For better or for worse, Microsoft’s Songsmith has become today’s internet story.
Songsmith allows anyone to record their own pop songs, thus, you sing into the microphone and the computer creates music for you.
Microsoft released a promotional video for Songsmith which became viral, but more importantly, a laughing stock. In fact, there are several Songsmith reinterpretations that have been posted on YouTube, and many of the videos have been viewed more than a hundred thousand times.
Of course I took the time and clicked on some videos and this is a must watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d77eycBpuBY
The bottome line?
“Proof that computers shouldn’t be allowed to make music,” wrote one. Another said: “After you hear a few, your brain implodes into a sludge, and they start to sound bad-good. Or good-bad.”
The Queen Killing Kings may restore your faith in indie music . Sure this New Haven act could win over the hearts of NYC East Village hipsters, but unlike other fashion-conscious indie bands, The Queen Killing Kings will achieve their status through their music more so than their clothes. The band just signed to Wind-Up Records.
1. Kelly Clarkson ‘My Life Would Suck Without You’ (279,605)
2. The All American Rejects ‘Give You Hell’ (173,504)
3. Lady Gaga ‘Just Dance’ (149,996)
4. The Fray ‘You Found Me’ (145,337)
5. Kanye West ‘Heartless’ (143,783)
6. The Pussycat Dolls ‘I Hate This Part’ (143,783)
7. Beyonce ‘Single Ladies’ (119,891)
8. Taylor Swift ‘Love Story’ (112,020)
9. Britney Spears ‘Circus’ (107,132)
10. Jason Mraz ‘I’m Yours’ (90,231)
11. The Veronicas ‘Untouched’ (81,788)
12. Pink ‘Sober’ (73,667)
Mainstream pop/dance/club is dominating every genre as far as digital single sales. Country star Taylor Swift dominates the Top Album chart with 62,575 albums sold followed by Beyonce and Nickelback. In my opinion, these hot digital tracks are OK, far from great. If you want to sell 150,000 singles a week then you need to write something just a little better than what’s out there. We certainly want to hear what you come up with – email tips@kingsofar.com
This Chicago rock act American Taxi who are known for their intense live show belongs on your radar list. The band cites The Clash and The Replacements as influences and were named “The Top 8 Bands To Watch†by the Daily Herald. American Taxi will be performing at the Double Door January 27th for a variety of labels.
Bob Lefsetz recently sent out an email titled “Quality” and producer Bob Ezrin responded with conventional wisdom. Let’s not forget that Bob Ezrin has seen his fair share of quality artists that would even make me envious, he produced Pink Floyd’s ‘The Wall’. This is what he says:
But unless it is especially touching in some way (even if it’s in a juvenile or prurient way), nobody will care and it will end up having no value at all. Which then goes to your title “Quality”. If a thing lacks quality of some sort, it will not touch anyone. It will simply be a not so special thing in a world of not so special things. It will blend in and disappear. But if a work or performance is of high quality and special, then it has at least a shot at becoming valuable to someone – and the person who creates it has a shot at being appreciated and rewarded for it. If I were talking to “struggling musicians” I would say:
First, be special. Make something of such high quality that anyone would care. And that’s not as easy as it sounds. Just because you can use a sequencer and play an instrument doesn’t make you an artist. You have to create something that is special – unique and capable of moving others in a meaningful way. Once you are truly special, truly great at what you do, you may have a chance at finding an audience willing to reward you for your specialness. More than likely you will not, because special – by definition – belongs to the very few. But if you do, then someone somewhere might recognize that and show up to help you to take your creativity out to a wider audience. CONTINUE READING
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