Bob Baker's THE BUZZ FACTORDelivering music marketing tips, self-promotion ideas and more since 1995February 4, 2003 - Vol. 9, Issue 4
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Man alive! My comments on "American Idol" opened the floodgates. Whether they were thoughts on the lousy vocalists, the mean-spirited judges, the delusion of talent, the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat, subscribers expressed their eye-opening and wide-ranging opinions. If you missed the Buzz Factor issue that started it all, read it online here. Now let's dive into those responses. First off, Amit K actually auditioned for 'American Idol' in Austin: "Since I was number 1,200 or so, I didn't even get to sing for the judges. I was turned away by a producer but heard some of the others they chose to return for the last day of auditions. Those kids were dreadful and delusional about their goals. They thought 'American Idol' was their one-stop shop to fame. "I just get mad when I watch the show because I spent the night in the cold among tons of teeny bopper kids who thought they would be the next star; hearing parents egging on their daughter to hike up that skirt or put on some more makeup. At least I learned my lesson about going to those things." Darci Monet (www.darcimonet.com) had her own inside scoop: "Simon Fuller is looking strictly for 'good television.' He announced to a room of hopefuls here in Los Angeles (a friend of mine was there), 'If you stink you have a better chance of getting into that room with all three judges than if you're good because MY job is to get ratings and THEIR job is to find the next idol.' "There were several audition rounds before they even reached Mr. Fuller, let alone 'the big three.' So I'm sure quite a few terrible people were passed along to several callbacks who thought they were chosen because they were talented, when in reality they were simply 'good TV.' "I find it pretty despicable, honestly, to make spectacles out of people who don't seem to know any better. Sometimes it seems 'American Idol' is nothing more than a televised version of the school bully beating up the school geek while the whole class watches. And I'm part of the class -- still watching, doing nothing. It is after all, 'good television,' isn't it? Diana Tyler (www.dianatyler.com) had some thoughts on doubt vs. confidence: "You echoed my speech to my husband the other night as we sat watching that horribly fascinating show. Like you, I bemoaned the fact that many shy, yet wonderful, musicians/ singers tend to doubt themselves too much and give up; while, too often, the truly untalented are the ones who embrace the 'don't let anyone step on your dreams' philosophy. I was once again smacked in the face by that confounding truism: The smaller the talent, the larger the confidence. "Yes, I am embarrassed to admit that I was glued to the TV. But still, I have to applaud the courage of those hopefuls. I would not stand before the very scary 'Simon et al. to await their judgment." Chris Morrow chimed with a perspective on criticism: "First, I think that being positive is the most important thing to bring to any labor of love, but criticism is important for anybody who wants to improve and take that labor to the highest levels in quality. Good criticism helps the artist realize their weak spots and shows what needs improvement. "However, for any amateur who doesn't want to improve, any criticism is taken as a knock on them personally. Some of the contestants don't really want to put in the effort to improve or believe that they need to. That's their problem and I would be asking why they want to pursue a professional career by auditioning if they don't want to get their act together. If they want to be pro, they should have already accepted some ground rules that all professionals deal with everyday. "Most of the bad contestants have ego hang-ups. These hang- ups keep them from seeing themselves for what they really are while denying any negative feedback. The drama these hang-ups cause also happens to make for some great television." Jamie Wearing had an opinion on the "vocalists": "I don't mean to sound mean, but some of those singers are more nasty than sipping on week-old beer with cigarette butts in it. I sure hope I don't have that same vision about myself." Former artist manager Bill Hibbler wrote: "I always encourage people to pursue their dreams but also take the gloves off when I'm asked for my opinion. I thought some of the judge's comments were harsh at times but, of course, the cameras are on and the judges are well aware of that. "But what are some of these people thinking? With one or two (like the guy they keep showing snippets of singing 'Like a Virgin') you suspect that they're just auditioning as a gag. But others made me shake my head. Why on Earth would these people wait in line for two days when they couldn't sing if their life depended on it?" Mike Watson expressed his opinion: "The most painful thing for me about shows like 'American Idol' and their ilk is the get-rich-quick mindset of the contestants and judges. That's disgusting enough, but in reality the whole point of the show is to find some new pretty face, with great boobs or pecs, who knows how to color coordinate their shoes with their eyes and hair, and who can smile for the camera with perfect white teeth, 24/7. If you're even close to overweight, you can kiss your chances of that million-dollar dream good-bye, and if you don't feel like smiling every time a camera flash goes off, see ya later, you're far too moody. "All that garbage takes precedence over a person who can really connect with people on a serious emotional level, with something they've crafted with their own two hands and heart." Mike offered one more lesson: "For a long time I used to think that my experienced guitar work could easily make up for the fact that I didn't have a clue about what I was doing when I sang. I just closed my eyes and gave it as much passion as I could muster. After four years of that, I've finally realized that doesn't cut it. Good singing takes breath, phrasing, practice and singing with your own voice, not the voice you think you want to sound like, just as I thought for far too long. "My advice to anyone who is not getting the crowd reaction they expect from their performances is record, record, record. Put your vocals under a microscope and analyze the sh*t out of what you are doing with your voice, and why. If you want to save yourself time, heartache and money, take my advice, get vocal lessons and record constantly. It will help, I promise." Nick provided a motivational message: "People who audition for 'American Idol' represent the 'someone else can do it for me' mentality. The show appeals to the lowest common denominator. These people who audition probably haven't sacrificed relationships, money, jobs, friends, moved to another city like New York or LA, etc., in order to go after this crazy dream. "If you work hard, and do whatever it takes, and go the mile for the foot, you'll make it. It's guaranteed. I haven't 'made' it yet, but I'll tell you something, I've never seen anyone who's [given it their all] who hasn't made it. And because of the sacrifices I've made, I won't let failure happen now. I refuse it. I'm hungrier than ever for it. And you won't believe how close I am to the goal right now. And when it hits, it's gonna be great." Jen Johnson had some advice on advice: "Watching the show also confirmed my suspicions that many people in the major label part of music industry have totally lost their capacity to judge because they live in a sea of hype. Some of the 'good' was not so good, and some of the 'bad' was not that bad. I also think it's absolutely ridiculous to tell someone that they should 'never sing again,' although I guess it makes for good ratings watching the judges and contestants slamming each other. "Someone at an audition once told Renee Fleming (widely considered one of the best sopranos of all time) that she should give up singing because she'd never, ever have a career as a singer." Chaeya chimed in on catering to trends: "On one hand, when artists please themselves we sometimes discover some unique and beautiful music, some of which has created new trends in music. On the other hand, by paying attention to what people like, it keeps an artist from getting too personal and too diverse and allows them to provide their own unique touch to a current trend. "Artists should get personal and please themselves from time to time, if not find a healthy medium by doing a little of both. It may be a good idea to establish yourself by seeking to please the public to win fans. Then, as they get to know you, they will become more accepting when you throw out your personal stuff." Michelle Kent (www.babarebop.com) talked about the need for balance and a driving desire: "I do agree that you need to question your abilities in order to constantly improve, but this can also be self- destructive -- balance is required. I have also come to the conclusion that while people keep telling me what songs they want to hear me sing, I'm going to stick to my instincts and choose songs that I can sing with all my heart. I have spent too many years (19 total) doing work that I detested and now want to enjoy my career as a singer as fully as I can. If this means I do fewer gigs, then so be it. But if my heart's not in it, it's not worth doing anyway." Thanks to everyone who took the time to respond. Next time, I'll try to make every comment available online. Have a great week! -Bob P.S. Remember, as an e-zine subscriber, you get access to the Buzz Factor Premium Content section, featuring special articles, e-zine back issues and other goodies. Find it at www.bob-baker.com/buzz/zine/pc.html
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REPRINT PERMISSION "Reprinted from Bob Baker's The Buzz Factor, featuring free marketing and self-promotion ideas for songwriters, musicians and bands on a budget. Visit www.TheBuzzFactor.com for free details." (c) 2003 by Bob Baker - All Rights Reserved
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