Someone has to work at McDonald’s I suppose, and it’s not going to be Timmy from the Hampton’s.
The gap in how music evolved between 2001-2021, compared to 1981-2001 is just massive.
I think Mark Fisher was really onto something with the death of social democracy and the death of music (at least in the U.K.). All the music resources that were accessible to me for free as a kid in my hometown don’t exist anymore. It’s grim. I also think that the internet has had a part to play in the decline in innovation too.
A friend of mine I used to play in bands with made it in a metal band that got big. That band has done podcasts where they talk about the importance of passive income, and how you shouldn’t form bands with your friends. You see, there’s a much better marketplace for finding talented musicians online. Christ metal sucks now.
I looked into Doja Cat’s Wikipedia page recently and I was disappointed to learn that she is the daughter of wealthy/well connected parents. She’s talented but knowing that it sort of seems inevitable that someone with all of those advantages growing up would go on to be successful.
This is why you nerds need to just listen to punk, it’s like one of the few things anarchists are really good at.
Seriously or any DIY artists at all lol or most rap or anything that’s not shoved down your gullet by stereogum or Brooklyn vegan or what ever.
I hear ya. Depends where you are and what kinda music scene you’re interacting with I suppose, it’s def not close to majority by any stretch of the imagination in my experience. There’s plenty of starving artists out here too. :shrug-outta-hecks:
It’s obviously a much easier path for the rich and well connected tho no arguing that
What’s more, is the new artists are just the spoiled, rich brats of the last generation of artists. I don’t know how in the fuck people I work with find songs about partying on billion dollar yachts in the Hamptons relatable. I’ve known so many people in their twenties that sing along with pop songs like the song is about their life.
This isn’t meant to be an anti-pop screed. I actually find myself enjoying a lot of it on its face. I’m more into jam bands and handmade music, but pop is designed to hit just right, and I’m just not that stone hearted. I have one co-worker that usually picks the music every day, and it’s like top 40 stuff. It’s been interesting being back in the loop, and it kind of helps me balance my music listening. Some days, I just can’t take another playthrough of Doja Cat and I can’t wait to get in my car for some ear bleach. Other days, I discover something like Rollin’ by Michael Kiwanuka. Never would have heard that jam if it wasn’t for the pop station at work.
I don’t even have an issue with pop artists presenting themselves as rich, at least they’re honest about it, I just have an issue with how the spotlight is given arbitrarily in most cases, and it’s an invisible fact to most people. Like I feel there’s no point in trying to make anything artistic, because there would be no one out there who will listen because, while I’m by no means destitute, my family simply is not connected, so I don’t try. I begin defeated already.
Kiwanuka’s You Ain’t The Problem is great though, you should listen to Exuma.
I’ve also noticed that pretty much every popular song that isn’t Doja Cat has a lifted hook, lyrics or melody from another song. I understand sampling, but this just seems lazy. Like they can’t even pay someone to write them some trite and vapid lyrics, they had to steal the hook from that one The Cardigans song, that as far as the fans are concerned, is awesome and original.
People in this thread should listen to rap more
