By TYLER PATRICK
The ocean that separates the United Kingdom from America can also be referred to as the ocean that separates this country from one of Britain’s greatest entertainment accomplishments of all time.
The introduction of boy band One Direction proves this statement. However, despite the groups massive popularity in Europe, almost nobody in America has any idea who these boys are.
One Direction was discovered on the British version of the X-Factor and finished third in the show’s seventh season. One Direction consists of Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Liam Payne. Each member of the band auditioned as a solo artist and Simon Cowell placed them in a group, deciding they would work well together and sell numerous records.
It is preposterous that they have no recognition in the States because they represent everything the music industry stands for when it comes to American pop standards of look and sound.
British record label Syco recently signed the band who released their first single “What Makes You Beautiful.” The single went to number one on the Radio 1 charts in Britain. The single also released a B-Side entitled “Na Na Na.” Americans who have not heard the band’s “What Makes You Beautiful” will instantly fall in love with the upbeat music that it resonates. It combines swooning lyrics and a catchy instrumental that together create a fantastic song to launch the boys’ career.
If one listens to one of the band’s covers from their stint on X-Factor, one can appreciate their real ability to sing. Each member adds his amazing vocals to songs the band performed on the show including “(Only Girl) In the World,” “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” “Kids In America,” “Summer of ‘69,” and “All You Need is Love.”
The band members personalities also shine through their various web videos, interviews and Twitter posts. Each member represents a different personality trait, yet they work together well and are extremely close friends. These varying personalities easily relate to the different types of fans, something which ultimately affects who one’s favorite member of the band is.
The boys have created a series of inside jokes with their fans including Styles’ obsession with David Hasselhoff, somebody he states he would like to trade lives with for a day because he wants to know what it would be like to be him.
When Tomlinson stated on a live video chat that he really likes carrots, he made a statement about how his fans made a connection with him and carrots and eventually started to send him carrots in the mail. He then began to joke that he really likes Rolex watches.
The band’s interactions with fans helps draw in a larger fanbase because they can relate to them on a more personal level. Styles, for example, will randomly retweet fans and can be found wishing a happy birthday via a tweet. In various web videos and live chats, the band members can be found answering questions from fans and singing song requests.
The band’s looks are also a contributing factor in their rising fame, although it is shallow to say, it is true. Each member has a completely different look. From Styles’ curly hair to Payne’s beaming smile to Malik’s pouty model presence, the band’s looks are a force to be reckoned with because each one is both attractive and unique in appearance.
With much of Justin Bieber’s success coming from his combination of good looks, charming personality and amazing voice, it is a wonder as to why the boys of One Direction are not on the same level of fame. With the group talking to record labels here in America, the possibility of them becoming famous in America is extremely likely.
//