Opinion: N.C. State Football making a mockery of local music
by Adam Kincaid on Sep.08, 2009, under Local
The following opinion is not reflective of that of North Carolina State University or WKNC 88.1. (Though it should be)
Independent Weekly’s music blog, Scan, did an article on local band Airiel Down who recently just recorded a new rock n’ roll version of N.C. State’s fight song combined with the Red & White song.
Listen: Airiel Down’s N.C. State Fight Song
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As a student at N.C. State and longtime fan of the football team, not to mention an avid follower of all things local music related, Airiel Down’s relationship with our football program does not come as a surprise. The fact that N.C. State endorses such an obtrusively meretricious band seemingly coincides with the recent state of our football squad: less than mediocre and still unabashedly brazen. And also much like N.C. State football in more recent years, Airiel Down is arrogant, flashy, and has all the makings of a solid generic-sounding rock band, yet lacks talent and foresight. I am not surprised in the least that we play their song, “Gunslinger,” during every halftime (much to the dismay of my bleeding ears). But to have the ear-splitting and deprecating cover of the fight song displayed prominently for N.C. State fans to see and hear is almost too much. (It sucks)
As those who follow all of the amazing bands in the Triangle know, we have some truly unbelievably talented bands and musicians in our area and while I hate to disparage any local band, Airiel Down is not among them. As someone who spends a great deal of time promoting the good local bands that play in our area and the amount of fantastic music that our local artists create, to have the university I attend choose one that is as strepitous as Airiel Down is not only a slap in the face to myself, the football team, and the entire student body but most importantly the local music scene here in the area that we all cherish and try to support. Here I am: a student at NCSU, local music director on the student-run radio station, and a knowledgeable local music supporter. I could have suggested 25 other bands that would have fit the same genre mold but accomplished significantly more in any realm the marketing department was trying to reach before Airiel Down. All those in charge had to do was reach out to me and ask. To have a band like this represent anything that I genuinely care about is a mockery and a shame for what I stand for and support.
The fact that those in charge of marketing and media attention in our athletic program keep on committing the same judgment errors in not only the athletic aspect of things but also in regards to our student body — Cougar Magnum was recently invited to play on campus — says a great deal about the state of things happening within our university. I question every decision made and ponder at the future that beholds us all here. What scares me most about the decision to have Airiel Down represent our state’s music scene and our football squad to 57,583 screaming fans is that 1. people will stereotype every band in the area from this one exposure as pathetic and amateur or 2. someone might actually like it.
You decide which is worse.
On a side note, you gotta love the El Che shirt Michel Barbachan is wearing during the National Anthem rehearsal. Nothing could be less American than that. Stay Classy N.C. State Football.
September 8th, 2009 on 11:09 am
Nothing could be less American then wearing a shirt emblazoned with the misrepresented image of a long-dead figurehead, long-since coopted for commercial gain and pre-fab “statement”-wear? Adam, I beg to differ. Nothing could be MORE American than stealing the likeness of a Communist icon, and using it for profit in the free market.
September 8th, 2009 on 12:49 pm
i agree wholeheartedly that this band and song eat massive amounts of ass, however it should be noted that no one looks to ncstate sports and administration for what are great local bands. anyone who cares about local music knows about local music and having them publicized by the wolfpack wouldn’t do a damned thing for either party. my experience at ncstate in regards to the student body and how the majority look at the local music scene is pretty depressing, while admittedly anecdotal.
in other words, who the fuck cares about these douchebags and their song?
September 9th, 2009 on 12:31 am
As an old guy far removed from college, I was disappointed at the choice of bands and the job they did with the fight songs. I agree with AK that it reflects on the university AND the local music scene. My fist thought was, “man, has music ever gone downhill in Raleigh since I left.” Where is Arrogance and The Fabulous Knobs when you need them?
September 9th, 2009 on 2:56 pm
[...] – Two links and some last words (maybe) on the Airiel Down fight song fiasco. James has a great take on this issue specifically and the general musical trend in and around college football. (Also, I’m with commenter John: should’ve brought in the Tesh to do this thing.) WKNC’s Adam Kincaid put together a nice rant on the subject: [...]
September 10th, 2009 on 2:09 pm
What makes you the authority on which band should be used by our school? Since everone is giving their thoughts, I’ll give mine. I like it and hope that all local bands get a chance to get their music out there. I don’t know much about Airiel Down, but I have heard their name for over 6 years. They’re doing something right! And American is freedom of thought, choice and expression! I find it brilliant in a sense! Hate on a band from Chapel Hill you priks!!
September 10th, 2009 on 3:56 pm
you’re a “Music Director” and would talk down to a local band that is just making music? there is an audience for everyone “Adolph” Kincaid. im a student as well. no wonder none of us listen to our campus station. you should be ashamed of yourself. cant wait for you to graduate. maybe more bands will be played besides the ones YOU endorse.
September 19th, 2009 on 9:32 pm
Adam,
Your post is thoughtful, but Airiel Down is a hardworkin’ group of State boys just trying to earn a living. This review was biased, as you haven’t viewed their qualifications for excellence, as viewed here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZK7zs7fxPtI
October 4th, 2009 on 1:07 am
The new Airiel Down N.C. State fight song is crap, with a capital Scottish accent.
November 11th, 2009 on 2:15 pm
I have met and seen these guys and they are great! The lead singer is friendly to everyone and will stay till the very last person and greet all who wish. These guys are really talented and are doing more than most NC bands put together. Everyone should acknowledge the good! My entire circle likes them and will continue to do so! All of ya can bite it!!!! What have you done lately?