So if you keep up with my social networking sites (mypace, facebook, twitter, etc.) you're probably already aware that I like discussing topics that lead to strong opinions and I enjoy blogging. As of recently, I've been reading my friend JR's blogs and it has inspired my to take my discussions further than the 140 characters that twitter allows.
I was reading Urbandictionary.com the other day and typed in the term "Rockstar." Through out highschool I remember being called that, mainly kids picking on me or just being sarchastic, but I loved the term and really wanted to associate myself with what I would consider a Rockstar. Being 19 and giving everything I have to make it in this industry I find that word thrown around quite frequently and was a little upset when I read the definition as: Someone who can stay up and party all night long and then wake up and take care of business in the morning. If this were the case then every college kid and drug addict with an alarm clock and any type of normal schedule could be considered a rockstar.
The term "Rockstar" is iconic in itself, it means something, stands for something, represents something. Every generation has and will continue to thrive for Rockstars. This is why we still have arenas being sold out for ridiculous prices around the world to watch artists play music. The word suggests something of greater status such as a celebrity.
One thing that has set the human race apart from other living beings is our ability to dream. Every person has hopes and wishes and likes to let their mind escape and picture things they want but may never have. True Rockstars present somewhat of a guideline of escapism for some people. What little kid hasn't dreamed of having thousands of people screaming for them? What teenager hasn't thought about what it would be like to get away with more than the average person? What adult hasn't considered the fact of what it must be like to have numerous people look up to you and consider you somewhat of a role model? Everyone should dream big and this is where the stereotypes come in. The habbits and actions associated with the term come from what we look to escape in. Speaking personally as a teenager; we look to get away with things, we strive to live without rules. Am I stereotyping? Maybe. However, if I had a dollar (yes I'm making an "if I had a dollar..." speach) for everytime I had to hear someone tell me they were moving out and living on their own the second they graduated highschool because they were going to be at that point an adult and be able to support themselves, I might not still be living in my parents house. :)
So if my rambling and complaining hasn't scared you off please allow me to tell you my personal opinion of a Rockstar. A Rockstar is someone that draws enough attention in the correct way to be considered a Rockstar. Mr. Webster might disagree with me but its that simple. If someone has put themselves in a spot where they mean that much to that many people they are a rockstar. I know that many people will disagree with me and say that if they're not the most talented at their instrument then they're not a Rockstar but there have been numerous artists that could barely play their instruments and still completely changed the face of mainstream music and more. Take Curt Kurt Cobain for example. I remember being 13 and only having my first guitar for six months but having no problem playing every Nirvana song ever written. Am I criticizing them? Not by any means. (Am I exaggerating? A little) They completetly changed the face of music and are still inspiring young musicians today. Kurt Cobain had enough influence on people to be put in the same conversation with Elvis, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Metallica and the other greats despite his skill level on his instrument.
Now you may have noticed I haven't named any current artists as Rockstars but not for the lack there of. Generations past may hate a large portion of modern music but if new artists are still having the same effect as old artists on newer generations then the rockstar status is still here and a new cycle is beginning. Being in what has apparently become know as the "warped tour scene" I like to refer to the typical Creed style band that you hear all over rock radio stations as "butt rock" (its just a title, no insults intended). I'm sure we're all aware of the NickelBack's and Chris Daugtry's and yes I would definitely consider them as rockstars but you can still find them in any genre. As much as many people would like to disagree I would consider the guys in The All American Rejects and even Fall Out Boy rockstars. When you find a way to draw that much attention you deserve the title.
If I didn't say your favorite band members were rockstars please forgive me but the intention of this wasn't to provide a list of "who's" and "who not's" so don't think I'm disagreeing with you. Some bands just make it easy to prove my point.
To Conclude:
College kids, you are not rockstars. Every kid in a band, you are not a rockstar. Ryan McManus, you are not a rockstar (not yet atleast haha :) Asher Roth, you are not a rockstar. When you earn the title you'll know.
Let me know your thoughts,
-Ryan
