When it comes to the Melvins, it’s pretty clear that their priorities lie somewhere other than selling records. In a recent conversation with Guitar World’s Andrew Daly, Buzz Osborne revealed the band’s philosophy when it comes to making music.
The duo, consisting of Osborne and Dale Crover, along with bassist Steven McDonald, have made a name for themselves in the alternative music scene by doing things their way – and they don’t care if they don’t become mainstream favorites. If you’re looking for a band that aims to cater to the masses, you’re barking up the wrong tree. But do the Melvins care? Not one bit.
In his interview, Osborne explained that they’re not intentionally avoiding commercial success; it’s just how things have panned out for them. They’ve come to terms with the fact that the world isn’t perfect, so they’re not going to stress about selling albums. Instead, they’re focused on doing what they love and not letting other people’s opinions influence their creative decisions.
The frontman made it clear that the Melvins have never been concerned with what others think about them or their music. If they were, they would operate entirely differently. The band is committed to making the music they want to create, regardless of what people think. He acknowledged that people are going to have opinions, but he’s not going to waste his time trying to argue with them, especially if they don’t fully understand what the band is all about.
The singer said the following about the Melvins’ approach to making music:
“It’s not like we’re trying not to sell records. That’s just how it worked out for us. I’ve learned that the world’s not a right place. We don’t bother trying to sell records; we do whatever the f*ck we’re doing. And even if that doesn’t work, all is well. It’s better to stick with what you like without letting the perverse thinking of others influence what you do.”
He added:
“We’ve never given a sh*t about what people think. If we did, we wouldn’t operate the way we do. We make the music we want to make. People can think whatever they want, right? Lots of people have tons of stupid opinions without having any concept of what we do. That’s okay. I can’t help that. There is no accounting for stupidity. Why the f*ck would I try and argue with ignorance?”
So, if you’re a fan of the Melvins or just appreciate bands that stick to their guns and create the art they love, you can rest assured that they’re not going to change their ways anytime soon. They’ll continue making the music they want to make, and they’re perfectly content with the knowledge that it might not always be everyone’s cup of tea.
