Why has the quality of music dropped so much lately?

[Tusken GA]

So I've been out of this forum for a spell and come back to find out the situation appears to have gotten worse since my last foray in these parts. I aim to change that.

Music hasn't always been the generic, repetitive, bombastically offensive stuff it is now. Once upon a time talking about things like sex, drugs, and alcohol required talent all on its own, with a keen sense of poetic lyricism. Once upon a time there were battles to decide who had the greatest guitar, drum, and bass solo.

My theory is three fold.

First, I think the raising of society's tolerance for vulgarity decreased the need for subtlety, which then meant that people without a subtle bone in their body could participate. This had the added consequence of allowing a slew of untalented song writers into the industry where they could actually find success.

Second, the introduction of autotune meant that you didn't necessarily have to be able to sing to make a song. This would later translate to a world where a lead singer that can actually carry a tune is a rarity in and of itself.

This probably lowered the standard across the board, leading to guitarists that can actually play being rare, drummers that can actually play being rare, and other instrumentalists suffering the same.

Finally, the advent of 99 cent songs carved a huge hole in the media industry, which is quite heavily based on the system of incorporation I may end up mentioning later, and they've been unable to adequately course correct as a result.




So, what do you guys think are the reasons for the music industry's current state? Do you think there are other causes than what I've listed here? Have you even noticed any problems in the way the industry functions and the content it produces? Are there any specific examples you think are relevant?

Feel free to spout off below.

And, as always, keep in mind that this thread is targetted specifically at the American Music Industry. I have neither the time nor the inclination to adapt my position to other countries' unique situations.

[\//\|>0R₩/\\/€ Sasha サー]

No, you are just looking in the wrong places.

[Tusken GA]

Ursprungligen skrivet av Sasha Nyne:

No, you are just looking in the wrong places.

At the risk of sounding like a hipster, would you say you look for music in mainstream circles or are your favorite artists either small time or otherwise obscure in your location of origin?

I'm not arguing that good music isn't being produced; I'm arguing that the music industry as a general entity isn't producing it.

[\//\|>0R₩/\\/€ Sasha サー]

I would know being a music conoisseur. Music is like an iceberg. The top that is visible is mainstream music which is about 5% of the music out there. The rest of the iceberg is underwater and cannot be seen, this is the other side of music that is unseed and unheard. What I am trying to say is you has to go outside the norm. Explore, there are hundreds of thousands of artist/bands out there that make such good music.

[LightKeeper]

Ursprungligen skrivet av Sasha Nyne:

I would know being a music conoisseur. Music is like an iceberg. The top that is visible is mainstream music which is about 5% of the music out there. The rest of the iceberg is underwater and cannot be seen, this is the other side of music that is unseed and unheard. What I am trying to say is you has to go outside the norm. Explore, there are hundreds of thousands of artist/bands out there that make such good music.

I'm glad you thought of this all by yourself, I wouldn't of thought to explore music.

[\//\|>0R₩/\\/€ Sasha サー]

Like I said, you are looking in the wrong places. Excluding underground and obscure bands/artist, these artist are mainstream and current:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eE82K7gC-4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfWTelWrO8U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELy_-OW_LB8

[\//\|>0R₩/\\/€ Sasha サー]

They are big in their country and very mainstream. Such as also

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLNDphvw5A0

This is Gary Numan, he is a big "pop" star in his homeland, the UK. Remember that one hit wonder song "Cars" in the 80's? That was his only hit in the US. He is big in the UK and still making music.

[Tusken GA]

Ursprungligen skrivet av Sasha Nyne:

I would know being a music conoisseur. Music is like an iceberg. The top that is visible is mainstream music which is about 5% of the music out there. The rest of the iceberg is underwater and cannot be seen, this is the other side of music that is unseed and unheard. What I am trying to say is you has to go outside the norm. Explore, there are hundreds of thousands of artist/bands out there that make such good music.

And none of them reach mainstream. Why? Because major studios don't take the risk on them, don't promote them, and don't work for them.

Why? Because they focus on the safe bets; the cash ins. They want songs that fit archetypes, artists that don't mind being manipulated, and bands that look good.

What happens when a band makes it big? They get churned through a filter to make them fit the mold. Why? Because risks are discouraged in an incorporated company.

I've no doubt there are tons of great bands out there. My problem is that great bands don't make it big. My question is why, and my answers are in the OP.

[\//\|>0R₩/\\/€ Sasha サー]

Post #5 disproves your aurgment. Those artist are big and mainstream in their country. They are promoted state side, it's just that the US isn't looking for or is not interested in these bands/artists. US just has ♥♥♥♥ taste in music.

Also some great bands/artists make it only to indie labels and never make it big due to indie label funding or self-release their music due to lack of record label.

[Tusken GA]

Ursprungligen skrivet av Sasha Nyne:

Post #5 disproves your aurgment. Those artist are big and mainstream in their country. They are promoted state side, it's just that the US isn't looking for or is not interested in these bands/artists. US just has ♥♥♥♥ taste in music.

Also some great bands/artists make it only to indie labels and never make it big due to indie label funding or self-release their music due to lack of record label.

I live in the States and my post is about the States so forgive me for not clarifying.

[LoTekRabbit]

Ahh 90's Seattle... I love you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUb450Alpps

Way too many artists are manufactured by the record companies these days and when they're not needed they're tossed aside. That's why they have no staying power and don't even sing from the gut.

With that said there are a lot of good musicians/bands you just have to look for them. Every decade had it's share of trash and it's no different now. Sure I can't point to any modern band and say "oh they're in the same league as The Who, Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Stones, Pearl Jam, Nirvana ,Beatles, etc. but they don't have to be.

[Bingsley]

Funny you should mention the Beatles and co. Don't get me wrong I'm a little outside the loop compared to what I'm seeing from you guys but don't you think all the "legend" bands are more a product of their time? Having been a fair few years from born when the Beatles were touring I listen to their music and think it's a little overrated. Just want to throw my hat in and get an opinion from some people who seem to know what they're talking about.

[Executioner's Bong]

There is so much great music out there, and with the advent of the internet it has never been easier to find it. I think the idea that quality of music has declined and good instrument players are rare is garbage. You need to look for yourself instead of expecting t.v, magazines and whatever to spoonfeed you new music.

P.s nice one to the guy for Temple of the Dog, aint heard this in years.

[Muscles]

The Chavs are rising... Music industries think they will get a better profit if they have a chav fanbase since there are so many of them, and they are all stupid enough to throw away all their money for crap music to waste their lives on.

[Executioner's Bong]

That's been going on for decades.

[The Grapist]

Rap/R&B music... Has just became this garbage over the last decade(s).

Let me explain the difference in music between meaning, and garbage:

Music that descibes this decade:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QK8mJJJvaes

Music that i look up too, and regret to see it's gone forever :(

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4GDFNvjoVQ


Listen to the lyrics.. This was when music had true beauty and meaning. You don't need to talk about Drugs, sex or hurting people for music to be good.. You just need meaning.