Written by: Tiffany Ford
In the
entertainment world, the constant search for the next new young, talent is
highlighted on the trends of music based reality shows; X-Factor, American
Idol, The Sing Off, The Voice and more. Scores of people flock to audition
dates in their home towns all over the globe in hopes of being discovered, and acquire
fame with fortune.
All
types of individuals audition, and usually the younger, more marketable group
of individuals are chosen to reach the next round, and battle it out on the
show to millions of viewers at home. They are later subjected to not only the scrutiny
of the judges, but must appeal to the mass audience, which cast their votes for
the more appealing contestant through social media networks or through mobile
technology.
59
Year-old veteran singer and song-writer Leroy Bell recently astonished the
judges, audience, and viewers at home with his audition in Seattle for
X-Factor. The baby-faced, modern-dressed vocalist stunned everyone with his
age. How could it be such an attractive young-looking man is almost 60 years
old? Not to mention, how can he have had such a lengthy career in the music
industry, opening for such acts as Sheryl Crow, BB. King and writing songs for
the likes of Elton John, yet still end up auditioning for X-Factor?
Why is
age such a big deal? LeRoy Bell can evidently sing, he has been in the music
industry for decades, and now he is ready to make a larger presence in his
career by using a great platform that appeals to millions. Due to his age it is
considered his final attempt to ultimate stardom. Ultimately, he got through
the competition but the emphasis on his age every week, highlights him as a
rare contestant, and his age is almost a taboo attribute.
There
are a number of people that have worked behind the scenes for years, and finally
got their break. Kanye West, The Dream and singer Miguel are a few we can
mention, that ended up doing very well after a lengthy period of creating hits
for their peers. Yet, they all have one thing in common, they are still around
an acceptable age, and both their looks and musical content is still considered
marketable to the mass consumers.
What is
the acceptable age limit, where your musical aspirations are deem in their
latter years, or cut off? Billy Evans, a Richmond, Virginia singer, pianist and
songwriter with twenty year of experience in the music industry suggests,
“Music doesn’t have an age limit. It is a universal appeal for all mankind, and
every listener discriminates differently on what they are attracted to in
sounds, voice and appearance.”
So, why
does the music industry seem to solely be interested in getting the next Justin
Bieber, Katy Perry, Jay Z, or Rihanna? Getting back to the hit show X-Factor,
LeRoy Bell was up against very young artists like 15 year old rapper Astro, and
13 year old vocalist Rachel Crow, who ultimately surpassed him in the
competition. The youngest talents always seem to get the support of the audience
and judges, almost as if we are socialized to support young adolescents in
their aspirations, but not taking away the fact that these young artists are
good. Where does that leave LeRoy Bell?
Perhaps, it leaves him with acceptance that his career is now officially over,
but should it?
Ultimately,
it all comes down to money. The music buyer dominates the industry, and as the
economic sphere of the music industry is bleak due to the near collapse of the
industry from the days of Napster, and online music file-sharing. The music
industry cannot, and will not take any risks.
As
Billy Evans, has taken the step to release his debut album after twenty-years
of being in the music industry entitled “Angel of Mercy”, he is aware that major music labels are
only signing artists and bands that either have already sold thousands of units
or have captivated audiences on shows like the X- Factor or American idol. He
feels that as a producer, writer, musician and singer, his music has universal
appeal. That is why he and many others have started their own independent
record labels and distribute their music online and in select stores.
"I've been fortunate to perform for dignitaries, play in the homes
of corporate executives and get booked on shows with names such as Bill Cosby
and the Whispers, all without a major record label contract. When you love what
you do it becomes more about the music than the fame and notoriety. It also
minimizes the risk. People appreciate my music and talent for what it is,”
states Billy Evans.
Therefore,
should an older artist worry that they may not be what the music market wants
at this time? Due to the music market being volatile, and characterized by "hit
today, gone tomorrow", older artists that are great writers and
technicians shouldn't worry about if they are what the market wants at any
given time. Longevity is the key. There will always be a market for artist
like: George Benson, Bob James, Stevie wonder, Joe Sample and Billy Evans. Good
music is still good music. These artists are successful because they don't try
to fit into the current trends of our latest music stars.
Billy
Evans- www.billyevans.net
X-Factor
USA – www.thexfactorusa.com
No comments:
Post a Comment