Not Sick of Sick of Sarah

How can you not love this all-female indie rock band?

Grooveshark sure is a gem.  Along with the other sometimes hardcore sometimes sultry bands Metric, and Hunter Valentine, I discovered another band that already has a line-up in my work-out, studying, and hanging out playlists: Sick of Sarah.  Great vocals, harmonies, and a rocking set-up… and they sure have the perfect image.  Part of my confusion was, how in the world are they not more popular?

Part of the issue is that they constantly have to face the public perception of being a band with members who are openly lesbian or queer.  The band constantly tries to make their music appealing to the larger community, embracing the LGBT fanbase, but singing for the mainstream community.  Another blog post has a great interview with the opinions of Abisha Uhl, the lead singer.

And the band does savvy things, their last great album 2205, went platinum incredibly quick.  The secret?  Releasing it through bittorrent, where users could easily download all their songs for free.

But still, it bothers me a little bit that such great talent will be ignored by some through a simple label — some of their members’ sexuality.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m as clean-cut of a straight guy there is, but living and communicating with those associating themselves with the LGBT community has really opened my eyes to the travails that they often have to face.  Sure, the prejudice is not so transparent, and living in Canada, on paper the community is fully accepted.  But there is always the extra stretch and extra pain that must be proven that one is more than just a label.

As a scientist, it is a huge concern of mine as well — just as Sick of Sarah is facing in the music industry, many people like to pigeon-hole those who are in science.  If someone has a theoretical physics background, they are a theoretical physicist and can only contribute to matters of that sort.  Likewise, someone in sedimentary geology should only be allowed to contribute to their specified field.  I think this is the exact opposite of what should occur.  In issues such as climate change, it is of utmost importance of communication within disciplines, and each scientist with a specialized field can contribute to the larger concept.  Perhaps the key to the biggest problems is held by someone in an unrelated field, in fact, I think that’s how innovation is even derived.

And consequently, the fact that Sick of Sarah is indeed not a mainstream band contributes to the fact that they can be innovators in the music industry, and that they lend a new perspective that is valuable for everybody in their music.

For this, I hope that Sick of Sarah gains as much success as possible to prove to the world, that no matter the sexuality, and no matter what one decides as their personal life choices, talent is talent, and this should be appreciated.

Peace and Love!!

Finding Talent

Is talent still out there? And is talent inherently corruptible?

What is talent?  I don’t want to parse through dictionary definitions, as they never seem to tell the full story of the meaning and background of a word.  With shows like ‘America’s Got Talent,’ and high school “Talent Shows,’ which usually degenerates into mere popularity contests, I feel the word is more overused as ever.

Let’s take Christina Aguilera for instance, her vocals without question are brilliant.  And remembering the hype she had since she was a child and as a young adult, Christina definitely had talent.  Her contribution to Mulan, with her song Reflection still remains one of my favourites.  And through it all, she has been able to keep her life on the level.  Sure she has had a few incidences, including the recent flub at the Super Bowl, but ultimately she remains a real inspiration to children, and though her image has radically changed, she has an undeniable talent.  Below I’ve posted my favourite Aguilera song, Hurt:

However, how can one decisively find and define talent?  And does talent really exist?  It’s something that’s tough to determine, and something that I constantly question within myself.  For example, in high school I performed ‘stand-up comedy’ at the talent show.  I would hardly consider myself to have a knack in comedy, yet there I was, showcasing my talent.  Where is that dividing line between talent and hard work and persistence.  And what if we really do have no talents, should we feel handicapped in life?  I think it’s something we all ask ourselves as we move forward with our lives from high school, college, and university, trying to see where our career lies and if it falls in line with whatever natural talents we have.  But sometimes when you think talent doesn’t exist, something comes out of your way and surprises you.

Recently, in the Globe and Mail, I came across an article about Heather Russell, a 10 year old girl from Toronto who was just signed by Simon Cowell and is currently working with the same music producer who found Lady Gaga.  She’s also credited for writing all of her own songs and music!  No small feat for a local girl.  So I couldn’t help youtubing her right when I got home, so I’ll let you pass your own judgment:

Seeing her reminds me that talent exists.  There’s something natural and raw that transcends hard work and determination.  It reminds me that we should all search ourselves to find that hidden talent, perhaps it’s somewhere we don’t even expect.  As I go on with my life, I refuse to close any doors, and walk through any door that opens itself up for me.  Perhaps it can be perceived as a fickle, carefree attitude.  But no, I believe it takes a real ambitious and risk-taking attitude to follow a new path, and ultimately it’s the only way to discover yourself and consequently that hidden talent.

Just a quick post as Reading Week starts,

Peace and Love 🙂