The end of Idol diversity?

I give a lot of credit to Lee DeWyze, the recently crowned American Idol – he’s got a great story, legitimate singing chops, and we’ve seen him grow significantly throughout the competition.  But (you knew there was a “but”), is anyone else tired of the white male rocker type that has dominated the show for the last 3 years?  What I really loved in the early Idol years was the diversity – you had pop starlets next to gospel singers, and Southern rockers versus country darlings.  The first three seasons had finalists that spanned race, gender, and genre – then over the last six seasons, we’ve seen only 2 out of 12 finale contenders that were of a minority background, and we’ve had white male rockers winning 4 out of the last 6 finales.  Crystal Bowersox was widely considered the frontrunner to win, which would have nicely broken up the status quo with her hippie-chic, 60s rock/soul vibe.  I suppose Middle America’s teenyboppers have prevailed once again, demanding yet another safe rock voice on the airwaves.  Go get ‘em Lee.

New projects!

I’m psyched to announce that I’ve been invited to contribute to a new online music business publication as a featured “Industry Insider”.  TheComet.com was launched this month by the former editor of Billboard as an alternative voice of the music business.  I’ll be writing a bimonthly column on the music industry, focusing primarily on issues in licensing and management…or whatever direction that it takes me.  My first article, “The Heavy and Kia Motors: The High Legal Cost of Sync“, is now posted as a “Top Story” on the main page.  Keep in mind that the site is in beta right now so it is still a work in progress.  Also, I’m relaunching my website – www.jackieomedia.com – which will be the hub for all my outside projects.  Take a look, and thanks for your support!  Your feedback is always appreciated.

Too many ideas, too little action?

Since the dissolution of my artist management and licensing business, Front Burner Music, in 2008, I’ve often been pulled in different professional directions as to what would be my next project.  Over the last 2 years, I have batted around so many project ideas (which is second nature when you teach an entrepreneurial college course), from screenplays to interview series to music collectives.  That’s what I love about teaching my class – it’s so inspiring to be around young, energetic minds all day, many of whom are embarking on new businesses and looking for advice in the ever-changing music business.  There’s never a lack of stimulation, idealism, and optimism.

It’s true that I’m not in the same fearless place as I was when I was right out of college, driving across the country to live in California with no apartment, no job, little savings, and looming student loan payments.  But my mind is still searching for the next project that will challenge me to continue learning in the creative business world.  I’m excited about a new project that is launching very soon that will enhance my point of view as a teacher, give me the flexibility to work on my own time, and keep connecting with people in the music industry – which is exactly what I’ve been hoping to find.  I’m finally picking an idea and running with it.  More details to come soon!