Sony is launching a new music label, Music With a Twist. The line up will include GLBT artists "who have mass appeal and hit potential across all musical genres".
What, exactly does that mean? And do GLBT musicians want or need a separate label?
If it means they’re looking for GLBT artists whose music reflects who they are and where they’ve come from and truly resonates with the GLBT community, then heck yea. Why not? Colleen asks "Would Elton John jump at the chance to be on Music With a Twist?" – that’s not a fair question at all. Obviously at this stage in the game, he wouldn’t. Why would he? He is gay, certainly, but his music doesn’t reflect his homosexuality, the GLBT culture or anything else that’s gay. 30 years ago would he have jumped, I think he might have. The real question is would a group like our local group Redboy jump to join? I haven’t talked to them but I bet you they certainly would. I’ll ask TJ (the non lesbian boy drummer in the band) the next time I see him and get back to you on that.
If it means they’re looking for GLBT artists whose music is gender neutral and watered down for mass consumption, then I cannot imagine a GLBT artist wanting to be included on such a label.
Look at what happened to Melissa Ferrick and Atlantic. Lesbian chic was in and still Atlantic didn’t know what to do with her. They had a special gay marketing group and still they didn’t know what to do with her. If this is more of the same, then Music With a Twist isn’t going to work for a lot of artists or for GLBT consumers.
And speaking of Melissa and twists – Here she is talking about this little label and it’s looking like she’s either in or she wants to be in. Which again answers Colleen’s question – Elton may not want in, but Melissa does.
As Melissa will tell you during every performance, it isn’t about whether you are gay, straight, bisexual or transgendered – it’s about the music. But she’s smart enough to know who got her where she is and what it takes to get her where she wants to go. A solidly promoted alternative label like Music With a Twist can allow her to use the GLBT fan base in a positive way – and from there the music will do the rest.
Technorati Tags: musicwithatwist, sonyrecords, GLBT, melissaferrick, music
I’m not sure about this, IMO small labels are catering to an existing audience…the small women’s (oops womyn’s) labels are a good example…but I also think the need for “gay music” is much less than it was say 20 years ago….assimilition has been the main push for so long in the glbt community that things like record labels, tv channels, etc….are counter productive…I’d have to agree with the whole let the music do the talking train of thought….
What is up with ‘Music With A Twist’? Has it already gone under? Can’t find any contact information, no website…help!