Music is an escape.
We listen to it – we digest it – to feel something other than what real-life makes us feel. To feel something new. Music gets into our nervous system and makes us less anxious. It seeps into our brain and takes away negative thoughts. It can calm our rage down to a level of near complacency. Music has a way of taking our soul, and for no apparent reason other than a vibe or a riff, makes it whole.
Whole.
We all want to be whole. As music fans, we want our favorite bands or artists – who cut their hearts open to create this music – to contribute to our journey of wholeness. More often than not though, because bands and artists are humans themselves, wholeness is rarely found in them alone. Yet, it can transcend through their wholistic music. For millions of fans of Brand New, the enigmatic band from Long Island, NY, wholeness was literally about to be had.
In August of 2017, Brand New’s fifth and (probably) final album was finally released.
It’s title Science Fiction, and it literally popped up onto the Internet and started selling out like cold water in a barren desert. It was their first full-length release in eight years and fans were restless, to say the least. Some had just given up on the hope of new material, altogether. To top it off, this album was and is their best work. Maybe it isn’t everyone’s favorite but it definitely dives deep into why the band was ending, what makes them tick, and how they want to be remembered. Musically it encompasses everything they ever were. Brilliant.
Then… November 2017 happened.
For obvious reasons, I’m not going to detail what happened. It’s already been done. You can find out here. To make a long story very short, Jesse Lacey was accused of sexual misconduct with minors. If true, it’s sick, appalling, and warrants him as a person whom most fans and people alike want little or nothing to do with.
Now, years later, in all of the disappointment… the grief, damage, anger, online stalking/trolling, conspiracy theories…only one question can really be asked… I mean, Brand New is dead, right? They are inactive. Done. We may hear new music from one or two of the members, but their time as a band is more than likely up. Although, with the band being so secretive about everything, I suppose there’s a small possibility we may eventually see more lucrative activity.
Who knows? Does anyone care though?
So, in the wake of the sins of one man, THE frontman of the emo scene, Jesse Lacey; a question is posed. I’ll get to it.
There are millions of people who have been hurt because they loved the music of Brand New on a whole different level; Brand New made music you don’t just listen to and enjoy. It becomes its own culture and you either join it or you really don’t. That is why when Jesse Lacey’s past transgressions came to light, it was felt in the guts of the fans. The promise of wholeness was shattered into a million pieces.
It was a knife in the back we didn’t see coming and there was no one to come and pull it out.
The fallout of the dire news about everyone’s favorite, self-loathing lyricist, was intense. It created an online shit storm of everything from burnt merchandise to full-on support and (completely inappropriate) victim shaming. Cancel culture took on new life as thousands of people were chomping at the bit to rid the world of Lacey.
Inside the emo/alternative music social media world, Lacey became a notorious and reignited public figure. Hell broke loose. It nearly toppled the known genius behind Science Fiction, and it broke many hearts. Not a good scene.
So… what’s this question*?
•Over two years have passed since Jesse Lacey was accused, and his reputation was forever tarnished. In your sole opinion, does the music that Brand New created still have a solid place in this world, and should it still be cherished and listened to for generations to come?•
Now, think about music that you listen to because other important people in your life, such as parents, were big fans of. Passed on to you and enjoyed it even more so because the music bonds people together. It could be The Beatles. Van Halen. Metallica. Leonard Cohen. 2Pac. Red Hot Chili Peppers. Nirvana. Tom Petty… Think about how and why you began to love Brand New. Chances are, someone introduced you to them.
That’s my story. Community.
Now, if we want to, we could examine the lives of many prolific artists, and find all sorts of dirt. Things they have done that are absolutely appalling. We could talk for hours, and write long-form articles about David Bowie allegedly sleeping with teenage girls, while he was well into his middle age. Or we could pour over the sick twisted tales of Neverland Ranch and the grotesque unrighteousness of the biggest pop star on earth. The taboo and squeamish story of Jerry Lee Lewis marrying his 13-year-old cousin. GREAT BALLS OF FIRE!
Regardless, we still cherish the music because it still speaks to our souls.
Admit it. When you hear “Billie Jean” on the radio, and you’re all alone in the car… you’re toe-tapping and singing because it feels good.
Don’t you see, though? No matter what happened, that power cannot ever be taken away from music.
We can take away rights and good reputations from the perpetrators of these sick and twisted acts; but truthfully, never from the music itself. It takes on a life of its own, and that life is absolute perfection; still finding a way to make us whole.
When it actually becomes detached from its creator and set free to impact imperfect people. For enjoying it, does that make us – the listeners – bad people? No. It makes us human. We talk about separating the art from the artist. The art is separated from the artist as soon as the music is released to the public. That’s true with painters and authors. As soon as the public is given a chance to digest it, it’s our art as well. We make the choice to engage it. We make up our minds on whether or not we love it or leave it.
So why do we think we have the right to so quickly cancel out something we invested in, just because it’s associated with the lewd acts of a person?
Maybe I’m thinking too outside the box here, but it’s a fair question; especially when so many people are questioning if the right thing to do is cancel them out. It’s not about giving a ‘pass’ to Bowie, Lewis, Jackson, or Lacey. It’s about looking beyond the imperfections of people who will always inevitably disappoint us, and moving on. How we move on is entirely up to us.
On November 11, 2017, Jesse Lacey released a “statement” that was an apology and a self-deprecating heartfelt dissection, detailing his biggest mistakes and regrets.
Many people said it wasn’t enough and wasn’t really a confession and/or apology. Whatever your opinion is, one thing is clear. Those “transgressions” are in the past. Jesse has sought the proper self-improvement, and his family loves and supports him. What more do we need to see?
I started a Facebook group called “Favorite Fiction” that is a community of Brand New fans. I started it before all the stuff went down. Anyway, I posted the question* to the members of the group, and their words say what I’m trying to say, so much better…
“Their music is still very special to me and I listen to it daily. And I think it should be cherished and listened to for generations to come.”
“I wish more people could separate the art from the artist. Do we not separate science from the scientist? Art is, in some cases, very important in human development. People do shitty things sometimes, but have we heard his side? It’s sad that people automatically get “canceled” now so quickly. Maybe he has made statements. I honestly don’t know, but for what it’s worth, it didn’t make me skip a beat listening to them. If he was accused of something like rape or killing people I’d probably be evaluating my opinion a bit.”
“Short answer, yes, and yes.”
“Lots of musicians who have been proven to be murderers, violent, aggressive, and demented individuals are still popular and touring. Jesse didn’t write the songs completely by himself. 75% of the band should not be blamed and shunned for his actions. I really hope in time BN will start recording again.”
“Jesse’s lyrics have always been guilt-ridden confessions and cries for help. He was obviously disturbed for 15+ years. With all we know now, it really adds more depth to a lot of old songs.”
“Absolutely he was a kid basically and if we all had to pay for the things we have done in our teens and early 20’s I’m sure most of us would be embarrassed from our actions.”
“There are very few bands that have had such a lasting impact on my life. The only 2 that come to mind are Brand New and Bright Eyes. From the very second I heard them, and at any point in my life, I have been able to identify with those bands. I can’t think of any reason that I would abandon those feelings now. I would love to hear an update about them.”
“Yes yes and yes!”
Thank you to those who contributed your opinions!
Years often have to go by for us to begin healing. To begin the process of forgiveness. That’s just the way life works and the way we deal. When it comes to the case – the legend – of Brand New… it cannot be denied that their songs resolutely created a genre and a subculture that really has no name. A “cult following.” That can’t just be erased.
In your own search for wholeness; a search that was obliterated by appalling news; I cannot tell you what to do. I can only offer a suggestion or a simple thought.
Let yourself forgive, or at least try. Challenge yourself to just be a fan and enjoy what was created. It’s long since out of the shaky hands of the creator and free to just be.
To be brand new, again.
Call me a safe bet
I’m betting I’m not
I’m glad that you can forgive Only hoping as time goes, You can forget.
Lyrics from “The Boy Who Blocked His Own Shot” written by Jesse Lacey from the album Déjà Entendu.
All photos by Keeyahtay Lewis at Dead Bolt Photos Used with permission.