Unique Can Kill You
Too many bands out there like to brag that their sound is completely unique and that they don’t sound like any other band out there. WARNING: BUBBLE BURSTING ALERT. The chances are very unlikely that this is true with most bands. We are all a product of our influences. True, there are exceptions to the rule and there are bands out there that are very hard to classify or categorize. But they are also products of their influences and chances are that they were influenced by musicians who were similarly difficult to file under one specific genre or sound. Thus, they are still an evolution and probably have many elements of their sound that reflect those influences.
My point in this article is not to strip you of your sense of individuality. I think mainstream music could use more original ideas and bands that are harder to peg with a single genre. The problem is that “different” bands and artists have been around in every era and genre of music, but never made it into the mainstream. This does not indicate that those bands weren’t any good or were just too weird; it is simply the nature of the industry. The record labels and radio stations market and play what sells. And how do they guarantee sales? By selling something that is familiar and comfortable, even if it’s a blatant rip-off of something else. We’ve all heard bands on the radio that sound just like the song that was played before them and will blend right into the song after. And many of those bands that sound just like the next guy will boast that their sound is totally unique and breaking new ground. Go figure.
If you really think about it, are you a truly unique band? And before you answer that question, let me say that if you really want to achieve success with original music as defined by the industry, you will be shooting yourself in the foot by answering “yes” to that question. Venue owners, record labels and radio stations have no market for something that is completely unique. If an A&R rep from a major label asks you who you sound like and you say you don’t sound like anyone, his interest will drop dramatically and on the spot. Anything you say after that is going to be wasted breath because it’s already been decided that your music can’t be marketed. And if you truly are a unique band, I seriously doubt you’ll be willing to sign a deal that requires dumbing-down your songs for the popular audience.
Don’t be stubborn as stubborn isn’t easily rewarded. Come up with three bands (maximum) that you think you sound like. Even if the bands you choose are weird and “out there”, at least you are now comparing yourself to something that was marketable at some point and established a fan base. If you’re not sure what bands you sound like, that’s okay. We all think we’re super special and find it hard to classify ourselves. Ask an outsider, someone who’s not close to the band members and isn’t going to tell you what you want to hear. If you hear the same band referenced by multiple people, go ahead and add that to your list. Even if you totally disagree with a band choice or hate the band you’re being compared to, but ten people have said they think you sound like that, go with it. For the purposes of this article, the people might know better than you do.
Continue to strive for innovation and originality in your music. Challenge yourself with every new riff, beat, or vocal part. Keep things fresh and fun for both the band and the fans. Popular music is a slow evolution of ideas and originality. There’s nothing wrong with being a part of that evolution – not necessarily the catalyst – if success and glory are what you hope to achieve.
