John Mayer: what can you say. Personally he drives me nuts and I would rather do almost anything else than have to listen to him. However, in addition to the sound of his voice making me cringe, Mr. Mayer has made a few very public missteps as of late.

“John Mayer did some damage control on his Twitter [recently], apologizing for controversial statements he made in a “raw” interview with Playboy.” (Rolling Stone)

He got explicit with Playboy magazine, using some choice metaphors when speaking about his sex life with Jessica Simpson, as well as some dirty details regarding his preference for white women. He also described a “make out” session with Perez Hilton that he initiated. Enough said about that, though the two kinda seem made for each other…

However, the worst was still yet to come. In the interview that John gave with Playboy he continued on to reference a “hood pass” and renamed it using the ‘N’ word, which did not go over well at all.

It was that last statement and its fallout that had Mayer backpedaling. “I am sorry that I used the word. And it’s such a shame that I did because the point I was trying to make was in the exact opposite spirit of the word itself. It was arrogant of me to think I could intellectualize using it, because I realize that there’s no intellectualizing a word that is so emotionally charged,” Mayer tweeted. He added, “I think it’s time to stop trying to be so raw in interviews… It started as an attempt to not let the waves of criticism get to me, but it’s gotten out of hand and I’ve created somewhat of a monster. I wanted to be a blues guitar player. And a singer. And a songwriter. Not a shock jock. I don’t have the stomach for it.” Mayer also apologized during his concert last week in Nashville, which is available on Ustream.

(more…)

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Oh those Superbowl Ads…

There was quite an eclectic group of musicians and songs appearing throughout the Superbowl ads this past Sunday.  Looking back on it I was really shocked to find out just how many high profile artists and their songs were featured. In this BillBoard article you can see all of the commercials again that we’re about to talk about, as well as the full article.

“In between the New Orleans Saints winning the Super Bowl and the Who rocking the big halftime show, a few good commercials featured quality music or cameos by our favorite artists. Check out some of the best ads below, and visit Adweek for the full Super Bowl commercial lineup, quarter by quarter.”

I had a few personal favorites of course… Being a Chicagoan and remembering as a child (barely), the Chicago Bears winning the Superbowl in 1986 – the Boostmobile ad featuring some of the original members of that winning Bears crew, and a new twist on the original Superbowl Shuffle was quite funny.  Hey – I’ve still got the original on VHS…

Back to the major artists featured: There was Kiss featuring Mini-Kiss.  It was awesome to see Mini-Kiss with their counterparts while singing “Calling Dr. Love” was pretty ingenious.  How many tribute bands get to rock with the originals, and in such a high profile manner.  Mini-Kiss just got some serious exposure. The VW commercial was quite catchy too, and at the end when Stevie Wonder also spots a red VW as it drives by and gives Tracy Morgan a punch is priceless.  Go VW – I kinda wanna drive one now.

The car theme continues with Kia as they used Heavy’s “How You Like Me Now” showcasing the Sorento with Yo Gabba Gabba characters’ party trip.  Honda featured Kool & the Gang’s “Funky Stuff” while advertising the Honda Accord Crosstour. Audi, not to be outdone, joined the ranks and featured a revised version of Cheap Trick’s “Dream Police” as “Green Police;” to introduce the eco-friendly Audi A3 TDI.

Beyonce even joined in the fun on a commercial for Vizio. I really enjoy seeing all the artists or their music being reinvigorated through these ads.  The ads are a ton of fun themselves, and are primarily why I watch the Superbowl, but seeing so much of the music included in these ads this year, really made me stop and think.  It’s interesting that this idea of placing your music in advertising outlets or on TV shows used to be taboo – you were a sell out.  Now it’s readily acceptable as a means to get your music heard and/or as a way of creating another revenue stream for the business side of your art.  I’d much rather see these originals come back out than cruddy library tracks that don’t really make the connection or keep your attention like these tracks do.

All in all, I thought these were all great. Which ad was your favorite?

T.Lynn

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Is anyone else sick of the money making machine that has leapt onto the scene since Michael Jackson’s death – it started with the movie (which was released only 4 months after his death), then a Christmas album released in October – yes, OCTOBER. Not really the holiday season yet, but that’s another issue entirely… Finally, even a reality show is being created!?!?

Jackson 5 – ‘Ultimate Christmas Collection’

Ok, Michael Jackson WAS the King of Pop, and aside from his personal life and the issues that he had, his music still strikes a chord across the world. However, since Michael’s passing – he’s bigger than ever! For weeks after his death I heard various Michael Jackson and Jackson 5 tunes being blasted… constantly. Everywhere I turned there was Michael – all day on various radio stations, from people’s cars, in stores, and the list goes on and on. America was in mourning. But at some point, enough is enough and the reaction changes from remembrance to irritation. I agree he should be remembered for his contribution to music and its long lasting effect on our culture. Yes, even as a young girl I had pants with all sorts of crazy zippers that I likened to Michael Jackson’s attire. They were bright yellow and my favorite. This was the 80′s, and I was 6, but still – they were awesome…

Anyways, I digress… while tooling around on the Internet I discovered…

The Jack5ons – A Family Dynasty
(Yes the #5 is deliberate), to premiere on December 13th on A&E.

“Behind the headlines lies a captivating family, whose lives have been unwillingly played out before cameras for decades. After 40 years in the business together, Jackie, Jermaine, Tito and Marlon have sold more than 250 million albums worldwide. Now, the brothers allow unprecedented access into their world as they record new material and rehearse for a concert celebrating the 40th anniversary of The Jackson Five. The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty will chronicle the brothers’ relationships with each other, their parents and their children, while also balancing the demands of their professional commitments and celebrity.”

Really? That’s what we need first and foremost this holiday season? More Christmas albums (which I personally detest), and another even lousier reality TV show – because we don’t have enough of those already… And where have his brothers been these last 40 years? Not doing anything relevant and noteworthy in the world of music obviously. And more obviously, if their lives have been so unwillingly played out before cameras for decades why are they asking for more?

In my estimation, all of this only cheapens Michael Jackson’s legacy as the ultimate entertainer he was, aside from his moral discretions, as well as fill the selfish motives for all those profiting from these ventures.

What do you think – should Michael be left to rest in peace or have his memory flaunted about to make every last penny off his legacy?

T. Lynn

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This recent post over at NBC LA managed to spark quite a conversation among the Music Jobs team…

Rihanna confessed that she still misses Chris Brown even after he beat her bloody in a violent Grammy night fight. “There are a lot of … places that we’ve been together, music, different things that come up that are reminders of your ex,” she told Atlanta radio station Q100 according to People.com. “When [his music] comes on the radio, I don’t … turn it off. I like his music.”

The starlet said she feels nostalgic for the relationship that dissolved into violence during a spat in February that left the pop princess bruised and bloody. Brown pleaded guilty to assault and was issued a restraining order and community service. Still, the singer said she misses the good times. “I’ve gotten over it, but there are definitely constant reminders … songs that were our favorite songs, or hit songs,” she told the radio station.

After Rihanna’s big TV appearance on Good Morning America, where she discussed the abusive relationship, she was heralded as a role model for women and young girls who have been or are being abused… Personally, as a woman, I hate to hear about any woman who is being physically abused. However, the above (and very recent) article, seems to me, to be nearly a complete 180 from her Good Morning America appearance. First she’s the heroine who escaped, and a role model for girls. Now she’s reverting to missing her “First Big Love” – as she refers to Brown. But has she seen a therapist to help her cope with the abuse and the mental repercussions? It definitely doesn’t seem like it. I don’t see how her reminiscing about the “good ole times” is something that she should be publicly talking about.

Every relationship has that period of sadness of “what could have been” after it ends, but if she has taken the standpoint to be a role model (which she appears to have actively decided to do), and spokeswoman so to speak, about domestic abuse in a relationship – this is not the way to go. The article is tinged with the feeling that she still has Chris Brown the loving boyfriend separated from Chris Brown the abusive boyfriend. She needs help in realizing that they are one in the same and that moving on is a necessity, otherwise she’s stepping into a pattern of abusive relationships for the rest of her life.

I hope she gets the help she needs – and either puts her hero status on the back burner or stops speaking out with sweet reminders of her relationship. Women in the music business are a growing number and a force to be reckoned with – hopefully Rihanna can take up that mantra and get back on track in her life and music.

T. Lynn

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So I’ve recently finished reading Quincy Jones’ autobiography. I’ve always known the guy is a legend and that he’s worked on more projects than I could ever dream about, but reading the book has catapulted him even further into legend status in my mind, if that was possible. Within a few pages (or within a few years of his life), he would casually mention performing with Frank Sinatra in Vegas, becoming the first black VP of any record label, scoring the soundtrack for Ironside and hanging out with his pal Steve McQueen.

It got me to thinking, how on earth does one person have so much scope or influence?
What was the key to his incredible success? His determination? Sure that was a factor; he had more than his fair share of troughs along the way and always pushed on through. His passion for music? Possibly; he would be out listening to and writing music while other kids would be throwing a baseball around. But there’s plenty of passionate and determined people out there who either struggle to get by or don’t make it at all. The answer is a bit of both of the above, combined with…. talent.

A huge, unscalable, stratospheric dosage of talent.

“There’s lots of undiscovered talent out there too” I hear you say. Well, yes, but my point is that the different areas are not exclusive. Believe it or not, people often forget about the talent part. Everyone’s worrying about not “Getting a Break” (link) because “it’s who you know” etc. That can also be true in part, I just thought I’d emphasise the fact that you have to hone your skills in the studio along with having to constantly market yourself to your target. It does get infuriating, the amount of artists that develop relationships and reach key industry shakers with their demos only to hand over something weak and uninspiring. As an old college tutor of mine used to say…

“You can’t make Chicken Soup out of Chicken $h!t”.

Refining, improving, and showing the best of yourself should also apply to your Music Jobs profile. Adding your best mp3s, updating your resume, and adding some appropriate photos means that when you are searched or referred by people, you have a stronger chance of a foot in the door, and ultimately, successful connections in the music industry.

Lee Jarvis.

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To bring everyone up to speed, there has been an ongoing case in Swedish court that the four owners and heads of Peer2Peer (file sharing) site The Pirate Bay were in mass breach of copyright laws, not just within the music industry but also regarding movies and video games. The case has received a lot of attention and also incredible support from torrent and P2P websites and their users. Roger Wallis, who spoke in favour of The Pirate Bay at the trial, received a colossal amount of floral tributes, sent to his wife at their home.

The verdict was announced today, and all four men (Peter Sunde, Fredrik Neij, Gottfrid Svartholm, and Carl Lundström) received 1 year in jail each and fines totaling $3,620,000. The prosecutors were aiming for much higher compensation, although their calculations are often very misguided; 10,000 free transfers of your song does not mean you lost 10,000 times the sale price of that record. Do they take into account the people who downloaded a few free tracks and then bought the actual album? I thought not.

Having said that, I am not in favour of people setting up software allowing the public to trade music and other files for free without artists’ consent. Let alone the people who shoot their mouth off, claiming “all music is free” and the like. Yes, all music is probably available for free if you wanted to find it online, but I am in favour of letting the artists (and the copyright owners) make that decision, controlling and profiting from the distribution of their work in some way, be that financially or by building their contact list. As content creators, that is their choice, and one of the reasons I am a huge fan of Creative Commons licenses.

People are using over-stretched analogies such as ‘if you hold the P2P site accountable then you must also prosecute ISPs’. There are also many, many comments across the web from people claiming it is a sad day and that there is no way this should have happened. I’d like to hear them come up with a solution, as to how artists can retain control of their work, be compensated where appropriate, and how they will be able to fund and market future creations and music projects.

You can’t really go and prosecute the millions of end users who take the music and other files. The RIAA have tried and failed more than 35,000 times, receiving nothing but bad press, fueling angst and probably instigating further file sharing. If there was a system in place by the websites to charge the users a subscription fee, then maybe that could work, and they could then reimburse the labels and artists. But they have not chose this route. So, do you hold the P2P sites and owners viable? Maybe. If their business model does not compensate the artist in any way, then I think they should be charged somehow. Governing bodies should aim to control this cause though, rather than react to the aftermath. The P2P sites could avoid legal wranglings themselves by striking up deals with labels, but as they are sworn enemies, how about independent artists? If the artists can register their music with a site and give permission to distribute and share globally then the P2P sites can still aid the discovery and sharing of new music and building of artists careers, which they are so fond of using as their mission statement.

What will the devastating effect be on the music industry? Not much. For a start there will be months of appeals, more uneducated blabberings in the press, and probably more flowers. ‘Pirates’ will continue to vent and despise the major labels and government prosecutors. P2P file sharing is rampant, and as much a part of a schoolkid’s daily life today as dolls, toy cars and baseballs were decades ago – it’s not going to disappear. Major labels will continue to push in this wrong direction instead of focusing their efforts on restructuring their business models, and to get to the route of the problem, that is that they have mistreated musicians and music fans for many years now. Creating value, authenticity and transparency within their brands should be at the top of their agenda, not ‘hire more lawyers’.

Who wins? Neither side. Certainly not the Pirate Bay owners (lend me $905,000 will you, mate?), and not the labels who struggle to recoup a few million bucks when they have just spent the same amount on forcing untalented acts into their hit-machine mould, only to be forgotten by this time next year. There are some people out there who have a collection of thousands of unpurchased songs that they will hardly listen to who think they are on the winning side. Congratulations, you’re very clever.

Who loses? Artists. Artists may move to gigging like crazy in order to subsidise the record sales gap in their revenue compared to previous years. Which is fine if they are able to do so and the people who listen to their music online genuinely like them and willingly support them when they come to town.

So do me (or more accurately, the music industry) a favour. Find a new, upcoming artist / band / rapper / DJ-producer from your iPod collection who is performing in your town this weekend, and go out to see their show / gig / concert. Use the $15 you just saved from purchasing their album… you will then be giving something back to the industry that you ‘care about’ so much. Heck, you may even have a good time. Yo-ho-ho.

Lee Jarvis.

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