PTT偶像團體區 / KingofPop (麥可傑克森 - Michael Jackson)

[情報] Man in the Music 作者訪問

看板KingofPop (麥可傑克森 - Michael Jackson)作者ChesterB (很難想)時間15年前 (2011/04/02 13:15)推噓7(7推 0噓 0→)

留言7則, 7人參與討論串1/3 (看更多)

http://tinyurl.com/4yygfqt Interview With Joe Vogel, Author of "Man in the Music:The Creative Live and Work of Michael Jackson In September 2011, Joe Vogel will release his new book, Man in the Music: The Creative Life and Work of Michael Jackson. Joe painstakingly researched Michael’s artistry for over five years, speaking with many people who knew and worked with Michael during his life. We have had brief glimpses into this highly anticipated book, most recently through Joe’s review and discussion of "Hollywood Tonight", in the Huffington Post. 2011年九月Joe Vogel將會發行他的新書音樂中的男人: 麥可傑克森的創作和作品 Joe花了五年精心研究了MJ的作品和許多跟MJ合作過的人訪談我們已經看過一部分可能的成果他發表過的樂評和Hollywood Tonight的文章 Many of Michael’s fans and advocates, are well aware of the kinds of publications and touted ‘tell all’ books and articles, written by purported experts on Michael’s life and person. As we stay the course in the marathon of truth, we are finally able to anticipate a book that will reveal who this man really was through his lyrics and music- his deep commitment and dedication to his art; the basic inner core of Michael that reached out to all of us as he spoke of injustice, bigotry and the need to make a real change in the world, his love for all children, young and older, and his vision for a better tomorrow. 很多MJ的歌迷都知道有太多號稱MJ專家所寫的講透透的書和文章我們現在終於等到一本書是從MJ的歌詞和音樂認識MJ這個人到底是怎樣的他對他藝術作品的熱誠 MJ最核心的深處講述了不公正偏執還有如何真的改變世界他對所有兒童青年和老年的熱愛還有他對未來的願景 Please join together and thank Joe for his efforts and for sharing his thoughts in this interview. 以下是我們對Joe的訪問 Lauren: Joe, can you tell us about your background and how you became a writer? 可以告訴我們你的背景和怎麼成為作家的嗎 Joe: I have always written. Actually, getting published took some time and figuring out -- I had my first book published in 2006 (ironically, I first submitted a very early version of my MJ book that year, but no one would publish it). 我一直都從事寫作但要能正式發行書需要時間我第一本書發行在2006年(諷刺的是我在同年也同時送出了這本關於MJ書籍的初稿但沒人願意發行) Lauren: I know you have published two books prior to Man in the Music. Can you tell us a little about them? 我知道你發行過兩本書內容是? Joe: The first one, Free Speech 101, narrates the firestorm that erupted when I invited filmmaker Michael Moore to speak at a very conservative university. It's an exploration of people's fears, polarization, intolerance, censorship, etc. I was 23 at the time, and received all kinds of attacks, bribes, death threats, etc. simply for inviting someone to speak with different views. The second book, The Obama Movement, is a collection of essays about the youth movement Barack Obama inspired in his run for president. 第一本書是Free Speech 101講述了我請了紀錄片導演麥可摩爾到一個非常保守大學演講所爆發的巨大爭議討論了人們的恐懼無法容忍性等我當時23歲收到了各種攻擊賄絡死亡威脅等而這只因為我請了一個人來講了不同的觀點第二本書叫做 Obama Movement 是集合了歐巴馬一路選上總統所激發的青年運動文章 Lauren: When did you become interested in Michael's music? 你何時對MJ的音樂感興趣 Joe: I discovered Michael Jackson when I was about 7-8 years old. I wore out my VHS of The Legend Continues; I watched it so many times. The first time I saw the Motown 25 performance, I was absolutely floored. It had a huge impact on me. My musical interests evolved in all kinds of directions since then; Michael was about the only artist that stuck from childhood on because I could continue to appreciate his work on new levels. 我七八歲時發現了MJ 我的The legend Continues的錄影帶都看穿了因為我看太多次我第一次看Motown 25的表演我整個嚇倒了對我影響太大我對音樂的興趣從那之後很廣但麥可是唯一一個我從小就喜歡到現在的因為我一直能從不同程度欣賞他的音樂 Lauren: What prompted you to take on the challenges in writing this book and investing five years to research it? 甚麼讓你能接受寫這本書和做五年研究的挑戰 Joe: Well, to be honest, I had no clue of the scope of what I was taking on when I started. I began in the midst of his trial because I was frustrated with the degree to which people had forgotten -- or just never really understood -- his artistic genius. The plan was just to provide interpretations of his songs, and it evolved from there. 老實說我開始時不知道要研究的範圍有多大我是在他05年官司中開始的因為我很沮喪到了一個程度我認為人們忘記了或是從沒真的了解他是個藝術天才我當時的計畫是要解析他的歌曲 Lauren: When you spoke with people who knew or worked with Michael, did you find common experiences and impressions that they had about him? 當你和那些跟麥可工作過的人談論過後你最常聽到的評論是 Joe: People loved working with Michael; they loved his passion and joy, his desire to innovate and just create great work. Starting around the time of the BAD album, his collaborators could sense a newfound confidence and autonomy in carrying out his creative vision. 人們熱愛和麥可工作他們喜歡他的熱情和風趣他對革新的渴望還有創造偉大的歌曲從BAD專輯開始他的合作者就發現他有新的自信還有怎麼拿出他創造的想法 Lauren: Do you have a particular favorite track, and why? 你有特別喜歡的歌曲嗎為何 Joe: Growing up it was songs like "Billie Jean" and "Man in the Mirror." Now, I tend to enjoy more of his obscure tracks. My favorite album currently is HIStory. I think it's a masterpiece and will be recognized as such down the line. 我是聽著像是Billie Jean和Man in the Mirror長大的但我現在更享受比較灰色的歌曲我現在最愛的專輯是HIStory 我覺得這是經典之作但卻被低估了 Lauren: In the history of modern music, where would you place Michael in importance and cultural influence? 在現代音樂你會把麥可的重要性和對文化的影響力放哪 Joe: Culturally, I think Michael ranks alongside the Beatles. I believe he's ahead of Elvis. Michael and the Beatles were not only enormous in their respective eras, but their music has the kind of depth and diversity required to inspire generation after generation. 文化上來說我認為他和披頭四一樣重要我認為他已經超越貓王了麥可和披頭四不只在他們各自的時代很偉大但是他們的音樂還有一種深度和多元性能啟發無數個世代 Lauren: How much of the man do you find in the music? Did your impressions and beliefs in who he was change in any way? 你在音樂中發現他是怎樣的人你對他的印象有改觀? Joe: Michael believed the best way people could understand him was through his art. I found that to be the case. Everything essential comes out in his work. 麥可相信人們了解他的最好方法是透過他的藝術作品我也發現是這樣他的內心就在他的作品裡 Lauren: Was there anything you learned while doing your research that surprised you? How did that affect you? 你研究時有甚麼事情讓你很驚訝嗎對你的影響? Joe: There were many surprises. What happens is when you really focus on an individual song and album, layer after layer after layer reveals itself. I could have written entire books on each album. 有很多驚訝的事情當你專注於一首歌或一張專輯一層一層的他會自己展開我能夠每一張專輯都來寫一本書 Lauren: I understand that you teach at the University of Rochester. How do your students react to your insights into tracks like "Man in the Mirror" or "Black or White"? Do you find high interest and response from them to any one particular release or short film? 我知道你在Rochester大學教書學生對於你對像是Man in the Mirror或是Black or White 歌曲看法的反應? 他們對這些很有興趣嗎 Joe: My students have really enjoyed learning about Michael. So many important issues/ideas come out of his work. We often compare "Black or White" to Blake's, Songs of Innocence and Experience. I think much of MJ's work can be interpreted fruitfully through that lens where there is a constant tension/interplay between these contrary states. 我的學生都對學習麥可很感興趣他的作品引發了很多重要的點子我們常把Black or White和Blake的Songs of Innocence and experience做比較我想MJ很多的歌曲可以被經由不同看法和角度仔細的探討 Lauren: Have you had any resistance from your faculty, students or the parents of your students to what you teach about Michael and his music? 其他教員學生家長對於你教MJ的音樂有牴觸嗎 Joe: Not at all. 完全沒有 Lauren: What do you feel is the importance of continuing Michael's legacy? What do you see as the primary things that ordinary people can learn, and take away from his body of work? 你覺得讓MJ遺產持續下去最重要的是甚麼? 你覺得一般人最首要要學得的? Joe: My more complete answer to that question is in my book, but in short, I believe Michael's work is about liberation. He refused to accept the world as it is; he wanted it to be more aware, in tune, connected, fair, loving, creative, and free. 我最完整的回答是在我書中但簡單來說但我相信麥可的歌曲是在講解放他拒絕接受世界就是現在這個樣子他希望人們能多的有洞察力彼此連結公平互愛有創意和自由 Lauren: How has your lengthy research affected you personally? 你的研究對你本人的影響? Joe: I am inspired by great artists and great art, so exploring one of the great artists of our time in this kind of depth has had a profound impact on me. It's taken a lot of time and sacrifice, but I feel lucky to have done it. It's been very rewarding. 我受到偉大的藝術家和作品的啟發所以深度探索我們這個年代最偉大的藝術家對我有深刻的影響花了很多時間和犧牲但我覺得很幸運我做了得到了很多 Lauren: Are you aware of the hunger that fans have for positive, in-depth studies about Michael, and his work and contributions? 你知道歌迷很想要正面有深度研討麥可歌曲和貢獻的書籍 Joe: Absolutely! Michael's fans are often depicted as mindless and crazy. And while there are certainly some live up to the stereotype, the vast majorities I have come in contact with are thoughtful, intelligent, and eager to get beyond the celebrity infatuation to the art and the human being. 當然麥可的歌迷常被描繪成瘋狂的雖然的確有些是但大部份我接觸的都很懂事聰明而且急切想要知道明星光環背後的藝術作品和MJ這個人 Lauren: What are your thoughts of Michael as a social activist? 你對於MJ作為一個社會運動者的看法? Joe: Well, he obviously did a great deal and in a variety of ways. For all of his supposed narcissism, I can't think of another pop star who more consistently looked outward and genuinely tried to change the world. Has anyone from the entertainment world been a fiercer media critic; a stronger advocate for children? "Earth Song" in my opinion, is the most significant anthem of our age. Think of how prescient and powerful that song was (and continues to be). 他的確從各個方面做過很多很多人說他有所謂的自戀傾向我想不到有其他流行明星像他一樣持續的真心的想要改變世界有任何在娛樂世界的人變成一個尖銳的評論者和強烈的為兒童發聲? 在我的看法Earth song是我們這個年代最重要的主題歌曲想想那首歌多麼的有預見性還有那首歌直到今天仍是很有力 Lauren: Have you encountered negative responses to your endeavors or are you finding open minds and interest in your work? 對於你出書的題材有碰過負面評論? 還是對你的書籍有感興趣的 Joe: There is always negativity, but I've been overwhelmed and humbled by how positive the reaction has been. 總是會有負面的但是我也收到很多正面的回覆 Lauren: How do you compare Michael with MJ's previous releases? Do you think his collaborators and friends got it right? 你怎麼比較新專輯和MJ之前發行的東西你認為他的合作者和朋友弄對了嗎 Joe: Posthumous albums will never compare to the albums MJ completed while alive. I would personally like to see all of his unfinished work released exactly as he left it, then, I don't mind what happens from there in terms of new mixes, remixes, etc. I like hearing different takes. Transparency is the key, especially when dealing with someone of Michael's historical import. 死後的專輯將永遠無法和MJ自己完成的專輯相提並論我個人非常想聽到所有他未發行的作品最原來沒加工的原貌然後我不介意聽到新的混音加工等我想要聽到不同的版本但透明化是最重要的特別是你面對的是麥可的歷史地位 Lauren: Do you have an opinion on why the media have concentrated their efforts to report on all the perceived negative aspects of Michael's life, bypassing his artistic achievements, and all but ignoring his humanitarian efforts? 你對於媒體只愛報導麥可的負面生活而忽略他的藝術成就和慈善活動的看法是 Joe: I talk about this a lot in the book. The reasons are complex, but essentially, Michael was so different and unique as both an artist and a person, that many people couldn't wrap their minds around him. He didn't fit into the boxes we like people to fit into. So instead they reduced him, caricatured him, exploited him, and denied him of his complexity, depth, humanity, and artistry. 我在書中對這個話題談了很多原因很複雜但是基本上麥可不論作為一個藝術家或個人都很不同和特別很多人無法了解他他無法放入人們想定的一個框框內所以人們貶低他嘲笑他剝削他拒絕他因為他太複雜有深度有人性和有藝術性 Lauren: When you speak about how people and the media did not understand Michael, and how he was so unfairly treated and marginalized, what is your opinion on how the issue of racism may have been a factor? 當你談到媒體和人們不瞭解麥可還有他被如何錯誤對待你認為和種族歧視的關係? Joe: I think there were certainly strains of racism. Even though he broke barriers on MTV and radio, there was still a double standard in terms of how predominantly white music critics assessed him and his work. He was often dismissed as a "commercial" entertainer rather than an artist, which is a stereotype with a long racial history. Same with the perception that he was a singer, but not a songwriter. Same with "dance music/R&B" vs. rock. The assumption from some critics is that black artists aren't as cerebral or creative. Some people, including executives, were also threatened by his enormous success and power, particularly after his acquisition of the Beatles/ATV catalog. Of course, it's more complicated than just race, but there is no question for me that race played a part. 我認為的確是有部分的種族歧視雖然他打破了MTV電視和電台的界線但是對於白人評論家在評論他和他的音樂時仍是有雙重標準他常常被貶低為只是個商業化的表演者而不是個藝術家而這是長久種族問題歷史中的刻板印象就像很多人只認為他是個歌手而不是寫歌的創作者就像舞曲和節奏藍調vs搖滾很多評論家的結論就是黑人藝術家沒有這麼有頭腦沒有這麼有創作力很多在上位者被他的巨大成就和能力給威脅了特別是在他買下披頭四/ATV版權之後當然這不僅僅只是種族問題原因還更複雜但是毫無疑問種族問題的確佔了一部分原因 Lauren: What do you think about the fans who have come together since Michael died, and their efforts to reinstate his character and name, and who are working hard to continue all aspects of his legacy? 你對於很多歌迷在麥可死後團結起來要繼續維持他的名聲和維護他的遺產的看法? Joe: Michael has a very impressive and effective fan base when they put their minds to something. For those who think of Michael as a mere celebrity or pop star, it speaks volumes that his fans continue to fight for all the causes that were important to him, from social justice to peace to media fairness to environmental issues to children's rights. 麥可有個讓人印象非常深刻的粉絲群而且當他們想做時非常有影響力對於那些認為麥可只是個名人和流行明星的人來講這就是很好的例子說明他的歌迷們會一直為所有 MJ重要的事情奮戰從社會的正義到和平到媒體的公平性到環境問題到兒童福利 Lauren: And lastly, what do you hope your readers learn and appreciate about Michael, and his body of work as revealed through your book? 最後你希望你的讀者從你的書中能怎麼學到和珍惜到麥可的音樂? Joe: I want Michael to be recognized for what he was and is: one of the most significant artists of the past century. Hopefully the book gives people an in-depth window into why. 我希望麥可能藉此被認可他的確曾經而且仍是過去這個世紀最重要的藝術家我希望這本書能給人們一個夠深的窗口去了解為什麼 Joseph Vogel Department of English University of Rochester Rush Rhees 324 Rochester, NY 14627 天阿~~真長翻到後來有點眼花可能錯誤不少 -- In a world filled with hate, we must still dare to hope. In a world filled with anger, we must still dare to comfort. In a world filled with despair, we must still dare to dream. In a world filled with distrust, we must still dare to believe. ~~~~By Michael Jackson -- ※ 發信站: 批踢踢實業坊(ptt.cc) ◆ From: 173.59.231.40 ※ 編輯: ChesterB 來自: 173.59.231.40 (04/02 13:24)