Simon Cowell should be locked up on Bourbon St.

Britain has been at the cutting edge of music since the 60s. This is a fact. A bold statement you might think, but and accurate one as I will now prove to you.
Musicians that have come from this Scepted Isle have been at the forefront of almost every new musical genre you can think of. Pop, Rock, Punk, Electro, Dance... Think of some the groundbreaking bands and artists that have truly shaped the world of music and have pushed boundaries or opened up styles to a global audience; The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd etc.

The proof of this is that since I've been over here, traveling across various cities and States, I have heard far more British bands on the radio, I've heard far more bands cover British songs, and I've heard far more enthusiasm from fans about British bands and music.

Some examples I hear you cry. Well, almost every 'store' I've been in over hear seems to have a fascination in playing 90s British Pop, from Blur to Jamiroquai to All Saints, it's like being back at home listening to Heart FM (only without the moronic DJs and the thoughts of suicide you get after listening for more than five minuets). And if it's not Brit Pop blasting out of the speakers the only other thing it will be over here is Mumford & Sons. They are obsessed with them. It must be that whimsical, folksy charm and the accents.

However since the dawning of this new millennium a dark cloud has past over British music snuffing out almost all creativity and uniqueness within... Simon Cowell. But even under this tyrannical ruler who discharges bland one hit wonder acts with ruthless German efficiency, the Americans are still entranced by what we have. Whilst I was in San Antonio one evening, having a quiet meal in the beautiful, Mediterranean like surroundings of the riverside, my thoughts were tastelessly interrupted by a hoard of screaming banshee like teenage girls all desperate to see the latest pop act to be excreted from our shores; Little Mix.

Having spent the last week though in New Orleans it has restored my faith in music. This is a city that truly doesn't sleep, and if you do, you are lulled off to the sounds of some of the greatest jazz, blues, funk and soul that has ever been set forth. There is a real pulse in this city. Music is ingrained into every stone wall, wooden shutter and iron balconey. Here is where you come to forget, let go and not think about tomorrow. The original Sin City. Temptations of everykind wherever you go. A heady mix of cocktails, gambling, women and dance all to the incessant beat of drums, guitar and brass, and the wail of truely soulfull voices. This is a city that is literally over flowing with talented musicians that create some truly amazing sounds and an atmosphere that is as infectious as it is pleasurable. When you come here, and I urge all of you to do so, you will be ushered into a world where creativity reigns supreme, uniqueness and diversity are encouraged, and the more love and fun that you have, the more your audience will appreciate it.

So Britannia may have ruled the music waves for the last half century, but our ship is taking on water and we need to dock somewhere like the Big Easy to find our way again.

Until next time...

This week I have been mostly listening to...