Vol 2, Issue 1: A New Year, A Lot More Experience

Another year has passed, and though I’m only a little bit older, I’m a lot more experienced. Much has happened, some for the better, some for the worst, but either way, I’m here to share my experiences with you, so that you will be granted adequate and realistic knowledge regarding whether or not the pursuit of the “rockstar” dream is truly what it seems.

For those of you just joining me, I’m sure you’re curious as to what makes me an expert? Well, as could be expected, I was once just like you: a dreamer who wanted nothing more in the world than to rock the masses as my day job. Though in theory, it sounds monumental and insurmountable to say the least.

Let me tell you this:
1) there are no get-rich quick schemes in this industry
2) the only person you can put faith in is yourself
3) And finally, everything you think you know about the music biz, whether you were taught in school or you picked it up from some MuchMusic or MTV program, is either complete and utter BULLSHIT, the entire story is NOT being told, or you’ve simply become the victim, like myself, of wanting a dream so passionately that you have been blinded by your own naivety.

So back to the part about what makes me an expert? To get it out of the way, let me first explain that I would never claim to know all that there is to know, but I do feel that my personal experiences, both successes, and failures have provided me with concrete knowledge that I would like to offer you. Obviously, no two cases are alike, and there will always be exceptions to the rule, but, if I do know anything (which I hope I do), it’s this: I wish to god that someone would’ve given me the honest truth when I was started out, like what I’m doing for you.

So am I a philanthropist, a martyr, or is there something in this for me? Why am I offering such priceless knowledge free of charge? Well, what it comes down to is this…All I’ve ever wanted was to change the world in what little way that I could. Through my art, my music, offer some kind of hope, comfort, or inspiration to those in need, like my favourite musicians have done for me. While I realize that some of you may love me, others (likely more of you) will hate me, as long as I can help at least one of you with what I have to say, I’ll know that I was a successful artist at the end of it all. If not for art, then what for?

So, if you’re intrigued to read on, you’ll learn quickly that I’ve been a performing musician since the age of four, I wrote my first song at seven, I’ve fronted two successful bands who garnered significant industry interest and record deals, toured extensively across North America, started my own record label at 15, and did I mention I did this all on my own? I scratched and fought my way to the top against every feat you can imagine from inner-band quarrels to financial ruin to emotional despair to sexism. All of this I tell you so that you will understand two things: I’m quite serious in what I have to offer, and I’m not just some unqualified wannabe piddling out dribble who has nothing better to do that bitch and complain about the unfairness in the world.

I’ve held every role in the industry from talent to publicist to booker to legal advisor. So, if YOU wanna be a rockstar, keep reading, you may just learn something.

About the Author:

Rose Cora Perry is the frontwoman for Canadian hard rock band ANTI-HERO known as “The 21st Century Answer to Nirvana”, as well as the sole owner and operator of HER Records, a management company in which she offers marketing, promotion, publicity, tour booking, and artist development services.

Her band ANTI-HERO has toured extensively across North America playing notable festivals such as Warped Tour, Canadian Music Week, NorthbyNorthEast, Wakefest, and MEANYFest.

Voted “Best Rock Act of the Year” by numerous industry publications, their critically acclaimed debut album, "Unpretty" is available worldwide for purchase.

Rose Cora Perry is a dedicated promoter of D.I.Y. ethics, and an avid supporter of independent musicians.For more information on Rose Cora Perry and her band's accomplishments, please visit http://www.anti-hero.ca/ or http://www.rosecoraperry.com/

Vol 1, Conclusion: Breaking Down the Most Influential in the Music Biz

I’d like to start out by thanking all of you for taking the time to read my column weekly. I hope that amidst my many rantings about the music industry that you’ve managed to gather a tidbit of wisdom here or there.

Below I’ve compiled a list of artists who have made the industry what it is today by becoming leaders in revolutions of sounds, imagery and artistic movements. You’ll notice that very few contemporary artists have made the cut, and that is for one reason, and one reason only…Since the death of the grunge period in the late 90s, there remains a void in music history.

Everything you currently hear on the radio has been stolen from someone else - someone great from the past - and next to no artists, in the last ten years, have risen to the challenge to create something that can be considered “true art.”

So I leave you with this - if you truly aspire to become a musician - to offer this world music with meaning - art that makes a difference in people’s lives -- look up to these greats, gather inspiration from them, and start a revolution. Every serious songwriter should own at least one album from every artist on this list.

I would like to note that although many may consider my choice to exclude artists such as Elvis or Frank Sinatra, a crime, I do have good reason – neither of them ever wrote a song throughout their entire careers. This list is made to honour musicians who actually deserve the title, “artist.”

In no particular order…

1) Madonna: Her longstanding title as the most famous woman in music isn’t mere coincidence. She is the queen of reinvention and an icon in leading social trends.

2) Sex Pistols: The world’s first and only true punk band. It wasn’t about the talent, it was about the attitude.

3) AC/DC: Very rarely can a guitarist outshine his own lead singer, or for that matter, create nothing, but catchy songs.

4) Kiss: A band that has truly discovered the secret to branding and merchandising. Take a lesson from their savvy businessman Mr. Simmons.

5) Jimi Hendrix: A whole lotta blues, a whole lotta rock’n’roll and imagine most of his material was written on an acid trip.

6) Aerosmith: Steven Tyler is the iconoclast of what every lead singer should strive to be.

7) Bob Dylan: Amazing songwriter. His tracks will continue to be covered by other artists ‘til the end of time.

8) The Beatles: Talk about universal appeal. A band that not only possessed two uber-talented songwriters, but as well, was able to grow and redefine themselves with every album.

9) The Beach Boys: Sugary harmonies that any band would envy. Leaders in the ‘Surf Rock’ movement.

10) Buddy Holly: Who thought that ‘Nerd Rock’ would ever catch on?

11) The Smashing Pumpkins: Truly original melding of discordance with melody.

12) Nirvana: The voice of an angst-filled generation.

13) John Lennon: Was never afraid to speak his mind.

14) Chuck Berry: The true ‘King of Rock’n’Roll’.

15) James Brown: He isn’t called the ‘Godfather of Soul’ for nothing.

16) Michael Jackson: The first black artist to ever receive airplay on MTV. He had the moves, the style, the talent – the whole package.

17) David Bowie: A gender bending leader in ‘Glam Rock’. Again, a great example of an artist who possesses the ability to reinvent himself.

18) Black Sabbath: Like demons caught on vinyl. This band surely scared the shit out of your parents.

19) Marvin Gaye: Spoke out for what he believed in the most.

20) Neil Young: Couldn’t sing a note, but his songwriting is untouchable.

21) Ray Charles: Helped to break down racial barriers in music.

22) Little Richard: Way before his time.

23) Alanis Morissette: Gave women a whole new confidence in telling off their ex-boyfriends.

24) Queen: When Broadway met rock, and with a set of pipes like Freddie Mercury, it couldn’t have been a better combination.

25) Red Hot Chili Peppers: Their unique style of mixing funk, rap and rock has been imitated by many imposters.

26) System of a Down: Inventors of music for people with ADHD.

27) Bob Marley: Brought reggae to the mainstream.

28) Deep Purple: Wrote one of the simplest and most repetitive three chord riffs in history, but somehow managed to make it a hit single. That deserves props big time.

29) The Jackson Five: The world’s first boy band.

30) Janis Joplin: The ultra blues mama who wasn’t afraid to bare it all and I mean that in every sense.

31) Henry Rollins: Not just a musician, but an inspirational speaker. One of the smartest people in existence, hands down.

32) Joan Jett: The Queen of PunkRock.

33) The Pixies: Failing to achieve major mainstream success, this band still remains one of the most credited bands in history in terms of influencing other artists.

34) Alice Cooper: The precursor to our Marilyn Manson.

35) The BeeGees: Any men that can sing that high deserve to be on this list.

36) Steppenwolf: Creators of ‘Biker Rock’.

37) Rolling Stones: Great songwriting, but we much prefer when their material is covered by other artists. Sorry Mick.

38) Van Halen: Inventor of the guitar technique, “tapping.”

39) Eric Clapton: How many major bands was this guy seriously a part of?

40) Metallica: When metal went mainstream for all of us to enjoy.

41) Guns’N’Roses: Axel Rose and Slash? Enough said.

42) Led Zeppelin: Hold the record for the longest breakthrough single, “Stairway to Heaven.”

43) Bjork: Too damn weird to ignore.

44) Pantera: As evident by the recent demise of Dimebag, this band has had a major impact on underground music listeners everywhere without meriting any mainstream radio play what-so-ever.

45) Johnny Cash: The man in black who made country music cool.

46) Prince: The male equivalent to Madonna.

47) Heart: Our first glance at what dual female fronted action can deliver. Barracuda anyone?

48) Kraftwerk: Synth-pop artist extra-ordinaire: the precursor to industrial.

49) Tom Petty: Who doesn’t know the lyrics to “Free Falling?”

50) The White Stripes: Simplistic, but in just the right way.

51) Pink Floyd: Until you’ve watched Wizard of Oz while listening to “The Dark Side of the Moon”, you will not be able to understand their significance.

52) Abba: A great example of gender equality and cross-over success.

53) The Who: Creators of the first rock opera, “Tommy.”

54) Muddy Waters: Haunting, soulful, and real.

And finally…
55) Cher: For having the most farewell tours the world has ever seen. We appreciate her persistence, but she should really learn to give credence to Neil Young’s words, “It’s better to burn out, than fade away.”

About the Author:

Rose Cora Perry is the frontwoman for Canadian hard rock band ANTI-HERO known as “The 21st Century Answer to Nirvana”, as well as the sole owner and operator of HER Records, a management company in which she offers marketing, promotion, publicity, tour booking, and artist development services.

Her band ANTI-HERO has toured extensively across North America playing notable festivals such as Warped Tour, Canadian Music Week, NorthbyNorthEast, Wakefest, and MEANYFest.

Voted “Best Rock Act of the Year” by numerous industry publications, their critically acclaimed debut album, "Unpretty" is available worldwide for purchase.

Rose Cora Perry is a dedicated promoter of D.I.Y. ethics, and an avid supporter of independent musicians.For more information on Rose Cora Perry and her band's accomplishments, please visit http://www.anti-hero.ca/ or http://www.rosecoraperry.com/