Ever heard of the 'Tall Poppy Syndrome'?
Basically, it is slang for the tendency to criticise highly successful people (i.e tall poppies), and 'cut them down'.
New Zealand has a terrible case of tall poppy syndrome with people constantly being knocked down, simply for letting themselves shine. People are criticised by their peers for merely striving to achieve the best, yet society wonders why a lot of young people settle for mere mediocrity in their chosen field.
In December last year, I sent a copy of the band's album to a VIP in the New Zealand music industry. He absolutely loved it and he met with myself and the singer to have a chat. He wisely advised us to watch out for 'Tall Poppy Syndrome' here in New Zealand. At the time I didn't greatly understand that point he made, but I took the advice on board anyway.
I guess the main point here is that when you have something good, something that has the potential to be very successful - you have to watch out. There are people that will try and cut you down (generally those that are in the same industry, i.e in this case - the local struggling musician circle), that don't want to see you succeed - because it shows that they are not as good.
When that happens, you need to be at your strongest. Don't let it get to you - recognise it for what it is - jealousy. Let it be your motivator. That is exactly how I am now. I have a point to prove, but not only that - I know that this band is that good. I'm not biased - but I do know what it takes to 'make it' and it's also proven from the email, comments and response we receive from the general public. We also have the support from very prominent NZ music figure (more on that later). Whatever happens, stay strong, keep focussed on your goals, keep your live show polished and finally - keep writing great songs!
Keep your friends close and keep your enemies closer - you will see that in this case, there are people that have gone to great lengths to try and bring this band down... stay tuned and I will tell you what happened...
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Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Tall Poppy Syndrome
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: " If I had six hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend the first four sharpening the axe." - Abraham Lincoln
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1 comments:
Ah yes i know this term only too well, and have seen it not only in the entertainment industry but also in other pursuits.
It's all very well people offering criticism (i often say "everyones a critic", we can be critical of ourselves and well should be to strive to achieve our goals of making the best music we can), but unless its constructive criticism then i wouldn't buy into the mindgames that certain types of people like to throw out there.
The key really is to always act with dignity and grace, and NEVER become arrogant or get an ego. Be sure that you can rest your wary head at the end of the day knowing that you carried yourself in a seemly manner, chances are it will shine in your music as well, because quite frankly those people that do act in a chopping down manner their music will invariably not be too much chop (pun intended).
Your genuine fans will tell you how it is, weither your goal is to just be popular or have genuine or real interest is something that you should question yourself on (afterall for some people its a popularity contest, without the talent to back it up), personally i would rather have quality fans who are literally into the music for what it is as (and can hopefully garner some respect for what i might do) opposed to people raving on about how wonderful my hair might be or how my cloths are to die for...for me its all about the music, those are the types of people i gravitate towards.
I wouldnt be too down in the mouth over naysayers, because you will find there ARE genuine people who will make your day and will do whatever they can to help you (the types of people who there should be more of), in my experiences i have come across many wonderful people the word over who have been of a wonderful support, so trust me there are some of us out there that are real.
And always remember....(and you might wanna use this as a personal credo like i do)....
As a hero of mine once said....
"Talent will out my dears".
cheers
Richard
ps sorry this is a long response :-)
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