I would like to take full responsibility...
...for the success of Girl Talk.
Can I get my check now?
In response to the Year in Local Rock story on Thursday I've heard from local artists happy to be included and others who felt snubbed.
But the most interesting reaction of all came from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , who credits me for the rise of laptop sensation Girl Talk... for his sold-out concerts, his appearance on Best of 2008 album lists, etc.:
"As a long-time subscriber to the PG, and respected member of the Pittsburgh music scene, I, (along with many others), was appalled by the sight of Girl Talk on the cover of the weekend magazine- furthermore he being rated the number 1 most important person/band in Pittsburgh music. GIRL TALK IS NOT A MEMBER OF THE PITTSBURGH MUSIC SCENE, NEVER WAS, AND NEVER WILL BE. Scott Mervis in particular, is out of touch with the music scene in Pittsburgh. Mr. Mervis' personal taste is the only thing that has led to the smattering of Girl Talk. I think that the PG should get rid of Scott Mervis and find some real writers who talk about real bands- Girl Talk does not fit with the title "The year in Rock", he is not rock, and he is not a band, and he does nothing for Pittsburgh, and neither did Scott Mervis by publishing such pratty trash."
Of course, I can't reach "anonymous," but I'm dying to know who the "many others" are. If you're one of them, let me know.
In the meantime, a colleague offered some details on Girl Talk's credentials: "Gregg Gillis [Girl Talk] went to Chartiers Valley High School, went to local concerts starting around '95, starting playing shows in the area with the Joysticks around '98, started playing out solo as Girl Talk in 2000, and played many smaller scene shows as Girl Talk for almost four years before gaining any attention. During that time, Gregg represented Pittsburgh twice in 2002 and 2003 on the nationwide Circuits of Steel tour which showcased Pittsburgh's creative live electronic music scene. He also attended many smaller club shows and continues to do so whenever he's in town, which is a lot, because he lives here and bought a house here. Gregg Gillis takes the name of Pittsburgh out on the road whenever he goes, and also takes bands from Pittsburgh with him, such as Grand Buffet, giving them a chance to play to thousands they would never play to otherwise. Therefore, Girl Talk is a member of the Pittsburgh music scene."