I’m not focusing on a band specifically for this Tunes Tuesday. I’ve been watching a lot of covers on YouTube lately, so that’s where I’m going with this today.
I want to start by saying that yes, not every musician out there appreciates it when someone else takes their song and puts their own spin on it. And I get it. When you pour your life’s work into that to be noticed in the music industry and then some kid comes along and hits it big by going viral over night with your piece… I can see why some musicians get frustrated.
I also get song integrity and that sometimes people can miss the mark when they’re interpreting a piece of music. But I think there’s nothing wrong with putting your own spin on things, as long as you’re respectful of the original song and the person or people that created it.
I think it speaks to the quality in the raw ingredients… of the integrity of the song itself… when someone else can come along and change it and have it work out so well.
Music, for me, has a lot to do with intepretation. I like to see other artist’s takes on the same song. As long as they don’t completely ruin it. Glee, I’m looking at you.
Anyway. The YouTube Cover Phenomenon. I like to see artists taking a chance and doing something a little different. They can’t all be studio magic perfected Biebers and Perrys, right?
I could go on about what I mean, but I’d rather show you. (You’ll notice it’s all the same song. I did that on purpose):
Walk Off The Earth’s Loop Cover of Payphone:
I blogged about Walk Off The Earth before, but I have to say, I love their style and their sound. Unique instruments, unique sound. I’ve got a lot of love and respect for their talent.
Boyce Avenue’s Version of Payphone:
Boyce Avenue do a lot a great covers. This one was an acoustic interpretation of the Maroon 5 song. It’s a fairly straight acoustic, but slightly different take on the song.
Paradise Fears cover:
I like the vibe of this cover, fuller sound and proof that guitars make a good stand in for the drums. Slightly different sound and again, it’s interesting.
What do you think about the YouTube Covers Phenomenon? Who are your favourite cover artists?