Simon Cowell is the modern pop genius

He is loved and loathed in equal measure, but like it or not, Simon Cowell is a modern pop genius. While everyone else in the music industry is struggling with the current recession, Cowell and his acts go from strength to strength. He was criticised for the terms of his contracts (with his artists) but responded with charm and candour. However, we admire Cowell for is ability to understand the basics of success in the modern music industry.

Cowell and his company Syco, adopt a simple approach which has resulted in over a quarter of British households tuning in to watch his show The X-Factor. His approach is give people what they want i.e real hit songs, be they covers or new material as in the case of Leona Lewis.

What is less known about Simon is his independent roots. He cut his a&r teeth working for independent label Fanfare Records notching up many top ten hits, including Sinita whose 'So Macho' single sold over 500,000 records. On Fanfare's demise, he became an a&r consultant for BMG & set up S-Records where he had even more pop success.

Not one to mess about with niceties (mostly for TV ratings I must add), Simon has been rude, obnoxious and cruel, often cutting down and reducing young hopeful to tears. Now that seems harsh but if you look beyond the 'viper tongue', you will discover that Simon is just passing on what motivated him to succeed.He was told by many a record company bosses that his acts were rubbish, didn't have a hope in hell of succeeding etc but he eventually proved them wrong. What can independent labels learn from Simon Cowell ? Find your formula, find the right songs (covers, originals it doesn'r really matter) and stick with it, even if the whole world hates you.

Enjoy the best of his 'viper tongue'.




You can read more about this subject on the new Myhotmusic blog.