I think reality TV talent shows are a wonderful way forward for those who are not aware of what they can do in there region. Hence, the attraction for watching such programmes. I don’t feel it means that talent does not come through it does, but it is minimal. The rest is variety or entertainers, deliberately chosen to connect to the masses of TV viewers.

In recent weeks when you read through the posts in the forum threads you do realise that what most people are lacking in, is information or education and how you use that to get on. At times I swear there has been an atmosphere of almost desperation that those who have failed there audition think thats it, their career is at an end. The two realities are a) did they really have a career plan in the beginning or was it just a shot in the dark at some luck…or b) was the reality show audition part of a more long term plan. In other words there must be a fall back and the fall back takes you into the regions, for the other definitions of professionalism.

Bill Kenwright said when speaking to Craig, there is nothing wrong with Cabaret, and you know this is true. But the alternative channel of thought would have us believe that Cabaret is a seriously defective vocal avenue for a talented singer. The cabaret circuit is vast, and it is where most cabaret, soul singers, blues singers, jazz singers and musical artists get there first taste of a live audience. They also get paid to do it. It’s not fantastic but sure feels great as a second income or if regular work is found through an agent as a first income. This circuit whatever one that is followed is highly competitive as the amount of space available for each artist means only the best get the best jobs. A few will be picked out from obscurity and thrown into the limelight, Jamie Callum for example.

A brief look at cruise ships, If you choose a cruise for a holiday on board your ship there will be restaurants, bars, coffee shop, Cinema, swimming pool, maybe a tennis court, Solarium, beauty salon and a theatre bar/cabaret bar etc. The artists on these ships are not paid fantastic salaries but they are energetic, and several nights and afternoons in the space of a week they will do shows, they have an ability to entertain and they are far far better than anything in a holiday camp.

Cabaret nights, Jazz nights a night at the musicals and even at the opera are all available on cruise ships. Some will advertise them as such Pavarotti about 7 year ago did a classical music cruise and was backed by a choir. If people were so unhappy with their cruise ship holiday entertainment they’d complain and I’m afraid it is very much a bums on seats scenario yet again.

The music industry at all levels is competitative, trouble is newcomers think it should be a walkover and can’t handle rejection, nor understand rejection. All newcomers understand is Hello magazine covers and national newspaper editorials about Kylie and Robbie plus a few others but there is no insight at all about the background to Kylie and Robbie and why there faces appear so often.

The drive for fame and stardom is a magazine front and everybody else is seen to do the work. How Naive.

There is a divide in all things and art and commercialism might never meet but occassionally they do cross paths even for a shortwhile. One day it could still cross mine but I wouldn’t hold my breath for it or put anything on hold. Life is just to short to do so.

BTW we all love this website and I am addicted to both forums and the bloggs. Keep up the excellent work.

Maureen
Newcastle.

That’s pretty much in line with your thoughts on the subject – the commercialism is not in line with the artistic ethos. I don’t think the two approaches can be reconciled.

The problem with reality TV talent shows is that for ordinary folk to be captured into watching them you have to select from all walks of life and all social class groups. If you don’t than you will not attain the masses to view such programmes. If you don’t select from all ages and all walks of life you will be guilty of descrimination.

However, there is a tendency that the talented from certain categories will not enter. Jazz singers who work a circuit are content with their earnings and the status they have achieved as professionals. Also some classical singers will not enter as they will deem that there is no place for them within a mass commercial framework the art will get sacrificed in place of commercialism.

Some artists wil not enter because the fear that such shows are a con and that the opportunity for a career is short lived. Some fear success and will not enter.

Sometimes circumstances are also a prohibitive factor in whether an individual is in a postition to become a contestant. Can a young mother stay away from her baby for 12 weeks? Who looks after granny grump if the carer dishes off to do an audition?

Maureen
Newcastle.