Another thing, America seems to be getting more sophisticated in terms of pop music. They seem to be less interested in the svelte Britney Spears type. Look at the past winners and runners up of the contest, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia and Clay Aiken. They break the pop singer mold.
Look at some of the talent this year, Taylor Hicks, Elliott Yamin and Chris Daughtry.
Taylor has his own band and self-produced CD. He's been playing out for years.
But the music industry, generally speaking, seems oblivious to the emerging artists out there. Drew Danburry, one of my favorites -- and hard working -- ought to have a record contract. He ought to be making a decent living. He's produced his own records. He tours in a beat up car. He plays skateboard parks, parking lots, sidewalks, clubs. He has a strong fan base, whom he text messages and sends out regular email updates. He's also brilliant as a musician and performer.
The music industry ought to be spending more time out on the town, paying attention to the buzz, sales on independent music sites such as CD Baby. The American music lover wants unique and original.
