Why Chris Rene Should Win 'X Factor'

In my previous life I was all about the music business.

I worked as a music director at a radio station, did radio promotion for bands and record labels (helping indie bands get airplay), wrote songs for TV and film and even did some touring.

I had enough minor successes to justify the cost of my first guitar to my mom and enough sense to know I didn’t have anywhere enough talent to make it in the music business.

But it isn’t just talent that takes unsigned bands to the next level. So how do bands get big?

Well, the simple answer is to sound like Chris Rene.

There is something about Chris being on the X Factor that is just fitting. He has it – whatever “it” is. The talent, the confidence and the one thing that the music business has so desperately lost; artistic authenticity. His music and affect scream authentic. And let’s be honest, those songs are hits.

Chris, Santa Cruz County is pulling for you. And one other thing, Chris, the music business needs you.

There may be a three-week place for autotune, pitch shifting and canned production beats on the pop charts. But real artists know that real music will last longer than that.

So keep being authentic, keep reaching deep and keep writing those hits.  Santa Cruz County and the music world thanks you.