“Was Raging against the X Factor really a victory against Conformity?” Academic piece

On Sunday the 20^th of December 2009, the Official UK Charts Company managing director Martin Talbot said: "Congratulations to Rage Against The Machine on their number one - as we have seen in recent years, overhauling any X Factor winner in the race for the Christmas number one is no mean achievement.”

This of course is in response to the entirely unpredicted success of the American rap-metal band, soaring to the top spot to claim the Christmas number one. Their single “Killing in the Name”, originally a number 25 hit back in 1993, outsold this years X Factor winner Joe McElderry and his cover version of Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb” by 200,000 copies.

The campaign followed the success of getting Jeff Buckley's version Hallelujah to Christmas number 2 spot last year, however it still lost out to last years X Factor winner Alexandra Burke who claimed the number one spot with her version of the same song.

This year’s revolt was started by Tracy and Jon Morter, who launched a Facebook group entitled "Rage Against the Machine for Christmas No 1". Their first advertising post read "Fed up of Simon Cowell's latest karaoke act being Christmas No 1? Me too ... So who's up for a mass-purchase of the track 'Killing in the Name' from December 13^th?” Their reasons for creating the group are straight forward; to oppose the Christmas chart being predictably topped by Simon Cowell’s latest victor. Creator of the Facebook group Jon Morter told NME.com: "It's been taken on by thousands in the group as a defiance to Cowell's 'music machine'. Some certainly see it as a direct response to him personally."

            Cowell has responded to the campaign to get by branding its supporters "a hate mob". He says the Facebook crusade to keep this year's X Factor winner from being the Christmas number one is akin to bullying. 18 year old Joe Mcelderry, the winner himself, has looked at it from a different angle being quoted by the Telegraph saying, "Fair play to the guys who have organised the Facebook campaign - This time last year I never thought for one minute that I'd win The X Factor, never mind about having a debut single out, so I'm just delighted to be in the charts.” He has also stated that he is confident it is not a personal attack on him, as the group had already been created prior to the winner of the X Factor being announced.

The outcome that is most apparent when looking at this battle that has musically divided the nation, is one of conformity. The is no doubt that Jon and Tracey Morter made an enterprising stand by saying how they feel and doing something about it, however it can be argued that those who proceeded to obediently purchase Rage Against the Machine’s single were falling straight into the web of the next dictator’s ideals. The great American author Mark Twain once said, “Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, is it time to pause and reflect.” So by revolting in mass, the nation has yet again failed to possess individuality.

"Tis the Season..." Descriptive Piece

The season is upon us once again. It’s that time of year when dad clambers into the loft and huffs and puffs the tattered cardboard box marked “XMAS” down to the living room. Ribbons are tied round every banister and baubles are hung on every branch. It’s a fight for whose toilet roll angel gets to go on the top of the tree, and the cat reluctantly adorns a tinsel collar.  The whole country is buzzing as families travel by any means necessary, trains over counties and planes over seas, to be reunited for this special day.

Granny takes up her usual armchair and nods slowly in and out of dreams, while mum and dad dance around the kitchen in a not-quite-perfected choreographic sequence alive with boiling and roasting that results in the Christmas dinner. With occasional obscenities, bangs and crashes, miraculously it always comes together at the last minute. The house is filled with aromas good enough to tear kids of any age away from the “Morecambe and Wise” special showing yet again this year, and the family gathers round like lions to a wilder beast to devour the turkey. Over the jollities of paper hats, cracker toys and jokes of the expected low standard, Mum flicks on the radio to fill the dining room with the festive sounds of Rage against the Machine “Killing in the Name”.

What’s wrong? It all sounded pretty perfect up until that last bit didn’t it! However this picture of Christmas 2009 is not far wrong as this song swept to the top of our charts just in time for Christmas day. Following a head to head battle to diminish the domination of Simon Cowell and his finely oiled pop star making machine, for the first time in 3 years the Christmas number one was claimed by a band who had not been catapulted to success by the phenomenon that is the X Factor. Rage Against the Machine were backed by a couple who created a Facebook fan page with the hope to overthrow King Simon Cowell and his monarchy Lady Cheryl Cole and Lord Joe McElderry, this years winner who unfortunately missed out on his almost guaranteed number 1 hit.

Alarmingly, and going against the judgement of experts, the popularity of Rage’s rebellion and all that it stood for against the destruction of the music industry, struck a violent rock chord with thousands of people up and down the nation who began in their thousands to download and purchase the heavy based, head banging anthem containing more obscenities than all of mum and dad’s Christmas dinner bravados put together!

One must step back and assertively nod ones head in appreciation for the brave civilians who were behind this coop. It shows great courage to send a nation into turmoil, even if the song chosen to cause it is questionable, they have spoken up where so many have failed to. There is, however, one detail that seems to have slipped the nations minds as they obediently follow suit. By purchasing “Killing in the Name” and joining the ranks of the anti X Factor troupe, the only thing that has been achieved is yet another display of sheer conformity, rebelling against one leader only to fall in line behind another. The message of “thinking for ourselves” has been pushed aside, as we all run towards one team.

The real achievement must one day come from inside us all; it is a lesser-ventured ideal down in the pit of our beings known as “being an individual”.  We must fight against the gravity-like urge to follow the ever profiting Sheppard’s and buy music we have listened to, sat back and thought, “do you know what, I actually quite like that”.  The time will come when the Christmas chart will be a thing of wonder once again, not a ferocious battle of the titan that is X Factor and their latest “Let’s make a facebook group” rival.

“With the nation in a Rage, Christmas loses it's X Factor” Marketing piece

On Sunday the 20^th of December 2009 it was announced to the nation that Rage Against the Machine had won the battle for the Christmas number one spot, breaking the tradition of the X Factor winner, Joe McElderry in this years case, jumping straight in at the top spot.

Now considered the greatest Christmas chart battle in history, the American heavy rock band’s single “Killing in the Name” out sold 18 year old Geordie Joe’s debut single “The climb” by 50,000 to clinch the number one spot.

This unpredicted success has come from a Facebook campaign started up to rebel against the X Factor’s almost guaranteed Christmas number one. Simon Cowell was also being targeted as the creator of this predictable regime and for taking the excitement out of our festive chart shows.  It’s not the first rebellion of its kind to take place, last year a similar campaign tried to get Jeff Buckley’s version of “Hallelujah” to number one, but lost out to X Factor’s Alexandra Burkes new recording of the same song.

The big difference this year that seems to have split the nation is the style of song chosen to ride on high at Christmas. Rage’s “Killing in the Name”, initially a number 25 hit in 1993, contains heavy swearing and violent rock tempo, therefore doesn’t exactly strike a chord as being suitable around this primarily religious holiday.  Then on the other hand, McElderry’s “The Climb” seems to be just another cheesy inspirational cover version manufactured to seal his title as the X Factor winner, not ideal for those among us who are not fans of the show.

The main point raised by this chart feud needs to be the realization that as a nation we are not thinking for ourselves and buying the music we personally enjoy, we seem to be following like herds the ideas and tastes dictated to us by other people that have chosen to make a stand. So even though the Rage Against the Machine rebellion won out over the domination of X Factor, it still promoted conformity and started a dictatorship of its own. It is doubtful that anyone who purchased Rage’s single really thought this was a suitable Christmas number one, and even if they are against the success of the X Factor, why not just opt out of buying any record? Or purchase another recent single that you enjoy; Michael Buble and Lady Ga Ga to name a few both had very strong original pop records in the Christmas top 10, yet were also beaten by the 90’s rock song and its obedient following.

So next year let’s all make a conscience effort to think for ourselves! Indeed, purchase the X Factor single if you like it, but don’t be afraid to look elsewhere for music you love. The chart is meant to be a fair record of what songs are most popular in the current market, so there’s no need to drag out singles from decades ago, today’s music really has got a lot to offer if you just take the time to listen and choose for yourselves.

Kolbs Learning Cycle

Concrete Experience

Doing/ having the experience

 When I was seventeen and coming to the end of my last school year I had my first audition for “Performers College” in Essex. I had never attended any auditions previous to this, for any other colleges or courses. I had received my letter telling me to be prepared for a ballet class, a jazz class, to have prepared a short acting piece and to have a song ready to sing. I knew I would handle the dance classes’ fine but singing was not yet something I was comfortable with. I have always been aware I could sing but never had lessons. I took a few lessons leading up to my audition and had a song chosen by my teacher to sing. I wasn’t too familiar with it but my new singing teacher assured me it was suitable for the audition.

I sang in front of the colleges singing department and I knew immediately it was going badly, I couldn’t find the timing with the pianist and because I wasn’t that familiar with the song I skipped out a verse. I did not enjoy the experience at all and felt I had let myself down as the rest of the day had gone well and I really liked the college and the staff.

I received a letter in the following few weeks from Performers telling me of my strengths in Ballet and Jazz, but they would like me to attend a second audition to help them make up their mind. I saw this as my second chance!

 

Reflective Observation

Reviewing/reflecting on the experience

 After the audition was finished I knew I hadn’t done my best, I felt under confident singing a song I did not know inside out and it did not sit well in my range or show me off at all. The whole day had been a success so I was upset to have done badly just in the singing. I knew the singing department had high hopes for me as on my information sheet it mentioned my background in Music and instrumental study. This is something I wanted to show them through my singing but my song choice didn’t allow me to. I thought back to the few singing lessons I had taken leading up to the audition and of how beneficial they were. Technically my teacher helped me with my singing and showed me how to use my voice correctly, however when it came to choosing songs I really wish I had trusted myself to find one more suited to my voice and my style. 

Receiving the letter from the college informing me I had a second audition gave me the confidence I needed to prepare for it on my own.

 

Abstract conceptualisation

concluding/ learning from the experience

Overall I knew what I had to do. I had to go back for my second audition, be full of confidence and sing a song I knew suited me and that could show me off in 16 bars. I chose “On my Own” from Fame. It has always been one of those songs I would sing a long to in my bedroom but never take seriously. After searching through countless songs, I chose this as I knew it so well and it showed off my high belting range towards the end. I got a hold of the sheet music and a backing track and practiced everyday leading up to my second audition. I didn’t go back to my singing teacher, though I continued to use the techniques she had shown me I had learned from my first audition that confidence and a good strong delivery were more important at this stage than trying anything too technical. I knew I was ready for my recall.

 

Active experimentation

Planning/trying out what you have learnt

 Being back at Performers College for the second time only reminded me how much I had warmed to it the first time round and how desperately I wanted to go there. I had to do the full audition day again, dancing acting and finally singing. The day had gone just as well as last time, if not better. When it came to my singing I walked into the room where the singing department were waiting with my head high. They remembered me so the welcome was warm and put me at ease. I gave the pianist my sheet music and checked the tempo with him. I sang without nerves this time and even performed it. I knew it had gone well and I could tell the department was happily surprised and impressed by my improvement since last time. I am so thankful for my second audition and feel this is the perfect example of how Kolb’s learning cycle can apply in any situation and that the benefits come from learning and building on your experiences.

 

 

My personal Interests:What gets me Motivated/Excited

Piano

When I was younger, age 12-16, I took piano lessons at school. I remember enjoying it but i also remember asking my mum if I could give it up. When you turn 16 your social life tends to over rule the daily inconvenience piano practice! So that was that and I didn't think anything of it, until i was 20. I had such a strong urge to play again and learn and compose. for my 21st birthday my dad bought me a piano as I assured him it was exactly what i wanted to do and it would be well used. 

Since graduating college and aquiring much more free time, teaching myself piano has become something that definitely gets me excited and I am self motivated to achieving personal goals through playing. I love the feeling of learning a new song, I always learn songs that I can sing along to so I'm benefitting from vocal practice as well and its such a buzz when you learn a new song! I have aims to learn about 3 songs a week, sometimes i have time to do more, sometimes less, either way it is always a pleasure and never a chore and once I sit down I can be there for hours. I intend to keep learning at my own pace and gradually learn the skills to write my own songs. I have composed a few, but nothing I'm happy with, and the great thing about this passion is there is no time limit on it, i can still play my piano when i'm retired!

Here are a few sites I use to teach myself.

http://www.looknohands.com/chordhouse/piano/

http://www.8notes.com/piano_chord_chart/

http://tabnabber.com/view_Tab.asp?tabID=4483&sArtist=Jeff+Buckley&sName=Hallelujah

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaVCuek5c1k

Fashion

Although fashion may seem a trivial interest, appearance and the way you dress is important in the entertainment industry. Having personal style and being up to date with fashion trends can show off your personality as well as contribute to the way people view you for the first time. In audition situations, first impressions can sometimes be the make or break for you, so I'm proud to be motivated by my personal appearance.

I have numerous amounts of clothes, shoes, bags and makeup, it doesn't have to be expensive to look good, and infact half the fun of putting outfits together as a student was doing it on a budget.

I often buy style magazines, but i would never just wear something because it's in fashion if i didn't like it! I like to mix and match, going to charity and vintage stores to hunt out bargains, and shopping in high street stores, and designer if I have extra cash! 

Shopping online is exciting too, waiting for it to arrive and hoping it fits perfect!

I love seeing what new styles come out within the commercial dance industry, going to class at pineapple and attending commercial auditions can be more like a fashion show sometimes! It's fun to spend that little bit of extra time on your appearance, and its important to know what suits you. It could mean the difference between getting cut or getting the job!

http://www.asos.com/

http://www.look.co.uk/

http://www.camdenguide.co.uk/fashion/vintage.htm

http://www.net-a-porter.com/?cm_mmc=Google-_-Brands-_-Net-A-Porter-_-Net-A-Porter&bbcid=2625

 

People Who Inspire Me

Kerry Ellis

http://www.kerryellis.co.uk/

I first became aware of Kerry Ellis in 2002 when i was 15. I had come to London with my family for a holiday weekend and we had tickets to see the brand new show "We Will Rock You." I have always loved Queen so was mega excited to see the show, but at 15 I wasn't particularly interested in who were playing the parts, more just in the music.

I remember how high energy some of the numbers were and the audience buzzing with excitement. Then, when Kerry Ellis took centre stage as her character Meat to sing her solo ballad "Only the Good Die Young" the atmosphere changed and my mood changed from upbeat, to completely awestruck and whole heartedly absorbed by every word and note she sung.

 It was the first time i'd ever hear that song, and the arrangement with Kerry hitting phenomenal high belts and breath taking emotional lyrics, i couldn't help but cry. It was the first time i'd ever been so moved in a theatre and it was the final push I needed at that age to know that singing and performing was what i wanted to do.

Kerry Ellis has also played Fantine in Les Misarables, Ellen in Miss Saigon and of course Elphaba in Wicked in the Westend and on Broadway. Her career is a clear inspiration to any aspiring British female singers, and her voice is now  globally appreciated and one of the finest in Musical Theatre history. To me, Kerry Ellis will always be Meat and when I listen to the original cast recording of Rock You, I still get the same goosebumps and watery eyes I did when I was 15. 

Jason Robert Brown

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GHa-doxUfg

Jason Robert Brown is a New York based composer and lyricist. His work, both theatrical and personal albums, are now world renowned and has been dubbed as the modern day Sondheim. The works of his that i am familiar with include "Songs for a new World", "Parade" and "The last Five Years". His composition style is rhythmically and unconventional. I have a few of his songs in my repertoire and  I recall my singing teachers face of concentration as he mildly successfully sight read the complex piano score. The singing melodies are by no means simple either. The lyrics are writing in a conversational style, strongly noticeable in "I'm climbing uphill" from his show "The last five years". When I first heard this song I knew i had to give it a go, for a female singer with a strong belt i it a perfect sing, with challenges in breathing and in character portrayal. His lyrics cover everyday life and relationships is such a raw and realistic way it's like nothing i've ever heard before.

Brown's most famous composition and now a broadway standard is "Stars and the Moon" which again offers a female performer a new challenge of reality acting and vocal ability.

I will continue to sing and appreciate Brown's music and style, however as far as using his songs for audition purposes, it is highly recommended never to take a JRB piece as the pianist will definitely not thank you for doing so!!

 

Dame Julie Andrews

http://www.julieandrewsonline.com/

As much as my preferred theatrical taste and personal singing style are both reflective of the more modern, americanized works current today, I am also in admiration and love watching the early, quintessentially British classic performances, most clearly represented by the works of Dame Julie Andrews. 

Just before her 19th Birthday Andrews made her Broadway debut in "The Boy friend" and continued her stage career playing Eliza Dolittle in "My Fair Lady". Of course next came what Julie Andrews is world famous for, her role as Mary Poppins, Disney's 1964 classic. Her next ground breaking part was that of Maria in "The sound of Music" which made her a national treasure and a household name. These are films my mum and grandma have loved and we have watched far to many times to count. I would never want to analyze Andrews performances in these childhood favorites and her sweet sugar coated performances and stunning vocals need no higher praise. All I know is that she got me singing and dancing infront of the television from a very young age, and surely that is grounds enough for inspiration!

   

Training
2008 Graduate of ‘Performers College’ achieving a diploma in musical theatre, under the direction of Brian Rogers.

Dance
Jazz, ballet, lyrical, commercial, freestyle, contemporary, modern, tap, pas de deux

Singing
Alto, Range: low F to high A. Strong belt to high E, Very strong harmony and ensemble standard, recording experience. Main sound, pop or rock. Versatile for other styles.

Acting
Script work. Characterisation, improvisation. Accents-Standard RP, standard American, Scottish, Irish.

Experience
Backing singer/dancer for musician Remi Nicole,
Island Records, CLM Management Dec ‘08 – July ‘09
“The Doves - Winter Hill” Music Video May ‘09
Featured singer T-Mobile Advert, Partizan, Saatchi & Saatchi, April ‘09
“The Times” Newspaper Television Advertisement March ‘09
Dancer “The Lord Mayors Show”
with Trident Marketing, London Nov ‘08
Martha in “Spring Awakening” compilation
“Pushing the Limits” graduate showcase June ‘08
“Avenue Q” Ensemble in Graduation showcase June ‘08.
Dianne in “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change”
Gaduate compilation show. Feb ‘08
Wendy in “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” Graduate Musical May ‘08
“Daisy Ball” cabaret show, Brian Rogers, Grosvenor House April ‘08
“Candy Ball” cabaret show, Brian Rogers, Grosvenor House April ‘08
“Candy Ball” cabaret show, Brian Rogers, York Racecourse March ‘08
Mark Ronson ft. Amy Winehouse “Valerie” music video July ‘07
“Performers Reloaded” Towngate Theatre, Basildon June‘07

Additional skills
Violinist, piano skills, basic gymnastics, FDI Modern.