Is Music/Art a Competitive Sport?

[Stevo]

The question is somewhat rhetorical, because the answer is clearly 'yes' in many ways.

Many forms of art are competitive. I guess it is not right or wrong, but I have a problem with music/art being competitive. I don't like it when music and other forms of art are rated on some time of point system.

Just thinking out loud, but what do you think?

[Butch Snyder]

Can you say "Guitarmaggedon"?

[Stevo]

Can you say "Guitarmaggedon"?

I think I'd make an exception there Isn't that sponsored by guitar center? For guitar geeks?

[JacksonMIA]

Battle of the Bands?


I can see it in some aspects, though. There's only so much airtime on so many stations. You've got to compete to be heard (the internet is really changing that, though). You've got to compete to get record deals, concerts, etc. Of course, all of that only applies if you're wanting to be heard. If you're just doing it because you enjoy it, then there's not really any competition, IMO.

[Stevo]

Battle of the Bands?

I admit that I played a few of those, but the bands just wanted to be heard.. I never planned on winning

[italic zero]

Shouldn't be

[Skarekrough]

In its worst aspects and implimentations art and music start to become a sport.

Music and art at its best is typically a mutual admiration society.

[Butch Snyder]

I think I'd make an exception there Isn't that sponsored by guitar center? For guitar geeks?

Well, okay...but -

I don't like it when music and other forms of art are rated on some time of point system.

That's Guitarmaggedon....

[Gearjoneser]

I think when you're 20, being a musician with something to prove makes it a competetive sport.

When you're past 30, making money making music is what the sport turns into.

[Simon_F]

In any endeavour where you wish to sell something, including CDs, concert tickets, books etc. there is inevitably an element of competition. There is also inevitably an element of competition in trying to become a professional musician, sportsman etc. Not everyone gets the job!

But I have always disliked the idea of evaluating music in terms of its speed or complexity. The important response to music IMO is the emotional one. Trying to compare EVH with BB King on the basis of notes per second is clearly ridiculous.

[Stevo]

Well, okay...but -

OK here's the truth - I make an exception because I know you participated :6: Otherwise, I would not be interested.

[Stevo]

Here's what provoked me to ask the question: when I am at the gym, I always here this crappy song by Kelly Clarkston. I had no idea who she was, but then the DJ enlightened me, and the rest of the listeners OK, she won a very popular competition, and she's got technical skills, but her music is very boring - but she's super famous

[italic zero]

No! Kelly Clarkson is great!

[LesStrat]

Sometimes it is a contact sport. It all started with the Kinks.

[Skarekrough]

Here's what provoked me to ask the question: when I am at the gym, I always here this crappy song by Kelly Clarkston. I had no idea who she was, but then the DJ enlightened me, and the rest of the listeners OK, she won a very popular competition, and she's got technical skills, but her music is very boring - but she's super famous

"(Entertainment Weekly) -- To be honest, I don't even remember Melissa McGhee, but her take on Heart's "What About Love" is a perfectly generic cover that kicks off an entire album's worth of expertly crafted mediocrity."

-American Idol CD review.

[innerdreamrecords.co]

There's only so much airtime on so many stations. You've got to compete to be heard

Unfortunately competition to be heard exists in the form of payola and expensive middle men promoters. Unless you have major $$ you can't get on the radio for the most part - that is commercial radio.

[Amateur]

Music is an art and art is very subjective and intangible. Guitar music is only a very small part of the big picture. Sounds like we are actually talking about popularity contest instead of music.

[Stevo]

Maybe I don't like the idea of competition, just because I would never win

[Butch Snyder]

Maybe I don't like the idea of competition, just because I would never win

Me too... I competed in Guitarmeggedon for the fun of it. I never win those things because I don't play with my teeth and behind my head and all. I've been in the studio too long. I try to lay down a nice, tasty riff and that's not what gets'em. I don't like competing against other players. Music and musical ability come from the soul. IMHO, when a player "beats" another player, it's like beating the soul.....

[GuitarStv]

Shouldn't competition in art be encouraged? If you hear somthing that's different or unique, do you think "oh crap, I can never do somthing different like that" or do you think "hmm, maybe I could use a piece of that in a song/solo I'm working on"? Competition is what drives people . . . the need to leave your own mark, to be better, to be different. Even competition with your self "Can I come up with a better riff, a smoother solo, a tighter groove" ? Without competition in music all we would be left with is bland, uninspired, generic crap.