Most people are oblivious to the harshness of the music and entertainment business. What you see on American Idol is almost a kind let-down. In the real world, there would be not Paula to be the queen of nice (all be it a stoned nice) and Simon wouldn't even humor you with feedback.
One of the harsh realities our ROCKSTAR PROJECT winners face is that our portion of their career - is just the beginning. Believe me, they enter the music world with a heads-start on everyone else since they have a professionally recorded single ($10K value), guaranteed bookings and radio airplay. But even those who get to the front of the line still have to face the music - or in this case: the music industry.
That juggling kid on Idol who ran out of the ballroom crying doesn't have what it takes. I'm not referring to his singing talent (that speaks for itself). I'm talking about guts. That's what it takes to be in the entertainment business. At least Simon and Paula laughed at him. In an actual audition for a major music label, the executive would have dropped a few "f-bombs" wondering who let this idiot in (out loud). But this was on TV - so it was nicer than the real world.
One of the harsh realities our ROCKSTAR PROJECT winners face is that our portion of their career - is just the beginning. Believe me, they enter the music world with a heads-start on everyone else since they have a professionally recorded single ($10K value), guaranteed bookings and radio airplay. But even those who get to the front of the line still have to face the music - or in this case: the music industry.
That juggling kid on Idol who ran out of the ballroom crying doesn't have what it takes. I'm not referring to his singing talent (that speaks for itself). I'm talking about guts. That's what it takes to be in the entertainment business. At least Simon and Paula laughed at him. In an actual audition for a major music label, the executive would have dropped a few "f-bombs" wondering who let this idiot in (out loud). But this was on TV - so it was nicer than the real world.
I remember a family in high school that was going to sue the school district because their daughter didn't get the part of Sandy in the HS production of Grease. She was too heavy. Her parents argued that she could dance, sing, and was an excellent actress. But this wasn't a radio play. I really felt bad for her - but that was show business too. Audiences wouldn't buy a heavy Sandy - and our production relied on ticket sales to exist. Real world lesson #1.
Today I get to hear stories from music artists who tell me about "record label" edicts to die their hair, lost weight, buff-up, etc. The pain is still in their voice when telling the story. I listen with empathy - but have to wonder "why?" That is the price of admission to be famous. There is nothing wrong with singing in church and coffee houses. Fame comes at a price. I guess that makes the question - is it worth it?
No comments:
Post a Comment