031 Cowell Factor

Just a week to go before American Idol auditions begin - and still no contract for Paula…or Simon. What’s going on?

And Coming up - Is it the girls or the boys who are leading the new indie chart revolution.

So what’s been going on in Cowell world…Well, The X Factor auditions are over and it's boot camp time. So there's tears and tantrums everywhere, and that's just Louis and Simon! And even boot camp is being held in front of a live audience this year. Can’t wait!

With American idol auditions only a week away - time is running out for Paula Abdul. The L.A. Times, using unnamed sources of course, says Paula Abdul is making is $4 million dollars but wants $12 million to stay.

Big money? I‘m not so sure - last season advertisers on Idol shelled out $700,000 for a 30-second commercial. Overall, Idol took $850 million in advertising revenue. So the money‘s there.

Meantime Simon is planning to work as an executive producer on a British battle of the bands type show featuring Kate Moss as a judge. Because when you think rock, you think Kate Moss, right?

It’s time to kick down the door to the Fame Games Talent Bank and you know what,
just when I thought All day Sucker were all talk, they come up with a brilliant song like Nobody Somewhere. What I like about you guys is your songs tell great stories. Love it!!

And….Jason Zerbin - they say you’re like Coldplay - you’re not - you’re better. Your song Hear Me - proves it.

So here’s the thing…is 2009 the year of the female singer?

Since mentioning the Mercury awards last week - I read a rather pompous piece in the British press asking why there are so many girls nominated this year. Well so what? Who cares if it’s girls or boys. What’s your problem. Are you sexist?

So what if… Florence Welch, La Roux, Bat for Lashes, and Speech Debelle are all riding high……they are all bloody talented! And two of these are on indie labels - which is even better news. Not least because radio stations are having to play Indie artists instead of manufactured pop girls straight out of the Disney school of pop pap.

Yes…It’s a high water mark for the girls right now.

You can argue the current rise of the female artist began with the likes of Amy Winehouse, Duffy and Adele. But I believe it’s the internet and programs like Fame Games that have been instrumental in making labels look a bit deeper for talent. Something’s changing…at last.

Last week I spoke with A&R chief Colin Barlow - MD at Polydor UK. Colin told me. Yes, labels are having to dig a bit deeper nowadays. We can’t ignore the power of the Myspace generation, and the new online A&R platforms. And wasn’t it Kate Nash who was signed by a major label - simply because she couldn’t be ignored any longer - she had over 1 million hits on myspace. But even then she couldn’t get mainstream radio play - until a major label got behind her.

The music industry moves a bit like a giant shoal of fish - setting a course - with those at the front with the bulging wallets dictating the direction - and those behind, just following. But this is where the indie labels come into play. For it’s the indies that buck the trend - and have the balls to change direction. They’re the ones that take the risks by signing a Florence, or a Just Jack. They create the revolution. Then the big labels come in and take over. That’s the unwritten law of the music jungle.

Look, there will always be a market for the Pixie Lotts - the Little Boots - and the Hannah Montanas. Pop will never go away. But right now it’s the Lisa Hannigan’s and the Speech Debelles of the world who are leading the way.

Talented Girls or rock boys? - Who cares -- as long as its NEW music that breaks through.

Listen to the complete podcast here or at www.meermusic.com.

The Cowell Factor

If you've only got ONE shot at FAME you might as well get it right!!

030 Cowell Factor

Is Paula Abdul really about to leave American Idol? And will Cheryl Cole take her place? Once again….I go in search of the truth.

So what’s been happening in Cowell world?…Well, as Simon gets ready to celebrate his 50th birthday bash - the tabloids claim he’s invited along 17 old girlfriends. Well, clearly 12 girls will have to be picked from central casting – ‘cause he’s only ever had 5 girlfriends - but boy…are they lucky girls or what?

One not so lucky girl - Paula Abdul is said to be not returning to the Idol judging panel - and Cheryl Cole is to replace her. Such Bullshit! Want the truth? Well, Simon tells me of course Paula WILL be back - along with all the judges. And Cheryl Cole? Well…She just loves publicity.

Meanwhile, with the X Factor live auditions already in the can - Simon is busy recording the boot camp section of the show - at a secret location - and judging by the recent shots of his red face - not very far from a beach.

And does anyone care about Susan Boyle anymore - well, President Obama does because he rescheduled his news conference to allow Susan to air her interview (and funny makover) on the today show.

What a circus!!! But I can reveal that Susan’s first single will be a cover of the Oscar winning song Moon River. Can’t wait. Ok I can.

So…back to reality -I kick down the door to the Fame Games talent bank and this week I’m so excited as I’ve just received a copy of the new Stars Go Dim album. The title track, Love Gone Mad really does prove why this band is so popular - these guys can definitely write hit songs.

I’m also kinda intrigued by a band of girls called Chix 6. But listen, I really love the song In Your Pocket. This could be one hot single.

So here’s the thing...The nominees for this years Mercury Music Prize were announced this week - and for those of you in America - The Mercury Award is given to the best album from Britain and Ireland. It’s often seen as the classiest award as it celebrates lesser known bands; and has a reputation of awarding to outside chances rather than the favourites. It’s about quality - over sales. Wow! Now that is rare.

Last years winner Elbow were, in my opinion, a deserved winner - not just because I love their music but because for me they symbolised every hard working band not prepared to give up. It took Elbow 15 years to a) get signed to a label prepared to put some marketing muscle behind them and b) spent those long years in the wilderness honing their stage craft to build a huge following.
But I couldn’t help but wonder….are any of this years nominees actually any better than the talent we have here on Fame Games?

The list of twelve nominees - which tend to see a huge boost in sales as a result of inclusion, does contain some well known names - notably Casaybean, Bat for lashes and Florence and the machine - but the rest is made up of obscure hopefuls who all stand a chance of winning - or at least gaining a wider audience.

And what I like about the Mercury prize is there is always a quirky unknown act who have sold absolutely zilch to date. And this year its folk band Sweet Billy Pilgrim's album Twice Born Men which, by the way…… was recorded by three session musicians on a laptop in a garden shed. So…it goes without saying that I’ll be rooting for them to win.

But I guess it’s not always just about how many records you sell - or how much money you make – it’s about how you gain recognition - like Elbow last year – it’s about success or failure - and nobody likes the “f” word - do they? So be patient.

I constantly moan about how blind and deaf some record labels can be - but when you do find the right level of support - when you get the right management on board - who are prepared to back you - and keep pushing you forward - then you always have hope - and god knows you need hope in this business.

So - as a kind of prophecy - here’s my own list of nominees for next year’s Mercury Prize

Beta Rays
Two Spot Gobi
Edian
Killer Heels
After the Ice
The Sanderson Pitch
Oliver Piggot
Richard O’Brian
Kissing Freddie
Sefton
Clayton
Mark Abis

I’m Tony Cowell - and you’ve just heard….. the Cowell Factor.

The Cowell Factor

If you've only got ONE shot at FAME you might as well get it right!!

029 Cowell Factor

I’m so angry…I’ve decided to embark on a mission to wake up the major record labels - And why not…it’s about time.

But first…I’ve broken into The Fame Games Talent Bank and before I’m arrested by the major label police, I’m gonna let loose Keegan Smith and the Fam with their song Fresh Air. You’ve got a lot going on that I like Mr Smith - there’s a few hints of Jason Mraz - but it sounds like you were doing this first and better. Diggin a bit deeper - as I do…I also found your song Smile. I like you Mr Smith - a lot.

And a quick shout out to Nashville band Philos. Your song Difference proves you do know how to write hit songs. I also love your version of Defying Gravity.

And now it’s time for my lousy lyrics slot - Now this week I’ve sexed it up a little and this time I want YOU to guess who is responsible for this weeks lousy lyric. And the first person to email me the answer - will win a personally signed photo of the X Factor judges - Ok, Ok, you can always cut Simon off - PLUS…a signed copy of one of my books.

So…here we go. Who sang this lyric?

I don’t want to see a ghost,
It’s a sight that I fear most
I’d rather have a piece of toast
And watch the evening news

(Laugh) It actually sounds a bit like one of my teenage poems. But…it’s not. So…if you know who this is - email me at tony@famegamesradio.com

So what’s been happening in Cowell world?…Well…despite reports that Simon has re-signed with American Idol for 100 gillion billion dollars - he tells me he is yet to sign any deal at all.

And Susan Boyle tells me that her new album will be timed perfectly to grab the Christmas market. Thank god I’ll be in Barbados at Christmas

So here’s the thing….who’s top of the charts this week?
Yes…Michael Jackson. And I don’t have to tell you how fast his songs are selling since he died that is. I’m also grateful to TMZ who sent me a copy of an unreleased song by Jackson which is a re-working of America’s….A Horse with No Name.

But I couldn’t help but wonder….Why was it not released before?
Oh I see because suddenly he’s immortal – well…as far as music sales go anyway.
Of course…when Jackson was alive, he was listed at number 35 in Rolling Stone magazines’ list of top performers of all time; so I wonder, what number will he rank next year? And just a reminder…Rolling Stone…Thriller sold 104 million copies. Which begs the question: Why are the Beach Boys listed at number 12? What do artists have to do…to make it while their still alive?

So listen Mr Safe Records.com--your investing so little money in new talent - and not content with cashing in on Michael Jackson’s death - you’ve just spent the last 4 years re-mastering the Beatles albums for release later this year. More old stuff - as if Paul doesn’t have enough money already.

The Beatles are Safe and easy money. Jackson is now safe and easy money - but what about the new music? Are you that scared that you won’t invest in the future?

Well…I’m putting my money where my Cowell mouth is and I’m about to go out and lobby the major labels - starting next week.

I’m making it my job to meet up with some of the heads of Britain’s top record labels. I want answers. I want them to listen to Fame Games - because…lets face it …this…is the future of music.

Wish me luck!

The Cowell Factor

If you've only got ONE shot at FAME you might as well get it right!!

028 Cowell Factor

As 12 year-old Shaheen sang his way into pop history at Michael Jackson’s funeral - America’s Got Talent are scratching their head wondering what on earth they have to do to find a star of their own.

So….will Simon sign him? I find out.

So what’s been going on in Cowell world…..Well…with the launch of the X Factor only a few weeks away - Madonna is being lined up to mentor this year’s finalists. And I can confirm that Simon has met with Madonna - and I do believe this will actually happen.

Last week I reported Robbie Williams was being hailed as Simon’s replacement on the judging panel. Joke yes….but I wouldn’t rule him out of being a mentor on the show - as Simon (rightly or wrongly) definitely wants to do a Robbie Williams themed week.

Now it time for me to open the door of the Fame Games talent bank - as I go in search of 2 more of my favorite artists.

I think I’ve mentioned Canadian band Full Turnout before - but actually I don’t care because I love them. Perfect Neverending is a stunning song. And yes, even my Emma loves it. So it must be good.

But guys….actually I prefer your ballad, Swept Away. And…. you know my stance on bad lyrics? - well, this song does have kinda corny lyrics - but yet somehow - just somehow - they work… because this song has a simple, haunting beauty all of its own.

And I have to give a quick shout out to NY band Underwhelmed. I think your song Washed Away really rocks. I want to hear more please. But bring up the vocal.

I had lots of emails from you following my Lousy Lyrics slot last week. - one in particular from Maggie Paz in Argentina.

MAGGIE SAYS…

Dear Tony - I HAD to tell you how much I agree with you! About Shakira’s song “Whenever, Wherever" And if you think the lyrics are ridiculous in English, have you heard them in Spanish?

No Maggie I haven’t. Well, translation makes it sound worse of course. But it goes something like this:

"I could climb the Andes if only to go and count your moles" Mmmmm…..Hilarious.

Got any more? Let me know please.

So here’s the thing…The biggest night of 12-year-old Shaheen Jafargholi’s life was meant to come next Monday; when he was due to duet with Michael Jackson at the singer’s comeback concerts here in London. But instead… he sang his way into history - after the Jackson family invited the Britain’s got talent star to sing at Michael’s memorial service.

But I couldn’t help but wonder…is child stardom such a good idea? Should he have actually been there in the first place? Was it the right time and place for him to launch his career?

Shaheen was introduced on stage by Smokey Robinson to sing Who’s Lovin’ You?, a song that, as Robinson pointed out, a nine-year-old Jackson had sung with “such knowingness and pain” — was that not a big give away in itself?

Wasn’t that the whole problem with Jackson himself - being pushed into the spotlight at such an early age.

But…not only did Shaheen have to face down a worldwide audience of 1 billion people… but right in front of him, sat the entire Jackson family, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and Mariah Carey, So no pressure there, then.

And yes…he handled it well. Simon said he was fantastic. And yes…Simon does have an option to sign him.

And yes, it would be so easy to launch Shaheen as the Next Michael Jackson with an album of covers.

But he’s 12 years old for god’s sake - and lets be honest…there will only ever be…one Michael Jackson.

And for me…I would rather remember Jackson’s death for what it really was. The death of a hugely talented, yet troubled performer.

For me… it was the day the 80’s died. And so not the launch platform for a 12 year-old boy from Wales.
I’d be interested in your views as always - so email me please at Tony@famegamesradio.com

The Cowell Factor

If you've only got ONE shot at FAME you might as well get it right!!

Fame Games Radio Candid Camera: Tony Cowell Interview

Tony Cowell of the Cowell Factor speaks on Adam Lambert's pre-Idol recordings!! Don't miss out on this exclusive interview with Tony!

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027 Cowell Factor

At last,I finally get to meet the Fame Games team - and at the same time become the first British male to visit the MMI studio - and live to tell the tale. Listen NOW to this week’s Cowell Factor Podcast.

I try to keep an eye on all the talent here on Fame Games. It’s just that every now and then I’m drawn back to my favourite artists. One of these is Midori and Audioclique. I’ve just heard Her Paradise. And I adore this song. The thing is about you guys is you are so prolific - you keep on coming up with great songs. And it’s because of this I’m convinced you’re definitely gonna make it big.

And you - Jason Adamo - you have this amazing voice that is capable of such emotion. I love your song August – it’s just so compelling. You always email me Jason - which I appreciate. You are one of those artists - and I’ve said this before - who I think could be a finalist on Idol. So do it - if just for the experience- get down to Florida on 7th and 8th July and audition. You don’t have to win idol - to make a name for yourself.

So what’s been happening in Cowell world??

Well, while taking a short break from counting money - Simon tells me he is about to sign a deal with NBC to take the X factor to America - with Cheryl Cole heading up the panel. My god- is this girl gonna be busy or what? Meanwhile the British tabloids continue to amuse me by suggesting that Robbie Williams is the man to replace Simon on the X Factor panel. Yea right! Sid Olivera stands more chance than Robbie.

So here’s the thing…sometimes, just sometimes I feel the need to revert to being a pure and wholesome streetwise journalist.

And coming - as I do - from the publishing world - I know all about the scams from so called vanity publishers. These are the guys that tell you they want to publish your book - and they do - but for an extortionate fee. How cruel is that?

So…..the same thing happens in the music biz - particularly on the net. How many of you enter your songs into song writing competitions? Because a few of you have emailed me to complain about how some of these competitions work - and what they charge you.

Now I know there are a few really good competitions out there - notably the John Lennon song writing contest which is still run by Yoko. But hopefully she’s not on the judging panel.

Now one of these companies - who I cannot name - claim that if you pay them 30 bucks for sending in one of your songs - you may get a chance of being discovered by Simon Cowell or Paul McCartney. How about that???

Let me make it absolutely clear…. neither Simon or Paul will ever get to hear your song. Not because your song is crap - but simply because these guys are so busy - AND are not in any way associated with the company - even though their photos are being used on the website. So be warned - don’t get taken in by these companies. Because all those 30 bucks soon add up - which - as I found out - is probably why this particular company got to make over 12 million dollars last year. So if you are unsure about any of these companies - please email me at Tony at fames radio.com - and I will put you right.

Now…still on song writing - but on a much lighter note.
while I was visiting the Fame Games studio last week - I very kindly allowed DJ Cirer and Sid to interview me, I know I’m really kind like that. During the interview DJ Krier revealed the fact that I used to write poetry as a kid. I’m not shy about that - but it kinda got me thinking….where have all the poets gone??

Is it just me or are a lot of today’s song lyrics shit? - crap. What are the worst lyrics ever recorded??? One of the more recent songs that comes to mind is Shakira’s Whenever Wherever….where she gets to sing.

"Lucky that my breasts

Are small and humble

So you don't confuse them with mountains" ....wow that’s so poetic

Or - how about 50 cents….

"I love you like

A fat kid loves cake" -

Mmmm…So…I shall be keeping an eye out for any bad lyrics I find on Fame Games - and I hope I don’t find any….but in the meantime you can always share your favourite bad lyrics with me tony@famegamesradio.com , and the worst ones I will read out on the Cowell Factor next week.

And finally….. My thanks go out to everyone I met last week at the Fame Games studio. I had so much fun - and I can’t believe what a talented bunch you are. And to all you indie artists out there - you know what? You should be really proud of these guys - because they never stop working on your behalf.

Email me please at

tony@famegamesradio.com

The Cowell Factor

If you've only got ONE shot at FAME you might as well get it right!!

026 Cowell Factor

Following the sad death of Michael Jackson - I attempt to analyse what lessons we can learn about that class A drug called FAME.

But first, the Fame Games talent bank!

When I dig deep into the Fames Games talent bank I always get a sweet surprise. This week I found British folk singer Mark Abis with his song Stronger than Desire - Which for me kinda captures the heart and soul of an early Dylan. I don’t think Folk music performed as well as this gets enough of a mention on Fame Games. Well done Mark - I for one am really grateful you’re here.

I was also very impressed with Brighton band Keena. I just Love the cutsie sound you get on your song Butterfly. And Katerina - you look really hot! And my record industry spies tell me you are already getting a name out there. Keep gigging because I have a feeling they’re right.

So what’s been happening in Cowell World? - I’ll tell you.

After five years on the hit show, Simon has made it clear that the next series of X Factor will be his last. He also says he wants Cheryl Cole to become the new main face of the show. Well, it’s certainly a cute face - but I’m not so sure she has quite enough clout to carry it off. She’s just too nice.

Meanwhile Simon has announced he is to join forces with billionaire tycoon Sir Philip Green to launch a billion-pound global TV empire. And one of their first targets could be Britain’s own ITV network.

Michael Jackson - first off - my thanks to all of you who emailed me about the death of Michael Jackson. Clearly Some of you were very upset. But I do appreciate all your comments.

So here’s the thing. - whatever you think of Michael Jackson - he was, without question a musical genius. And I think its one of those situations where today we have to forget all the controversy and just remember the music. Jackson leaves behind such a massive musical legacy.

But Fame is like a drug - and you can overdose on it.

Did Michael Jackson really overdose on Fame? Did he ever learn how to handle fame? Or was he merely a gifted performer who never had a childhood?

Probably no celebrity has been as revered over the past 40 years as much as Jackson. And I guess when so many people love your music - it starts to change you. You buy into the hype.

So which Michael Jackson will be remembered? The unsurpassed entertainer, the gifted and driven song-and-dance man who wielded rhythm and melody. Or the bizarre and troubled figure he later became?

He was working on a stadium spectacle for 50 shows in London this summer, and now we will never know if all his skill and showmanship could have given him a new start.

To say he was troubled - is an understatement. But for me…Jackson was merely a great musician and a compelling performer. I know nothing else about the man inside.

But I will remember his music - forever.

If you want to comment on the death of Michael Jackson - or anything else - email me please at tony@famegamesradio.com

The Cowell Factor

If you've only got ONE shot at FAME you might as well get it right!!