Teen Forums | Teen Advice | Teen Community | TeenPhrase.com - View Single Post

Dark Inferno · #1 (**permalink**) 02-20-2008, 12:11 PM

OK. So recently, I had this dicussion with my mum about the differences between the hand-picked bands from shows like X-factor -> well you get the guist of the type of shows I mean - audience choiced ones - and groups that have gotten together through college or friendships... several points that came up in discussion, which has annoyed me (as an artist, not a performer, implying that I don't perform to people, I have no qualms against those who do, actually I admire them for the courage to perform to an audience) but I guess I want to know if there's anyone on these forums that feel the same way.

I'll list the points that came up.

1. Bands constructed through friendships know the flexibility, they know the range of their vocals and are able to explore the range of possibilities needed in becoming a successful band through their instrument and musically attuned talent/skill/as it were.
2. The music industry today is focusing more on profit and financial stuff. Singing or playing a specific instrument for money... I am slightly annoyed about this whole aspect as to going on these type of shows just to be noticed and heard. Its not even coming from the heart. Its so much more static as a performance, not because of nerves, but because its not... eh. Because they're on those shows, it doesn't ring true.
3. Bands or singers selected and trained for/through profit based shows - yes, ok, fine, they can sing. And in perfect pitch/tune. But a true performance is... well... its like writing songs or poetry. If you try to think too hard or practice too hard, it doesn't come out right. It sounds completely static and forced. If you just let it flow... or just go with the flow, capture the "essence" of the song and sing it from the heart, (as in give it all you have if its a rock n roll piece, or a sentimental song - "capture the mood or the spirit") then, well. In my opinion, it'll be much more emotionally true (depending on the song) performance.
4. Pro performers (in my opinion) tend to interact more with the audience. Encourage them to join in, if its a well known song. Take Freddie Mercury for instance. His song live performance from the Wembley Live CD - A kind of Magic - the audience ... well. Let's just say, that performance superbly captured the magic that both the singer and the audience - sense of union - they created magic on that day. You hear it through the lyrics and the interaction.

I guess I just feel sad that the old spirit of music is disappearing these days. Was wondering if anyone felt the same or has anything else to add.