This Taylor Swift business

Posted by Justin on February 5th, 2010 | 2 Comments

I wanted to just say a few words about this entire Taylor Swift Grammy performance hoopla. First of all, let’s get all our ducks in a row.

Taylor Swift performed on the Grammys and anyone who watched will tell you it was not good. Then Stevie Nicks joined her on stage and the entire situation became painfully awkward to watch. Many agree it was a mistake to put someone so fresh next to a living rock legend with one of the most powerful and distinct voices in the industry.

Despite this poor performance, Swift still went on to collect four awards, including Album of the Year. Well, like clockwork, after everyone rallied behind this doe-eyed country singer and she picked up her awards, the backlash began. People on blogs commented and the media picked up on the fact that Swift’s performance was awful, and maybe she wasn’t Grammy worthy. You be the judge.

Well, in response to all the criticism, the head of Swift’s record label came out swinging:

“The biggest message is (the critics) are not getting it, Borchetta said. “Because the facts say she is the undisputed best communicator that we’ve got. When she says something, when she sings something, when she feels something, it affects more people than anybody else.

Maybe she’s not the best technical singer, but she’s probably the best emotional singer because everybody else who gets up there and is technically perfect, people don’t seem to want more of it. … I think (the critics) are missing the whole voice of a generation that is happening right in front of them. … She’s an extraordinary songwriter and her vocal performances are getting better. Everybody is not perfect on any given day. If you pick any of those artists that performed (on the Grammy Awards) I’m sure you can go online and find something where you go, ‘ew.’ Maybe in that moment we didn’t have the best night. But in the same breath, maybe we did. And nobody is arguing with the awards…This is not `American Idol.’ This is not a competition of getting up and seeing who can sing the highest note. This is about a true artist and writer and communicator. It’s not about that technically perfect performance.

The critics are missing the bigger picture. This is what always happens and is the unfortunate part of the American dream, that we build these people up to watch the critics tear them down. Well, you better have more than what you’ve got now if you think you’re going to get in the ring and fight with us. So, get in the ring.”

My issues:

‘The best communicator we’ve got’ – meaning what? On the label? Certainly not in the entire music industry by any stretch of the imagination. I mean, has he heard of Bob Dylan or Joni Mitchell or The Who or The Beatles or Diana Ross and the Supremes? I love me some trashy pop music, but even I don’t consider most of the people I listen to to be a musical ‘artist.’ I mean, to say that Taylor Swift is the first and only artist who is able to convey true human emotion through music is a joke.

He’s right – we are tiring of ‘perfect’ popstars. Popstars who mime their performances and don’t even try (Britney) are truly wearing on music lovers who are exposed to talented individuals that can sing, but additionally can simultaneously dance or play an instrument and write their own songs or even songs for others. Taylor Swift is the voice of a generation? Whose? Not mine. Taylor Swift has not been in the business long enough to even warrant a speculative guess on her impression upon the industry as a whole or pop culture.

Just even look at Lady Gaga – she’s not perfect, her entire gimmick is about recognizing and appreciation imperfection and being anti-perfect. But she’s certainly not the best singer either and has had moments live that did make me go, ‘Ew.’ But she’s authentic. She’s not trying to be anything more than what she is and the fact that she is committed to her craft and to her message, that’s what is so universally appealing about her.

I agree with him that all singers have their off moments and that every performance is a commitment to bettering their craft. Yes, we are tiring of perfection, but that doesn’t mean a music-loving public are willing to accept mediocre or untalented artists.

Beyonce’s Grammy performance was pitiful as well, not because she wasn’t vocally there, but it was too much, over the top, and superfluous in every way. Whereas Pink, an underdog almost of pop music, came out and subtly (as subtly as one can be in a wet, nude bodysuit emblazoned with crystals) blew everyone away and deserved her standing ovation. Does Pink have bad performances? I’m sure she does. But you know what, she’s a committed musician and takes the time to rehearse and practice, which isn’t to say Swift doesn’t – but that she just hasn’t put in the time yet to be as good as fellow artists.

I find his taunting the media to be unnecessary and pointless. And Kelly Clarkson has also come out and responded to his message, which I absolutely adored:

Wow …..Dear Scott Borchetta,

I understand defending your artist obviously because I have done the same in the past for artists I like, including Taylor, so you might see why it’s upsetting to read you attacking American Idol for producing simply vocalists that hit ‘the high notes’.Thank you for that ‘Captain Obvious’ sense of humor because you know what, we not only hit the high notes, you forgot to mention we generally hit the ‘right’ notes as well. Every artist has a bad performance or two and that is understandable, but throwing blame will not make the situation at hand any better. I have been criticized left and right for having shaky performances before (and they were shaky) and what my manager or label executives say to me and the public is “I’ll kick butt next time” or “every performance isn’t going to be perfect” ……I bring this up because you should take a lesson from these people and instead of lashing out at other artists (that in your ‘humble’ opinion lack true artistry), you should simply take a breath and realize that sometimes things won’t go according to plan or work out and that’s okay.

Sincerely,
One of those contestants from American Idol who only made it because of her high notes ;)

Kelly makes so many good points and if anyone can attest to the media’s wavering love/hate relationship, it’s Clarkson.

Since his comments, Borchetta has come out again and talked about technical problems with the performance and it’s turning into a bit of ‘The lady doth protest too much…’ for me. If he truly supported Taylor, why does he even need to speak to the media? Why bother? And with four Grammys awarded to her – why can’t he bask in the win instead of the negativity that the media has (and will always have) churning?

Taylor should take a note from Gaga – it’s not about perfection, it’s about authenticity. And if you aren’t thick-skinned enough to take the shit they throw at you right after they are showering you with praise, this business probably isn’t for you.

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