8/1/2007 8:47:03 AM
Why is age an issue????

8/1/2007 8:47:03 AM ---- Updated 8/1/2007 8:57:34 AM

Why is age an issue????
People!!! tell me why when we get to a certain age we are dismissed in the music industry???
Starting later in life singing at 36 after I had 7 children to bring up I found myself always running head long into Political Crap. I can sing and do it very well, and I just want to sing for the folks who want to listen to me. Organisers of Music Festivals know of me and just slide around me as if I didnt exist. Labels here in Australia have the same olds... We have some great talent but they just wont promote them. Is it the fear factor or the money factor????
Im sure there are lots of people out there that feel the same as me... Please consider adding to this Blog.
Country Music is a Genre that is for all ages... So please give the artists the same consideration... Im too tired of worrying about stepping on toes and ticking someone off..
I do feel damm good though for once speaking my mind...
Ps ... A big thankyou goes to KIAC for giving ladies like me the opportunity to show our songs and pursue the passion they have for performing. Marie

8/1/2007 9:36:00 AM

This is a question I, Father Time, get asked often. :)

There are, of course barriers out there in regards to age and musicians. Most of these come within the part of culture that is centered on youth and appearance, often the shallow part of media and life that most intelligent people eventually turn away from. A friend and I were having a discussion in regards to this last night. I can tell you without reservation that it is far less of a factor to be over 45 now than it was to be over 30 back in the 70s. As the baby boom grew up, median ages got higher. For years now, acts in their 40s, 50s, and even 60s are some of the highest grossing concert acts. In fact, in this era, there are whole realms, like a large portion of the internet, where age lines are completely blurred.

When I was coming out of college, I put all these strict goals in front of myself, I gotta make it before I'm 25, 27, and so on. Eventually I came to understand the power of my own vital signs and that's part of why I'm Father Time. There should be a point where you transcend the expectations of the shallow part of musical society and just write them off as special interest. Simpletons are simpletons, your music is your music. Sing it loud and sing it proud.

8/1/2007 10:10:52 AM

I recently got discriminated against because of my graying hair, The last band I auditioned for gave my name to a guitarist upstairs from them because I didn't fit their line up, 23 to 36, Im 48 but said I was 44, hehe, I was auditioning for bass and they said I rocked but never called me back, The dood upstairs told me its cus I was old.
Tell you what, I was ready to write songs and work my ass off for these people and would have added much to their band, Oh well, the guy upstairs was in a band with Mach Bell, from the Joe Perry Project, he is a smokin guitar player, These people are 50 and want to do big shows. I think Im to old, He he. Gone is the reckless abandonment. Peace and sing for those who will listen. John

8/1/2007 11:56:12 AM

Steve Martin had a great observation on this topic. In an interview with Terri Gross on Fresh Air, he was asked about his motivation to become an author (and quite a good one by the way) at this late stage in his career. He replied that after he had reach a certain age (I believe it was 50), he woke up and suddenly found that he actually had something to say! Such are the benefits of advancing years.

As for the age barrier for playing out, well, it all depends on which market segment you are trying to get to. Yes, it is harder to get a by for standing there looking cute once you're not a teenager, but a killer stage show will always put some butts in the seats. Networking is the key. Buzz is the goal. Build your fan base as proactively as you can. If you have the fan base, they will book you. Venues are always concerned with max attendance and corresponding concession sales. If all else fails, screw the existing venues and festivals and book your own show.

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