Local band Holly Who has called on fans of live music to “make a wonderful choice for you & for music” this Saturday night.
The bones of the article you’re just about to read first appeared on Holly Who’s Facebook Page, and has since gone on to receive a bunch of shares and likes.
Alright, we don’t usually jump on a high horse but we’re saddling up. You have the option to opt out now…
So,
One of Australia’s absolute finest & unique voices Abby Dobson came under immense scrutiny last year as a contestant in the blind auditions on The Voice. People were shocked, disappointed & flooded social media sites with a plethora of colourful emotions & opinions. Many were asking, “How could one of Australia’s music queens be on a reality singing show?”
It sadly goes something like this.
Musicians need to pay rent, bills, provide for their children, dog or cat, you know, normal life things. People were so up in arms that Abby was on The Voice last year but somehow couldn’t step back and look for some context. How did our ‘Aussie Music’ icon get to the point where she needed to be on a reality singing contest they cried. The reality is, we put her there.
Abby is playing Lizottes, Newcastle THIS Sat night, Newcastle’s delightful Amy Vee is also on the bill. We found out that the gig could be in jeopardy of going ahead due to poor ticket sales. (Maybe we weren’t supposed to know, sorry)
People hold so many musicians in very high esteem, but to remain a working musician and not a reality television contestant they simply need us to hold a ticket or latest album in our hands, not a warm fuzzy opinion in our heart.
Abby’s awards & accolades surprisingly do not pay for the groceries & a hit album years ago does not gain the necessary press & momentum needed to sell the next one.
This might be harsh, but so was seeing Abby Dobson on The Voice last year. Not going to lie, it hurt. It hurt for many reasons that need not be articulated here, they’d become far too subjective.
Often people are forced into situations they probably never saw themselves in but that’s the way it is and sadly many people judge it before attempting to understand it.
But it’s not all doom & gloom. The beauty here is that it’s only Tuesday! For the most part, our reality is determined by our choices. THIS Saturday you could make a wonderful choice for you & for music. Head out to see two of Australia’s absolute finest female talents. If you can’t make it share a post & let people know or if you’re already seeing another gig, you’re getting our vibe, good work.
This is just a few thoughts, it’s not ‘Voice’ bashing or crying for Abby Dobson, it’s taking a moment to see a bigger picture. This could be a number of incredible Australian artists, it just so happens that Abby is in town this week…
And, because we never get on this high horse, it’s best we enjoy it. So to the guy who complained about a $10 ticket to go to our EP Party with 12 incredible musos a few weeks back, you’re being a dick, you don’t deserve music.
This horse is now having a drink & will be put to rest for a while.
Written by Holly Clayton and published with permission. Holly Who’s super fun, high energy and passionately engaging live sets are ensuring music lovers are becoming, fans. Find out more about the band by visiting their Facebook page.
