Idols

I was just reading on Forbes website an article about the American version of Idols, and it reminded me of this show and what a waste it is.

Whenever I listen to a band at a club, or just hear new music that is really good, I can't help but think these bands are losing out. They are the ones not getting record contracts, not being playlisted and they are also the ones who are working the hardest. They are playing at gigs all around the country, often to small crowds. But it is these crowds who spread the word, and these bands often have huge audiences in the cities, but no contracts. They are writing their own songs, performing them, and doing everything that SA's record labels are not. What do our boys at the record labels actually do? Do they even know what is on the street?

I think they are too wrapped up in their own little world of a comfortable office, waiting for bands to approach them. And bands do approach them. But what they fail to see is the crowds going out to clubs on weekday nights to watch these guys play live. They fail to connect with this vibe, this lifestyle, and instead just hear their rough recordings that are sent to them. They don't get a feel for the clubs where these guys are playing, the atmosphere created when a small crowd of maybe 150 people are loving every moment of the performance. They don't see the looks on people's faces when this music is being played. Instead all they see is a tape, or a CD, sitting emotionless on their table. They are missing the whole point of their entire industry. But when it comes to making a quick buck, they jump in.

It's easy money. They know that by giving an "Idol" a record contract, that sales will be good. They know that holiday at the end of the year is guaranteed and that that new order on the Mercedes is sorted. Look at Anke, a previous Idol. Where is she today? Did anyone really like her music, did she ever write songs? Or were we just blinded by the fact that she was a shy Afrikaans girl and we thought we should give her a chance?

Where is the passion in these Idols? I can't answer any of this, but it is intriguing. I don't necessarily believe a good voice will make you a good singer. Just like natural sporting talent will not always win you the competition. You need something inside of you, a desire to be the best, to win. You will often hear of athletes who are not as physically capable as their opponents, but they will still beat them, because they want to. It's not for money, it's for themselves.

And so our "Idols" seems to be interested in the car, the prize money, the instant "celebrity" Everyone wants to be famous. And it's not that hard these days. Just appear on ANY TV show and you have fame sorted. You will be in YOU magazine, you will get offered to endorse things.

But that does not make you a good singer, and it's not going to make me respect you or buy your CD