Site Meter
Welcome Guest [Log In] [Register]
TTHC News Discography On Stage Timeline Doubletake Biography Fan Spotlight
We hope you enjoy your visit. We welcome all guests and sincerely hope you will join us and experience what being a member of our home offers! This includes full access to all of our boards and exclusives, plus full access to our vast media library. Once you become a member, you log in to Connections and all of our features are yours to explore and enjoy.


PLEASE READ: WHEN YOU REQUEST MEMBERSHIP, THIS DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY GIVE YOU ACCESS TO THE BOARD. MEMBERSHIP REQUIRES ADMIN APPROVAL, WHICH IS NOT IMMEDIATE. YOU WILL STILL GET THE "YOU DO NOT HAVE ACCESS" MESSAGE UNTIL AN ADMIN HAS APPROVED YOUR APPLICATION. WE ATTEMPT TO APPROVE APPLICATIONS AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE AFTER THEY ARE VALIDATED.

Thank you.

Username:   Password:
Add Reply
Taylor: Standing out from his Peers
Topic Started: Oct 5 2008, 07:52 AM (136 Views)
mouser
Member Avatar

An interesting thought about the musicians place and how to achieve "success" by a music coach.
This appeared in a blog: http://www.argapr.net/2008/10/05/1000-actors-on-stage/



1000 Actors On Stage

The music world is big, really big, but the potential and ability around is truly magnificent and the world always provides you with a platform to express yourself and unleash your potential.

In order for you to do that, its essential for you to realise whats special about you and what makes you who you are and why you can share what you know.

Let me share with you a short story…

It was a Saturday night and Joseph went to see a play. The play was of the famous musical Grease and featured 1000 actors. He was in the audience in the big theatre consisting of over 700 people. It was a magnificent play, and as it came to an end, all the actors and actresses came onto stage. There were 1000 in total, but there was something in peculiar and that was that only one of them really stood out and only she was really remembered. Perhaps youd be drawn to the blue-haired man or green-haired child but Joseph was really drawn towards the misty-blue woman with the long black hair in the deep blue cape with half her face hidden, standing silently at the edge of the stage.

What Im trying to convey here is that to be remembered for your music and who you are in the music world, you must have something special to convey out there. What is it that will distinguish you from the rest of the musicians? For example, you may be a guitarist like the others out there, but whats special about you is the style you play, or the way you pluck a chord, or the way you dress, or perhaps the way you show yourself. The list and possibilities are endless and thats why you are remembered. A famous example would be our good friend Michael Jackson whose moonwalk was a famous branding identity and helped his music stand out.

Take some time out to write or think about whats important to you in your music and what would make you stand out from a 1000 people standing on stage. Think about why people would remember you. Why should they remember you? What can you give them? Ask yourself if youre being a strong enough version of YOU, or if youre just in the hideout not wanting people to experience who you really are and the magic you can produce.

Once youve understood what you want, its extremely useful to define your presence in the music scene as you would want it on a piece of paper so that you can get your thoughts clear. Perhaps even write it in big and stick it near your bedside or on a place where you can see it. Bring out all your quirks.

(P.S. The most memorable actor on stage might be the one that gets off the stage, walks up to your seat, and gives you a kiss.)

Kavit Haria, The Musicians Coach

Kavit Haria is The Musicians’ Coach. Kavit is the director of InnerRhythm, a company that prides on providing success solutions for musicians worldwide. Kavit sends out a musician development newsletter to over 2000 musicians in 16 countries every fortnight to help them achieve their desired results. Sign up now and experience the huge benefits from www.innerrhythm.org



1. What is it about Taylor that distinquishes him from others?

2. What do you think he could do to further make himself stand out from the crowd?
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Gr8fulheart
Member Avatar

Boy Mouser~you've really started something here! This place isn't big enough; so I'll attempt to compact my response in as few words as possible.
What grabbed my attention from the very beginning was his 'Sweet Spirit'. The rest was already there within that 6'1" structure. A storybook in motion?
Taylor is genuine! He has the ability to revive within us musically what we had lost ~ A storehouse of memories unleashed?
Body Language ~ Facial Expressions ~ And ~ Those VOCALS! He certainly makes the delivery! Need I say more? :swn

OK Everybody ~ Do Your best to explain it! :thumbsup
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Deleted User
Deleted User

I am totally confused. "Grease" has that big a cast? And there was a woman in a cape and a blue haired person? What play did this Joseph see? LOL...anyway...to answer the question...to me what makes Taylor stand out, aside from is gray top "beacon," is:

INTENSITY.

Whether he is intensely serious or intensely goofy, you NOTICE him. Why? Because he is so passionate and genuine in his love of his craft. IT HITS HOME.
Quote Post Goto Top
 
san
Member Avatar

What came to mind immediately about Taylor, even as I was still reading this, is, as Gypsee said, his intensity and passion for his music. I look back at Grease...he didn't just accept Teen Angel role the way it was...he made it his, uniquely and intensly. He is smart...he looked at the era of Grease and saw how he could fit in and stand out...there was no bigger "teen angel" than Elvis...he could do Elvis and be Taylor at the same time! He does that often! Who was "flashier" than Elvis...the Nudie suit, rhinestones and all.

When his hair turned gray, he knew he would stand out...on AI he made his flaws his way to stand out. Then, he doesn't just sing BSD...I mean... in rhinestones and pompadour, he has fun! He hams up the role with facial expressions, plays to the audience and has a blast! This was the biggest impression I got from seeing him live on Broadway...the facial expressions and body language that doesn't come through on any video...you have to be there. It was not only Soul Patrol that was going crazy when he was on stage...it was everyone! The cast knew he stood out and they played to it and everyone had a blast!

Grease was one of the most enjoyable entertainment experiences I have had. And Mr. Hicks was the star...no one could deny it...that's why he is billed as "starring" in Grease. He stands out because he loves what he is doing...on Broadway in rhinestones or at Ona's in sneakers. When you love your music the way he does, it shows...it lights up the place..wherever he appears!

Well, sorry, I didn't mean to write a book...but it's easy to see why Taylor stands out...I could go on!! hehe!!

Thanks, Mouser! This is a great discussion topic.

Edited by san, Oct 5 2008, 09:47 AM.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Oldiebutgoodie
Member Avatar

Its like Randy Jackson said on Finals night right after the purple jacket performance--paraphrased: "You don't care where it came from, who sang it you make it your own"--Grease is the perfect example--how many other "Teen Angels" have there been--and yet with Taylor-even though I didn't get there in person
I could see through everyone's eyes, through the pics etc. that only Taylor could do the part that way-and get away with it--make it work--and still keep it real and keep it "HIS OWN". I also think that what makes Taylor stand out is that he's not afraid to stand up for what he feels is right regardless of the consequences.

His passion and intensity and focus on the job at hand is also unique--you can feel all those from the audience. Also, his polite, humble spirit and gratitude for those who have helped him live his dream is a refreshing bit of air in a stale business.

What can he do to stand out even more? Simply do the unexpected on an even grander scale next time--remember when he first announced he was gonna do the Teen Angel part? We were caught off guard and wondered if he had totally lost his mind--but he just smiled, let his performance speak for itself--and voila--he did the part so well that TPTB at Grease are PRing the tour with HIM as the star-not the ones playing Danny and Sandy!! He needs to do more of this-the Taylorized unexpected-more often--

(Uh only AFTER he puts out this next CD-which of course will win a Grammy for Song of the Year, Album of the Year etc. LOL!!!!!!)

Seriously-if he wants to stand out even more-just keep doing what he's doing-the Taylorized unexpected-and each time in a different way that is both true to himself, his dream, his desires, his abilities and the talents that God has given him--and give God the glory--and at the right time and place, Taylor will become the person he is destined to be.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
chewsday

I agree with those who have said that Taylor's intensity is what makes him stand out. But that could be over the top if he didn't have that quiet, rather shy side to him. Most of my friends just don't get Taylor; I keep the faith that they will one day, too, see what so many of us see in him. If they don't, so be it. All I know is he had me from his audition: quirky, shy, and doing his kind of music his way. I "got" him and he's had me as a fan ever since!
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
scoots
Member Avatar



Nice comments, chewsday!

Taylor is so unique, but he has a classic value, as well. I would never have been attracted to Taylor's style if he were a Nickelback clone or even a Michael Buble crooner clone. I remember Paula, Randy and Simon commenting that "there has never been anyone like you, EVER, on American Idol".

What a breath of fresh air is that unique talent when it comes along! Yet, Taylor pulled his style from Cocker, Michael McDonald and Ray Charles ....all music is an amalgamation of who and what has gone before....Taylor put it together in his own style, IMO.

I agree with the above comments that the hands, facial expressions, body language and pure love/joy of the music makes Taylor truly unique.

As far as the future, I think that if Taylor can translate SOMETHING of what he does to wow us on stage, then he will have success and credibility in the hardest nut to crack for him...recording.

He will need to construct something of his visual impact onstage into energy on the CD in order for him to stand out there. I think that the TH CD came close, but it seemed there was a lack of belief in Taylor from his producers on the CD (and some less than great lyrics..), hence the noisy backgrounds.
If Taylor truly connects his soul with the music and his listeners can hear that (a la Somehow, The Fall, Hold Onto Your Love ) he will have that unique sound that will compell fans to rally and will make his mark musically with those unfamiliar with anything other than the characitures of Taylor through SNL or Wierd Al.

Finally, and once again, he needs the appropriate promotion from his record company. I know that was not what was asked here, but we would never have known about Michael Jackson's moonwalk or Elvis' hips or John Denver's folksiness or the Beatles' fab harmonies without the promotion through hearing them over and over again on the radio, video, movies, and tv shows.

Thanks, mouser, for the always thought provoking articles and questions to get us going....one of my favorite parts of TTHC!




Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
tishlp
Member Avatar

I had to think about how I felt each week when I was watching Taylor on AI, then how I felt going to see him in concert.

I think it was the excitement and anticipation he brought to the stage each week during AI that made him stand out. Each week you just couldn't wait to see what Taylor was going to do.

Then at the concerts it was the joy that he felt to be performing for his fans. The joy was palpable. It was something that Taylor shared with his audience.

That's what keeps me coming back.

Oh and that quiet, unassuming speech at the beginning of AI when he was interviewed while sitting outside, "mah name is Taylor Hicks". That whole speech was real and sincere.

As to what he can do in the future, all he needs to do is stay true to his vision and his music and it will happen.

I had to come back and say The Voice, because that's the way I always think of Taylor's voice as The Voice, it's that unique.
Edited by tishlp, Oct 6 2008, 04:14 PM.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
mouser
Member Avatar

When I saw the "Grease " ancedote , I was immediately drawn to this little article. I sensed that the gist of the piece was that the USA has a vast array of talented artists /musicians . Why do some stand out and why do others , with equal talent not make the grade? If all things are equal, than to quote Miss Mezepah from "Gypsee"; " Ya Gotta Have a Gimmich."
With this premise in mind, I came to the conclusion that Taylor is unique because he is an American Idol. That was his first gimmick . Without that title, Taylor would probably still be a working musician in bars and clubs within a narrow region. He may have gotten more gigs because he garnered some new fans, but the exposure that American Idol gave him can not be underestimated. ( I certainly would not know who Taylor Hicks is ) The opportunities he has had are mostly because of his winning American Idol. He is making the most of these opportunities to the best of his ability and will hopefully come out from under the shadow of AI5.

While AI has opened doors and given Taylor name recognition, it has also stymied him to a degree. How does he overcome the stigma of being a reality star? Taking the Grease role might have been Taylor's second gimmick. A step out of his comfort zone and into an area of show business that could offer him more acceptance seems to have worked for him.

Now what can he do to further his own creative achievements and still be true to himself? It seems to me that so much hinges on this next
CD. In order for the intensity , the charisma and those glorious vocals to be heard again in live performances, he needs that CD to "knock em dead". I am not surprised that Taylor is taking his time . Will there be a third gimmick hidden somewhere in that next CD????
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
tishlp
Member Avatar

I don't feel that Taylor needs a gimmick. He used AI for the name recognition, now all he needs to do is stay true to the music. I never really looked at Taylor's role in Grease as a gimmick. To me it was a way to stretch himself as an entertainer. You can't move forward if you never get out of your comfort zone.

I do agree though that the next CD is very important. And Taylor will be held up to much higher standards than anyone that has reached his level through other means. That's part of the trade off for that name recognition AI gave him.

When he feels it is ready he will present to the people. Do you guys remember the backstage videos the Gray Charles taped during the rehearsals? In the very first one Gray asks Taylor where they were at in rehearsals. I remember the look on his face when he said, "well the music's all done, now all we have to do is to put it before the people and see what happens." I thought he looked a little nervous, but also at peace. Taylor had done his work. Then we all saw what happened. The tour was an enormous success.

When he feels the new album is ready then his work will be done and he will have to leave it up to the people.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
mouser
Member Avatar

I agree tishlp.......... but my point was that I thought the article was implying that something extra was needed to make a musician stand out when the talent pool is so deep in the USA. Dancing with Paula on AI was a gimmick that served Taylor well on that day...... the purple jacket was a gimmick that was not soon forgotten...... his body movements and shout outs were gimmicks ; although I think the body movements come naturally most of the time ..........the channeling of Elvis was a gimmick that enabled him to make The Teen Angel something that no one had tried before............


I am just wondering if Taylor will have some "gimmick" , for lack of a better term, in his next CD. If there will be one song that we listen to and say , " That is really unusual ." ( rapping could be considered a gimmick, scatting could be considered a gimmick ,etc. ) We know Taylor has the ability to do just about any type of music so I am curious if he will be eclectic in his choices for the new CD )
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Gr8fulheart
Member Avatar

Mouser! Don't leave out the 'rolling around on the floor' in that ugly paisley shirt! :jy BUT~It Worked! :thumbsup
Be very careful where you step :O Ya never know what you'll find on the floor! ;wh
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
tishlp
Member Avatar

mouser
Oct 6 2008, 04:51 PM
I agree tishlp.......... but my point was that I thought the article was implying that something extra was needed to make a musician stand out when the talent pool is so deep in the USA. Dancing with Paula on AI was a gimmick that served Taylor well on that day...... the purple jacket was a gimmick that was not soon forgotten...... his body movements and shout outs were gimmicks ; although I think the body movements come naturally most of the time ..........the channeling of Elvis was a gimmick that enabled him to make The Teen Angel something that no one had tried before............


I am just wondering if Taylor will have some "gimmick" , for lack of a better term, in his next CD. If there will be one song that we listen to and say , " That is really unusual ." ( rapping could be considered a gimmick, scatting could be considered a gimmick ,etc. ) We know Taylor has the ability to do just about any type of music so I am curious if he will be eclectic in his choices for the new CD )
I guess it's just the word gimmick. It has negative connotations.

I prefer to think of them as hooks, like a great hook in a song. :)
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
mouser
Member Avatar

Hook is a gentler term, but having played Ms. Mezeppah in Gypsee, I just have a fuzzy feeling about the word gimmick . LOL
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
cydter
Member Avatar

1. What is it about Taylor that distinquishes him from others?

He's UNIQUE... his marches to his own tune. That is what caught my attention.
He's not afraid to be HIMSELF. He believes in HIMSELF and will never change. He will never become a clone and blend in with what is out there today in the music business.

2. What do you think he could do to further make himself stand out from the crowd?
Nothing really. The only hope I have for him is that he beats the odds of the critics and his next CD is a MEGA hit.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous)
« Previous Topic · All the Talk · Next Topic »
Add Reply