Local Critic Champions Western Massachusetts’ Underrated Artists
In the niche world of music journalism, Danton has carved out a unique space with his newsletter, Freak Scene. This publication serves as a spotlight for the underground music scene in the Pioneer Valley, where many talented artists often go unnoticed. Danton’s newsletter is one of the few outlets providing comprehensive coverage of local acts, allowing them a platform to shine.
Freak Scene operates on a simple model: artists submit their work directly to Danton, who then selectively publishes pieces that resonate with him. This approach not only enriches the content but also fosters a sense of community among local musicians. Danton emphasizes that his motivation for creating the newsletter is more about creative expression than financial gain. “Financially, it doesn’t help very much. From a creative standpoint, it helps a ton,” he shares.
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Despite having only around 600 subscribers, Danton has witnessed a gradual increase in readership, primarily through word of mouth. This reflects the importance of community engagement in building a loyal audience, especially for grassroots initiatives like Freak Scene. The newsletter is funded through donations, allowing Danton the freedom to focus on his passion without the pressure of generating significant revenue.
The current landscape of arts reporting has become challenging, particularly as streaming platforms dominate the music industry. While mainstream artists benefit from the visibility these platforms provide, smaller acts struggle to capture attention. Danton believes that his role as a critic is crucial in bridging this gap, helping to elevate local talent by filtering through the vast array of music available.
In his view, even musicians who may never achieve widespread fame deserve recognition for their creativity and effort. “A local musician who I’m interviewing may not be famous now or ever, but they are still putting effort into their creativity,” he points out.
However, navigating the digital landscape for promotion can be tricky. Danton acknowledges the challenges of utilizing social media effectively to engage new audiences. He is considering incorporating video content into his work but feels hesitant, as it may not align with his established style of written criticism.
Danton’s writing process remains consistent with his days as a rock critic for a major Connecticut newspaper. He describes it as a cycle of trial and error, crafting and refining sentences until they convey his intended message.
A recent review of the band Trash Panda Kill Kill demonstrates Danton’s vivid descriptive style, as he likens their sound to “a muscle car smashing through a closed garage door.” Such imagery not only captures the essence of the band but also provides readers with a glimpse of their music without needing to listen.
While Google yields limited results for Trash Panda Kill Kill, their feature in Freak Scene enhances their online presence, potentially attracting new listeners. Danton’s mission is clear: he wants to wave the flag for artists who may otherwise go unnoticed. “What I hope that I’m doing is being the guy waving the flag like, ‘Hey, look at this!’” he explains.
As he delves deeper into the Pioneer Valley’s music scene, Danton feels a renewed connection to its rich tapestry of sound. He acknowledges that there are still many corners of the scene he’s yet to explore. “There are people doing stuff in Veterans of Foreign Wars halls that I don’t know about and basement shows that I don’t know about,” he admits.
Danton champions the notion that while western Massachusetts and Connecticut abound with creativity, they often lack exposure. He highlights bands like Perennial, Winterpills, and Gold Dust, noting that they collectively have fewer than 30,000 monthly listeners on streaming platforms like Spotify. This underscores the challenge facing many local acts as they strive for recognition in a crowded market.
Ultimately, Danton feels privileged to be part of this vibrant music community. “People are wanting to boost each other here. It’s not competitive in that sense,” he remarks. The collaborative spirit of the Valley fosters an environment where artists and critics alike work together to enhance the local music scene.
For more insights into the music industry and how to navigate its complexities, visit the RIAA website.
