When he appeared on season 6 of American Idol, the chubby, bespectecled worship leader Chris Sligh offered viewers a decidedly fresh perspective: he didn’t really give a rip about the show.
Well, he did, but he also knew that American Idol was just one step on his musical career ladder. So he used the experience to his advantage, learned what he could, and went on to work his behind off in the post-Idol years.
This week, Sligh offered the season 8 Idols a little bit of career advice, now that the tour is over. His thoughts: for the most part, it’s all over, so get over it, get over yourself, and get your rear in gear.
Not everyone can take such blunt advice with the attitude it was intended. Then again, not everyone survives in this industry. What Sligh did was weed out the whiners with his post.
Seriously.
Every word that Sligh offered is true. There is no instant fame. Exposure on TV will do nothing for you unless you’re willing to work and take the initiative when the cameras are turned off. And yes, even after American Idol you will tour the country in a van packed with equipment, eat at McDonalds and sleep in one-star hotels.
Can’t take it? Then a career in music just isn’t for you.
And if you’re thinking things are different in the Christian music industry, think again.
Most of the major labels are owned by, well, major labels. Most artists are working in dual markets, meaning if you’re not good enough to sell to mainstream, you’re probably not going to do well in Christian, either, because if you’re not making your label money, you’re going to be out on your arse. And no one is making money in either industry, mainstream or Christian.
Music is, after all, a business. You need to earn your keep.
So to Chris Sligh, who has never been one to mince words or blow smoke up your … well, you know … thank you for being so honest. And for being so right.
Hey, you aspiring artists: were you listening?
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posted September 23, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Finally someone who didn’t twist his words out of context and did what he did- told it like it was. Refreshing!
posted September 23, 2009 at 7:44 pm
He could have made the same points without mentioning his cast mates form Season 6 the way he did. The fact we have heard nothing from Idols past or present regarding his post speaks volumes. He is either very mean spirited our not sensitive to other people’s feelings to have written the blog in the way he did. Can he be so obtuse that he did not know he would hurt people’s feelings and therefore take away from the good advice he did give?
posted September 24, 2009 at 9:29 am
Carol, he told it just the way it happens in the industry, and yes, even in the Christian industry. It’s rough, it’s tough, it’s heartbreaking and it’s even sometimes rude. If anyone thought Chris’ advice came off mean spirited or insensitive to someone’s feelings, the music business clearly isn’t for them.
Joanne
host of the Gospel Soundcheck