Day 3: Hayley Williams of Paramore Hosts Online Auction

Hayley Williams of Paramore has set up three dates where she will be selling clothes worn by her. One date has already passed, but two dates still remain: Nov. 11 and Nov. 18. The auction will be happening on eBay. To check it out, follow this link: http://www.ebay.com/usr/paramoreyardsale

Day 2: Max Bemis Reopens Song Shop in Time for the Holidays

On Nov. 4, Max Bemis, vocalist of Say Anything announced that he is reopening Max Bemis’ Song Shop on Dec. 5. Song Shop is an opportunity to have Bemis write and record a song for a considerably small fee. The song can be about literally anything the buyer wants. For more information, check out his website at this link: http://www.maxbemissongshop.com/

Day 1: A Miss Fortune-ate Debate

On Oct. 24, Miss Fortune lead vocalist Mikey Sawyer was arrested for domestic abuse. Shortly after, Miss Fortune’s record label, Sumerian Records, dropped them from their label and issued this statement:

“Sumerian Records has dropped Miss Fortune. We do not condone domestic violence, nor would we ever support an artist that does.”

Miss Fortune responded with this statement:

“We’d like to point out that the actions of one band member do not represent the actions and viewpoints of the entire band. Yes, our singer Mikey is in jail, but we do not condone his actions. We do not condone domestic abuse. If you’ve met any of us in person, I’m sure you know we’re a bunch of cool dudes. Saying Miss Fortune condones domestic abuse is a lie, so stop saying it. Thank you.”

This exchange between Sumerian and Miss Fortune has caused a huge debate in the alternative music scene. Even as a longtime fan of Sumerian Records and never having listened to Miss Fortune before this debacle, I believe Sumerian is in the wrong.

Several bands in the past have had issues where a member would do something to land them in jail (i.e. Tim Lambesis from As I Lay Dying being charged with hiring a hitman to murder his wife and Ian Watkins from Lostprophets being convicted of 13 accounts of sexual assault against children). The remaining members of the bands already had an incredibly hard time keeping respect from fans and moving forward as musicians. In both cases, the other members dropped the band and went to do something different to try to get themselves away from all of the negative attention that came with their name. The musicians in Miss Fortune are likely going to face similar hardships in the coming months, and being dropped from their label is just pouring salt in their wounds.

In regards to a representative from Sumerian saying that Miss Fortune condones domestic abuse just because one member acted as such, this is wildly unprofessional. This is the equivalent to saying that because a father abuses a son, the rest of the family are abusers and are okay with it. It’s not only untrue, but extraordinarily insensitive.

I stand by Miss Fortune in whatever musical endeavors they decide to pursue. They need continual support as they face this trying time.

The statements from Miss Fortune and Sumerian Records were found on this page: http://www.underthegunreview.net/2014/10/30/miss-fortune-dropped-from-sumerian-records-due-to-frontmans-arrest/