Starring in today's blog is none other than my little brother, Mark, confirmed aussie, innovator of hair styles, strummer of the magic strings and able to sing pretty damm well even with his legs crossed and dying for a pee (see advanced listings on myspace).
Not wishing to seem biased but I think the boy's got talent. As yet I don't see a distinctive and memorable style which of course is what it takes if you want to go anywhere special and nowadays it seems just about everyone does. However, I have not heard much of his stuff as yet so perhaps I should do some sampling first.
I wonder if my readers would like to hear more of Mark. Let us know. I'm sure your comments would be greatly appreciated.
...and what of the required makeover. Personally, I am too folically challenged in the cranial region to comment further on that aspect. However, in the naming area may I suggest the well worn tradition of dropping the surname and adopting the middle name instead i.e. Mark Elliott instead of Mark Rayner. Even though I share the same surname I never really felt it had star quality, if you know what I mean. Elliott, however, has a proven track record. Incidentally, I keep looking at the bone structure of Bobby Elliott, the long time drummer of The Hollies and wonder if we are related - wouldn't that be nice! Elliott was our great grandma's maiden name, but, alas, there are many of them in the world.
Then there is the question of how to get famous. Much vexed. Received wisdom suggests that it is more about luck than talent - oh misery. I doubt there is a week goes by without some new story of how someone coincidentally "made it". This week it was the turn of J.K. Rowling who, as a single mum, working in a coffee bar and trying to drum up interest in her first book was interviewed by a young reporter for local radio. She gave the interview and noticed that the reporter had taken the trouble to buy and read a copy of her book so she offered to sign it for him. He declined the offer and they went their separate ways, never to meet again. The reporter remembers commenting to a colleague that this wizard stuff will never catch on - you get an instinct for what will work in literature. Well, every so often he catches sight of the value of a signed first edition Harry Potter and I am sure sheds a few tears.
So how do you promote yourself. Perhaps we should ask Jo Rowling. Certainly don't ask a critic!
Then there is the question of how to get famous. Much vexed. Received wisdom suggests that it is more about luck than talent - oh misery. I doubt there is a week goes by without some new story of how someone coincidentally "made it". This week it was the turn of J.K. Rowling who, as a single mum, working in a coffee bar and trying to drum up interest in her first book was interviewed by a young reporter for local radio. She gave the interview and noticed that the reporter had taken the trouble to buy and read a copy of her book so she offered to sign it for him. He declined the offer and they went their separate ways, never to meet again. The reporter remembers commenting to a colleague that this wizard stuff will never catch on - you get an instinct for what will work in literature. Well, every so often he catches sight of the value of a signed first edition Harry Potter and I am sure sheds a few tears.
So how do you promote yourself. Perhaps we should ask Jo Rowling. Certainly don't ask a critic!
Pierre
Tags: Mark Elliott brother aussie pee music guitar jam myspace talent Bobby Elliott Hollies J.K. Rowling single mum book wizard Harry Potter first edition critic
