Power to the people?

Posted 09-24-2009 at 03:16 PM by MoodsR4Cattle

Before making digital music gained mass appeal and every kid with a computer could glue together pre made drum loops with pre made riff loops, and upload it to the world wide web, there were musicians - real musicians. Not all those musicians were professionally trained, many couldn't read music, but they could play, they could sing or they could write. And way back then there were the mighty record labels who would seek out the real talent and serve it up to the masses on vinyl. Some of what the mighty record labels served was sh*t, but it was filtered sh*t. Cream of the crop sh*t, if you will. Being one of those elite record label artists was the goal of every kid with a guitar because it was the only way you could get your music to Joe Public. With the advent of digital, the filter's defeated, the flood gates are open and Joe Public is drowning in sewage.

So I look to the comfort of books. At least those are still controlled by the mighty book publishers. At least the sh*t they serve up is still filtered, still quality sh*t.
But technology wins again.
Yesterday I stumbled across an online on-demand book publisher where every inept witless dolt with MSWord can be a printed author. No proof readers, no editors, no continuity checks, no damn filter! Someone opened the damn flood gates again!

At least I've got the internet where I can post my malcontent on a public blog!

Posted in Just the Everyday

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dont forget shows like "americas got talent" and "american idol"
where not only is the sh*t unfiltered, but seemingly there for the enjoyment of the masses.
While i enjoy a good trainwreck as much as the next guy, it has gotten out of hand. I have to agree with you moods. there was a time when there were people that couldnt sing, play or dance. but they tried. they practiced and practiced until their throats were raw, or their fingers bled, or feet ached and they were happy. they were happy because they were chasing a dream. they were improving slowly. eventually they may be good enough to sing at the local dive, or perform for wedding receptions at the holiday inn. eventually though, they topped out. they realized the limits of their talent and they either accepted defeat and got a real job or remained satisfied with their current star status (such as it was)
These people may have had the support of family and maybe of a church group and that was it. there were a few out there who liked them, and that was all they could get. but now, if they get 20,000 hits on youtube they think they have masses of fans. when in reality, most went there merely to watch a good trainwreck.

Posted 09-24-2009 at 03:36 PM by supertackyman supertackyman is offline

I disagree with you, Moods [dodges flying rock...] - I think I'd rather have access to the sea of sewage and pull out the gems for myself than rely on mainstream record labels or publishing houses to make my choice for me. Sure, it's more work and you have to do a fair bit of wading through crap - but it's worth it in the end.
When it all comes down to it, real talent will find a way - and real crap (be it constructed in CakeWalk or spewed out by a TV "talent" show) will be obvious (and avoided) by people with taste and intelligence.
So I say: more power to the bedroom musicians and the independent scribblers!

Posted 09-25-2009 at 05:55 AM by Tamlin Tamlin is offline

	I see your point, Tam. But the lazy in me doesn't want to spend 99% of my time sifting through the endless sludge, I'd rather leave that to the record labels or publishing houses. They put out a fair enough amount of crap themselves, but at least it's less to wade through.
	Posted 09-25-2009 at 06:05 PM by MoodsR4Cattle

	Mmm...maybe I just have strange tastes. I've just discovered Bizarro literature, for example, which I don't think will ever be considered "mainstream".
	Posted 09-25-2009 at 06:32 PM by Tamlin

	Well, I guess we all have to accept this change, weather we like it or not. We also have (american idol) as many other countries.I followed The Indian Idol, while I was there and it was so nice to see those young talented stars preforming. So I still hope the internet will provide us with music and art. With a choice.
	Posted 09-25-2009 at 10:13 PM by Kenneth Updated 09-26-2009 at 08:30 AM by Kenneth (spelling?)

	im going to have to agree with you tamlin. i do like that there is a sea to be sifted thru. i just wish that mainstream wasnt so commercial.
	Posted 09-28-2009 at 07:14 PM by supertackyman