This originally ran on October 3rd, 2011
In many ways, the population currently residing on this mudball are from two different worlds when it comes to music. Some components are time-worn and exist in both, and some are at loggerheads with one another, creating a sizeable chasm between the two that is much deeper and wider than even the fabled ‘generation gap’ of the ’60s and ’70s.
I’ve been slowly re-imbedding myself into the Dante’s Inferno that is the current music industry with a focus on promoting good, new music [see some of my previous blogs for my recommendations] cause, let’s face it, talking about the mistakes the labels made over the last decade is like discussing that guy at Decca Records that passed on The Beatles [his name was Dick Rowe and he made up for the faux pas by later signing the Rolling Stones].
This week came the revelation that digital music streaming services are both ripping off artists AND generating no revenue. Rarely has there been a non-story generating so much sucking and blowing simultaneously.
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During the 50 years preceding the collapse of the music industry – i.e. Before Napster – the music we knew and loved was carefully spooned out and fed to us proportionally by record companies who knew how much we’d consume and for how long. This was done via a sifting process controlled by radio.
You hear and see it everywhere. People constantly complaining about today’s music, radio, television, and movies. And it doesn’t stop there. They complain about their politicians, their Governments, the lack of decent service, and the dearth of knowledgeable salespeople in most of the big box stores that have replaced locally owned shops and retail outlets. They rail against all these things, but nothing seems to change. Some people even start asking questions, but the questions that need to be asked never are. Why are so many people disgruntled? What happened to creativity and quality? Why don’t things get better? Well, the first thing we need to understand is this; as vocal as we are about the terrible state we perceive things to be in, we are not the Majority. Apparently, the Majority are perfectly happy…at least, they think they are…and the Majority rules.
As the line between art and commerce continues being eroded by divested corporate interests in the form of major record labels (BMG, EMI, SONY, UNIVERSAL, WARNER) that control that art, word came last week that digital media manufacturing giants CINRAM have filed for bankruptcy. To the layman the immediate reaction is “Who?”. To those in the music industry this announcement is more ominous portents of an inevitable music apocalypse.
Normally, I do not watch award shows. I didn’t watch the ACM Awards show last week either, but by happenstance clicked by and hit a moment I wish I could forever erase from my mind. As I remember it (and I am trying hard to disremember, trust me), Reba McEntire introduced KISS (wait a minute, was this the Academy of Country Music Awards?) who spent way too long looking and acting like primadonnas in full makeup and halloween attire opening an envelope so that they could announce a winner, and it would have made no difference who because if Nashville is about nothing else these days, it’s about formula.
I’m not even sure if there are major labels anymore. For all I know, there’s just one. Universal has been gobbling up labels like a junkyard dog and for good reason. There’s big money to be made in those labels. Big money. And, surprise of surprises, it’s not in the current hits. It’s in catalogue.
In many ways, the population currently residing on this mudball are from two different worlds when it comes to music. Some components are time-worn and exist in both, and some are at loggerheads with one another, creating a sizeable chasm between the two that is much deeper and wider than even the fabled ‘generation gap’ of the ’60s and ’70s. This time it is not age that separates the two worlds (although age certainly comes into play) even though most people would assume it is just that. Young people versus old, this generation versus that generation…because on the surface, you could easily reach that conclusion. The truth of the matter is a bit more complex. It is a miracle that the two worlds aren’t punching each other in the face every chance they get. At least, they haven’t yet….
Bullseye Records of Canada
Segarini: Don't Believe a Word I Say 