You Can’t Sing, So Shut Up!

If you’ve ever seen X-factor, or anything along those lines, you should have some idea what this post is about. I don’t normally watch these kind of shows, but recently they grabbed my attention (I blame YouTube), and I’d like to comment on something I’ve noticed.

These Shows Suck

Yes, that’s right, these types of shows suck. I bet you’re thinking “Yeh, we knew that!”- but even if you ignore the crappy musical tastes, the terrible singing, and the overall cheesiness of the programmes, they still stink! Why? Before I tell you why I must explain that its not because these shows aren’t entertaining, or funny (if you’re in the right mood). No, the reason these shows suck is something entirely different, and that is…

TALENT!

Here comes another myth that seems to permeate the world of music, with no real logical foundation whatsoever. The lie goes thus: If I want to be a singer (replace this with any kind of musician), all I need is talent. I cannot express how wrong this is. “Talent” is a myth that shows such as X-factor keep alive with the intention of dashing the hopes and dreams of thousands of potential musicians- all in the name of “entertainment”. I think its sick and wrong. The truth is: talent will get you nowhere if you don’t have a clue what you’re doing. I have never, and will never, in my life turn a guitar student away saying “oh sorry, you don’t need a teacher, you have too much talent!”. It just doesn’t happen.

Unrealistic expectations

TV “talent” shows such as this, pushing unrealistic expectations on people to sing who have no previous musical training, are doing a disservice to music. Many of these people could be great musicians if they just got lessons, and practiced. “Talent” has nothing to do with it, I’ve had enough of seeing poor Joe Public putting his heart and soul into a song- but having no concept of pitch or key, or rhythm- just to be told he “just doesn’t have it”. He doesn’t have it, because nobody has told him how to get it yet!

It Gets Worse!

If this situation doesn’t sound bad enough, we now come to the second reason the show sucks (besides the obvious). In fact, this reason doesn’t just apply to TV shows, its happening right now.

Just because you’re a girl, doesn’t automatically mean you can sing!

Sorry, that sounds sexist, its not particularly meant to be- but it does tend to be mostly girls that this happens too. Here’s is one for guys too:

Just because you’re a guy, doesn’t mean you have the lowest voice in the world!

There, now its fair.

I’ve lost track of the number of female singers who get a job in music because they “look pretty”- really, you think that’s what its all about? Seriously? WRONG! I believe this also leads to something else that annoys me- the phrase “I don’t know, I’m just a singer!”…and vocalists -both guys and girls- wonder why some people don’t refer to them as “musicians”! Of course, I say this as a vocalist myself, but I’m also a guitarist and understand my musical responsibility to the band. If you’re a singer, please, take an interest as a musician- not just the person who stands at the front getting attention!

Sorry, not my usual kind of post. Had to get this off my chest. [/rant]

If you have something to say, please comment. Peace.

September 8, 2009 at 12:45 pm | Music News and Opinions | No comments