I wrote this to Bob Lefsetz in response to his rallying cry for Taylor Swift and against the almost universal online and mainstream media bashing.
Bob specifically gave Taylor the following advice:
Everything’s got to come out. Honesty is the best policy in a crisis. We’re a forgiving country. Tell the backstory, the true story, of how Scott spent so much to make Taylor happen. Not as a tale of millions spent, but as a father doing everything to make his daughter’s dream come true. Release video of Taylor singing at twelve. Show the arc of her development. Make the Grammy appearance part of her development. Instead of the end of the story…
This is serious business. Just look at John Edwards. The aforementioned Tiger Woods. There are people who specialize in handling these crises. Hire one. Because the team in control of Taylor Swift’s image is woefully overmatched. I wouldn’t call it a public relations offensive but an explanation, a bringing of the public into Taylor Swift’s heart. Don’t throw stones at your enemies, hug them tight, by admitting your faults and showing that you’re reasonable, and dedicated to solving the problem.
Thought you might be interested in my response to Bob’s email:
Dear Bob,
I so agree with you. And all she’s got to do is say – “Whoa, I’m 19 (or whatever age she is, I don’t track these things). I’m working with a vocal coach. I’m working with a guitar teacher. I’m always working on and improving my songwriting skills. When you’re an artist you must always be working on and improving your skills. I know I’ve got room for improvement. Who doesn’t?”
Being able to sing on key, support your breath, harmonize – these are skills. Some people are born with a large amount of talent. The rest of us need to build our skills. And the truth is, it is more likely the people who have to work very hard to achieve high proficiency are more likely to be successful in the long run, than the folks for whom it comes easy. Because those of us who have to work hard all along – become used to hard work. So, when the going gets hard, we just buckle down and get to work.
It’s also extremely rare for someone to be hugely talented across the board. You’ve said yourself, she’s a talented songwriter. I agree. I also think she’s a talented performer and producer. But she needs to build her skills in other areas. Hey, she’s young – give the girl a chance, will ya?
Your Music Business Coach,
Debra
11 Responses
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I think she is horrible. She can’t sing live and I’m not bitching I just turn the channel when she comes on. With great talent out there like Carrie she is awesome live been to a lot of shows. Miranda is also awesome. Taylor just needs to find something else with her life. She thinks she like the greatest ever which is not true so not true. Carrie is the best and the greatest thing for America would be the Taylor career was over and we never had to hear her screaching voice again with her hair slinging and microphone moving. She’s horrible.
However, she’s a very talented songwriter. And you can learn to sing better.
Debra
I am longing for Taylor Swift’s upcoming album. Feels like ages since her previous one.
Taylor Swift rocks! She should have been given some Country Music Awards. I have no idea what they were thinking.
It seems that Taylor’s going to be with us for awhile. I am glad for her. I think she has true talent as a songwriter and performer. And her vocals can be improved with a good vocal coach.
Taylow Swift really should have won some awards from CMA. It’s so rediculous!
Taylor is such a talented artist. I have all of her albums.
Totally agree. Everyone’s bitching about Taylor Swift’s performance – for what it is worth, I don’t think it was that bad, but the way she is being burnt right now doesn’t make any sense to me. I saw her live back in 2006 in Toronto, opening for Rascal Flatts, she’s the real deal allright.
I completely agree. She is definitely the real deal – and her vocals could stand some serious improvement. Why is she being trashed? Because they can. Because flaming gets the flamer attention in the media much more than praise does. Sad statement on our culture.