I’m a fan of American Idol. I love music and seeing talented young singers work toward their dreams. With the lowered age level this year—now fifteen—the contest has accepted a spate of very dewy-eyed talent. Last night the judges cut down to the final 24 kids, including some super-sweet little fifteen year-old prodigies. I keep thinking that these stories could translate well to novel form. What would it be like for someone that untested to be in the spotlight, enduring that type of pressure, day after day? Or for the kids who were cut, what do they go back to? Bands who may resent them for trying to sell out? I thought about various YA novels I’ve read or heard about that feature musicians. Orpheus Obsession by Dakota Lane is an offbeat story about a girl, obsessed with a young rocker. Sarah Dessen’s This Lullaby is about a straight girl with a hippie musician dad who abandoned the family. When she falls for a wild indie musician her ambitious, clear-cut world is thrown into confusion. And Jon Skovron’s main character, Sammy in Struts & Frets is a struggling rocker trying to keep his band together long enough to win the battle of the bands.
After hearing that Mariah Carey and Beyoncé both sang for one of Gaddafi’s sons for a million dollars each, I envisioned a younger version of that scenario. How would a teen idol handle it if he or she was invited to participate in such a nefarious event? Or this: how will Miley Cyrus handle herself going forward, after being taped smoking from a bong and posing nearly naked? Have you come across any great YA novels featuring young musicians? Can you think of any musical scenarios you’d love to see played out in a story?
Although I haven't read it yet, Indigo Blues features an up-and-coming musician. Sounds like you've got some great ideas kicking around in your head!
ReplyDeleteI love this idea, Catherine! I think a lot of kids would enjoy something like this, too. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteIt's not really the same, but I loved Angela Morrison's Sing Me to Sleep. I can't keep it on my classroom bookshelves so the students like it also. Nearly all the characters are musicians.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I adored K.L. Going's Fat Kid Rules the World, about a lonely boy who finds himself through music.
ReplyDeleteI once wrote an essay entitled, "Rocker Mom," and I still toy with idea of a story around the way a mother's rock 'n' roll heart connects her to her daughter.
ReplyDeleteIn the future, I will have a book about a girl, around 17, who has to deal with seemingly overnight success in the music industry today...and her struggles to remain a "good girl" in an exploitive business. My husband used to work for Warner Bro. Music in Nashville and, seeing that world from the inside out was quite an eye-opener. Alas, my novel is only about 2/3 done and probably novel #6 for my releases. :-( wish it was done!
ReplyDeleteLove the post...over from SheWrites
Linda, your story sounds amazing! I would totally read it. My son was in a band for years, and now he's moved on to a songwriting duo, which at this point, is a better fit, as he gets to compose. So, I've seen this world firsthand for years.
ReplyDeleteAh, yes, Amy, I forgot about Fat Kid Rules the World. Another notable music-themed novel.
ReplyDeleteMy most recent ms, Starsong, is about a ccouple who're drawn together thru their love of the same band. They are both musically talented and eager to pursue their dream of making music. Its about the teen angst of an unlikely romance and finding harmony thru mutual love of music.
ReplyDeleteIt was a lot of fun to write since I'm such a music fan. I entered it into ABNA so keep your fingers crossed for me. ;)
Yay, PK! Me too! Your story sounds great.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone think it was shameful for Mariah Carey and Beyoncé to perform for these guys?
ReplyDeleteYeah, a little moralistically iffy. It's not as of they are desperate for $, you know?
ReplyDeleteAny of those stories sound awesome. Very "high concept." You should write them!!
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