MALCOLM McLAREN TALKS TO LIVE AND UNSIGNED

Most known for his outspoken nature and for managing one of the most successful punk rock bands in Britain, impresario Malcolm McLaren is one of the most controversial and respected names in music today.

As former manager of The Sex Pistols and The New York Dolls, McLaren knows only too well the ingredients of what makes a successful recording artist or band. Joining the L&U judging panel last year and set to return in 2010, McLaren continues to cast his experienced eye over unsigned talent and has some good advice for those wanting to crack the industry.

Live and Unsigned caught up with the man himself to find out more!

L&U: What will you be looking for in the performers at the Grand Final?

M: Integrity, a desire for change, sexuality, style and a willingness to subvert the established view.

L&U: What’s the best piece of advice you yourself have ever been given?

M: Better to be a flamboyant failure than any kind of benign success. Given to me by my old art school professor.

L&U: What music are you listening to at the moment?

M: Just what I hear blasting out of doorways of restaurants, clubs or boutiques in NYC. Usually, an ersatz version of 80s pop or R&B or rock and at the same time, an authentic version of 80s pop, R&B and rock.

L&U: If you could meet anyone (dead or alive) who would it be and why?

M: I would like to have met Baudelaire. He taught me to turn left when you are supposed to turn right.

L&U: Sum yourself up in one sentence?

M: I am a big child—good and bad!

L&U: Why do you think that there is such an abundance of talent contests in popular culture at the moment and what makes this one special?

M: Talent contests have replaced everything in the culture that was false and dishonest and disconnected to the populace. They are special in the sense that they directly involve the public or at least supposedly do. People’s choice is everything today.

L&U: Is it more difficult for a band to make it these days than when the Sex Pistols got big? How do you think the industry has changed?

M: Yes, it’s difficult because there is no one around to really care other than the fans. It has changed because the culture of desires that has existed for the past 50 years has dissolved and changed into much more a culture of necessity. And that means no one truthfully cares about supporting the artist and its record company by purchasing its music. You only consume what you really have to in order to survive. That fact has changed the industry.

L&U: How would you get the image/talent mix right?

M: There is an alchemy that occurs when you create a cocktail. Some are better barmen than others. Today there are two words that sum up the culture. One is karaoke and the other is authentic. They can work together but you have to be a magician to make that happen. The Sex Pistols luckily had a great alchemist and for a moment got it right.

L&U: What advice would you give to aspiring performers hoping to make it in the industry?

M: Don’t compromise.