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
"The term 'Rockstar' is iconic in itself, it means something, stands for something, represents something."
ReplyDelete"A Rockstar is someone that draws enough attention in the correct way to be considered a Rockstar."
I agree with you on that.
I think someone can be considered as a Rockstar even if they're not the most talented musicians. I think they must have something besides talent that captivates people. I couldn't say exactly what it is... it's just that something special.
Maybe it's the combination of talent and that something special what draws people's attention.
I know being considered a Rockstar is something that takes time. You have to change music and inspire others... it's not easy to describe it, i think everyone has their own definition of "Rockstar". But in the end, only a few of the ones considered as "Rockstars" today will still be considered as "Rockstars" tomorrow.
i completely agree with you. it's awesome that you mentioned the all-american rejects, because i saw them in november and literally thought to myself, "wow, these guys are rockstars." it's so interesting that you said that.
ReplyDeletea rockstar is also someone who influences and inspires people, i think. it's the kind of person that makes someone want to be creative and make something special that they can share with the world. rockstars are like roll models. everyone wants to be like them or be with them. they are some of the most influential people in the world today.
for me, personally, the guys in relient k are the biggest rockstars in the world because of the HUGE impact they have had on my life.
but you know what? you guys are gonna be rockstars too. you're developing an impressive fan base, even in places like brazil! you've all even started influencing my life, and i've known about you for two weeks. the way you communicate with your fans is one of your greatest strengths, and i hope you guys never forget that. you're probably already a rockstar in the eyes of a lot of your fans.
great post. :]
After reading this I did a little searching myself.
ReplyDeleteI searched "What is a Rockstar?" and each definition was different. One site said "Rockstars are known for their adventurous ways! They are usually considered creative artists who work to discover their unique talents. Common personality traits of rockstars include being risk-takers, creative thinkers, and leaders. They are skilled in math, science, geography, and language" another one said "A rockstar is a member of a successful rock and roll band, or only an artist in the genre (the term usually implies celebrity status, or 'stardom')." and someone wrote that about the different types of rockstars "You have glam rock stars, hard rock stars, alt rock stars, goth rockstars, and emo rockstars" that person also listed a few names for each type of rockstar as an example, they used queen, red jumpsuit apparatus and a few others. I noticed how you didn't have any of the names this person mentioned in your blog. I asked myself some questions.
Who is a Rockstar?
What is the definition of a Rockstar?
When are you able to considered yourself a Rockstar?
How do you really know if you have earned the title "Rockstar"?
And I think you never really know. I mean in my eyes you are a Rockstar Ryan McManus. You are doing what you love and you're rocking out. You definitely do it well. But maybe in someone else's eyes they see you as a wannabe, someone who is trying to become the next big thing. (That person would be a hater.) :)
But everyone has their own opinions on what a Rockstar is.
When people use the term Rockstar isn't it just another label?
In the end someone is always going to consider someone else a "Rockstar" and the definition will be different.
It's whatever you believe.
First off let me just say Wow! Your post just flows and makes me truly understand how you feel.
ReplyDeleteSecondly I agree that you aren't a "Rockstar" if you can sing really well or play an instrument really well. You have to have more than that. The people I consider "Rockstars" are those mucisians, bands, singers etc. that inspire, draw attention, and influnece all the time not just on one album or one show. The people you never get tired of listening too. "Rockstars" are those people who have that "it" quality and they never lose it.
Lastly it's really nice to see someone who I consider to be very close to reaching "Rockstar" status putting their opinions out there and wanting to know what others think. That particular quality puts you above those other "Rockstars" who don't care.
Something that I hate is this kids who just started a "band" with schoolfriends and think that they're rockstars, I mean, they have no idea about what happens around the world, understad? of course, some bands go allright, but seems that they don't understand this. hahahah
ReplyDeleteHey, congratulations for your work!
and i'm sorry about my english, i'm not from US