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American Vs British Music

• 7th Aug 2011

Britain and America are two nations that are feared around the world, but one of these reasons is the high standard of musical ability and talent they collectively produce that shakes the world. But which side of the pacific has the better music? I believe there are some reasons which separate us, from the Yanks. So be prepared for the record of the highest amount of words that describe, slightly slander America and artists from every corner of the industry…

Flamboyancy:
America is not a country that will shy away from anything, like a drunken Essex girl in Magaluf, but Britain is more sceptical and tentative to flamboyancy and feather boas. I have an interesting theory for why America is so over-dramatic; it is because of the flag. The U.S has stars, not just one, but fifty stars, how over the top can you get! This puts ‘stars in the eyes’ of American children, (this explains the hideous attempt of Rebecca Black). But artists like Lady Gaga, who was surprising well received over here in the U.K, BEFORE she was ‘accepted’ on U.S soil and when the medieval thinking Texans put their lesbian shotguns down, The U.S made sure everyone knew she was from, little New York. America is like the cousin everyone has, that will let you play with their toys but will remind you, that the toys are theirs. Although I deeply love her work, I am afraid that her ‘little monsters’ are probably reading this and will stab me with 12 inch stilettos and skin me for Gaga’s latest outfit. But remember, one of Lady Gagas biggest inspirations was David Bowie and Freddie Mercury, both hugely successful British artists, so it makes me question, is our music the inspiration for American artists?…

Market:
To get a number one in either side of the Pacific makes you well respected, until they shave their hair and go crazy, (we all know who this is about) but it is Americas massiveness, not only geographically but in market stature makes it an impossible task? Because it’s a bigger country, they will have more opportunities to produce the more artists. Then take their pampered toes off our shores, where due to a smaller population leave with a huge fan base: Destiny’s Child, Foo Fighters, The Killers, Scissor Sisters. But the love is not mutual; because America is so big for any heavyweight British Artists, consequently leaving them with maybe one number one with small, relatively no success after: Spice Girls, Leona Lewis, Taio Cruz, living the ‘household’ name as long as Cheryl was on the U.S X Factor. So maybe having a smaller country, we have the ability to appreciate good music when it comes to us.

“I Need as much Dollar…”:
Sometimes I forget America isn’t just one big machine that manufactures a conveyer-belt of plastic artists that are made from the same mould, to make as much money before iTunes collapses with too many downloads. A perfect example is Chris Brown, when he gave our well loved flame-haired amazon, Rihanna a couple of black eyes, The U.S washed their hands of someone so tainted, and produced a ‘newer’ all somewhat singing and non-stop dancing version was made, Jason Derülo, unfortunately this plastic accessory is not refundable. The Yanks dispose of anyone that has caused controversy, awful rumours or loss of music distinctiveness and edge. I think us Brits are more loyal to our artists, music gurus ect and give them the opportunity to rectify any mistakes, like Louis Walsh, unleashing the two-Paddys-who-must-not-be-named to the world, so hopefully Mr. Walsh will chose wisely this year.

The ‘Borrowers’:
I am going to list some of many British musicians, from different eras but all are tied to the same golden thread: The Beatles, Adele, The Rolling Stones, Amy Winehouse, and Coldplay. Any ideas what the similarity is? Well it is the fact America ‘kindly’ adopt our favourites and try to win them over with all their lights, better weather and cooler president. Adele is a fast becoming a British icon but is currently dominating the states with seven nominations at the VMA’s and spending eleven weeks at the top of the Billboard 200, going three time platinum. Good for her about her massive success but I hope that she remains the warm Essex girl she started as. And don’t get me started with The Beatles! I read that 1/3 of American children think that The Beatles are American. It is even worse that I am from Liverpool, they are my ‘homeboys’ and to see the American people take what is rightfully ours is torture! We should really take it as a complement because it is apparent that we have the best music.

Stereotype:
The main reasons why British and American music are so different is because if stereotype. Hip-hop passed us by before we could finish our cups of tea or cease a round of polo. And young indie bands flew past The Americans cause they were shootin’ some hoops or too busy in McDonalds. You can not exactly imagine ole’ Queeny being in a drive by in Buckingham palace, sadly it just does, not, work. But the British people can appreciate and understand when first-rate, alien music hits our ears, like Kanye West. I remember when I heard “Touch the Sky” for the first time and was completely blown away with the song but devastated that he was not British blood. But icons like him really have no competition, like Beyoncé, our closest replica of her is shamefully, Tulisa from N-Dubz…

Being a British music lover and ambassador, I strongly believe that we Brits, make the better music, but it can not be denied American music is fantastic! Overall, I believe that we are quite lucky. To have the board array and choice of different artists to chose and enjoy. But it makes it better really if you knew the most successful artist ever lived next door to your Nan…

I would like to dedicate this piece to Amy Winehouse, considering we were talking about British music talent, she was one of the best. Rest in Peace. x