I’ve known a lot of “solo artists” over the years… people that used to be in bands, or musicians who were too cheap to split the take 4-5 ways in the first place. Oh, and they moan how hard it is. They complain about airplay, how their records don’t find enough audiences.
They fail to realize the problem is that “singer-songwriters” are more of a dime-a-dozen now more than ever, thanks to bullshit technology. The answer? A duo. Even if the other guy or gal is just playing rhythm guitar and singing harmony. A duo. There’s something about it that catches the public’s eye and ear.
Simon & Garfunkel. Sam & Dave. Loggins & Messina… well, that’s a poor example, but – Chad & Jeremy. Hall & Oates. Santo & Johnny. Seals & fuckin’ Crofts. And the trick is to think of the coolest duo name ever, like… England Dan & John Ford Coley.
The last trick is to overcome one’s ego and write a hit song. Just one jingle for the masses will fund the hillbilly music, the hippie-folk strumming, the self-indulgent diva dirges, whatever the schtick may be. One hit song won’t spoil a reputation.
And don’t try to kid a kidder, even the most prideful neo-rebel would give a left nut to think of a chorus like this.
– Steve Stav
https://youtu.be/EwzylZR9sxk
