Thursday, June 24, 2010
1:47 PM | Posted by
thebeachaudio |
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Recently I had the pleasure of taking part in the summer's most important musical events.
What giant concert or festival, you ask? None. A recording session with a legend? Nope. The summer's most important musical events are the ones that inspire young musicians to continue their path with imagination in tow. I'm talking about CBC's "Rock the Homestretch" and the City of Calgary's "Toast and Jam". Both of these are "battle of the bands" - style events that focus alot more on the "band" than the "battle".
So why are these events more important than the big names coming through Calgary this summer?
Here's the bottom line: Besides being popular at parties and woo-ing the opposite sex, being a musician is a ton of work for a small amount of recognition. Add that ingredient to being a teenager, and it's pretty much you vs. the world as a young musician.
When you're 16 and in a band that means everything to you, the chance to be on a big stage, broadcast on tv and radio, tour a studio like the Beach, learn about your industry and craft, and bond with your band over some lighthearted competition can be life changing. I remember competing in a battle of the bands as a teen and I felt a sense of legitimacy; that maybe I COULD do this and have some form of success.
This same sentiment I see written on the faces of parents in attendance as they realize that their kid's "noise" is valid and fulfilling self - expression that many adults wish they would have embraced as a teen.
Without these outlets for teen musicians, they are almost completely alone in their quest to improve and learn their art. Every town and city needs more talent shows, band contests, local talent radio, and community programs to nurture the future of their arts.
Thank you, CBC and City of Calgary, for the chance to help invest in the imagination of our local young musicians.
What giant concert or festival, you ask? None. A recording session with a legend? Nope. The summer's most important musical events are the ones that inspire young musicians to continue their path with imagination in tow. I'm talking about CBC's "Rock the Homestretch" and the City of Calgary's "Toast and Jam". Both of these are "battle of the bands" - style events that focus alot more on the "band" than the "battle".
So why are these events more important than the big names coming through Calgary this summer?
Here's the bottom line: Besides being popular at parties and woo-ing the opposite sex, being a musician is a ton of work for a small amount of recognition. Add that ingredient to being a teenager, and it's pretty much you vs. the world as a young musician.
When you're 16 and in a band that means everything to you, the chance to be on a big stage, broadcast on tv and radio, tour a studio like the Beach, learn about your industry and craft, and bond with your band over some lighthearted competition can be life changing. I remember competing in a battle of the bands as a teen and I felt a sense of legitimacy; that maybe I COULD do this and have some form of success.
This same sentiment I see written on the faces of parents in attendance as they realize that their kid's "noise" is valid and fulfilling self - expression that many adults wish they would have embraced as a teen.
Without these outlets for teen musicians, they are almost completely alone in their quest to improve and learn their art. Every town and city needs more talent shows, band contests, local talent radio, and community programs to nurture the future of their arts.
Thank you, CBC and City of Calgary, for the chance to help invest in the imagination of our local young musicians.
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