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Re: Fame and America (no OTR)
> Am I the only one who thinks these shows are total rubbish, and represent
> everything that is wrong with today's American culture?
I don't suspect myself that it's so much of an America problem as just a people problem. If you aren't in the habit of asking the 'means to an end' v. 'end in itself' question, you'll likely get confused along the way. In OTR's case, my impression is that any fame they have is secondary to the fact that they're doing what they love. Their goal is the music, not what it can get them. And I think that's a big part of what draws people to them. Well, that and they're good. Very good. Partly cause the music is constantly the goal and not just the fuel they kick on when momentum gets low. Round and round it goes.
I do think it's hard for someone who really wants to "make it" not to get focused on getting some praise for what they're doing--wondering before each gig if *this* will be the one where an agent or record exec will listen and walk up with a contract. Of course, those folks usually don't have the steam to get very far because they don't get that affirmation. They have to decide again just why they're doing it.
And these tv shows dodge that. Hey kids, you were in show choir? Step right up and you can avoid paying your dues. We'll give you straight access to the top! Unfortunately the air's a little thin, and what people think is a high is mostly a new kind of starvation. I love when a band hits the top ten after being together for 10 years or whatever. The media talks about them in a kind of awe. Then you get a Vanessa Carlton who moved to New York, wrote some songs and is suddenly on MTV. Well cool, but along the way of "making it" you also learn a few things about music, writing, life, etc. And we no longer want to distinguish between life on and off the job. Everyone wants more money, so if there's anything we can exploit, including ourselves, then it's worth it, right?
About your friend...yeah I wouldn't be real enthused by that kind of talk either. The only time you actually live is every now. The future's nice to have, worth planning for. But you can't live there until it's 'now' goes zipping past, and it's almost always different from what we expect. Best to enjoy each day at the races, celebrate the victors, chalk up the defeats and enjoy the sore muscles. Always further to run.
Nathan
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