General Music Chat

I fell for this with the OC Music Awards and when I looked at the bands who were picked, based on you having to go through a secondary process of having all your friends vote on you, this isn't based on musical talent, it's based on who has the most friends.

I think the idea behind this is if you are talented, organized, driven, hard working and gigging you will have lots of "friends" or rather fans.

The Hollywood Music Awards seems to be one of the more prestigious awards show.
It's a perfect - perfect showcase for talented people willing to take a step forward.
Tuxedos, gowns, red carpets, limos, yadda yadda.
It was held at the Kodak Theater a couple years ago; don't recall where it was last year.
The publicity attained from playing there is priceless for folks like us.
Or, you can play it safe, and sit back, and enumerate all the reasons it can't be so.
My friend has a recording contract, 2 albums, and sings with a full orchestra backing her.
She's a minor celebrity in her area. And I am NOT going to connect her to this thread - she'd never forgive me, and she's a dear friend . . .
You can call me names and humiliate, too if you want. Call me a liar, but if her name appears here, then she'll see it in a search engine, and then I lose face . . .
.
I don't know why I even bother mentioning this stuff here . . .
Look, guys - I know MOST of you scorn anything smacking of big public events and showcases. And most of you don't trust anything relating to . . . . well - national publicity, basically. Seems everyone is thinking locally - bars and such . . . and that's fine.
And it almost seems that many folks here think the primary objective is to stay safe; I don't know . . .
Hmmm . . .
Maybe most of us are happy with where we are: our goals already attained. if that's the case . . . well . . .
Hmm . . .
Take no risks, and you can't lose anything, eh?
Nothing ventured - nothing lost. . . . gained?
Those who don't try anything - because they are afraid of losing - have already lost - without even trying.
You can't get to 2nd base if you keep one foot on first base.
But - if you really like it on first base - well that's fine with me, I guess. As long as you're not in my band . . .
Set your goals high. Why strive for mediocrity?
Shoot - I don't care; I've already said too much.
I'll just sit down shut up, and let you all tell me how everyone wants my money, that it can't be done, no one can be trusted, it's a waste of time, it's easier to do this or that, that you don't know of anyone personally who has succeeded (therefore its all BS), that you have to know someine to succeed, that you have to be lucky, that you have to be under 27 years old, that ability doesn't matter, that publicity doesn't matter, that -that - that . . . why bother?

Nothing matters but the song. If you can write music people want to pay money to hear, you will have your share of accolades. Anything else is just musical masturbation. In plain English, if you don't currently have thousands of fans, you need to work harder and forget about awards.

Nothing matters but the song. If you can write music people want to pay money to hear, you will have your share of accolades. Anything else is just musical masturbation. In plain English, if you don't currently have thousands of fans, you need to work harder and forget about awards.

How did you get that video of me Mike?

Nothing matters but the song. If you can write music people want to pay money to hear, you will have your share of accolades. Anything else is just musical masturbation. In plain English, if you don't currently have thousands of fans, you need to work harder and forget about awards.

Bingo.

Reverbnation just sent me an invite to apply for one of the 150 slots for the Hollywood Music Awards.
But - you know what - if I GET one of those slots - I can't afford to fly out to Hollywood to perform!
Anyone else run into this kind of thing, where they can't afford success?

What does a "slot" consist of? How long, how many songs, how much actual exposure do you get? Do you perform solo? With a band? Can you bring a band with you or do you hire musicians to perform with you there? As far as it being "worth it" can you put a dollar figure on what it is "worth?" You have to define to as close as possible what it is "worth" and what you will need to spend and weigh everything. This sounds interesting but HOW interesting it is depends on a lot of factors. Maybe write a list of pros and cons and weigh them.

Alan,

If this is something you feel strongly about, then find the dough and go! It doesn't really matter what the rest of us think.

Understand that it is not for everybody. We were offered a spot at the Long Beach Music Awards last year (same promotion company I think). I said thanks but no thanks. I have already been as close as I want to get to that side of the business. These days I play for joy. I have no use for national recognition or exposure. If you do, then go for it dude!