Please forgive any amateur spelling and grammar mistakes that are about to come your way as it's one o'clock in the morning, and I am exhausted beyond belief but now is a good time to get something off of my chest.
What has happened to the music industry?
I ask this question in exasperation after spending the day with 'Open Mic UK' - it's a competition for the UK's best unsigned musicians. I watched over 50 performances today, including a very talented close friend of mine, and was left feeling cheated after the 8 acts who will proceed to the next round were announced. It quickly became clear to me that this was a contest based on not just talent, but image. In fact, this contest was heavily focused on image - the head judge even made a point of reinforcing the focus on 'self-image' and 'swagger' throughout the day.
The image that a musician creates for themselves has always been of great importance, and if they get it right it can be the cherry on the cake for their career... get it wrong and, well, no one will know about you. Eminem dyed his hair peroxide blonde and donned white 'wife beater' tank tops religiously in his early days as part of his 'Slim Shady' persona. Madonna caused controversy with risque outfits and even risque-er subject matter in her music videos. Heavy Metal bands like Maiden and Zeppelin demonstrated a solid and recognizable image can be created with the right haircuts, and Elton John proved it was as simple as round glasses and a gold cross earring.
However, I believe, and have believed, for quite some time that the proportions are all wrong - there is far too higher significance projected towards image, style, looks and the raw talent, voice, musicality seems to be dragging it's heels in the sand. Whereas, the image was something that went hand in hand with a band's appeal, it now seems to overshadow talent and, in some cases, make excuses for the lack thereof.
There are many people out there, young and old, with talent oozing from their pores, dripping from their fingertips and running through their blood but I fear that, like those that I watched today, they will never have their opportunity to shine unless they create a striking and unusual image and in doing so are forfeiting their character in an attempt to find fame and glory.
Or maybe the music industry has cemented itself in a world of theatrics, meat-dresses and whipped cream shooting cupcake bras...
What do you think? Is image more important than talent these days?
You're so right!
ReplyDeleteSeems like you have to go over the top with your look to get someone listen to your music.
I think we should give musicians a chance to look like normal people and do their thing, if their thing is the music than why do they have to look like freaks for someone to buy it?
I've got nothing against people creating an image for themselves, whether it be simple or over the top but I don't think it should be in higher regard than their abilities as a musician.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment! :)
If they'r into it then why the hell not! Most of the time I'm thrilled to see what's Lady Gagas crazy outfit this time and how will Britney Spears look like when she hits the stage. But I definitely agree that it shouldn't be higher regard than their abilities as a musician!
ReplyDeleteLovin' your blog btw! :)
On the surface, I would say "Don't worry what others say, do your thing". But there are times when the extreme is clearly meant for buzz. Pink always does her hair in a different, unique style. It's fine, that's her thing. Now the meat dress, well...WTF. There is no logical explanation for that other than "shock value" and attention getting. I have a number of tattoos. I got them because I find them attractive and artistic. But if I got a giant picture of Satan tattooed across my face, people would know that I was just being showy. As far as it affecting musicians, I think that it is a way to get on the map. Eminem sports his natural hair now, Madonna doesn't do cone bras anymore and when's the last time you saw Sir Elton John in over sized star glasses. Remember Kriss Kross and their backwards clothes? I think if the music holds up, musicians come "back to Earth" once they are accepted. If not, they fade into obscurity anyway. (Sorry for being so wordy)
ReplyDelete