X-Factor
If I had a penny for every time a wowed audience member enthusiastically urged me to "go on X-Factor" I would have a pound, maybe two. They usually begin the conversation with a sympathetic imploring that I must leave their tiny village pub for I am destined for greater things. I often do not have the time or the sober attention of said lovely person long enough for me to explain that I am already the richest of all musicians. I am the travelling minstrel, whose music contrary to the rapid decay of the industry, is alive and vibrant and real and HAS VALUE. I say to all aspiring rock stars and story-tellers, abandon your frustrating pursuit of the attentions of the record company executive (does he even exist anymore?) and the Simon Cowells, go out and tell your story to real people. Stand not more that a metre away from real people and tell your story well, give them the opportunity for one moment in their modern lives to be told something interesting and worthy, through a well-executed and beautiful medium, so well produced that their first thought is not to grab the spotlight for their own karaoke lust-off but to simply appreciate and be warmed and moved and appreciated back for their quiet, selfless attention.
We spent Halloween in the wonderful company of the inspiring community of Llangrannog. Everyone made an amazing effort with their costumes that far outshone our own and we gave back with all our strength and heart and soul a performance that suitably expressed our extreme appreciation of such a place as this. The Pentre Arms, beautifully set, filled with amazing, vibrant people who know how to work hard and party harder. I don't want to denigrate the X-Factor; it's far too easy, besides it seems to me to be doing an excellent job of keeping the music industry alive. From CD manufacturers to song-writers, everyone involved in the show is doing a roaring trade. I just want to explain to all those kind people who are agog that, although I am a Christian, I have no ambition to be eaten by a lion. I prefer to be the Lion in the African plains being admired through binoculars and I don't want to increase my number of admirers either, for I have no inclination to be caged in a zoo.
Rhiannon Ridinghood
2 Comments
Reader Comments (2)
Well your comments on X-factor make good reading, and are certainly food for thought, I think you are right not to apply, you are too good for that show.
I don't mean that in a snobbish way but as Paul Gambachini said on TV last night, X-factor is very much about finding artists to fit the house brand,they want people they can mould and control, contestants who want to be told what to sing and how to sing it, what to wear and how to stand, every word and movement of every performance is carefully choreographed to fit in with an existing ideal of what a pop star should look and sound like.
You would never fit into X-factor because it's quite clear that you already know what you want to do, and you don't need a Simon Cowell svengali figure to mould you into something else, somrthing more safe.
Having said that i do feel a bit frustrated sometimes that my favourite band isn't better known. Some people may love the fact that Wales's best artist is also it's best kept secret but I would love you to have a higher profile.
I'd love for Ransom or High Heels to be a regular on the Radio 1 playlist or to see Rhiannon jamming with Jools Holland on Later. But it has to be on your terms, without compromising your integrity as an artist
Will it ever happen? I don't know maybe one day. Have you ever thought about setting up a Wikipedia page? That would be a start.
I am honoured to be your favourite band, thank you for generous praise. I am not adverse to publicity, in fact I would love to be on Later, of course I would love to have distribution and exposure. It's funny you mention Wikipedia - I have set up a Ridinghood page twice, it is always taken down...there are strict rules: pages cannot be set up or made by the person(s) concerned. This is to prevent it becoming free advertising. Perhaps you can set it up for me? Email me to discuss further or would you prefer to remain Ridinghood's best kept secret?