What Current Musicians Do You Think Will Stand the Test of Time? – The Learning Network (NY Times)
Out of an unexpected resource, I’ve found something that is relevant to what we’re talking about here. An article on The Learning Network by the New York Times, published by Katherine Schulten. This article is talking, in short, about today’s pop culture and artists. Then there’s an invitation for readers to write their opinions. Few of them were as expected (Li’l Wayne fans and such), but one of them really blew me away – #14, by Chase S. I don’t know how old is who wrote the comment , but as the article suggests, young readers (13 and above) are encouraged to read and comment. Check out this comment and realize that there are some that are aware of today’s problems with new music:
“Today’s music industry is a confusing time. Many artists become famous in a flash because of a hit song. But I don’t believe any of them are going to be remembered the way the Beatles or Michael Jackson were. Those artists were remembered because they did something that had never been done before. All the bands today sound similar and most aren’t creating a unique sound to set themselves apart from others. Even if they managed to they are quickly followed by many up and coming bands so they become a hit song rather than an artist worth remembering.”
— Chase S.
Rock Music Sucks Now and It’s Depressing – Pigeons and Planes
Another article about the poor state of RocknRoll these days, by Ernest Baker.
As you would expect, there are comments for and against, but it’s interesting to see some comments from older Rock fans that are disappointed that the Rock culture is virtually non existent since the 90’s, and even Underground Rock fans that say that there’s nothing really new or revolutionary in RocknRoll. And if this is what Rock fans feel about Alternative music, there’s no one to blame other than the artists of the “Indie” era:
http://pigeonsandplanes.com/2013/08/rock-music-sucks-now/
11 Reasons Why Your Music Self-Promotion Isn’t Working – Music Think Tank
Indie artists start to realize that all their hard self promotion just leads to frustration and wasted time and money. This article by James Moore reveals some of the reasons why:
http://www.musicthinktank.com/blog/11-reasons-why-your-music-self-promotion-isnt-working.html
The Problem with Blogs – The Decibel Tolls
A really interesting article on The Decibel Tolls about Indie music blogs and how far they are from reflecting the truth about Indie artists, their value and how they are more about attracting more traffic than discovering new music:
http://thedecibeltolls.com/the-problem-with-blogs/
60 To 10 – Brenan O’brien Condensed Interview
Brendan O’brien is, in my opinion, the most influential Alternative music producer ever. In this interview with Steve Rennie, aka RENMAN, he talks about music production and the music business in the new age:
Off Camera Episode 7 with Dave Grohl
A very interesting interview of Dave Grohl published on July 13, 2013 by Brett Buchanan, editor of “Alternative Nation”, one of several interviews in “Off Camera” series.
Dave is one of the biggest sources of inspiration for Alternative artists today. On this interview he talks about the importance of the performance and playing live, the imperfections that contribute to the unique sound of the artist and the band, and reveals his method of writing and playing music in spite having no formal education. The way he sees himself as a performer and artist is a big lesson in humility to all artists. Must watch.