Shock Value

There is a lot of controversy in music--always has been, probably always will be. The "accidental" exposure of anatomy at the Super Bowl's halftime show this year is a blatant example of how far artists will go to get noticed and their name in our consciousness, but is hardly the first instance. Rock and Roll music was banned by many places at first because the lyrics were so blatantly sexual, even if euphemisms were used to describe the action. I can't get onto some rock band fan sites at our local public library because they deem that band's lyrics, poetic as they might be, too naughty for little readers. Much of the lyrical content in songs in some genres has become very blatant and just plain nasty. Which way should we turn? Here are a few things you might think about before you put pen to paper to write your next song.

IS IT WORTH THE RISK?

I'm sure the artists that performed at the halftime being discussed are now wondering if what they did was a particularly good idea in retrospect. Sure, it has people talking, and might sell a few more albums for both parties, but it might now also keep them from getting future televised gigs or permission to play at certain venues. I've seen a lot of good acts that sell albums and get videos played on the major cable channels play to few patrons in smaller local venues, too, because they have a hard time getting people to come see their live show, with many saying it was just "too nasty." I enjoy one artist's music when I hear it on the radio, but will probably never go to one of his concerts because I don't care for all the swearing he is notorious for doing in his live performances. Many radio stations will, because of FCC regulations, refuse to play songs with really bad language. Many of these artists are among the best selling acts in album sales, so perhaps this is the way for some artists to make at least an initial mark on the industry. It might also keep one from getting signed, if you aren't very careful to whom you pitch your blue music.

TRY TO BE SUBTLE

Sometimes, the naughty punster can get past the critics. Elvis had his hip swivel, while others hold poses to show off their musculature. Holding notes a really long time or hitting notes that are really high or low can get that same squeal from the audience, but watch writing notes like that for songs you are trying to pitch, unless you KNOW that artist is not only capable but willing to pull off the stunt. Some female artists have just put a lot of feeling into their music to the point that it sounds sexy even though the lyrics aren't, and have made this their trademark and the way they get noticed. Outrageous costumes and makeup have worked for other acts, but sometimes a plain-clothes band with incredible musicianship can blow an audience away as well as any firepot can. Choose your weapons carefully, and, if you are a songwriter, make sure you write to your artists to let their trademarks come out, or choose artists that like the style you are trying to write in.

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