'

Until they had to change their name to Green Jelly....Then they sucked.....:D

In actuality it seems that you almost have to have a gimmic in music now-a-days.......Music doesn't seem to transcend the way it used to.....If the record labels can't sell your gimmic, they WON'T sell your music.........Damn corrupt, money grubbin' bastards......

if you make a video .. you've made a gimmick ..

Only to a point though........You have to have a gimmick to make the labels notice you before you can make a video.....Unless you can shell out the cash to produce your own.......and get someone to play it....

or hopefully be good ..
from what i've seen through friends, (bear in mind i'm in Canada)you generally have a local following that grows in time ..
If you get popular enough or get lucky you will be seen.
That or sending your demo everywhere and getting lucky that way.


If a record company wants you - Then they make your video .. it sells records so its in the best interest of the recording company once they sign you.

Linkin Park is just one of many bands/singers I can think of that are HUGE acts and top sellers....certainly not based on their talent.

NOTE: That really wasn't meant as a reply to you urge...I just wanted to throw that out there about how talent doesn't mean all that much in entertainment.

I agree - quite often it doesnt.
For a sad long time image is more important ..
They can sell an image easier than music ..

look at milli vanilli for chrissakes ..
Or Frankie Goes to Hollywood ..
Or the Sex Pistols ..
The Monkees

the last 3 were formed without anyone knowing how to play an instrument..

if the talent comes later .. more power to them .. but it kills me that there are people out there killing themselves night after night rocking their asses off .. but if they dont have the right sellable look .. nothing will come of them.

How many bands have you seen with an unconventionally unattractive lead female singer ?

I can name a couple ... thats all.

does Richard Cheese count as a gimmick? Ya know, the whole lounge act of popular songs

Hmmm....i dont think of it as a gimmick really...

ya think ?

and mike flowers ...