Canadian Idol Fans Watching American Idol
- Thread starter ross 1
- Start date
Yes, probably. In the short term. But I think it would be the best thing in the long term. A lot of indie artists are able to succeed, so it means it can be done without the labels.
Yes, it would probably be better in the long term. But I wonder. The music scene isn't just made up of indie-type artists, so without labels, what would other types of artists do? Would they be able to afford the cost of production that they need to do the music they do? I mean, the stars would. But signing with a label is definitely a good thing for a lot of young, unknown artists, and they don't have to find all the people to work with, themselves, and the songwriters, etc. The fact is, not everyone's a singer-songwriter. And not all artists are good at packaging themselves. I know you like that type the best, but the Top 40 type of artist that you don't especially like, and their music, is still liked by a lot of people. I wouldn't want the whole music business to be nothing but indie artist types, I guess.
Here's an interview with Kris.
'American Idol' winner Kris Allen moves from TV to tour, bringing his trademark authenticity | OKG Scene.com
Here's an interview with Kris.
'American Idol' winner Kris Allen moves from TV to tour, bringing his trademark authenticity | OKG Scene.com
A lot of young and new artists are indie artists actually. Probably most of them. A handful of them can get signed to a major label, but not most of them. And I don't consider "indie" as a genre. I'm sure top 40 artists could be "indie" too. When I say "indie", I talk about those who are not signed with a major record label. Those that make music on their terms. I don't really see why all artists couldn't be indie artists. Rock, country, pop, folk, etc, etc. Indie artists exist in all the genres. About the packaging of the artists, that's what I don't like about the record companies. Everything has to fit in a package, to sell, to be played on the radio. This is what is problematic in my opinion, the music is losing its authenticity.
A band like Metric for example. They released their latest album in Canada with a really small label and they released it by themselves in the U.S. Some of their music totally fits the top 40 market and it was even played on some top 40 radios in Canada, at least. So, they're an indie band, playing some mainstream music, but it's authentic. It's not a package or something that was made to play on the radio. It seems so much like everything today in the music business is made so that it gets radio play. It's all so prefabricated. Who cares about the artistry, the artistic merit, the ability to sing, when all you want is to produce an easily digestible radio hit? Hate.
(From MJ's)
See? It's all about giving the music a "commercial edge". Hate.
A band like Metric for example. They released their latest album in Canada with a really small label and they released it by themselves in the U.S. Some of their music totally fits the top 40 market and it was even played on some top 40 radios in Canada, at least. So, they're an indie band, playing some mainstream music, but it's authentic. It's not a package or something that was made to play on the radio. It seems so much like everything today in the music business is made so that it gets radio play. It's all so prefabricated. Who cares about the artistry, the artistic merit, the ability to sing, when all you want is to produce an easily digestible radio hit? Hate.
(From MJ's)
See? It's all about giving the music a "commercial edge". Hate.
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Well, I do see what you mean. On the other hand, pop music has usually not been about artistry, it's been about fun, romance, sex, or sentiment. I mean, we can't be snobs and try to make pop all about artistry or artistic merit. A lot of people listen to it just for fun, and they're not musically sophisticated. I agree that a lot of what's on the radio is junk, but a lot of it is good mainstream pop, too. And some of that has no artistic pretentions, it's just commercial pop music. I think people like this music and will probably still like it even if record labels no longer exist.
The other thing is, some people are just not the type to produce their own albums or put out their own music, and I'm afraid these people could not promote themselves and would starve, in such an environment. I feel some people might need that corporate cushion.
Okay, but you understand, Crystal went on American Idol, she said, to hopefully provide for her kid's future. So now are we to expect her not to want to do commercial music? It's a business. I mean.
Anyway, it's an interesting subject, isn't it? (Music business.) What we're talking about kind of reminds me of film history. The studios used to run Hollywood, "own" the stars and directors, and tell them what to do, and people said they couldn't wait until that was over. Now, it's over, and while there's more freedom to make artistic films, it didn't happen, and there's more of a blockbuster mentality and every film has to be a hit. Also, some of the artists who were nurtured by the studio system were lost without it and never were as good trying to sell themselves or make it on their own. So I guess I see some parallels to the current music business, and how it's changing, and that's why I'm at best, cautiously optimistic.
Here's another interview with Kris after his Hattisburg concert.
Allen dishes on show, Radiohead | hattiesburgamerican.com | Hattiesburg American
Here's another interview with Kris after his Hattisburg concert.
Allen dishes on show, Radiohead | hattiesburgamerican.com | Hattiesburg American
Really interesting discussion!
Yeah, I agree. I listen to different music for different reasons but for me my love for Tik Tok is just as valid as my love for any of the independent music I listen to.
Good songs resonate with people for a variety of reasons. I don't have a problem with trying to make music that the majority of people will like and I usually like radio hits. Plus sometimes that commerical song will pull people into the bands other music which might not be as radio friendly.
Record labels have a lot to answer for that's for sure, but I don't see them packing in the towel any time soon. Not everyone has the knowledge or even the inclination to be their own label or distributer.
AND...
Those two reviews were really good. Loved them. (but yeah, don't really care about reviews.. .. I'm such a liar.. lol)
Did you hear about the birthday cows?? How awesome.
Yeah, I agree. I listen to different music for different reasons but for me my love for Tik Tok is just as valid as my love for any of the independent music I listen to.
Good songs resonate with people for a variety of reasons. I don't have a problem with trying to make music that the majority of people will like and I usually like radio hits. Plus sometimes that commerical song will pull people into the bands other music which might not be as radio friendly.
Record labels have a lot to answer for that's for sure, but I don't see them packing in the towel any time soon. Not everyone has the knowledge or even the inclination to be their own label or distributer.
AND...
Those two reviews were really good. Loved them. (but yeah, don't really care about reviews.. .. I'm such a liar.. lol)
Did you hear about the birthday cows?? How awesome.
LOL - Ross you linked to the Reviews. Hattiesberg and Oklaholma. 
KAB played with Kris's dad last night!
There is definitely a @krisallenband + Neil Allen performance going on downtown right now | TweetPhoto
Theres a link to this one though - seen this? It's from one of those Examiner people.. so .. kinda awkward.
YouTube - Interview with Kris Allen, June 2010
KAB played with Kris's dad last night!
There is definitely a @krisallenband + Neil Allen performance going on downtown right now | TweetPhoto
Theres a link to this one though - seen this? It's from one of those Examiner people.. so .. kinda awkward.
YouTube - Interview with Kris Allen, June 2010
LOL - Ross you linked to the Reviews. Hattiesberg and Oklaholma.
Oh, were those reviews? I kind of skipped ahead to the interview sections when I read them (I was in work up till now).
I don't get this at all. I mean I get it but I don't get it. They played with Kris's dad? Can you enlighten me? Where? Why? Etc.
That interview reminded me, when he mentioned the Packers, that he had to skip that softball game with the Packers because he was sick when he was in Green Bay. That sucks.
Thanks. I really enjoyed that interview.
Speaking of music.. The Polaris Prize long list is out.
Polaris Music Prize
I love Tegan and Sara, and You Say Party! We Say Die! and Hawksley Workman Hope they make the short list.
Polaris Music Prize
I love Tegan and Sara, and You Say Party! We Say Die! and Hawksley Workman Hope they make the short list.
Steve Luna says the band was being attacked by "nats" tonight. (I think there's a"g" in there, somewhere.)
steveluna's Photos | TweetPhoto
(Did I ever tell you Kris introduced Steve to us when I saw them in Worcester? He asked us to give him a hand.)
steveluna's Photos | TweetPhoto
(Did I ever tell you Kris introduced Steve to us when I saw them in Worcester? He asked us to give him a hand.)
Just came back home...
KAB with Neil must have been great! We've never heard Neil sing, have we?
You know, I don't mind commercial music per se. I used to like it (even love it in some cases). I've just become so disgusted by it all. I used to love listening to radio, now I hate it. It revolts me. I really do feel strongly about this, because the music industry is going down in flames and instead of trying to make it better, it just seems to be worse and worse. The sales are just anemic. What bothers me is the business aspect of it. I love pop music that can be fun and that everyone can enjoy. But I believe that even that type of music can come from an artistic place. Now, it's like everything is a "paint by number" thing where they the labels only replicate what's been done before and what they know will somewhat sell. All the labels think about is the money, instead of trying to create something good and original. And I know that even fun pop music, without necessairly having artistic merits, can come from a genuine place, and not from the head of an A&R guy, counting his money.
The Crystal thing was just an example. I know they make these business decisions. I know why they paired up Cook with pop hit-makers. But I don't have to like it. And I don't. I want to hear the music that is genuinely coming from these people, not the music that random songwriters and producers think is best for them.
For what it's worth, Radiohead's Thom Yorke predicted that the record labels would implode in the near future (I posted something about this last week here). And he was talking in months, not in years.
Polaris Prize:
Yeah, I saw the long list too! I really like Hannah Georgas and Dan Mangan. Karkwa are awesome as well. And I have the New Pornographers' album as well, I still have to listen to it properly, but I really like what I've heard.
The new Stars album sounds awesome BTW. Did you listen to it SleepinIn? Can't wait to get it.
I was just reading you analogy with the movie industry, ross. It's interesting, because I had a different perspective on it, not really knowing what happened back them. I see the current movie and music industries as really similar. Both struggling, both going for the safe options (they don't make all those remakes and sequels for nothing), while there's a rich "independent" world underneath all the blockbusters on the surface.
In the end, I just believe something has to change somewhere, whatever that change is. I can't be the only one who's now turned off by everything mainstream when I didn't have a problem at all with it not that long ago.
KAB with Neil must have been great! We've never heard Neil sing, have we?
You know, I don't mind commercial music per se. I used to like it (even love it in some cases). I've just become so disgusted by it all. I used to love listening to radio, now I hate it. It revolts me. I really do feel strongly about this, because the music industry is going down in flames and instead of trying to make it better, it just seems to be worse and worse. The sales are just anemic. What bothers me is the business aspect of it. I love pop music that can be fun and that everyone can enjoy. But I believe that even that type of music can come from an artistic place. Now, it's like everything is a "paint by number" thing where they the labels only replicate what's been done before and what they know will somewhat sell. All the labels think about is the money, instead of trying to create something good and original. And I know that even fun pop music, without necessairly having artistic merits, can come from a genuine place, and not from the head of an A&R guy, counting his money.
The Crystal thing was just an example. I know they make these business decisions. I know why they paired up Cook with pop hit-makers. But I don't have to like it. And I don't. I want to hear the music that is genuinely coming from these people, not the music that random songwriters and producers think is best for them.
For what it's worth, Radiohead's Thom Yorke predicted that the record labels would implode in the near future (I posted something about this last week here). And he was talking in months, not in years.
Polaris Prize:
Yeah, I saw the long list too! I really like Hannah Georgas and Dan Mangan. Karkwa are awesome as well. And I have the New Pornographers' album as well, I still have to listen to it properly, but I really like what I've heard.
The new Stars album sounds awesome BTW. Did you listen to it SleepinIn? Can't wait to get it.
I was just reading you analogy with the movie industry, ross. It's interesting, because I had a different perspective on it, not really knowing what happened back them. I see the current movie and music industries as really similar. Both struggling, both going for the safe options (they don't make all those remakes and sequels for nothing), while there's a rich "independent" world underneath all the blockbusters on the surface.
In the end, I just believe something has to change somewhere, whatever that change is. I can't be the only one who's now turned off by everything mainstream when I didn't have a problem at all with it not that long ago.
That's a really good point.
Something related to this just occurred to me. When I was a teenager Top 40 radio was actually much worse than it is now. From what I can remember, they played the same songs, every hour, all day, with no variety. I worked in a garage, and the owner had one of these stations on all the time, and in the summer I had to listen to it for eight hours. I thought I was going to go nuts. The other kid who worked there and I would change the station all the time, and the owner would keep changing it back!
Anyhow, this reminded me that I don't actually mind Kiss108 much in comparision to that. Because there are a lot more songs being played, and the songs themselves are, for the most part, a lot better. Plus, they vary the playlist by throwing in some older songs and other stuff.
It also reminded me that back then there were stations my buddy and I could change the dial to, unlike now. I mean, there used to be some good radio stations that were very popular that played alternative rock and edgier music. They've all gone out of business, around here.
So I think another problem is commercial radio itself, and how it has changed and become much more mainstream, while the less-mainstream stations seem to have gone under, in a lot of places.
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This definitely reminds me that Kris and I indeed were teenagers at the same time, LOL.
YouTube - KAB SOUNDCHECK OKC
Pretty good cover, but it's not my favorite they've done. Maybe I'll like it better with a better quality video.
YouTube - KAB SOUNDCHECK OKC
Pretty good cover, but it's not my favorite they've done. Maybe I'll like it better with a better quality video.
Link hopping got me on this thread. So, how do you even subscribed to it anyway?
Cow update for Kris' birthday: $11621.40... the goal being $12500.00
Almost there! To be honest, I am surprised by the fans' response to this. Pleasantly surprised.
Cow update for Kris' birthday: $11621.40... the goal being $12500.00
Almost there! To be honest, I am surprised by the fans' response to this. Pleasantly surprised.
I can't watch the video, I'm in work. But on an unrelated note, except that it's about Kris,
Brian Mansfield just wrote something, about how he wanted to post combined sales numbers for The Truth, but he didn't have them right now...and I thought...
Isn't it an epic fail on Jive's part to have more than one version of this song available, so that the sales numbers for each version are never going to be large, even if the combined sales end up being big?
Who is going to measure the success of the song by combined sales? Billboard isn't.
Welcome!
Brian Mansfield just wrote something, about how he wanted to post combined sales numbers for The Truth, but he didn't have them right now...and I thought...
Isn't it an epic fail on Jive's part to have more than one version of this song available, so that the sales numbers for each version are never going to be large, even if the combined sales end up being big?
Who is going to measure the success of the song by combined sales? Billboard isn't.
Welcome!
Thank you ross1.
Ironically, Brian Mansfield seems to be the only one preoccupied by the combined sales of this single. The numbers he pulled out for the two tracks (the version on the album and the version with Pat Monahan) after Kris performed on Idol were quite interesting and showed that both were indeed being bought.
Ironically, Brian Mansfield seems to be the only one preoccupied by the combined sales of this single. The numbers he pulled out for the two tracks (the version on the album and the version with Pat Monahan) after Kris performed on Idol were quite interesting and showed that both were indeed being bought.