your question:

02/18/2023 Magpie O'Hara

Have you ever felt pressured into supporting fellow acts in a "scene" you were a part of and conflicted because you felt you would rather not support them given the quality (or lack thereof) of their output or you disliked them in any way? Or perhaps you've never caved to those pressures? No need to name names.

my answer:

I try to be honest and not give unnecessary compliments. If for some reason I feel compromised or awkward I will find my exit (sometimes I do that regardless). But pressured? No. I think that kind of pressure only comes from one’s self. I would hate it if someone gave me a false compliment out of pressure. But on the other hand, I don’t have to like something to be supportive. If the conviction is there, just being an artist can be enough for me to be encouraging or sympathetic. My tastes are subjective and I have to keep myself in check with that fact.