This week’s discussion centered on the recording and music industry—a topic I knew nothing about. I always figured that the music I listened to was made in a glamorous studio, and the company then distributed that music to the public on iTunes and the radio. I thought that in our supposedly “capitalistic” economy, listeners decided what become popular and what was aired on the radio. I figured (wrongly) that what was demanded, was provided. Little did I know that the recording industry has us fooled—we listen to what they decide we want to hear. I didn’t realize that music is screened and tested on a ‘test’ audience before it’s released. I also didn’t know that the majority of song compositions occur with in a limited range—only written in the several keys that have been proven “appealing” to the human ear. Was it naïve of me to think that the recording industry would want to give all artists, all genres, a chance to impress the public? There are so many listeners out there to buy music, so why doesn’t the industry support all talented artists?
The story of Kenna made me realize just how limited music production is. Why wouldn’t this new, progressive, funky artist make it in the music world? Sure his music is new, an indefinable rap/pop/reggae/folk fusion, but just because Kenna doesn’t fall under current music genres doesn’t mean that audiences won’t love him. The only thing constant in life is change. Consider rap, for instance. In the 1960’s rap was probably something very foreign and confusing, as it did not fit in with the music of the day. But now, 40 years later, rap is one of the biggest genres of music with a HUGE following. It doesn’t take a business major to realize that limiting the type of music produced isn’t an intelligent fiscal move. Imagine if Hip-hop and rap producers had dismissed the genre. We’d be missing a great addition to our music libraries, and (for you music companies desiring nothing but profit) there certainly would be a lot less millionaires in the world. So give artists like Kenna a chance. We want to hear them!
It seems as though our society has become comfortable or even immune to the types of music and rhythms that now make up our music industry today. That is partly why I believe people didn't respond positively to Kenna and his new style of music. Its hard for people to step outside of their comfort zone and give a new style of music a chance. Kenna isn’t like anything that we have heard before and although big-time music people said it would do well doesn’t really mean much because it is up to the audience. Kenna’s problem was that he didn’t really have a target audience to help get his music out there because there was no other music like this. No target audience means little potential for success.
ReplyDeleteI agree that it is upsetting how limited our musical playlists are. I feel as though society has almost been brainwashed to enjoy the mainstream music that is played on the radio now. Does the simplification in our choice of music reflect a simplification that our minds are adjusting to?
ReplyDeleteI hope not.