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I read this today in Music Connection Magazine and thought it would be of interest... The first sentence says a lot.QUOTE OF THE WEEK:“I’m attracted to hard working artists that are willing to do whatever it takes to succeed. Then, I look for songs, musicianship and good musical taste, an honest image, stage presence, a like-minded philosophy and a unique musical voice. I find that too many bands play the same notes in a different order, and listening to that gets old fast.” -- *** *********, Director of A&R, Virgin Records, interviewed by MC in IssueNo. 1, Vol XXXI Casey

Quote:I find that too many bands play the same notes in a different order, and listening to that gets old fast.”I have been making an effort to listen to new bands lately. And I also have noted the similarity from song to song.After my thread about melody (and paying attention to the thoughts and ideas people that contributed to that thread) I eventually realized this has always been true: it's always been easier to copy than to innovate. Even in the 50s and 60s!Plus, the listening public doesn't seem to punish bands for doing that. At least not right away.One surefire technique for interest seems to be combining two or three separate styles that have never been combined before. For example: the Police added reggae to pop rock, with a slight punk flavor.And of course Mannheim Steamroller cashed in big time by putting a modern twist on traditional Christmas music.

Great post! I love quotes like that I also like listening to NPR interviews of amazing film directors and authors who seem across the board to think that they're frauds waiting to be unmasked. Crazy to think that that's something you just don't get over, even at the highest levels of art.