In the business, we like artists that come into the studio with a clear idea of what they want and who can give a reference to another track or singer they are trying to mimic a little bit in sound.
References are very important to the business. It just makes talking about music easier, because you can’t really describe a feeling or an emotion you are trying to convey with a song sometimes.
For instance, years ago I was trying to explain to producers that I wanted to make a combination of R&B, pop and dance music, but I was never able to put into words exactly how I wanted it, until Lady Gaga’s first album came out. It just made it a whole lot easier to say “something like that, please”.
Even music fans and music bloggers like familiarity to reference to. How many times have you said a song reminds you of another song? How many times have I written that as a blogger? Yikes, wasn’t it in my last blog? Right!
So, while it works in favor of some to have this easy to reference sound, it has become a negative thing for UK singer Anne-Marie.
A few months ago, she popped up as a suggestion for me on YouTube. I was impressed by her strong voice, but didn’t consider her song, “Alarm”, anything to blog about.
Yesterday, the song ended up in a poll on the radio. If the response was positive, she would get regular airplay, if the response was negative, they would never play her again. The latter happened.
The main reason for her not getting played again, is that the song reminded everyone of Rihanna and I was actually surprised with that outcome. Remember, I thought the same of Zara Larsson’s “Lush Life”? Somehow, she got away with sounding like Rihanna. In fact, I think a lot of female singers sound like Rihanna. Rihanna just must be a popular reference.
“Alarm” by Anne-Marie also has an alarm at the beginning of the song (it comes a bit later when you watch the video) which also worked against her. I actually liked that gimmick, but I have to agree that it is irritating.
Altogether, I do think the song is catchy and not at all a bad attempt. I also think, Anne-Marie has got such potential, but she does have to find her own way. So far, she reminds me of a range of people; vocally from Jessie J, Sia and Rihanna, in styling Rita Ora and sometimes, in the video, she reminds me of Drew Barrymore. Too many references here, right? That’s why you should just listen to the acoustic version of “Alarm” and not watch the video of the original until later. That’s the best way to introduce yourself to her without prejudice.
