Fame = Internet - Talent
Leaving Sam Ash music store last week, I was approached by a young man. He wanted me to buy his music. His pitch?
"Hey man. I wanna be famous, check me out on the Web."
The kid's blunt honesty compelled me to go to his site. Unfortunately, just blah. Not good enough to be followed, but bad enough to be viral. Having been a musician for 30-plus years I realize the talent and sweat it takes to make any money in the industry. Much less be famous. So, I realized the Web has blurred the lines between talent and sensationalism. The disturbing part is I don't believe most know the difference. Then on YouTube I saw the American Idol phenom General Larry Platt performing "Pants on the Ground" and it all became clear.
Riveting and disturbingly clear.
Comments
Unfortunately it's not confined to music. The kids on Jersey Shore are famous for....uh....um.....nothing. They live a debaucherous lifestyle and allow the world to watch. The talent level is zero, but they are famous because they can create a spectacle and draw viewers, which in turn draws ratings, and thus advertisers. These days you can become a phenomenon without possessing any talent. As you've pointed out, the internet (and the old stand-by TV) is one of the main vehicles.
Sad but true.
I wonder if Sinatra fans thought the same thing about the Beatles in 1964
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