All Pretty for the TV

So last night, Lee DeWyze became the 9th American Idol. Yeah, I watched this season; I even voted...but not for Lee. He just doesn't have the natural talent and performing ability that AI supposedly exists to discover. However, he will probably benefit from the artist development that his new contract will provide for him. He had definitely grown as an artist and performer during the competition, but he needs so much more work to be good. And as with previous seasons, those contestants who had natural talent and performing ability (Crystal, Casey, Michael) will probably go on to have successful music careers on their own, perhaps even eclipsing Lee.

It is interesting to me how a "talent show" like American Idol is much more complicated than simply answering the question: "Who is the best vocalist?" The very fact that viewers eventually get to vote on who they like the best gives an interesting glimpse into what the American pop culture appreciates. These are things that the music industry can tap into as they develop further artists. New artists can pull from what they learn from the results of these shows and the occasional good advice from the judges. Suddenly, the show isn't so much about vocal and performing talent, but winning fans and influencing voters. (Incidently, it occurs to me that our political races work much the same way...but that's for a different blog.)

Even more interesting: skeptical viewers will note that it appears that American Idol is produced in such a way as to develop the stories of certain contestants. These are pushed on to the next round by the judges--regardless of talent--so that by the time viewers get to vote, they find themselves watching people who probably should not have made it to the final 12 in the first place. Similar patterns can be observed in other "reality" shows. Funny how reality can be manipulated and produced, huh?

A month or so ago, my wife--Nicole--brought to my attention that the cable network, Bravo, will be having a reality show for songwriters called "Hitmakers." Since one of the audition locations was in Nashville, she encouraged me to check it out. I went to the site, read all the fine print, and did an initial application/profile. I asked my Facebook friends to listen to a few songs I've written and help me choose one for the audition. Niki even helped me film a brief video to post on YouTube to attach to my profile...

In the end, I decided not to audition. Yeah, I did chicken out a little on auditioning, but at the same time, I don't see myself really competing on a reality show, even if I did pass the audition and call backs. The fine print mentioned above revealed to me that much of what happens on the show is determined by the producers (who will develop your story [even if they make you look bad] and who own the rights to all your performances for the show). The full application (to be brought to the audition) was 18 pages long and involved telling your story. (By the way, I've led a good life with little to no drama to tug at anyone's heartstrings...not exactly fertile soil for growing a television personality.) I've watched other Bravo reality shows and have an idea of what kind of drama they're looking for, not to mention how the contestants look. Yes, I know I've pre-judged the show, but I know they're looking for more than just a good songwriter (which I am). They're looking to sell a show and draw in viewers with something interesting to watch (which I am not).

A few other things bothered me: The folks who are judging are known as The Writing Camp and they are known for writing songs by Rhianna ("SOS"), Beyonce ("Halo"), Brandy ("Right Here (Departed)"), Adam Lambert, Britney Spears, etc. etc. etc. If you know anything about me, then you know I have little-to-no respect for any of those "artists." Even less, do I see myself writing material that will be of much interest to those songwriters. Aside from this, the timing is bad as I only have a part-time job and need income, so I can't leave to be on a reality show. I didn't have an acoustic guitar for the audition. And so on...

The only thing really making me want to audition was that I have never stepped out of my comfort zone to audition or even share much of my talent. The challenge of writing music under pressure would be positive for me too. But then it occurred to me, there are plenty of other auditions I could go to in order to push myself. I can be deliberate about writing music that does not come as naturally to me. I could challenge myself with the same challenges that will be presented to the contestants who actually made it onto "Hitmakers." And I could share the songs I've written with professionals who live/work in the area and are looking to develop artists and songwriters. (After all, I do live in Music City.)

Soooooo...I've rambled long enough. Let's sum up: Reality TV is not reality (which we all know). American Idol does have some value. I didn't audition for a reality show. I will challenge myself to share my songwriting.

There. Good luck to Lee DeWyze, those who will compete on "Hitmakers," and those who took the time to read. God shed his grace on thee.

Jason N. Reazin's 115th Dream

Hello and welcome to Reazin to Live Productions. Or at least a blog about it...

About 15 years ago, I discovered that my natural passion and talent for music is a great way to express myself. I decided to pursue a dream of creating (writing, performing, recording, engineering, and producing) music for a living. This vision has taken on many different forms over the years and has remained largely in my own mind, but since I've done about all I can do in private, it's time to take this dream public. No, I'm not sure I'll ever be able to do this for a living, but it sure beats the heartache of keeping it bottled inside.

There's a few things you need to know before I begin:
*The purpose of this blog is for me to share how I am challenging myself to move forward with my dreams of creating music.
*I have a lot of soapboxes and I plan to use this blog to share my official positions on music-related themes.
*I tend to write stream-of-conscience. (i.e., what comes out was meant to be)
*I also have an interest in the technical side of sound engineering and musical instruments (specifically electric guitars and tube amps), so I may create a sister blog to address those interests in a more appropriate place.
*I think there was something else, but I managed to forget it...you know, the whole stream-of-conscience thing...

Before I close out this introduction, I'd like to share why I call this "Reazin to Live Productions." Aside from being a pun on my last name, this name helps to remind me that I have a Reason to live. I have struggled with depression and suicidal ideation in my younger years, but have found salvation, not in music, but in the blood of Jesus, the Messiah. He is my Reason to live and gives me my identity, despite my unrealized goals. My hope is that in the midst of songwriting, soapbox speeches, performing, producing, engineering, etc. etc. etc., the purpose and worship will be focused on my Lord and Savior. So be it.

So without further ado, I bid you adieu until we blog again.