Where has the music industry been in the past few years? Even worse, where is it headed? Every year, sales seem to keep slipping, and more artists are losing motivation. What can we do as consumers? For one, we can write articles and act to help generate a movement, and make people aware of the problem. We can also buy more CDs, especially now that certain retailers are selling for below $10. If you prefer to download digitally, that can be done as well. Throughout the article, you can find various resources which will help consumers do their part to save the music industry.
Our economy is consumer driven, and we are in quite a recession. Therefore, all types of industries are going south; music being one of the many. So the first thing we can do to help is spread the word. Why should we care about saving the music industry? For one, we don't want new artists like Soulja Boy gaining confidence in their "singing" abilities. Music is also one of our main productivity and confidence boosters. If we didn't have good music, how much tougher would it be to get things done? Lastly, most independent music artists don't rake in enough money to make a living, and they will be stuck there until they get discovered. With the current state of the music industry, it looks like we will be dealing with situations like these for a long time. Only the consumer can do something about it.
Maybe a collapse is just what the music industry needs?
Less jerks in suits telling people how to play music to get their paycheck, less dead weight in general. I think it could be healthy in the long run. Do you really want to buy music from a bunch of fly by nighters who are out to turn a Hummer sized profit off the little people?
Originally posted by V: Do you really want to buy music from a bunch of fly by nighters who are out to turn a Hummer sized profit off the little people?
Originally posted by V: Do you really want to buy music from a bunch of fly by nighters who are out to turn a Hummer sized profit off the little people?
Yes.
I mean, no. I mean, is it good music?
In my experience, people who are most concerned about making money from music don't generally have a whole lot of time to wonder about whether the music is good or not. depends on your taste.
So of course it's possible that the music is good, but if you look at the sheer probability of what's released in the majors, it's not likely.
"The music industry may be falling apart, but the music is a great as ever."
Even though I am critical of people illegally downloading, I believe the music industry did it to themselves for the most part. What can you expect other then collapse when you disregard what your costumer wants? People just got sick of paying $15 - $20 for shitty music, and I don't really blame them. Let it be a lesson to other industries that you can't always push the public around. I just wish an industry with a more egregious history would have been the example. As bad as the music industry can be, it's far, far from the worst out there.
I had a stick of CareFree gum, but it didn't work. I felt pretty good while I was blowing that bubble, but as soon as the gum lost its flavor I was back to pondering my mortality.
In my experience, people who are most concerned about making money from music don't generally have a whole lot of time to wonder about whether the music is good or not. depends on your taste.
I agree with this, but only to an extent. Yes, the majority of Top 40 artists just want to make money. But what if you're an independent band who wants to make music and nothing else? You're gonna have to make some money, and if you're any good, it won't matter because the target indie audience will (hopefully) support you enough through album/merch/tour purchases.
One of the looming problems for some indie bands now is the price of gas. Many bands who don't sell millions of records (and even those who do) use touring as their main source of revenue, but if they can't afford it, they're screwed.
"The only thing hotter than this hot tub is you two ladies."
I definitely agree with sans_success that the music industry did it to itself.
I think there's a movement towards concerts and live shows because people want to connect with musicians and right now it's pretty much the only way to guarantee the artist is getting a hefty chunk of the change.
I've said it before, but I don't think the "money vs. art" thing is nearly as black and white as people portray it around here. I think the great majority of artists -- yes, even the Ashley Simpsons of the world -- make music because they like music. On the flipside, most moderately successful bands (the ones you've heard of) are a concerned about getting paid.
Most people (not just musicians) dream of doing what they love full time, not having to work a crappy second job so they can do what they love.
----- We were wasps with new wings, now we're bugs in the jar.
In my experience, people who are most concerned about making money from music don't generally have a whole lot of time to wonder about whether the music is good or not. depends on your taste.
I agree with this, but only to an extent. Yes, the majority of Top 40 artists just want to make money. But what if you're an independent band who wants to make music and nothing else? You're gonna have to make some money, and if you're any good, it won't matter because the target indie audience will (hopefully) support you enough through album/merch/tour purchases.
One of the looming problems for some indie bands now is the price of gas. Many bands who don't sell millions of records (and even those who do) use touring as their main source of revenue, but if they can't afford it, they're screwed.
I'm kind of looking at the "industry" as a deer population. In my opinion, it has gotten a bit bloated. Sometimes it's healthy for the population to undergo periods of drought. The ones who won't make it through are the unfit ones (labels or musicians) for various reasons. Whether it's because they have too many debts, are unable to adjust, are unwilling to listen to their consumer base, whatever.
I'm definitely generalizing. As for "black and white" I dunno. It's mainly greyscale, but it's easier to fit it into a couple paragraphs when one generalizes.
Of course you have to make money. Everybody does. But to be completely honest, I think that when many musicians are able to drop that everyday job they lose touch with reality and lose their hunger to make really good music. I have a hunch it's connected with why there are so many amazing debuts out there with crummy sophomore albums ("You get your whole life to record your debut, and six months to do a follow-up" - Elvis Costello paraphrase).
Originally posted by V: I think that when many musicians are able to drop that everyday job they lose touch with reality and lose their hunger to make really good music. I have a hunch it's connected with why there are so many amazing debuts out there with crummy sophomore albums
I think there are a lot of reasons you see great first albums and not-so-great follow-ups. First and foremost, people just run out of ideas. But look at the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Tom Waits, Yo La Tengo, Guided By Voices, and the Flaming Lips for a few examples of artists that made great albums many years into their career.
----- We were wasps with new wings, now we're bugs in the jar.
Fair enough. But I still maintain that having enough money to avoid working in the real world can make you comfortable and complacent, and being in that state is not often conducive to making great music.
I'm not trying to say that's the way things should be, just trying to see some of the positive aspects of what is already going on.
And it's not being miserable that counts. The artists that EG75 cited pushed themselves throughout their careers despite blowing the audience away time and time again. That's what counts. You can push yourself every time despite having sated the press/your fans whatever. However, the majority do not, it seems. And you don't have to. But if you don't, chances are you will lapse into mediocrity. It's like that bit from Through the Looking Glass:
quote:
Now, here, you see, it takes all the running you can do, to keep in the same place.
the music industry is set for a major makeover...people are not buying cds, record companies rape the bands, and the bands make no money... in the end its all about the money
Lastly, most independent music artists don't rake in enough money to make a living, and they will be stuck there until they get discovered. With the current state of the music industry, it looks like we will be dealing with situations like these for a long time. Only the consumer can do something about it.
The only thing that's collapsing is the stranglehold major labels have had on the music industry for decades. Giving Best Buy $100 isn't going to do a thing except give Best Buy another $100 it doesn't need. The artist gets pennies a CD after the big retailers and majors get their share. If you want to save music, support independent artists by going to shows and buying from them directly. The indies will still be indies after the majors have all gone bankrupt. It's not the end; it's a new beginning.
________________________________________________________ "The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side." - Hunter S. Thompson tinymixtapes.com / The Skinny / PopMatters
I believe major labels will be a thing of the past. I think artists are starting to take more control of their music which means being Indie or Unsigned to take complete control. I think also that their will be more album/EP's that will be free to advertise the artist/group. I disagree that it's going to collapse. Because large sales can be acheived still (ex. Lil Wayne 'Tha Carter 3', Kanye West 'Graduation'). I think it's all about marketing and laziness on the record labels part. So if the recording industry collapses I think it's more of the record labels fault. Also I agree that lately their have been albums that are extremely bad but also very good albums. Although Major Label artist records have been going downhill. Studies show that Indie/Unsigned artists are selling more and more. Which I think is great. Don't give up hope yet...
Originally posted by Filmore Mescalito Holmes: If you want to save music, support independent artists by going to shows and buying from them directly. The indies will still be indies after the majors have all gone bankrupt. It's not the end; it's a new beginning.
I'm with Filmore 100%.
-------------------------------------------------- Anatomy to me is a homesick stomach and a broken heart
Originally posted by espo369: I believe major labels will be a thing of the past. I think artists are starting to take more control of their music which means being Indie or Unsigned to take complete control. I think also that their will be more album/EP's that will be free to advertise the artist/group. I disagree that it's going to collapse. Because large sales can be acheived still (ex. Lil Wayne 'Tha Carter 3', Kanye West 'Graduation'). I think it's all about marketing and laziness on the record labels part. So if the recording industry collapses I think it's more of the record labels fault. Also I agree that lately their have been albums that are extremely bad but also very good albums. Although Major Label artist records have been going downhill. Studies show that Indie/Unsigned artists are selling more and more. Which I think is great. Don't give up hope yet...
It's hard to disagree with that. The major labels are indeed collapsing. EMI have been in big trouble, although they have reclaimed some ground through the new Coldplay release. In the grand scheme of things however, no-one needs major labels anymore. They take massive cuts in royalties and produce contracts that are restrictive to the artist. The attractive aspect of major labels is the huge media exposure and coverage they give to the artist. With the internet providing an outlet for this, anyone can generate publicity if they are clever enough and often it costs next to nothing. Net result - the majors are irrelevant.
Additionally, actual music is no longer the primary factor in how you sell things. It seems to be far more the format and sales strategy that counts. Gnarls Barkley made considerable waves in the industry last year through online sales, as did Nizlopi the year before. Additionally, the media moguls have resorted to selling music through talent shows such as Pop Idol and the like. It would seem that having your own TV show is a fast track to huge sales figures. I don't think the majority of musicians have enough finances to cope with that.
Add to that, an increasing number of people who download music for free. Chinese Democracy is already available if you know where to look. 15 odd years in the making and some internet nerd just goes 'Thanks very much Mr Rose - allow me to cut your record sales by 50%''. A lot less people actually pay for music anymore and a diminishing number of do-gooders buying CDs from retail chains isn't going to change that. Music is an endangered species in terms of financial worth.
The other factor in all of this is the artists themselves. It's true to say that there has been a surge of interest in independent music again, but if I look on myspace, way too many bands are gleefully handing their music away as a free download. If there is going to be any sort of living to be made from music, they NEED to start charging.
Where it's heading I have no idea. When people are not paying for one of the most popular forms of entertainment on the planet, you have to ask yourself what will happen next.
I can't think of one other luxury product that I don't have to pay for. Maybe we deserve to live in silence for a few years, in order to make us appreciate music enough to pay for it.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Duncan Black,
