"Why shouldn't I make a Christmas album?" you might ask yourself.
I will tell you why in this easy-to-remember 5-step list:
1. Just because everyone else has one does NOT mean you should.
2. I believe you shouldn't change classic songs (Christmas or not) - even if they've been around for 100 billion years - UNLESS you change it enough to make it your own, but so it's still distinguishable as the song you're trying to connect it to. I know this is a tall order, but some people have been able to do it - see Kurt Bestor.
3. You probably can't meet the requirements from number 2. Just don't do it if you can't.
4. Getting a Christmas album out just because you can and that it could possibly be a hit is lame - especially with no truly original content. You should rethink your career in the music industry.
5. Because if you make one, BFFs or not, I would be extremely tempted to burn it in a trashcan, as this picture I made illustrates.
But, seriously, I was talking with the editor of the section I work with here at the Park Record newspaper, Greg Marshall, about how I hate that everyone has a Christmas album and almost none of them are any good.
He said it was probably because most of the songs weren't copyrighted, and when radio stations are playing Christmas music from Halloween to New Year's, they're desperate for content and draw from anyone.
Also, he said that most music artists who are successful might do it just because if people see their name attached to it they'll buy it.
To that I say, "Stay away from Christmas! Make a Halloween album then! Or a summer album! Summer lasts longer than Christmas anyway."
Yes - with that many exclamation points.
I feel passionately about this.
Maybe I'll write a song called "Stay Away From Christmas"...
P.S. If you DO decide to make a Christmas album anyway, please have enough creativity to call it something besides "__(Insert your name/group here)__ A Christmas Album". *snore
1 comment:
I think you have a career possiblity in graphic design. That burning trashcan music picture just really does something for me. I think it illustrates your passion on this subject like nothing else. However I disagree. I like Christmas albums, and maybe i'll make you one for Christmas this year just to spite you. And Kurt Bestor he might be a good composer- but his family life is in the garbage, and so good album or good family life? I'll choose the family life thank you.
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