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Discussion: "Ask Bill" | Read OP before posting
Member Since: 11/13/2009
Posts: 25,902
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Bill, is there any way possible to break the ageism barrier in pop music?
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Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 146
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Quote:
Originally posted by Hector
Here's a pivotal question, Bill. What's the very first album you ever bought (or listened to)?
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First music I ever owned was a 45 of Stray Cats Strut. First album was Def leppard pyromania on cassette. First album I remember listening to a lot was a double vinyl lp of top 60s pop hits curated by Dick Clark. I remember getting Michael Jackson thriller and Springsteen born in USA together on cassettes for my 12th or 13th birthday. I can't remember the first album I bought myself. It may have been Paul Simon Graceland or any number of bargain bin cassettes from a local department store I remember listening to all the time: Marley, Louis Armstrong, etc. When I got a little older and started spending time at the record store early buys include Ramones Mania and sisters of mercy.
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Member Since: 12/25/2003
Posts: 13,870
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Quote:
Originally posted by Bwerde
she's obviously supremely talented - arguably the most talented pure singer of the last several generations of pop stars. So there's always the possibility of a comeback. She can also really rise to a moment. Her tribute to James Brown at grammys after he died didn't make sense to me on paper but instantly became one of my personal top 50 pop moments.
I think she's struggling on two fronts. One, there's the ageism thing in pop. I definitely don't agree with it - in fact I think it's completely awful - but it seems that pop only accepts teens and young 20-somethings singing frankly about sexuality. Xtina and Janet are two examples of women on the wrong side of this bias.
I think another dynamic possibly working against her - and this is just what I hear, not what I've seen - is that she hasn't completely endeared herself to some in the business. It takes a village to be successful - promoters, producers, label execs, agents etc. If you end up with a reputation as being difficult or under-appreciative, it doesn't help you when you're in between hits. Those are the times when you most need the best folks in the biz to want to help you.
Again, I've just heard these things second hand. She was nothing but sweet to me in person.
So what does she need to do if she wants to make a comeback? It all begins and ends with the quality and positioning of the songs. Id say party/Club songs but more upbeat/positive. I'd also like to hear a ballad or two that can stand next to Beautiful. Songs about empowerment and overcoming adversity.
Then she needs to work. Endless promo. A run of small Club dates to reconnect and build buzz. Radio promo out the butt. That sort of thing.
I think the most important question at this point - for her or for anyone in her situation - is, does she really want it?
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See, Xtina fans? The waiting was worth it. 
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Member Since: 12/25/2003
Posts: 13,870
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Quote:
Originally posted by Bwerde
First music I ever owned was a 45 of Stray Cats Strut. First album was Def leppard pyromania on cassette. First album I remember listening to a lot was a double vinyl lp of top 60s pop hits curated by Dick Clark. I remember getting Michael Jackson thriller and Springsteen born in USA together on cassettes for my 12th or 13th birthday. I can't remember the first album I bought myself. It may have been Paul Simon Graceland or any number of bargain bin cassettes from a local department store I remember listening to all the time: Marley, Louis Armstrong, etc. When I got a little older and started spending time at the record store early buys include Ramones Mania and sisters of mercy.
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The classics.
And yas at the Sisters Of Mercy love.
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Member Since: 2/6/2012
Posts: 29,767
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Quote:
Originally posted by Bwerde
Intelligent dialog about pop with folks from atrl on Twitter.
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Oh gawd.
Poor Bill. He has been deceived 
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ATRL Contributor
Member Since: 11/5/2011
Posts: 100,491
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Hi, Bill!
What are your thoughts on the "Brave" and "Roar" similarities? If the song was indeed "ripped off" or "stolen" (as a lot of critics are saying), wouldn't Sara or her record label have taken some type of legal action by now (seeing as the song is headed for major success)?
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Member Since: 9/3/2010
Posts: 6,762
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Quote:
Originally posted by Bwerde
she's obviously supremely talented - arguably the most talented pure singer of the last several generations of pop stars. So there's always the possibility of a comeback. She can also really rise to a moment. Her tribute to James Brown at grammys after he died didn't make sense to me on paper but instantly became one of my personal top 50 pop moments.
I think she's struggling on two fronts. One, there's the ageism thing in pop. I definitely don't agree with it - in fact I think it's completely awful - but it seems that pop only accepts teens and young 20-somethings singing frankly about sexuality. Xtina and Janet are two examples of women on the wrong side of this bias.
I think another dynamic possibly working against her - and this is just what I hear, not what I've seen - is that she hasn't completely endeared herself to some in the business. It takes a village to be successful - promoters, producers, label execs, agents etc. If you end up with a reputation as being difficult or under-appreciative, it doesn't help you when you're in between hits. Those are the times when you most need the best folks in the biz to want to help you.
Again, I've just heard these things second hand. She was nothing but sweet to me in person.
So what does she need to do if she wants to make a comeback? It all begins and ends with the quality and positioning of the songs. Id say party/Club songs but more upbeat/positive. I'd also like to hear a ballad or two that can stand next to Beautiful. Songs about empowerment and overcoming adversity.
Then she needs to work. Endless promo. A run of small Club dates to reconnect and build buzz. Radio promo out the butt. That sort of thing.
I think the most important question at this point - for her or for anyone in her situation - is, does she really want it?
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What a wonderful answer.
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Member Since: 8/12/2007
Posts: 15,237
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Quote:
Originally posted by Bwerde
she's obviously supremely talented - arguably the most talented pure singer of the last several generations of pop stars. So there's always the possibility of a comeback. She can also really rise to a moment. Her tribute to James Brown at grammys after he died didn't make sense to me on paper but instantly became one of my personal top 50 pop moments.
I think she's struggling on two fronts. One, there's the ageism thing in pop. I definitely don't agree with it - in fact I think it's completely awful - but it seems that pop only accepts teens and young 20-somethings singing frankly about sexuality. Xtina and Janet are two examples of women on the wrong side of this bias.
I think another dynamic possibly working against her - and this is just what I hear, not what I've seen - is that she hasn't completely endeared herself to some in the business. It takes a village to be successful - promoters, producers, label execs, agents etc. If you end up with a reputation as being difficult or under-appreciative, it doesn't help you when you're in between hits. Those are the times when you most need the best folks in the biz to want to help you.
Again, I've just heard these things second hand. She was nothing but sweet to me in person.
So what does she need to do if she wants to make a comeback? It all begins and ends with the quality and positioning of the songs. Id say party/Club songs but more upbeat/positive. I'd also like to hear a ballad or two that can stand next to Beautiful. Songs about empowerment and overcoming adversity.
Then she needs to work. Endless promo. A run of small Club dates to reconnect and build buzz. Radio promo out the butt. That sort of thing.
I think the most important question at this point - for her or for anyone in her situation - is, does she really want it?
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I agree 100%, especially with the very last sentence.
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Member Since: 3/28/2012
Posts: 11,741
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Thanks bill for answering about Xtina. Really appreciate it.
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Member Since: 8/22/2010
Posts: 12,270
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Quote:
Originally posted by Bwerde
she's obviously supremely talented - arguably the most talented pure singer of the last several generations of pop stars. So there's always the possibility of a comeback. She can also really rise to a moment. Her tribute to James Brown at grammys after he died didn't make sense to me on paper but instantly became one of my personal top 50 pop moments.
I think she's struggling on two fronts. One, there's the ageism thing in pop. I definitely don't agree with it - in fact I think it's completely awful - but it seems that pop only accepts teens and young 20-somethings singing frankly about sexuality. Xtina and Janet are two examples of women on the wrong side of this bias.
I think another dynamic possibly working against her - and this is just what I hear, not what I've seen - is that she hasn't completely endeared herself to some in the business. It takes a village to be successful - promoters, producers, label execs, agents etc. If you end up with a reputation as being difficult or under-appreciative, it doesn't help you when you're in between hits. Those are the times when you most need the best folks in the biz to want to help you.
Again, I've just heard these things second hand. She was nothing but sweet to me in person.
So what does she need to do if she wants to make a comeback? It all begins and ends with the quality and positioning of the songs. Id say party/Club songs but more upbeat/positive. I'd also like to hear a ballad or two that can stand next to Beautiful. Songs about empowerment and overcoming adversity.
Then she needs to work. Endless promo. A run of small Club dates to reconnect and build buzz. Radio promo out the butt. That sort of thing.
I think the most important question at this point - for her or for anyone in her situation - is, does she really want it?
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Awesome response Bill, thanks!
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Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 146
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Quote:
Originally posted by umichgrad07
Hi, Bill!
What are your thoughts on the "Brave" and "Roar" similarities? If the song was indeed "ripped off" or "stolen" (as a lot of critics are saying), wouldn't Sara or her record label have taken some type of legal action by now (seeing as the song is headed for major success)?
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Not a lot of thoughts really. We are reporting a piece this x week or next on what constitutes plagiarism, pegged to recent discussion around this and also robin thicke/Marvin gaye.
I don't personally think it's plagiarism. That said, lack of an immediate suit doesn't mean one won't come. Again - I've heard nothing either way.
Mostly I'm happy for Sara. Brave had kind of stalled and now it's got real momentum Thanks to the discussion. I think she's such a talented writer and from what I hear a super nice person.
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Member Since: 6/1/2010
Posts: 65,177
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Bill, you missed my question about "Skyfall". 
But thanks for all the informative answers. Please stick around.
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Member Since: 10/29/2010
Posts: 29,249
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Hi Bill,
Do you think Beyoncé will see similar success as "I Am... Sasha Fierce" with her upcoming era? What do you think she needs to do to avoid another 4?
Thanks 
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Member Since: 6/7/2009
Posts: 15,638
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Quote:
Originally posted by Bwerde
Not a lot of thoughts really. We are reporting a piece this x week or next on what constitutes plagiarism, pegged to recent discussion around this and also robin thicke/Marvin gaye.
I don't personally think it's plagiarism. That said, lack of an immediate suit doesn't mean one won't come. Again - I've heard nothing either way.
Mostly I'm happy for Sara. Brave had kind of stalled and now it's got real momentum Thanks to the discussion. I think she's such a talented writer and from what I hear a super nice person.
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SO true. I'm glad that this is happening for her. Hopefully Pop radio gives her a chance.
Can you answer my question about Mariah in the last page? 
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Member Since: 2/18/2007
Posts: 12,501
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Quote:
Originally posted by Bwerde
she's obviously supremely talented - arguably the most talented pure singer of the last several generations of pop stars. So there's always the possibility of a comeback. She can also really rise to a moment. Her tribute to James Brown at grammys after he died didn't make sense to me on paper but instantly became one of my personal top 50 pop moments.
I think she's struggling on two fronts. One, there's the ageism thing in pop. I definitely don't agree with it - in fact I think it's completely awful - but it seems that pop only accepts teens and young 20-somethings singing frankly about sexuality. Xtina and Janet are two examples of women on the wrong side of this bias.
I think another dynamic possibly working against her - and this is just what I hear, not what I've seen - is that she hasn't completely endeared herself to some in the business. It takes a village to be successful - promoters, producers, label execs, agents etc. If you end up with a reputation as being difficult or under-appreciative, it doesn't help you when you're in between hits. Those are the times when you most need the best folks in the biz to want to help you.
Again, I've just heard these things second hand. She was nothing but sweet to me in person.
So what does she need to do if she wants to make a comeback? It all begins and ends with the quality and positioning of the songs. Id say party/Club songs but more upbeat/positive. I'd also like to hear a ballad or two that can stand next to Beautiful. Songs about empowerment and overcoming adversity.
Then she needs to work. Endless promo. A run of small Club dates to reconnect and build buzz. Radio promo out the butt. That sort of thing.
I think the most important question at this point - for her or for anyone in her situation - is, does she really want it?
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I love it
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ATRL Contributor
Member Since: 11/5/2011
Posts: 100,491
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Thanks for answering, Bill
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Member Since: 11/26/2010
Posts: 2,021
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Quote:
Originally posted by Bwerde
she's obviously supremely talented - arguably the most talented pure singer of the last several generations of pop stars. So there's always the possibility of a comeback. She can also really rise to a moment. Her tribute to James Brown at grammys after he died didn't make sense to me on paper but instantly became one of my personal top 50 pop moments.
I think she's struggling on two fronts. One, there's the ageism thing in pop. I definitely don't agree with it - in fact I think it's completely awful - but it seems that pop only accepts teens and young 20-somethings singing frankly about sexuality. Xtina and Janet are two examples of women on the wrong side of this bias.
I think another dynamic possibly working against her - and this is just what I hear, not what I've seen - is that she hasn't completely endeared herself to some in the business. It takes a village to be successful - promoters, producers, label execs, agents etc. If you end up with a reputation as being difficult or under-appreciative, it doesn't help you when you're in between hits. Those are the times when you most need the best folks in the biz to want to help you.
Again, I've just heard these things second hand. She was nothing but sweet to me in person.
So what does she need to do if she wants to make a comeback? It all begins and ends with the quality and positioning of the songs. Id say party/Club songs but more upbeat/positive. I'd also like to hear a ballad or two that can stand next to Beautiful. Songs about empowerment and overcoming adversity.
Then she needs to work. Endless promo. A run of small Club dates to reconnect and build buzz. Radio promo out the butt. That sort of thing.
I think the most important question at this point - for her or for anyone in her situation - is, does she really want it?
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YEEEEES
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Member Since: 6/28/2009
Posts: 5,816
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Between Xtina, Nelly Furtado and Avril Lavigne, which artist do you think has the better chance to come back to regain their relevancy?
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Member Since: 4/23/2012
Posts: 9,618
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Quote:
Originally posted by Bwerde
Not a lot of thoughts really. We are reporting a piece this x week or next on what constitutes plagiarism, pegged to recent discussion around this and also robin thicke/Marvin gaye.
I don't personally think it's plagiarism. That said, lack of an immediate suit doesn't mean one won't come. Again - I've heard nothing either way.
Mostly I'm happy for Sara. Brave had kind of stalled and now it's got real momentum Thanks to the discussion. I think she's such a talented writer and from what I hear a super nice person.
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Why do you think that Katy gets off easy for Roar sounding similar to Brave while Gaga was ripped apart for Born This Way sounding similar to Express Yourself? Are people just more willing to give Katy a break because she's not polarizing?
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Banned
Member Since: 11/24/2009
Posts: 61,404
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Quote:
Originally posted by Bwerde
she's obviously supremely talented - arguably the most talented pure singer of the last several generations of pop stars. So there's always the possibility of a comeback. She can also really rise to a moment. Her tribute to James Brown at grammys after he died didn't make sense to me on paper but instantly became one of my personal top 50 pop moments.
I think she's struggling on two fronts. One, there's the ageism thing in pop. I definitely don't agree with it - in fact I think it's completely awful - but it seems that pop only accepts teens and young 20-somethings singing frankly about sexuality. Xtina and Janet are two examples of women on the wrong side of this bias.
I think another dynamic possibly working against her - and this is just what I hear, not what I've seen - is that she hasn't completely endeared herself to some in the business. It takes a village to be successful - promoters, producers, label execs, agents etc. If you end up with a reputation as being difficult or under-appreciative, it doesn't help you when you're in between hits. Those are the times when you most need the best folks in the biz to want to help you.
Again, I've just heard these things second hand. She was nothing but sweet to me in person.
So what does she need to do if she wants to make a comeback? It all begins and ends with the quality and positioning of the songs. Id say party/Club songs but more upbeat/positive. I'd also like to hear a ballad or two that can stand next to Beautiful. Songs about empowerment and overcoming adversity.
Then she needs to work. Endless promo. A run of small Club dates to reconnect and build buzz. Radio promo out the butt. That sort of thing.
I think the most important question at this point - for her or for anyone in her situation - is, does she really want it?
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Great answer except I don't agree about ageism being the reason her sex songs didn't click. Poor quality was the reason. Also, when people think Xtina, they think Beautiful. She hasn't been smart about tapping into her strengths and what people want from her.
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