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[pilsner]

I adore Feist for her music, for her unpretentiousness, for this perfectly honest letter to her fans.  Seeing her, Jim James, Kevin Drew, Britt Daniel, Grizzly Bear, Brendon Cannon and AC Newman do about three songs a piece at the 826NYC benefit on Sunday and virtually mutiny at the suggestion that they should come on stage so that Demetri could thank them left me with the distinct impression that my musical heroes were an almost unprecedentedly unpretentious and undivaesque bunch, and I asked myself why.  Perhaps half because an ironic, detached and humble attitude is what appeals to the bulk of their fanbase, but I'd like to think that mostly because so many of them were not able to sustain themselves off their music alone until fairly recently, and some of them still can't, and at the end of the day they see themselves as 'just' musicians.

Is this something new or was this something that always characterized musicians appealing to a niche audience?   I'm not sure.  What do you think?

EDIT: Late night retardation.

[mortalsoldier]

This is a big claim, but I personally believe Feist is the greatest female (if not period) singer of my generation. Everything she does is captivating.

[thelightguy]

All I know is that I want her to come to one of the venues where I work. 

I think this is something that has always been around... I know, just from my experience at work, that the smaller the target audience, the better the band's personality, it seems.  There are some exceptions... for example, the Evens... Ian MacKaye was a real prick to the audience even though he was playing the smallest pro venue in the area.  But that's the exception as far as I can tell.

[KvP]

Having not met many conventionally successful musicians, I think I'd agree with you (?)

But you never know, apparently Metallica at one point in the distant past were cool to their fans (or maybe they just had huge enough egos to believe they were when they weren't) and now look at them.

But I too love Feist. Went to go see her and she invited the lady from the merch booth to come out and clog between songs. Good rapport with the audience, too. It might be Canadian musicians of that circle. I met Buck 65 (who dances with Feist in one of her videos) and he was just about as humble as a rapper could get, although he's recently been thinking aloud about getting a day job and quitting touring, since he's not making any money from his craft.

Feist used to be a backup dancer for Peaches sleeping on couches in Berlin. Interesting lives these people lead. But I can't help but wonder what will happen when the heat around her cools off, if it does. Seems like she's gotten near-universal acclaim at this point. But I've never found fault in her music. I'd fall for a woman who could sing like that.

[bryanthelion]

Feist is great, but being the best female songstress is giving her too much credit.

[Lummer]

Underground musicians are usually really nice dudes.

The guys from Nile are at a stage that can be called "legendary" these days, but when I met Karl Sanders, the main man of the band, after a gig two years ago, he was really nice and down to earth. All the people from bands I've met have been super-nice.

Extra credit goes out to Ross Dolan of Immolation, for actually thanking for being active in front of stage, and screaming along to the lyrics. That just marks the guy out as one the good guys, in my book.

[CmonMiracle]

I've said this before, but if her albums resembled her live shows more, they would be so much better.

[öde]

The attitudes and personality of musicians matter to me a lot. For example, I think Battles are a technically incredible band, all the musicians are very skilled and they produce fantastic music using 2 guitars, 1 bass, 1 drum kit, 2 keyboards, and 1 laptop. But even though they set up close to the front of the stage, they seem very distant from the audience. Seasick Steve on the other hand uses a variety of guitars, mostly held together with duct tape and one with only 3 strings, and a box. He's a great musician too, but his personality really captivated me a lot more than Battles.

[mortalsoldier]

Feist is great, but being the best female songstress is giving her too much credit.

Note the "of my generation". I wouldn't even try saying she could touch Joni Mitchell and the like.

Supposing you replied knowing that, who would you reccomend as a songstress of her level? I'm open to hearing.

[Pelay]

I've seen her a couple of times now, and I completely agree that she comes across as just an all around excellent person.  Plus she cares a lot about her craft and her fans, the pride is evident and the live shows are truly spectacular, and she just seems friendly which puts everyone in a good mood.  She got the entire audience to slowdance last time I saw her, it was excellent.  I think with the musical talent, as well as personality, and lyrical quality that she's building I would agree that she is among the finest musicians of the time.  But...I am biased

P.S - Has anyone else seen the 1234 music video?  It cracks me up.  That blue outfit!

[mortalsoldier]

Supposing you replied knowing that, who would you reccomend as a songstress of her level? I'm open to hearing.

Nina Nastasia is almost certainly the most talented female singer-songwriter America has ever produced. Don't get me wrong, I like Leslie Feist and to an extent I appreciate Chan Marshall but Nastasia makes them both seem like vapid chancers.

Joni Mitchell had her moments.

I respect your opinion, but I think you've confused "singer-songwriter" with "singer". I've always loved Nina for her experimental instrumentation - yet I feel as a vocalist, not a songwriter, Feist's playful lull is more engaging. To each his own, nonetheless.

[bryanthelion]

Feist is great, but being the best female songstress is giving her too much credit.

Note the "of my generation". I wouldn't even try saying she could touch Joni Mitchell and the like.

Supposing you replied knowing that, who would you reccomend as a songstress of her level? I'm open to hearing.

Well, If you can stand country (and they're emminent implosion) Rilo Kiley's lead singer Jenny Lewis would be a great spot for best female artist (of this generation natch). Or, if your on the artistic side, Bjork. Bjork>Jenny Lewis in the whole non-conformist "Take me as I am" music. Lewis>Bjork for excellent lyrics

[pilsner]

All five of Nastasia's albums were recorded by Steve Albini, who has ardently praised her music in a number of interviews.

Tommy like an Albini recorded artist????  No way!

I actually need to go back to Nina, it's been a while since I listened to her.  But as MortalSoldier put it, to each their own.

[Lummer]

I just think Feist is sexy as hell, and I wanna have her babies.

[pilsner]

She was definitely sexy at McCarren Park Pool last night.  Had an audience of nearly 6000 in the palm of her hand.  She's come a long way in a few years . . . .

[CmonMiracle]

Pilsner, I'm confused by your avatar. You want to kill Billy Corgan?

[pilsner]

Anyways is right.  I promise that when I have a few spare moments I'll stick it in a pretty speech bubble and clear up the ambiguity.