Lets start things off with the fact that I by no means have the smallest problem with Rebbecca Black, she's a thirteen year old girl with dreams of being a "Pop star". A very common thing amongst the teen crowd, I've been there and totally understand.
The problem I have is the company behind her new found fame. Just a few minutes of Internet research will give you the scoop about Ark Music Factory. This is a company and so-called record label that provides its services for a reasonable fee. For a a couple grand you can simply buy your success in the music industry without all the trouble of learning how to play an instrument or write a song. GENIUS!
This means you don't have to spend years and years playing shitty clubs and dive bars with minimal crowds. No more having to experience life in order to write a song that comes from the heart. No more people coming up to you after a show to explain exactly why and how you suck at what you love to do. No more riding in a smelly van with a few of your closest friends not even sure if you have enough gas to make it to the next show.
So as a ten year veteran of the local music scene I now look back and wonder if that would have been a good choice for me.
The answer: FUCK NO!
I'm glad for each and every experience I've had at the bottom of the industry. I'm glad I've played shows where just the other bands and their girlfriends are there. I'm stoked I've been pulled over with a van full of underage intoxicated band members. Every time our shitty van had a problem. Every time I've finished playing a set and not one person clapped.
Has it made me a better musician? Far from it. I'm still the same half assed bass player I've always been.
What it has done is made me appreciate a song that was written from the heart. A shitty basement cassette tape that can barely be understood sounds far superior to these multi-million dollar productions that have been pumped out on pro-tools and auto tuned.
Remember here at this point that I'm not hating on the Rebbecca Blacks and Justin Beibers of the world, they are just unfortunate pawns. Brainwashed by the dollar sign they will never understand what it takes to be a real musician. Not everyone can be Pat The Bunny.
Fear not, there is a light on the horizon. The underground scene is full of amazing and talented artists. After attending a recent show my faith in the underground is revitalized. With local artists such as Success, Random Orbits, and the Damage Done still playing amazing house shows theres still good times to be had.
In the DIY world its not so much ability or talent. Its that you do it and enjoy what you do.
"No one seems to understand, The glory of guitar ,When out of tune , The off timing, The singers who can't sing, The beauty of flaw"- NoFx
