The RPM Challenge - To Be Famous...

To Be Famous...

Sunday, 08 June 2008

Every would-be rock star wants to be famous. We want the cash, the girls, the clout; the whole package and the American Express Titanium card – don’t buy an airplane without it. Even the most conservative of musicians has thought about the big "what if". Many of us have played the god-awful place in front of the god-forsaken crowd with the hopes that we might get a break. That was the old days. Now anybody with a camera, some lighter fluid, and pack of dumb ass friends can be famous. It’s no longer exclusive and therefore no longer relevant in the eyes of some. It may explain why starlets are kicking their legs up and showing some crotch to get attention...that and drinking way too much. Celebrity status is just not guaranteed anymore. The cool new video is staring a baby water buffalo, some lions, an alligator, and a pissed off herd of 2-ton animals with giant racks on their heads. Hard to compete with that. With that stated, let me ask a question: How the heck did Kanye’ West get a record deal? I saw him on Saturday night live and he was spouting some dribble that was supposed to be rap, with his large band and I’m looking at the TV and wondering why is he on the tube. I have heard several RPMer’s that sound much better and they spent a lot less money than he did...and they were probably solo projects. Not that I can fault a brother for being successful. Go team. But when everyone is fighting to be relevant, bring your A game. Don't do a nationally televised show with some kindergarten-ass music production. I know I may sound cynical. Ok I am cynical, but I know a half-assed effort when I see it. Just boggles my mind.

Comments (8)

1 Written by Sister Savage, on 06-08-2008 09:07
I don't want the girls. *thinks* Which girls? ;-)

2 I heard that!
Written by Endicott Road, on 06-08-2008 13:30
I completely agree with you. There is a great deal of great music being made by those of us who don't have a record deal. I am currently listening to the RPM 08 CD by one of my fav's, Brian Litchfield, who I found through this site, and his stuff is better than most of what I hear from the record companies. Like many others, Brian does this for the love of the music. So do I. That fact makes our music better.
Once again, I hear you loud and clear.
ER

3 Written by Babys First Ride, on 06-09-2008 09:52
Man, I just saying. If we got the opportunity to play the big stage, we would bring our best stuff. I know I would. And it would be a show as well. There would be no doubt that I came to rock the house, especially if I don't have to pull off and entire set. Anyway, my blood pressure is up, I'm going to watch cartoons now.

4 Change Lanes
Written by Joshua Wentz, on 06-09-2008 14:19
Look, celebrity has always been more about spectacle than value. You notice how no one follows around the best actors and musicians, taking pictures of their crotches? Yeah, that's right... because they're living real lives, being great artists, and using their money/talent/fame for the right things.

Nowadays, yes, every dumbshit can become "Internet famous", a prospect that is shallow and pretty unbecoming... ultimately this will be a short-lived trend, in my opinion. No one really cares about disposable content.

So, what do we do? Pick your goal, then draw your own path to it. DO NOT look at the old, worn path. Do NOT look at the people flailing wildly toward the goal. Plan, be methodical, and do everything with a sense of sureness.

If the goal is "stereotypical rock star", put on some eye make-up, move to L.A., and make your music as generic as possible. Soon you will be on MTV Cribs, showing us your fridge full of Red Bull and mustard, and talking about which leather interior you like best.

If the goal is "real music", look to your community, look to the real, active networks out there, and become an ACTIVE member of all of those things. Get a site, get a blog, devote yourself to music, and make it happen.

Big is Boring.

5 Joshua
Written by Babys First Ride, on 06-09-2008 15:30
I agree...to a point. The rock / rap star image has morphed into a plastic idol. Basically, its to be worshipped without real value. At one time, the recording contract was held out as the pentacle of accomplishment as a musician. These were the ones who had weathered the storm and emerged victorious. That was the dream. There are other ways today, as you have mentioned, to get out there on our own. To that end, I don't think there is anything wrong with BIG necessarily. I like the idea of sharing positive energy with a large group. I like small also. But if I'm asking someone to listen to my music, or leave thier home and travel to see me perform, I plan to make it a good showing. Ego aside, that's my job for however long I'm on stage. This new breed of performer is more concerned about looking good than being good.

6 I agree with
Written by Endicott Road, on 06-09-2008 21:25
baby'sirst ride. The old model, and dream, is dead. We all are part of a new model, where ameteurs can contribute, and make music just as good as professionals. I'm just very surprised that record companies are holding onto the old model in such a Titanic way. The ship has hit an iceberg. Time to man the lifeboats.
I also agree that if people were paying to see me perform, I'd want to put on a good show. I would feel obligated to do so. But I understand it from the fan's point of view. I don't know how many professionals do.
In any event, I plan to continue to visit this site and listen to all the great tunes.
Regards.
ER

7 Our Band Could Be your life
Written by Shallow People, on 06-12-2008 22:33
First off - I think Kanye earned the record deal - before he became a "big deal". Didn't he have a history of producing stuff by alicia keys, common, janey jackson dilated peoples, and jay-Z - so with hits like those and $$$ rolling in to the company wouldn't you let him do a solo album to see what happens?

But yeah... he's a bit pretentious and arrogant - actually he seems extremely arrogant - like so many pop stars - the good news is that most of the annoying ones will eventually end up completely fucked financially - or kill their career due to heavy drug usage

Then again, I don't know him or many "stars" - maybe they are really nice people deep down :P

But, some people just know how to manage money - so i expect to probably see him and puffy for a while.

I'd blame the public more though - they are the ones that buy into all this stupid crap.

80% of the public should not be allowed to share their opinion on the web - HA! ;P

There is room for the DIY'r though and I agree with Joshua and Baby'sFirstRide's later comments as well.

I'm currently reading Our Band Could Be Your Life

I highly recommend it to independent musicians of all styles of music - some of it is a bit shifty and bare but overall it's got some great info and stories in it - It sort of parallels the situation (politically/economically/etc...) we are in at the moment as well.

In any event - keep up the good work all - and don't let the usual obstacles get in the way of making good music for yourself and those that might enjoy it.

If anyone has any other good "music related" book recommendations please do share - no matter what style of music - i soak it all up!

M
http://shallowpeeps.com

8 Richard Marx
Written by Babys First Ride, on 06-13-2008 00:16
That's quite encouraging if that how Kanye broke in. There have been a lot of talented studio guys that came out strong and then disappeared. Who you say? Richard Marx tops my list of the "Bang then Fizzle" artists. Almost every artist produced by Prince. Robbie Nevil is another. For those who don't remember, he had hit "C'est la vie" in 1986. There were a few follow up singles, but now he writes and produces for other people. Had guitar licks for days.

Given a choice, I'd be OK with a few hits and fade out. Buy a small house, a chihuahua, and 1951 Mercury chop top. Work at movie theater to keep groceries in the fridge. Play a show on Friday at some small dive. Yep.

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