Most People Might Not Be Into Music
With the demise of top-40 radio, the slow death of printed news, the over-saturation of reality shows on MTV, and the overload of Internet blogs and sites, there’s lamenting from music critics that we are lacking filters to find new music now a days.
However, I also think the explosion of having too-much to sift through on the Internet has also shown us that many people just aren’t in to music that much. Now-a-days, it takes a little work to find a new band, and I don’t think everyone is willing to do that work. But the rewards are more fruitful.
I’m actually amazed people complain about the state of music now a days. In middle school, I used to tape STP and Pearl Jam’s new release off the radio, which was the only way for me to first hear it! Now, music is a click a way.
It’s a golden age, but it’s easy to get lost in the Easter egg hunt. 15-20 years ago, people could turn on the radio and MTV, they knew what small number of bands were making an impression in the States. There was a shared conversation for music lovers because the filters were there. Finding an indie bands was a conversation away with a close friend or reading the local zine, but there were less bands making recordings. It was easier to stay up to speed.
Now, everyone is creating Bandcamp sites and doing Kickstarter campaigns. The freedom is wonderful, but the ability to find music that one will like has gotten more difficult. And the ability for the country to have a shared conversation of music is so limited to Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, and the old timers, it’s not even relevant anymore. (Just look at the top songwriters from Vh1’s post. So narrow-minded.)
Honestly, there is more great music out there and many ways to find it. The top and medium sized blogs are now established. However, I think many people who “loved music” 15 years ago because they could flip a switch or click a controler, now need to do a little more work. They need to read. They need to take a chance. Attend a show. Branch out. The fact is they just don’t love music that much to put some work into it. This isn’t a criticism, it’s just a reality that musicians and music fans need to face. The general population might not love music as much as we do.
I also think two types of statements are going to die soon:
- People still saying, “I’ve never heard of that band!” with shock and disbelief when I tell them “Oh yeah, this group just sold a few 100,000 digital releases and are touring sold-out clubs.”
- People still criticizing others for discovering a band (one that’s been around six years) yesterday. (“Jeez, Mike, I thought you were into music!” Um, sorry? They just weren’t on my radar. Doesn’t mean I don’t have a radar seeking music.)
People still don’t get it. No one is going to hear of every band that’s making waves any more. It’s impossible. However, there are some ways to stay in touch with music, and I’m going to offer a few of my favorite spots in my next blog.
