Comments on: Opinion Needed: Diversity Issues, Cover Musicians, Lesbian Folk Artists

By: Dawn

Dawn — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 04:08:13 +0000

Maybe……. For these purposes … We need to think of whom the artist prefers in DA BEDROOM!!! LOL!!!!!! Is the artist straight???? Then the answer is a "NO" …….. But , how can we prove that????
Enough from me…..

By: Dawn

Dawn — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 04:04:09 +0000

P.S. Either has no preference of skin colour/ethnic background…… It's just the music !! Anyone disagree???? I dare ya!!

By: sisterstalk

sisterstalk — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 03:58:32 +0000

Dawn: My AP and I completely understand the reasons why so many unsigned artists do cover music. It's about demand. Some audiences are only interested in something they're very familiar with. That's why bands at local festivals around here seem to cover a lot of old 80s rock music. Doing cover music pays the bills. We get that.

BUT, doesn't that mean we (the LGBT media) should put more effort into promoting unknown musicians doing unknown music?

By: Dawn

Dawn — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 03:53:13 +0000

In my opinion, as both an original songwriter and as a "covers" entertainer, that 'covers' are a sure-fire way to attract attention…. Easy peasy!! The audience is already familiar with the material no matter what new and interesting angle one might bring to it…..
In my experience of doing both for many years, I feel you are trying to answer a question that I have struggled with for my entire career!!!! Good luck!!
All I know is it is the difference between audience arms folded ( originals ) and arms aloft and money in the pocket ( covering the hits!!!)……..
Cheers!!

By: sisterstalk

sisterstalk — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 03:44:44 +0000

Tonya:

Ideally, a disabled bisexual jewish Black man who sings heavy metal would be the perfectly diverse candidate we're looking for, but that would be pushin' the diversity envelope just a tad.

Our goal is to make sure we're presenting a little of everything. BUT, I'm honestly torn about presenting a Black cover musician (for example) simply because he or she is not a white lesbian folk singer.

By: Tonya Moore

Tonya Moore — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 03:39:20 +0000

If you're talking about diversity, how could they NOT meet the requirement? I understand the concern about maybe not presenting as broad a range as individuals, as you'd like but it's discouraging to think that musical artists would not be considered eligible because the pool of available musicians is "too white" etc. Maybe the focus shouldn't be some much on the color of their skin – as it should on the many variegations of micro-cultures and social backgrounds and musical styles that are out there…?
That's just one person's opinion though and I don't exactly expect it to be the popular one…

By: sisterstalk

sisterstalk — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 03:37:25 +0000

Jean: That's what my AP and I were talking about. If the cover artist has his/her own original work, then we would consider having her/him on the show. I don't want to say a cover artist isn't a real musician, it's just not what we want for the show.