Follower or Leader?

[Chuck E. Jesus]

True originality is rare...

i've read that somewhere before...

[vespers75]

True originality is rare. The vast majority of music is a mash-up of various elements that have been used many times before. So, unless one is unusually talented and creative, destiny is to be a follower, not a leader. Doesn't mean the music is any less enjoyable. When actual originality is combined with true talent, the results are memorable and remain unique even as many others come along trying to do the same thing.

What is interesting is when a leader tries to grow artistically, and the existing fans are largely unhappy because they want more of the original, not something else that may (or may not) also be original. Some leaders have a limited amount of creative originality, whereas others can keep creating music that either adds nicely to their existing body of work or can forge new paths that will leave some fans behind but add new ones.

Basically, 98 percent of musicians are followers even as they try to be original. It really comes down to which ones do a better job of it.

As if we all haven't heard that many times before.

[mystran]

Basically, 98 percent of musicians are followers even as they try to be original. It really comes down to which ones do a better job of it.

I actually suspect that most of the original people probably don't really try that hard to be original, because most of what comes out of people trying to be original is invariably awful. There are numerous examples of rather original people that after some success seem to have decided to get more original still with the result being total crap.

They always say that success is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration (quick google search claims the quote to Edison, but I'm convinced the idea must be much older than that). If you throw the 10% of "originality" into something without spending the 90% with learning to do it as well as (or better than) the current cream.. I wouldn't hold my breath.. where as if you actually do the 90% the hard way, I bet you've got a pretty high chance of ending up with some originality in the mix as well, if for no other reason than people are actually pretty awful in making exact replicates of anything.

[eduardo_b]

Basically, 98 percent of musicians are followers even as they try to be original. It really comes down to which ones do a better job of it.

As if we all haven't heard that many times before.

I think what is often left out, though, is that an artist (musician, vocalist) is considered original if the response is positive, and shite if one doesn't like them or their work. When people say original, they are actually qualifying it to mean I like it. Original means good, follower means less good or worse. It doesn't even have to be original if the appeal is strong enough. That might be because so much music is really fairly mundane and undistinguished in comparison, or it could be that it just connects with some listeners in ways that transcend any other considerations. Which begs the question, what is originality.

[eduardo_b]

Basically, 98 percent of musicians are followers even as they try to be original. It really comes down to which ones do a better job of it.

I actually suspect that most of the original people probably don't really try that hard to be original, because most of what comes out of people trying to be original is invariably awful. There are numerous examples of rather original people that after some success seem to have decided to get more original still with the result being total crap.

I didn't see this before I posted a reply, so let me add that I think it's human nature to either want to be original or, conversely, to imitate the very "best" as an demonstration of talent. For the latter, think Elvis, Streisand-type impersonators or tribute bands.

I agree that the reason so much original work is not particularly good or is even quite bad is that in making a conscious effort, the results become contrived and lack a natural quality. Originality, as I noted in my previous post, seems open to question in definition. "I've never heard anything like this before" qualifies as original to the listener, but doesn't necessarily mean much to those who have heard far more music and may consider the same work simply ordinary or even inferior. A follower may actually be better in the long run that those who are original in some way with their first effort and then try to recapture that magic, but can't.

[7kilo]

what is originality ? that pretty simple really..

its not doing what people expect.

in words its simple..

[Lunatique]

I've always marched to the beat of my own drummer, and it's always been less than satisfactory for me to "work for the man" in any of the creative day jobs I've had (freelance or full-time)--such as directing TV commercials or art directing video games or illustrating comic books. I'm always the most fulfilled when I'm telling my own stories on my own terms in my own style, and it's the same with music as well.

The desire to replicate a known sound may or may not be a sign of lacking originality. Some people want to replicate a sound but to use it in a completely different context, and that's original in of itself.

[Locus M]

Sorry pal. I simply do not fit into your poll, so I had to skip it. Problem is that it miss an option like Meffy's:

It's got clueless newcomers who desperately want to get in the door, some honestly trying to learn and others who bring an attitude that's sure to defeat them.

Ough!

[eduardo_b]

I've always marched to the beat of my own drummer, and it's always been less than satisfactory for me to "work for the man" in any of the creative day jobs I've had (freelance or full-time)--such as directing TV commercials or art directing video games or illustrating comic books. I'm always the most fulfilled when I'm telling my own stories on my own terms in my own style, and it's the same with music as well.

The desire to replicate a known sound may or may not be a sign of lacking originality. Some people want to replicate a sound but to use it in a completely different context, and that's original in of itself.

Originality is overrated. If music is done well, it doesn't matter the source or the similarity. Say hello to your drummer for me.

[Lunatique]

Originality is overrated. If music is done well, it doesn't matter the source or the similarity. Say hello to your drummer for me.

I agree. There are plenty of very original trash out there--stuff that tries so hard to be different for the sake of being different, but lacking in any decent quality. Then there are the stuff that's not necessarily original, but amazing in quality and execution. I'd take the latter of the formal any day of the week.

[Chuck E. Jesus]

Originality is overrated.

you are an idiot...

[tattiemannie]

Originality freaks folk out ... and doesn't sell! .... But I still like to create strange, disturbing, jarring stuff cos I like it ... even if no-body else does! .... I use FL slayer FFS!!!!

[debra1rlo]

anyone wanna create a genre with me?

[Chuck E. Jesus]

anyone wanna create a genre with me?

Post-Op-era?

[mcnoone]

I tried sleeping with a jellyfish once. Never forget that first sting.ouch.
It was a very original thing to do, but the outcome was not productive in the end. The doctor said, "Give it a few weeks for those purple lumps to go away."
So I was a leader without any followers...at least none of my friends wanted to do a jellyfish after me.
I was told by a leader to pour vinegar on the area to reduce the toxins, and I followed his advice.