It sounds kind of hopeless

[kikling]

Just for the record, I'm 14 years old.

Almost every kid that has played the guitar, drums, bass etc has done or thought about joining a band. And all these bands that are started wish to become famous. These adolecent bands play rock/punk/metal music just like their elders that they hear on the radio. They don't play crappy music like Hanson. I've have not noticed one teenage band that are famous or get played on the radio. (except for Hanson and boy bands, but thats all a Image thing, with posters and shit). and most adolecent bands that are not famous(I should say %99) play the same music that they hear on rock stations, like Kid Rock, Nirvana, Metallica, Green Day, Blink 182 etc. But all these bands are comprised of adults. Does anybody think it's possible (in the near future) that a teenage rock band will ever become famous for their music, and not how cute they are or what kind of mustard is their favorite? Just because teenage bands are made up of, well teenagers doesn't mean that there not as good as Blink 182 or greenday (just examples, most kid bands could play even better). What do you guys think? Thanks

 

[Rev E]

kikling,

Talent has no age. If you're good, you're good. Don't forget that many famous bands started out paying their dues during their teenage years. What about Jonny Lang or Kenny Wayne Shepard. These are guys who were playing professionally in their teenage years. Aren't they examples of what you're looking for?

Plus, many record labels are still uneasy with the idea of signing minors to recording contracts. There are many restrictive laws as it may require contract renegotiations when the child becomes an adult, providing for their education during "work", the possibility that music is not what they really want to do (making all of the money invested in them to go down the drain), etc.

All in all, it may be better for a record label to deal with an adult (at least a young adult). Plus, there's probably a better chance of getting an 18 or 19 year-old ADult to sign a "terrible" contract (as in bad for the artist, good for the record label) than to get Mom and Dad (the ones who will have to sign on behalf of the minor child) to sign their child's life away to a bad record deal.

If you're good, your gift will make room for you. But.... patience isn't a bad thing either. Rather than dream of becoming rich and famous as a teenager, concentrate on Practicing, sharpening your business negotiating abilities, improving your "people" skills, researching the musis BUSINESS (remember it's a "business" first), learning how to say "NO" to drugs, etc. Ultimately, your name will be in lights soon enough. But at least you'll be more prepared and mature enough to handle and enjoy it.

Rev E

[This message has been edited by Rev E (edited 07-13-2000).]

 

[dobro]

Kikling, there's an assumption built into your question, which seems to be that teenage fame is some measure of success. But I think you can be successful at what you're doing and never get airplay or recording contracts, if that makes any sense. Play and record the best you can and let results take care of themselves. I'm three times as old as you are, and not famous yet, but I'm not greatly troubled by that fact, because it all sort of fits. I don't need to be famous to enjoy what I'm doing with my music.

BTW, do you like Dijon mustard as much as I do?

 

[Snowdog]

That sounds like the attitude most of us had during the dreaded "Disco era" in the 70's. Things change,, the 80's became full of potential for young bands like you (and I at the time) so don't give up. You never know what will happen but you know what WON'T happen if you don't try. I just wish reasonably prices methods of recording and getting our music to disc had existed then as it does today. Our impossible dream was just to get into a studio. It did happen

 

[Helmut]

What about Kitty and what about Silverchair, and just think of how young Eddie Vedder was when Pearl Jam got signed. I think if you've "got it, you will get it". Its probably a matter of good management again and being in the right place at the right time.

Besides, think of how crap it must be to be famous, all the money and woman and fame, aaaaagh, who needs it (lol).

 

[Krystof01]

-kikling

I suggest that you wait. Let it prevail naturally. If you are part of a good band then stick at it, build on that. The reason that you don't here of bands becoming really rich and famous too young is that they continue to build on what they have. It takes bands two to three albums or more before they hit the big time-(many remember do not want riches and fame-just to carry on with what they enjoy). Playing in a band and recording music and all the promotion that goes with it it a far cry from how you started out. As soon as you step into the line of recording you have to learn technical processes, when you move into publicity you have to learn to be a businessman (yes a manager may sort this out but he may be trying to rip you off himself). I guess what I am saying is don't get to ahead of yourself. Let things happen. Get used to playing, especially live, if at all possible get some recording gear to work on songs and create more and enjoy yourself. Believe me time flies, before you know it you'll be 18 (oh-you can't drink till 21 right?)-as soon as you make the transition from enjoying playing to trying to sell yourself you may want to go back to the simplicity of just playing.