"Our career path has tended to be the most perverse and contrary approach to the entertainment industry imaginable, while at the same time doing the kinds of things that you have to do, the videos, the photos and all that sort of stuff"

Peter Garrett's quote assesses the unconventional journey he and his band, Midnight Oil, have actually taken in the entertainment industry. This analysis explores the juxtaposition and subtlety within his declaration.

To start with, the expression "the most perverse and contrary method" recommends that Garrett and his bandmates took a path that defied market norms. The entertainment industry typically rewards conformity, where artists are motivated to follow tested formulas for success. By selecting a "perverse and contrary" course, Garrett indicates that Midnight Oil intentionally went against these expectations, potentially welcoming a more rebellious or non-traditional principles in their music and profession choices. This perspective aligns with the band's credibility for blending rock with political advocacy, challenging social and ecological problems through their art, instead of seeking mainstream business success as a main goal.

However, Garrett also acknowledges, "at the very same time doing the kinds of things that you need to do, the videos, the photos and all that sort of stuff". Here, he yields that despite their subversive technique, certain market conventions can not be totally avoided. To reach and engage with an audience, bands should take part in promotional activities like developing music videos and performing image shoots. These are staples of the industry that guarantee visibility and connection with fans. Garrett's reference of these activities suggests a pragmatic acknowledgment that while Midnight Oil pursued an unique path, they still had to engage with some standard mechanisms to achieve their objectives.

In essence, Garrett's quote shows a balancing act between remaining true to one's artistic vision and browsing the realities of the home entertainment world. It talks to the double nature of being an artist who desires to challenge and innovate, while also acknowledging the necessities of the market facilities that permits that art to be shared and appreciated.