Selling Out?

[Old Gold]

That was really really boring

[soundian]

No, you are correct to pull me up on that one, because I think I was in full flight by that point...

What I meant is that for someone in a covers band or a function band or whatever, playing music is their job - there is no artistry to it, there is no creativity to it, etc, it's just a way to make money and have a bit of fun. In my opinion, it's not really any different to working in any other job, especially if it's one that you quite like.

The other side of the coin is someone who makes music because they fell they have to, someone who writes songs, trying to express certain things and whatever, but does not do so purely as a means to make money.

The other side of a different coin is the musician who spends time crafting songs, practising and getting good, with the sole intention of making money. These are the worst lot, and should be taken out and shooted.

And then there's those lucky ones who are savvy enough to play the game, but do so on their own terms, and can make a living from music, and still remain doing what they want to do, not for commercial reasons. People like Ian Mackaye.

So there you go.

A few points:

Firstly, there is SOME creative and artistic merit involved in playing covers, just ask anyone who's replaced someone in a band, orchestra musicians etc. I'm being pedantic here but the use of the word "no" when you mean "very little" is wrong imo.

As far as I'm concerned 2 and 4 are nearly the same group, granted that some of group 2 might balk at the thought of making a living out of it but most would, if the opportunity presented itself (then they'd be in group 4 with no change of principles). It seems to me that group 4 would quickly lose the meaning/passion behind their songs as well as they played it for the 300th time, relegating them to group 1

As for group 3, you're obviously excluding people who do film/TV scores, orchestra conductors etc. I don't see any reason for them to do all that crafting, practising and "getting good" if there wasn't money in it for them.

[Stupot]

Major record companies are in the business to make money. It's a business, they have shareholders.

Their goal is to come up with a tune and an image from an act that will persuade the average 13 year old to part with their pocket money and so get the tune/act into the charts and on radio 1. Believe me there is definitely an art in achieving this. You don't have to like it, it's just the way they do things. Check out the back pages of "The Stage" and you'll see where the next Sugarbabes are coming from. " Four outgoing females req'd for musical project. 18-22 yrs old. PO Box 666".

The problem most people make is to confuse the entertainment industry with the music industry. The music industry makes new music of all kinds from folk to jazz, from pop to metal and some of it is great some of it crap. They are just catering to their markets.

The entertainment industry which includes pro cover bands, cabaret acts, solo singers, comedians, magicians ect exists to bring entertainment to the masses at functions, holiday camps, weddings, casinos and bingo halls (where I'm playing on Friday night, God help me!!)

Music industry acts very often never have to play live and if they do, play for about 1 hour and have a guaranteed audience which will be whipped up to adore them.

Entertainment industry acts often play for up to 4 hours to a cold audience that they have to win over and keep happy (and therefore in the venue drinking) and this audience can very often be hostile. If you're crap-you die, then you get less work, then you starve.

It's a skilled trade and not for everybody but don't confuse the two.

I'm always at a loss why some people care so much anyway.