Singer Songwriters
Whether it be telling a story or expressing
an emotion a song can have a powerful hold on us. One of the
first decisions the modern youngster makes today is to identify
with a particular style of music. Some children will base
that decision upon their own individual taste, but more commonly
the decision will be about wanting to belong and styling themselves
to be attractive to a particular group. Singer songwriters
today have a huge responsibility. They stand now as pillars
of influence in our childrens lives. Yet, we cannot suffocate
creativity with censorship. In my view, it is our creativity
that separates us from all other life on this planet. The
world would be a poorer place if Marshall Mathers wasn't allowed
to express himself honestly. What offends me is insincerity
and I deeply respect Eminem's heart-on-sleeve sincerity. I
am a big fan. He is immensely creative and, in my view, has
the potential to be a music great. He uses humour to communicate
his anger and reflects growing up in his immediate neighbourhood
with often brutal honesty. It is a mature world that allows
such creativity to flourish. To censor Eminem or any other
sincere songwriter is to deny the truth. I use Eminem as an
example because too often I hear individual's from older generations
say things such as, "He shouldn't be allowed..."
and "Someone should do something to put a stop to this
nonsense..." I think there were similar reactions to
Elvis, the Beatles and the Rolling Stones and remember the
outcries when the punk group The Sex Pistols arrived on the
scene... Looking back we realise the positive effect of songwriters
who provoke. Songwriters not only have the potential to create
change, they DO create change. It is for this reason I look
forward to the next sincere songwriter our clothed-minded
society will find offensive... Art is perspective. Great Art
is a perspective that pokes you in the eye...
Tim Rees
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