel Creek made. i would like the music just because they try to be the best at everything they do.
for example- i wouldn't ever want to really really listen to any of Chris' old solo albums before NAWW, just for the sake of listening because it is my new favourite because he did it. that kind of music is NOT my thing. but i can love it, and appreciate it as an idea that Chris does everything he does whole-heartedly. those albums are his whole hearted expression of that music. and i can like it for that.
thereby saying, i like everything Nickel Creek does.

[PrincessNic]

As always, well said Chickzilla. You can say in a couple of sentences what I clumsily try to say in a whole page.

I think one of the problems with any message board is that our thoughts get misinterpreated (and the fact that I can't spell). The only thing I was trying to say before is that because NC is a smaller band they have a smaller more devoted fanbase. I am not trying to say that I will follow them whereever they went. But because I do like them I will give anything they do a chance. I would say that most of us think like the Sean, Sara, and Chris for the most part and we all would like kind of the same things, so if the trio likes it and backs it then I am willing to give it a chance...like you would anything a good friend recommended.

[flutegrl71]

Originally posted by chickzilla
i have been having a side conversation about this with someone else. i believe the consensus we came to was this:
i would not like music just for the sake of it being music Nickel Creek made. i would like the music just because they try to be the best at everything they do.
for example- i wouldn't ever want to really really listen to any of Chris' old solo albums before NAWW, just for the sake of listening because it is my new favourite because he did it. that kind of music is NOT my thing. but i can love it, and appreciate it as an idea that Chris does everything he does whole-heartedly. those albums are his whole hearted expression of that music. and i can like it for that.
thereby saying, i like everything Nickel Creek does.

I think that's very well put. Because as Adyn pointed out, I wouldn't want to get into the mindset that Nickel Creek automatically equals Great Music (at this point, thus far in this career, I would say that it does, but like she said, if they started to stray into hip hop, I think I would raise an eyebrow or two). I don't have any of Chris's earlier CDs beyond NAWWAL, and don't plan on buying them, but I can respect and appreciate it for what it is - basically, being able to hear his roots is pretty neat. Same for Sean - I have his Let It Fall but I highly prefer 26 Miles and where he went with it.

In band, I played some music I didn't like. But as I played it, I could respect it musically for its technical and lyrical expression. It didn't suit my tastes, but I could respect it. That's not to say that all music out there deserves respect!! But I think you get my point.

So, it would pain me to see some of the more purist bluegrass fans of Nickel Creek to walk away because NC has gone in a different direction. I hope they still respect them as artists, though, because even if NC doesn't suit your tastes, they really are amazing musicians.

[sixpenceguy]

Interesting thoughts. Let me compare what many of you are contemplating with what actually happened to my favorite band.

Sixpence None The Richer started out on a small, indie label in 1993. They sold just around 50,000 copies each of their first 2 CD's. The band played small venues and had long tours. A fanbase developed around the band that was very passionate about their music, and the band knew many of these fans by name. Getting a chance to speak to the band after a show was never in doubt. They also had the freedom to create the music that they loved to make.

All of their hard work seemed to pay off in 1998 when a single from their 1997 release was picked by John Kalonder of Sony Music for inclusion in the movie She's All That. The song was a pretty pop song that the founding member/songwriter of the band had hesitated to even put on the album. Kiss Me went all the way to #2 and became one of the most played songs of 1998.

Sixpence None The Richer became instant celebs. Great, right? Well, the band had a short tour with Better Than Ezra that year. Very few chances to meet them. They also played a lot of festival dates where it is next to impossible to meet with any band (though Leigh Nash, the lead singer, would often appear at the merch table which would immediately get swamped wth the under 21 crowd).

Kiss Me was a poor representation of Sixpence's music, so in order to get a new single to radio, the label had them cover another slick pop song, There She Goes, originally by the La's, which they released as a single and added to future pressings of the album.

So, the band had two hit singles, but the album barely went gold. The retail single outsold the album! The people that loved the singles didn't really get the album. It was a moody, dark piece of orchestral pop...for fans, it was a masterpiece. For the general public, it was a let-down because there were no more Kiss Me's on the album. When the band would do a signing after a show, you would have to stand in line with 150 teens and preteens to even get a chance to speak with them. You could see the light come on in their eyes when a familiar face appeared.

Fast forward a couple of more years, and the band releases another album. Expectations are very high, but the label doesn't hear a single that they think will get airplay on the Kiss Me scale. Almost half the album is scrapped after it was initially completed (the songs that were replaced have resurfaced and are incredible), and new songs are written that are more listener friendly. The label has the band go in and remake the Crowded House song Don't Dream It's Over and has them record a song by Jason Wade of Lifehouse.

The album is released, and the first single, a Sixpence original, fails to get significant airplay. The label releases Don't Dream It's Over as a single, and it gets moderate airplay. As a final, half-hearted effort, the label releases the song written by Jason Wade. Waiting On The Sun sees little to no airplay. All three songs have been used in commercials, movie trailers, and in other promotional ways, but the band didn't get a hit single.

This final album, which sold more than their first two albums combined, was considered a failure in the industry. The band broke up after a short headlining tour to support the album which saw the band play venues like clubs where you could, once again, meet the band without a flock of teen girls.

Leigh Nash has said that the label was not interested in marketing who Sixpence really was. They saw potential to turn Sixpence into a hit machine. They wanted to turn her into a dancing pop diva with the band in matching outfits. The stress just go to be too much.

I would hate to see Nickel Creek go through the same manipulative schemes that Sixpence did. The Cardigans went through basically the same fiasco after Lovefool became a smash hit. Nickel Creek are in a great position. They have credibility with the music press, they get enough exposure to turn a profit on alubm sales, they do extremely succesful tours each year, and they get the chance to do the side projects that interest them, including solo albums. Heaven forbid they ever get a hit song.

Greg

[sixpenceguy]

Sorry for the repost.

[PrincessNic]

well said, sixpenceguy. And a great comparison. I would hate that to happen to Nickel Creek. I hope they always stay semi-small. There are plenty of artists who are like that...and oddly enough...most of them play at Largo...and are friends of Nickel Creek...interesting.

[ecarmikel]

I've been reading this thread for a few minutes, and I agree wholeheartedly with all you older (not in age, but in the time span) fans of NC.

I agree so much that I can't seem to really add anything to this thread about my wish of them staying semi-small, as PrincessNic puts it.

I hope I get to see them soon, as I've not had a chance yet since my becoming a fan about a year ago.

[Ikkin1018]

I just wanted to say that the story sixpenceguy told was very sad. It almost made me cry, and I don't even know that band.[sob] And like we all said... None of us want that to happen to Nickel Creek.

[ska_chicken]

i think the thing with me is, i want people to like their music, to love their music, but only if they can truly, honestly appreciate the music for the good music that it is, or realize that it's different than the other bands they listen to. . .or something. i don't want them to become the 'flavor of the month' and then get dropped off as soon as something 'better' comes along.

that's just my thoughts, though.

[kayla2006]

They are famous to me.