Working Hard to Make It

There is always a context in what way I like a musician. It could be for their sheer talent, their humble attitude, or the effort they put in to achieving their dreams. For example, I don't necessarily love Justin Bieber's music or his attitude, but I do appreciate him for the hard work he had to put in in order to have a career. He was busking outside a movie theatre as a little kid and sacrificed his childhood to live in this crazy whirlwind that is the music industry. I think as much as his actions may make him look like a douchebag, for lack of a better word, his work ethic is ridiculous. Similarly, Katy Perry got turned down from several record labels because she was simply not good enough. When she finally got a record deal she still had some work to do on her vocals. She worked with vocal coaches and what not and look at her career now. That dedication makes an artist cultivated and worthy of appreciation.

Then there are artists who are just good people. The best example I can think of is Ben Haggerty, or more popularly known as Macklemore. He is one of those genuinely kind people who works extra hard so he can give back to his wonderful fans and to people in general. Even to this day he still throws his annual Fan pizza party where he brings fans in who have an artistic talent or have done something really special and thanks them with a private show, pizza, and a meet and greet. Ben also takes time out of his busy schedule to visit children's hospitals frequently.  Finally his partner and friend Ryan Lewis started a HIV campaign called "The 30/30 Project" which strives to build 30 medical facilities in places of need. As Lewis' mother is an HIV survivor, Ben and Ryan teamed up and made this campaign possible for Ryan's mother. Charity acts are not the only thing that make you a genuine person. Taylor Swift recently has had the spotlight shined on her for the wonderful things she does for her fans, a recognition I think she truly deserves. She has been spending time to find fans on various social networks who have done so much to support her career but have not had the chance to meet her. These fans were invited to her "1989 Secret Sessions" where she invited them into her homes, baked them cookies, and played them her newest album a month before the release. Also, she has been finding fans on tumblr who are having a hard time and sending them early christmas presents just to show them that someone cares about them. I think it's hard to find an artist who would do something so wonderful for these fans she doesn't even know. It's thing like I mentioned that deserve recognition and make a musician at the top of my list. 

Finally there is aspect of sheer talent. Songs or albums that give me goosebumps. These artists deserve recognition because of their ability for me to feel some kind of emotion through their music, which I think is a strange concept. There are many things that make me appreciate a musician, but it's not always about the music.

-Tracy