So Kahuna and the ‘Bit wanted to watch ‘Can You Duet’  which is a musical contest show, kind of like American Idol only, you know, with pairs.

The ‘Bits favorite show, Psyche, did a great spoof of all the ‘next musical star shows’ in their second season. The episode is called ‘American Duets’ and featured Tim Curry as the judge everyone loves to hate. 

Here Gus and Shawn perform ‘Shout‘ for the contest -

I love the parody but my enjoyment of it does expose my bias against the real contest shows.  I thought the low spot  of all these programs was Randy Owen telling Angela Hacker (or possibly her brother Zac-it has been a few years) that sometimes you have to record and sing a piece of music you don’t like in order to be successful.  This is so antithetical to how I view music that I haven’t watched the show since.

Can You Duet is worse.  Why would you want to be paired with a total stranger, chosen for you by someone else just to get a recording contract?  My mind just will not process this.  It is like country music has gone back in time and it’s ‘stand here, wear this outfit, record this song, and don’t argue with our model for success’ all over again.   

Maybe this was understandable in the 1950′s and 1960′s when there was only one way to reach a good sized audience, but now with all resources available to singers, songwriters and musicians it is hardly neccessary.

Enough ranting – I have links:

Indie band survival guide – indieguide.com – possibly the best online resource for musicians available.  Press kits, recording, merchandising, radio play, copyright info and the list goes on.  Everything you need to run yourself or your band successfully. 

Looking for gigs? Try Indie On The Move – “Our goal is to provide independent musicians with the most comprehensive and reliable music venue database on the web, by fostering a collaborative environment in which artists, agents, labels, and promoters post, rate, and review clubs from all across the U.S. for free.”

Need equipment?  Head over to Musician’s Friend.  This is a great online music and equipment store.  They have good prices, take trade-ins, run specials and offer ‘scratch and dent’ items daily.  I have been buying from them for about five years and am very happy with my purchases.

One of my favorite all purpose sites – Mary4Music.com - blues and indie music links and resources.

Finally, I am not saying there is anything wrong in having a record deal with a major label.  But you shouldn’t have to completely change who you are and how your music sounds just to be heard. 

- Kit