There's been an acoustic Betttie Serveert CD out for three months and the label, as well as most of the U.S. music press, would just as soon you didn't know. In fact, the stellar Netherlands band toured the U.S. in October to universal yawns. Come on! We are talking about lyricist/vocalist/rhythm guitarist Carol van Dijk, one of the most brilliant, sultry, sexy, and unforgettable musicians of the century. When they toured with Wilco in the late 1990s, Bettie Serveert drew thousands. When they played Denver two years ago, they pulled in maybe 150 to the Lion's Lair, the notorious Colfax dive that is home to Modern Drunkard magazine. And now their label, Minty Fresh, seems to want to forget they are still releasing albums. They're not alone. Artists require money to market, and indy artists are dying of neglect. Yes, yes, I know, be the media, and be the A&R, and be the marketing department. But some musicians like Charalambides and Hototogisu are used to an audience of 50. Bettie Serveert is not, and shouldn't have to be when Kanye West and Gwen Stefani can sell out stadiums.
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