Cultural Evolution, Gypsy-Punk Style
Sometimes new revolutions start in the most unlikely places. Take the “Gypsy Punk” band Gogol Bordello for instance. While they look pretty rough and wacky on the surface, this multicultural rock and roll tribe may be one of the leading voices in a movement to create a new post-postmodern expression of musical innovation beyond the status quo of derivative mash-ups, hyper-materialistic teen idols, and self-indulgent emo-pop that define contemporary music today. Combining traditional gypsy music with the rebellious spirit of modern punk their goal, according to their mission statement, is “to provoke [their] audience out of [the] post-modern swamp onto a neo-optimistic communal movement towards new sources of authentic energy.” Through their unique approach to music, they hope to “make the beloved statement of postmodernism, ‘everything [has] been done,’ sound as an intellectual error.”
While the best way to get a feel for GB’s musical fire is to watch them perform, we found this video of their founder and lead singer, Ukranianian-born Eugene Hutz, to offer a pretty clear window into the revolutionary philosophy behind their music.
WARNING: Hutz uses a lot of, shall we say, “colorful” language to make his points, so this video is not for young children or the easily offended. Enjoy!
Filed Under: Cultural Evolution • Culture • EnlightenNext Editors’ Blog • Pop Culture • Postmodernism
Sounds interesting, the music. However, I cannot help but commenting on the use of the word ‘Gypsy’ in the context ‘rough and wacky’. I just finished a three year long work on a government appointed inquiry commission on Roma and the human rights situation of the Roma people in general and in Sweden in particular. And one thing I learnt is that the stereotype words that most of us (non-Roma) use about Roma are contributing to the manifest discrimination of them in all fields of society, and that puts these humans in unworthy situations in so many European countries. It is, as I see it, necessary to revisor the place where the use of such references as ‘Gypsy’ comes from, for me, for you and all if us who easily throw these metaphores around us. It has an impact on the world.
Christina, I hear you, we all need to be aware of the power of our words and it is also true that many, if not most Americans have no idea who the Roma are, or the current situations they live in. When I read the words “rough and wacky” I assumed the author was referring to the punk part of the term “Gypsy Punk”. Also, being witness to the rise of Gogol Bordello in the U.S., they have been largely responsible for an increased awareness and interest in Roma music and culture. Fans who hear the Gogol Bordello sound then recognize the traditional sound and are able to hear something they may not have heard before…Thank you for your work that you are doing and the next time you have a chance, go see Gogol Bordello live, you won’t be sorry!!!!
@Christina; I know you are speaking most directly about the use of the word “gypsy”…but wanted to just add that Eugene Hutz and the band have also done humanitarian work internationally for Roma people. Eugene had a Roma grandmother (on his mother’s side) and is very aware of the Roma plight. Gypsy, serves, in this instance anyway, to communicate liveliness, color, and spirit (in my opinion).
I love it! “Lack of failure is kind of a sign of lack of talent, actually.”
His “couldn’t care less” attitude is awesomely uplifting, and his playing is infectious. Thanks for sharing, Joel.
In reference to “Couldn’t Care Less”:
Check out this EnlightenNext magazine interview with Buddhist Master Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche
http://www.enlightennext.org/magazine/j31/dzongsar.asp
How refreshing!
Ripping a hole in the suffocating politically correct mantra of our times: be a slick success at any cost – letting in some urgently needed fresh air.
Thanks to Eugene Hutz for putting his focus on the creative process itself. It gives what he says some real juice – beyond the spicy language.
This is really such a refrehingly, authentic kick into the often quite up-tight milieu of music and art in general.
He really says, what not many dare to utter in this realm of art!
Tell it like it is….! Grreeaat. Gotta to love the gypsy spirit.
Cheered me up today, thanks.
;)
I recently saw the POV video “Gypsy Caravan” that captured the vibrancy, color, and exuberance of those people. I really enjoyed and appreciated the beauty of how it was presented, filmed with great production values with great photography.
Now France is expelling the Roma population and these unfortunates seem to be pariahs to society. Their being pariahs naturally lead them to lives of being outlaws with a reputation for theivery. And yet culturally they are so admired, beloved for their music and “carefree” souls. Another example of life’s injustices.
What’s heartening is that thousands of people are pushing back on France’s expelling the Roma. And yet there’s that two-minded take on gypsies who are driven to ripping off tourists and other activities that give them a bad name. Seems like a Catch 22 situation.
Gypsy in the blood. Apparently a not too distant ancestor was a romany gypsy woman, known to squat by the fire and smoke a pipe. Trying to get any further information regarding this from old aunts was met with ‘we don’t talk about that’, to them it was a shameful fact. Surrounded by mystery and the image of a ‘free spirit’, very romantic, however the gypsies as you pointed to, are also known for theivery and being outlaws and outcasts.