MUSIC INDUSTRY HAS LOST

The music industry has lost what it’s supposedly truly about-- making music. It doesn't put the emphasis on the music so much as the image of the music maker. This is a sad fate and the end of the road for many talented acts.

-Rose

THE MUSIC ON IT WAS RIDICULOUS

I thought of you and this blog the other day because (now bare with me) I played Wii for the first time with Ryan! -and it's so fun- But the music on it was ridiculous, just standard generic background stuff. Obviously games are getting more and more known for music, not only things like guitar hero, but other ones, like Fifa and even grand theft auto where you can change the radio stations in the car...

But on a gaming system like Wii, which is totally ideal for groups and party situations...you should be able to pick the music you want to listen to. Kinda kills too birds with one stone.

On top of that, (as well as on their own) music websites like Slacker and Pandora are great cause you can pick a specific genre of music you want to listen to. We use these at work a lot...they give a great variety, and they are great for finding new artists with a sound you like that are either new to the business all together or just new to me.

Add something like Slacker to the Wii and you'll have a great time playing with great music to go with it.

I don't know if this really helps...it's no secret that the record industry as we know it is dying out...so if you're looking for ways to adapt to the changing times...that could be one way.

-Darren O'Tell

status quo really been that good for musicians?

I don't know, has the status quo really been that good for musicians? Just from an outsider's perspective, it seems like in the MTV generation, big business has dictated the direction of music more than artists have, and to me that is not a good thing. The labels have an image and a sound they look for and then they push that (and only that) sound down the public's throats. Not only does this suck as far as what's on the radio, but it also stifles creative growth of other bands because bands that deviate from the labels' formula can't get signed.

In that regard, I'm kind of glad that things are getting shaken up. And to me, the internet is the main culprit.

On the effect on the internet on musicians' careers, David Bowie said the following: ''I don't even know why I would want to be on a label in a few years, because I don't think it's going to work by labels and by distribution systems in the same way . . . The absolute transformation of everything that we ever thought about music will take place within 10 years, and nothing is going to be able to stop it. I see absolutely no point in pretending that it's not going to happen…'Music itself is going to become like running water or electricity [. . .] You'd better be prepared for doing a lot of touring because that's really the only unique situation that's going to be left. It's terribly exciting. But on the other hand it doesn't matter if you think it's exciting or not; it's what's going to happen.''

Far be it from me to argue with a man who sang a song called "Magic Dance" to a bunch of deranged muppets in The Labyrinth.

Really though, the fruits of the internet are already starting to show in how it could change the music industry. Radiohead's recent online-only album release is a good example of how it could be done: Circumvent the labels, the distribution, and the loss-producing cost of making cds, and put out digital music that promotes (1) the music itself, (2) touring and (3) merch sales. For music "purists" (sorry to use that term), that sounds like a pretty good proposition. It also sounds like an alright business model…at least for the creative side of the industry.

In my view, the creative use of the internet is the only way artists are going to be able to take back control of their music.

-Marc Theriault

For the majority of the listening population

For the majority of the listening population, music isn't entertaining enough on its own to support the industry the way it did years ago. These people would be content with the large body of music that has already been recorded and the few token new songs that catch their ear during a TV commercial. A subscription based service would suit them very nicely.

For a smaller group of the listening population, new records are a necessity. Part of the enjoyment for them is seeking out new music and owning a copy of it. A subscription based system won't work for them; some type of physical distribution will have to remain. And even if they become rare or the price goes up dramatically, they will find them and they will pay.

If anything, this is a great time for the credibility of the musician. Soon, "entertainers" will not need to make albums anymore, allowing musicians to take over the art form and restore some of its validity.

The question is if there is a way to juggle both of these worlds under the existing music industry, or if it just needs to come crumbling down.


-Rick Kwan

The music industry is in a bad place.

At the moment I think the music industry is in a bad place. There are a few reasons I feel this way 1. The Internet is taking away from album sells 2. Albums are still priced too high for most people, and 3. For me the biggest reason is lack of good music.

The artists that are signed now all sound the same, I have to rely on musicians from 20 years ago and beyond to quench my thirst. I also personaly know bands that are way better than the crap on the radio right now. Anyway, I think record companies will eventually become extinct as far as the way it is done now, ya know, sign a band and release an album type thing. I fear it will all be going to the internet, and albums will become a thing of the past, which is not cool, but most people prefer to get their music from the net. Musicians will start doing things on their own. Of course this is a worst case scenario, I myself like the way the industry is run now, except for the terrible music that is out right now.

-Derek Mardis

This business is a contradiction.

This business is a contradiction.
You’re right, but always wrong.
You are growing older, but must remain young.
You must "fake it" to seem "real".
You must be wise and smart but at times play dumb.

Remember this— never loose your ability to rock.
Do not let go of your dreams.
You are told to give up, but continuing on
is the greatest contradiction it seems.

-Bass Face

industry can take away your confidence

This industry can take away your confidence, dreams, and sanity, but-- don't EVER let it take away your publishing!

-Heidi

The success of today's music industry

The success of today's music industry seems to come not from a bevy of talented artists, but instead from ingenious producers and engineers. For years now, these producers have found creative ways to keep the public interested in mainstream music. The artist, who gets most of the hype, has actually contributed very little to the success of an album. It is apparent that there are not many "true artists" left, but merely fortunate girls and boys who were lucky enough to be attached to a particular and talented producer.

Despite many people's preference for authentic sounds, music is becoming more and more computerized. Perhaps soon there will be no going back to the days when artists could actually sing. With less and less need for talented artists, maybe the Grammys along with other award shows should do away with the pretense of awarding "Best New Artist" every year. When most of the talent lies in the production and mixing, it won't be long before the artist becomes unnecessary.

- HEJ

labels are going the "way of the dodo bird"

I think that the record executives have paved their own way to extinction by forcing consumers to buy an album to get one or two good songs. Now, for a dollar each you can download only the songs you want. Artists can represent themselves, where they were once slaves of the record executives. The big major labels are going the "way of the dodo bird" and will soon be obsolete.

-Anonymous

What goes around comes around...

What goes around comes around...

The music industry if you think about it really is an interesting concept. I always hear so many people say that the music industry is dying. Sure, the industry may be changing, but that doesn’t mean that it’s all going to end tomorrow. The truth is that the next new wave or direction is out there. Someone just has to find it. Music is another form of art. When you follow history of the art time-line, one see that artistic direction is cyclical. Trends come and go and come around again. For me, I hope that we can have music come back to it’s original state: pure and simple, with real vocals, real instruments, melodies, and a lot of meaning... but I’ll save that discussion for another post.

-Anonymous

Opinion on the music business

doomed


-Ian Pierce