Alright, kiddos, take a seat. I'm going to talk to you about what "selling out" means so you can stop throwing that phrase around.
I first stumbled upon a little band from Baltimore, Maryland when I was nine. I started to listen to their music and buy whatever I could get my hands on at the time. All Time Low was my absolute favorite thing in existence. They were (and still are) my favorite band. That doesn't mean I have to like every single thing they do.
Having watched this band grow and take over the world over the last 11 years has brought me so much joy and pride. I remember listening to their music and knowing that they were going to be big and they have proven me right.
It wasn't long after listening that I started to hear people call them "sell outs." Being somewhat new to the being in love with a band experience, I asked my dad what that meant. I distinctly remember him telling me that he didn't understand it. He said that if you love a band, really love them, you should want them to succeed. That's what fans do.
I completely agree.
All Time Low has toured the world numerous times. They've been signed to a major label (Interscope), and just signed to another one as well (Fueled By Ramen). They've released two live concert DVDs. They've been in an MTV movie. They've released six full length albums (seven in June) and two EPs. As far as I can see, they haven't changed who they are at their core - not really.
They care about their fans. That's never changed. It's true that I have songs that aren't my favorites. They've done things that I'm a little "eh," about, but I don't think they're sellouts. Because the guys from that band that I started to love back in 2006 are still the same guys who are around today.
They've just grown up. One of them is married. Another one is engaged. They were in their early teens when All Time Low started and now they're nearing their 30's. You can't expect anyone to be the same after that.
Signing to a major label doesn't make you a sellout.
Wearing designer clothes doesn't make you a sellout.
Giving up who you are and what you stand for makes you a sellout.
I don't think that they're going to allow that to happen.
