There was a time not too long ago that an entertainer would spend a lot of time honing their craft. They would work in small venues, and when they thought themselves ready, they would knock on doors to "get noticed". Well, those days are long gone.
Today, with the many talent shows on TV, the trip from obscurity to fame is a great deal shorter. This is particularly true for singers as they make up the bulk of talent seekers. In just one TV season they can win, and get a recording contract, or lose and become part of a tour to promote themselves and the TV program. It seems to be an ideal scenario for the talented.
But wait! Then there is YouTube with millions of people with dreams of success in entertainment. The really good singers graduate to a daytime variety show or nighttime program. Good for them!
But here is the problem that seems to be very real. Will they have a career? In the past, singers had a long running time in entertainment. They made CD's, toured, and had a life as they wanted it. They could travel and promote their work and the public called them celebrities.
But now, the cost of music production and marketing have increased dramatically, and the demand for music has declined at the same time. The public is looking for free music as the line of new talent grows and waits at the door of fame. It is what the economists call a demand/supply imbalance. It seems as if we will measure career in terms of months and not years. Hopefully, these talented people have a backup dream; they are going to need it...
Today, with the many talent shows on TV, the trip from obscurity to fame is a great deal shorter. This is particularly true for singers as they make up the bulk of talent seekers. In just one TV season they can win, and get a recording contract, or lose and become part of a tour to promote themselves and the TV program. It seems to be an ideal scenario for the talented.
But wait! Then there is YouTube with millions of people with dreams of success in entertainment. The really good singers graduate to a daytime variety show or nighttime program. Good for them!
But here is the problem that seems to be very real. Will they have a career? In the past, singers had a long running time in entertainment. They made CD's, toured, and had a life as they wanted it. They could travel and promote their work and the public called them celebrities.
But now, the cost of music production and marketing have increased dramatically, and the demand for music has declined at the same time. The public is looking for free music as the line of new talent grows and waits at the door of fame. It is what the economists call a demand/supply imbalance. It seems as if we will measure career in terms of months and not years. Hopefully, these talented people have a backup dream; they are going to need it...
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