The controversial Lady Gaga...?

For so long the public have discussed Lady Gaga and the opinions seems to vary widely...


Why?

When last was there a pop singer that people could talk about in such depth,trying to analyze an artist and their craft? An example could be Madonna, as she is also a controversial pop artist? Think back to when Madonna just started in the eighties. Her exposed belly was just TOO MUCH!! (what, a naked belly?? - not that!). She continued to challenge the conservative ideas of what a pop singer should do. She changed her look for every project she put her mind to, even though it was risky. She ventured into all possible arts: from an actress, a performer/dancer, a model, from stage to film (Andrew Lloyd Webber;s Evita), an author http://www.absolutemadonna.com/books/ and a singer.

Look at Madonnna today, she has made history in the music industry (in the same league as Michael Jackson), creating fashion trends, creating human awareness amongst people (sometimes challenging political leaders and questioning their motives) and she created a legend.

Today, Lady Gaga is pushing the buttons of all people. Yes, she too is challenging TODAY'S conservative thoughts of what a pop singer should do (but viewing numerous interviews of her, I realized that that is just who she is?). She burst onto the pop scene with numerous hit singles, surprised all with unique outfits and staging of shocking/controversial performances. Is this not reminiscent of how Madonna started?

If you do not know anything about Lady Gaga, please do yourself a favour and read her biography at
http://www.ladygaga.com/default.aspx

"It’s been a while since a new pop artist has made her way in the music industry the old-fashioned/grass roots way by paying her dues with seedy club gigs and self-promotion. This is one rising pop star who hasn’t been plucked from a model casting call, born into a famous family, won a reality TV singing contest, or emerged from a teen cable TV sitcom. “I did this the way you are supposed to. I played every club in New York City and I bombed in every club and then killed it in every club and I found myself as an artist. I learned how to survive as an artist, get real, and how to fail and then figure out who I was as singer and performer. And, I worked hard.” - Lady Gaga

I am not comparing Lady Gaga to Madonna. I am simply questoning why are people trying to judge Lady Gaga like they judge/d Madonna?

Why do we always expect the worst from a new commer / unknown artst simply because they "challenge" convention by being true to themselves?

Please comment on this blog if you have something to add, I would appreciate your opinion!

Tygervalley Wedding Expo

I will be playing at the Tygervalley Wedding Expo next weekend, everyday (27, 28 and 29 August). Please visit my gig guide on my website for the times:
"http://www.thomasflute.com/gig-guide.php"

Cape Town Opera's murder mystery dinner

I had the priviledge of providing solo flute music for this event, at La Mouette Restaurant (78 Regent Road), Sea Point in Cape Town. It was a wonderful and charming evening as all the guests were dressed up in costumes relating to the 17th/18th century.

With the theme of the evening set in the 17th century, I found it suitable to be playing parts and movements from G.F. Handel's flute sonatas. So as the guests arrived at the entrance of the restaurant, I was playing beautiful baroque flute music. The wheather was lovely on Friday evening, and all the guests were standing outside, chatting with a glass of welcomming juice and I provided the background music, creating the mood for the evening!

The evening's plot for the murder mystery was inspired from the forthcoming opera Lucia di Lammermoor, conducted by Chris Dowdeswell and directed by Angelo Gobbato, which takes place in October this year.


Set in the 17th century in the Scottish Lowlands, The Mystery of the Ravenswood Castle Ghost, introduces you to Lucy Ashton who is haunted by a ghost on her father’s estate. Lucy is certain that the ghost means to warn her of something and she has the distinct feeling that the warning may relate to her forthcoming marriage. She is certain that if she can establish who murdered the woman who keeps haunting her, she will once more feel safe and have the courage to break her unwilling engagement. The guests were invited to join Lucy at her engagement party and help uncover the murderer of the Ravenswood Castle Ghost.

For more information regarding Cape Town's Opera, visit http://www.capetownopera.co.za/ or join the group "encore" on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=140253295990593&ref=mf#!/group.php?gid=186531685922&ref=ts