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by chris earnhart (Pocket) - Mar 01, 2005
A Few Words - About Innocent Words The Story of Innocent Words - Chris Earnhart Troy Michael, the man, the leader, the legend. He recently made his way back to Chambana for the first time in over a year, and what a return it was! Why so amazing? Well, he brought with him More Ways Than Three, which is the latest compilation released on his label, Innocent Words. And he was followed by a slew of great bands for its release show. While I wasn't able to sit down and chat as I had wished, I was still able to correspond with Troy to bring you the following story. Names have not been changed, because no one from Innocent Words is innocent. IW began as a free magazine that focused on local and indie music. The first copy hit the stands in December, 2001. The label began one year later with the release of Small, My Table, IW's first comp. Quick to sign were three of Champaign's premiere bands: Lorenzo Goetz, Terminus Victor, and Triple Whip. From there, it's never been an easy road (as these things never are). And as Troy remarked, "You can never settle in this business or you will only stagnate, so the bands and I always try to push ourselves each year." Now starting its fourth year of existence, the label looks to the past to make better the future. "Since our last comp release I feel we also went through a cleansing period. I feel like we learned our lessons in the first three years of Innocent Words," noted Troy. Now that they have cut "the dead weight" and been left with a solid line-up that is willing to tour on a regular basis, the members of the label look to the future. The magazine is doing well as is, and its distribution just keeps getting larger. Cameron McGill (Pocket <3 him) has recently signed and added his second contribution to an IW comp. Both he and Terminus Victor will be releasing full-lengths this year, and both look promising. For future releases, IW will be expanding and searching for national acts. Lorenzo Goetz has broken into the biggest industry in the country: porn. At first, Troy said he wanted to keep that information under the radar, so as not to offend, but "the fact that thousands of people will hear a Lorenzo Goetz song in a porn is great exposure." I excused the pun and we both agreed that sex is a beautiful thing. Perhaps, the most notable facet of Innocent Words Records is the diversity of the bands it encompasses. According to Troy, the eclectic gathering "just happened." From T Vic's hard, electronic rock to Lorenzo Goetz's trip-hop/pop-rock to Triple Whip's rhythm-driven, stripped-down cinemarock to Cameron McGill's singer-songwriter style accompanied by a band, no one can argue that any two IW bands sound similar. But as Troy wisely points out, "One thing these bands do have in common is a strong passion and love for their craft and art, and that can never-ever be manufactured." This reporter (said to refrain from using the first person) truly believes that this passion is what sets Innocent Words a step ahead of the rest. Troy has that same passion. He has been a fan of music since the tender age of six. He worked at an Indie Record store for ten years. When asked what time period he would live in, Troy based his decision on the music of the time. The 50's appealed to him as the time of the birth of rock ‘n' roll and "kick ass cars." The 60's were his next choice because of musicians like Hendrix, the Stones, and The Who. He feels that "people actually lived then" and mourns the loss of the sense of community in modern times. So now that the past and the future have been covered. One must look to what is most important: the present. More Ways Than Three is officially released and can be found for sampling and buying on www.innocentwords.com. , along with all of the other IW releases. A portion of each sale will go to benefit Riley's Hospital for Children. You can pick up the Mar/Apr issue of Innocent Words Magazine at numerous locations around Chambana, including Highdive, Canopy Club, Espresso Royale, Cowboy Monkey, and many more. You will soon be able to hear "Flagrante Delicto" on Sinful Asians 4 (yes, it's hard to believe they have only made up to four). And, finally, GET A COPY OF MORE WAYS THAN THREE. Get out to the shows of IW bands, get to the website. Get a copy. In conclusion, I would like to note that I have been invited to a porn watching party, and that my pants, at least, are optional. Keep an eye on Innocent Words, as it will not disappoint. And I will end with these two lines, which emphasize the attitudes behind the Innocent Words Record label and its bands. "It's not about making money. It's about making a difference." -Cameron McGill "I love coloring outside the lines. Always have." -Troy Michael |