Well, maybe not the Force, but at least, a Muse to inspire you. And a lot of musicians seem to need some sort of inspiration when they decide to record something. I wish they could summon the Force, or a Muse, but all too often, alcohol is the “Muse” of choice. That’s often a bad choice. As the session drags on, drinking takes its toll — in sloppy playing, flubbed overdubs, and often, unusable tracks.

We don’t condone (or condemn) drinking; it actually can help some people relax — when taken in moderation. Maybe some musicians just need a “designated driver” at a recording session. Someone who can say, “That’s enough.”

And, that’s enough said on that subject.
Let’s talk about another “force” — American Idol and Country Star. I think you’re going to be seeing more and more “pop stars” coming out of those shows, getting signed (even if they don’t “win”) and going on to possible big careers in show biz.

Why? Ahhh, that’s the beauty of the whole concept. Lemme explain: Most of the record labels are in the hands of just a few companies whose main business has nothing to do with music. When they buy a record company, it’s usually for the big names already signed, and the record company’s catalog of hits, which can be repackaged without much fear of losing money on a “Greatest Hits” album. Hardly any cost to release a greatest hits album — no artist advances, no recording costs, not much PR needed and pretty much guaranteed profit.

Most of the executives at record companies today have an accounting background — not a music background. In the old days, it was not uncommon for an artist to lose money on their first or even second album, while the record company developed them till they finally succeeded. The new mantra at record companies is “What have you done for me this quarter?” If you don’t show a profit every quarter, you might be dropped from the label.

How about signing new artists? Yeah, right. That would be taking a chance. It would mean laying out advances, studio costs, promotion, touring support and all without knowing whether the artist can get the public behind them.

Enter American Idol and Country Star — an accountant’s dream. Why would an accountant sign an American Idol winner, or even a runner-up? Because the artist already has a big following, lots of weekly exposure, they’re happy to get a recording contract (with a lot smaller advance) and all the promotion costs are already done by the TV shows. Instant success — and instant profitability. If the artist flops, the accountant has “plausible deniability.” “Who could have known?”

Is this where a lot of the new artists will come from? Sadly, I think so. Kelly Clarkson is pretty damn good, but she’s not any better than a lot of people I’ve heard — who will never get the break she got. And a lot of the winners and runner ups have traded substance for style. How many different notes can you hit on this one syllable? Look for a lot of Mariah Carey’s and Whitney Houston’s, but not many Janis Joplin’s.
And that’s kinda sad.
(Harvey Gerst), ITR Studios, http://ITR studio. com