It is not news that the internet and MySpace have upended the distribution channels of the music world. More music than we could ever wish to hear is available for free.
The big problem with MySpace is that, of all the music readily available, 99% of it is crap. Sure, there is that 1% that is brilliant and groundbreaking and creative, and if it weren't for MySpace no one would ever hear them. But the large majority is crap and vanity.
There is still great music out there, but I have to work a lot harder to find it. I am overwhelmed with requests (actual and virtual) to listen to the latest "undefinable" band.
Before the internet, there was a fairly reliable process of finding noteworthy music and recording it. The process involved seasoned musicians, producers and executives. The labels acted as our filter, doing most of the weeding work for us.
Now any 14 year old with a $60 guitar and a computer can put his music in my way. To be honest, I don't want to hear it. Sure, you may be a prodigy, but come back in 5-10 years when you have dedicated yourself and honed your craft.
In this day and age of anything goes (on the internet), we should be more demanding of the genius of our artists.
Also disturbing is the way that these changes have affected the Label process. But that is a discussion for another day.
No comments:
Post a Comment