Music contests work differently for everyone. For some musicians they open the doors to show business, but for some close them forever labeling the musicians like unsuitable for the music world.
In our new issue we have collected different musicians’ opinions and they’re all absolutely different and sometimes even surprisingly negative. Our team consider that such contests don’t show the talent of musicians to the full.

And what do you think?

Bizarre Music: What do you think about contests for young musicians, like Eurovision or American Idol?

(Live) Kiro (ex-Cinema Bizarre) Germany: I like these shows. I think it’s a good opportunity for the youngsters to show their talents to the world. It’s a wonderful first step to successful career. But I think that some artists who have gone through qualifying tours have got bad reputation. That’s why many consider these contests bad, but my opinion is different.

But sometimes even having gone through all the tours and even having won the contest it can be quite difficult to start a career. But it means a lot to some bands.


(Live) Marik (Marakesh) Ukraine:
I don’t like music contests. Music is not sport. Maybe it’s worth taking part in them at the beginning. You just have to do something, get some connections. In any sphere of show business – alternative or not. In fact I’ve never enjoyed music contests and we have not won a lot actually. We’ve had nominations for the Russian awards: for RAMP 3 years running from 2007 till 2009, for Fuzz in 2008 , but haven’t won a single time. It would have been nice. But we prefer to count on ourselves, but not jury’s decision. Because they often, especially in our countries, are unfair.

Bizarre Music: What about Eurovision? Would you like to perform there?
(Live) Marik (Marakesh) Ukraine: No, I wouldn’t because this contest is ridiculous everywhere apart from Russia and Ukraine. Except us not a single country treats it seriously. I don’t see any prospects for myself there.


Tomk Karagodina (DOGMA) Russia: 

I think that some definitely need [music contests], but one can become popular without such things if he makes good quality music.

Such contests  are all about money, but not talent. I’ve never taken part in anything like that – just not my cup of tea ))

Sergey Dvoretskii (The СкаZки) Russia:
I’ve got the opinion that such a notion like a music contest is absurd in its nature. That’s the thing. And the matter is not in the unfairness of ones winning over the others or undeserved defeats of the others. Any contest implies competition and as a result this or that kind of struggle. It can be appropriate in some business matters, but not in music. Music has appeared in this world to spread love and peace. And the struggle between creators distracts them from the creative process itself. Music is freedom which is beyond all the limits and, especially the regulations of contests  like Star Factory. It would be better in my opinion to put this money in the organization of festivals or independent radio stations, because we’ve got many musicians who’ve already won over everybody without taking part in any contests. Bu these people who have means, yet don’t have the courage to give up the passion for winnings and defeats and concentrate on the creation of art in its original sense.


kyo (D’Erlanger) Japan:
We don't find them very attractive. They may have the merit of giving a band widespread recognition very quickly. However, there is someone evaluating the music, and the viewpoint and likes/dislikes of those who are evaluating will be reflected. We think rock is made by building with and believing your own senses, so I don't like the idea of relying on the evaluation of others!!

We have not taken part in any music contests.
 

This time Bizarre Music team were lucky to talk to St. Petersburg band Khaki and ask their opinion about music contests

Bizarre Music: What do you think about music contests?
Khaki: We like them.
Vova: It would be fun to perform at Eurovision.
Max: I don’t think it’s our cup of tea
Val: Some contests spoil bands’ reputation. I think it’s not for us.

Bizarre Music: Have you ever taken part in any contests?
Khaki: No.

Bizarre Music: Is there any secret of success for young musicians at the contests?
Val: Maybe sleeping with someone )))
Max: Secret of success? It’s unity, desire to move further and become better. Work hard and give 100 per cent of you to music.  

Bizarre Music: Could you name some artists who became famous with the help of music contests?
Khaki: Nuysha (a newbie pop singer from Russia; Bizarre Music)
Val: Nope, they’re not so numerous.  


Bizarre Music: We mean those who were not popular before the contest.
Val: All those star factories. Almost everyone became popular.  

Bizarre Music: Would you take the responsibility of performing at some contest to represent Russia?
Max: That depends)

Bizarre Music: For example, Eurovision.
Vova: Yes! I would!
Max: Would you? *laughs* Well of course if it’s a singing contest.
Val: Playback?

Bizarre Music: Why not.
Max: Playback suits us!.  

Bizarre Music: What can you wish to all the young musicians who are going to take part in contests? Is it worth taking part or not?
Vova: Of course it’s worth it. It’s always experience.  
 

 (Live) – if you had a question while reading the issue what this means, we’re happily explaining it to you. It means that while collecting the material for the issue, we didn’t contact the musicians by means of Internet, but have met them personally. 

---

The edition was made by

• Olga Polomoshnova (Pics, Interview and Translation)
  
• Inna Alexina (Design of the cover)
• Victoria Sholupova (Interview)
• Natalia Nikitina (Pics)
• Alina Shumaeva (Pics)
• Christina Medvedeva (Pics)