Is Reality TV Smothering the Local Music Scene?

OK, if you've made it through the title and are still here…good. :) This is a mighty large issue (or as some would say, can of worms) to delve into. Here we go…

Since American Idol, we've seen an onslaught of new reality TV shows such as RockStar, Nashville Star, Celebrity Duets, and the resurgence of Star Search. Granted these shows are nothing new, considering shows like the Louisiana Hayride, American Bandstand, Ted Mack's Amateur Hour, Ed Sullivan Show, Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts, and Connie B. Gay's Town and Country. So music in television is no new thing.

But it would seem like public consciousness has changed, now today's teen has more buying power and communication options available to them then ever before. And the baby-boomer (pop music's first big market) has continued influence and marketability. Couple that with the advancements in telecommunications (Television, radio, and Internet), and people are starved for celebrity more than ever before.

For those of us (including yours truly) who have slogged it out playing in weddings, talent shows, clubs, casinos, churches, and the like, the current situation leaves one with a bad taste in one's mouth. Sure it makes for good entertainment, and the music/talent is good on these shows. But I, and a great many of my colleagues, think that this is short-circuiting the vibrant life of local live music scenes everywhere. Let me unpack this some more…

Typically, talented kids come up through their local scene and starting getting themselves together at the end of the elementary school years into junior high. In secondary school, there are more opportunities both in music study and performance. School opportunities like band, choir and orchestra, as well as some kinds of music lessons, music appreciation classes are readily available. Community activities, such as church functions, street dances, and other such events are readily found. Geography plays a part too; sometimes smaller towns don't have as much going on. But as they say "where there's a will there's a way".

Point being, there comes a time when the struggling musician has to get out of the classroom and/or basement, and test their proverbial mettle in front of real live people. Novel idea, eh? ? Playing in front of people is a whole new ballgame, "singing for your supper" as it were. You have to get out there, learn to get (and keep) gigs, learn how to improvise when equipment malfunctions, learn about what songs work for what crowds, etc.

In order to have a shot at the "big time", bands or singers typically have work and fly on a wing-and-a-prayer for the big opportunities. Along the way, they have honed their craft. What modern Reality music TV shows are doing for better or for worse is bridging that gap. These shows promise instant fame and usually a recording contract of some kind. Meanwhile, there's some unknown singer/songwriter out there in a coffeehouse in Park Bench, Iowa or somewhere who's 10X better than some of these people, and won't ever get any exposure. On one hand that's a travesty of justice, on the other, maybe the indie folks like it better that way.

Don't get me wrong I used to watch those shows too, but they quickly wear thin for me. It's almost for the spectacle that peoples watch them any more; it's like music as pro wrestling or something. :) Our culture builds these people up so much, and they fall so hard. Happened to Elvis…people totally forget that he was a great Gospel music fan and one of the most naturally gifted singers of our time. (That gets lost in the Vegas and "Memphis Mafia" stuff, but I digress...).

I worry that kids coming up will think that all they need to do is have a good voice and try out for American Idol. Like making it big in the business is the key to happiness or something. People forget about making good music. I'm not on a rant per se, I'm just concerned that the local scenes could use a shot of adrenaline so to speak. Maybe we should turn off the TV and actually go out more to our local venues and actually support our local talent more.

Another novel idea, eh?