American Idol and Friends
Killing the Music Industry Passion One Show at a Time
It seems that more and more we are finding less and less talented 'music stars.' It seems that the music industry will let anyone in the doors these days. What happened to the days when you had to work to get in and work harder to stay in? Now it's just a shoe in and you're there for life. Can we really compare Taylor Hicks and Kathryn McPhee to such legends as Aretha Franklin and The Beatles? Have we sunk our standards so low that all you need to be a music star is a pretty face?
It seems to be that way. Though these are 'talent shows,' I feel like very little is actually based on talent. Sure, there are plenty of talented people out there, but when you are on a reality television show, they aren't exactly banking on your talent. They're banking on your sex appeal. They're trying to figure out who is going to make them the most money.
So now, shows like American Idol are taking mediocre artists and selling them in the music market and making millions. Millions. While other, more talented bands, are fighting just to get a little bit of the recognition that they deserve. And the bands that have already had to fight their way to their top, the bands that should be proud to say that they were part of the music industry when the music industry was good, would never make it through shows like American Idol. The people who are in it for the music know that talking the easy way, with television reality shows, is not worth it. It's not worth sacrificing their art.
We need to find musicians with the passion to fight their way to the top. To do it the hard way. The musicians who aren't going to sacrifice themselves for a false image. Music used to be an art form. Now it's money, and glitz and glam. It's fame and red carpets rather than harmonies and melodies. We are trading in guitar rifts for pretty smiles. When will it stop? Where is that drive in music that used to be there? Where are the people who could do nothing else? Where is the passion?
Published by Chelsi
I am a twenty-four year old starving artist music junkie, and a proud CoMolian. I love writing, I love music, and I love you. View profile
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3 Comments
Post a CommentWell, one thing is for sure. Taylor Hicks hasn't become famous due to his sex appeal. The thing I can't figure out is how he became famous at all. Just what we needed, another Michael Bolton. Good article. Right on!
Your last two sentences describes Taylor Hicks perfectly. Music is all he knows. He's been on the road for 10 years, just barely scraping by. He's written quite a few songs about it actually. Before you go spouting ignorant comments, you should do your research. He has a very talented band that fought and fought. This was his break. He took it. As GRITS said, he's using them, if anything. As far as trading guitar rifts. Hmmmm...apparently you are also ignorant that Taylor Hicks plays both the guitar and harmonica. Do some research before you lump all reality music show contestants together.
As far as Rockstar Supernova goes, you might want to look into the artists on that show. Many of them have niche or even semi-famous bands. Most of them have excellent resumes, are musicians, and songwriters. You pass judgement without being informed. How trite.
HEY, LISTEN UP! What are you talking about? Talk about fighting it to the top, no one, NO ONE has fought harder and tirelessly as Taylor. For more than 10 years he has been out there writing and playing and even producing 2 CD's on his own and he found a way to be seen and heard, so if anything HE is using THEM. I know Taylor and I assure you that you will not find a musician more passionate about his work. This man LIVES for music, that is it. If he couldn't perform his music he would have no reason to get out of bed in the mornings. Believe me. It is easy to make judgements about people and things that you obviously know nothing about. A word of advice, it is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and REMOVE ALL DOUBT.... and my name means "Girl Raised In The South, so you can kiss my grits.