Katiie’s Beer

In the calm before the storm, I am waxing philosophical…

I don’t think Taylor Hicks will change the music industry; the music industry will be changed by us!

By “us”, I mean those who, no matter what age you are, have been listening to great artists of the past, downloading their songs, buying the remastered CDs, digging for true talent and waiting. We have been waiting for someone like Taylor Hicks to find a way to break through the glass ceiling seemingly placed on top of homegrown musicians by the industry.

I was born in 1960, raised on the good 60’s music and came of age in the golden age of pop, the 1970’s. My parents listened to a wide variety of music, from Perry Como to classical to soundtracks to the Rolling Stones and the Beatles. I know I’m lucky, but I still remember being embarrassed that my mom liked Mick Jagger and Queen. The ~80’s and ~90’s produced a few good artists, but I didn’t have time to listen while I was playing Norman Foote , Raffi and The Flyers for my kids (I also wasn’t watching any movies beyond Barney, Disney and the Mighty Ducks, apparently).

Now as my teenagers develop their own musical interests, I make a concerted effort to give their music a chance. We often listen in the car to the local pop music and HipHop stations, but I reserve the right to switch to the 60’s/70’s stations whenever I become offended or irritated (which is very often). At home, it’s my music choices that play in the common areas. In their rooms, they can play what they wish.

I can tell you that I truly hate most rap music and hate what it represents: despair, lack of true caring about others and resignation to the worst in life. I hate that it is the soundtrack for my kids’ generation. Conversely, I like some of Eminem’s songs. It is the job of each parent (or uncle or grandmother or neighbor) to expose kids to all that music can offer, particularly in times like these.

Where am I going with this? Well, I am not depending on Taylor Hicks to change the music industry. He will be who he is and put forth what music pleases him. I mean, I know he would prefer to please others with his music, but I’m certain he’d never change his music style to please any music executives. I’ve latched on to his music because he’s made me feel good, lifted my spirits and given me hope that good music still lives and will rise again.

Taylor’s success on American Idol, I believe, is because others see that, too. We are showing our pleasure and approval with our votes. Later on, we will show the same by supporting his music with our dollars. This is how the music industry will change…or at least grow to include us. Taylor’s success will inspire others and will hopefully give a brave few in the music industry the nerve to invest in other creative artists.

If you haven’t visited GrayCharles yet, please do. It was started as a forum to discuss Taylor Hicks, but quickly grew into a forum to think about the change we want to see and how we can play a part. GrayCharles has also done a great job in highlighting artists that we should know about. Post American Idol, the site can easily live on as that forum. I know of no other site like this. Thanks, GC!

The excitement surrounding Taylor Hicks hasn’t been as about Taylor as much as it has been about those of us demanding the change in music. He’s just our first candidate for president of good music and is representing the people. There will be others, but he’ll always be special.

Tags: Uncategorized //