I know the music industry has changed dramatically since the 80’s, but I never really put the full extent of that change into perspective until today. And I must say, I am beyond annoyed.

 

Allow me to explain further.

Wrong With the Music Industry

My brother sent me this YouTube clip this morning. It brought me to tears for more reasons than one. Take a look:

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I was so moved by what Clive Davis’ thoughts of Whitney and so mesmerized by her performance—her very first performance at only age 19—that I (sorta) went on a Twitter rant about it.

wrong with the Music Industry

My brother sent me this clip this morning-made me cry. cc: @ABJColeman @BURGERSNBOURBON – http://t.co/NalkxantF0 Forever THE VOICE.

— Makeba G. (@MELISASource) November 4, 2013

 

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Just to hear the words that are spoken about her in the beginning……..just WOW. No one can even come close to that in the industry today.

— Makeba G. (@MELISASource) November 4, 2013

 

From 1983 to now. — One would think that things would’ve only gotten better as time progressed, but sadly that’s far from the case.

— Makeba G. (@MELISASource) November 4, 2013

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It’s one thing to watch the clip knowing her tragic ending, but it’s also equally disheartening to compare it to today’s ‘artists.’

— Makeba G. (@MELISASource) November 4, 2013

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Looking at everything as it is now, I highly doubt that things will ever return to the way they were. #sad

— Makeba G. (@MELISASource) November 4, 2013

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Okay: I’m off my #musicIndustry soapbox for now. (Lol) – Everyone have a wonderful day!

— Makeba G. (@MELISASource) November 4, 2013

 

The more I thought about it, the more frustrated I became. What happened to us as a society?? Where did we go wrong?? At what point in time did the shift start of us going from performances and artists as displayed in the video clip up above to the folks and “stuff” that is popular toady??!

wrong with the Music Industry

I just don’t understand! o_O

wrong with the Music Industry

There once was a time in music when there were no gimmicks—only pure God-given talent. The artists just stood in front of a microphone and sang: no flashing lights, no barrage of dance moves or dancers, no pyrotechnics, and definitely no autotune. It was just them. The sound—the soul—that came out of their mouth was all they had. And because it was what it was, the sound was truly all they needed.

Wrong With the Music Industry

Fast-forward to 2013, and I can’t help but ask, ‘Where did the music go?’ Granted, there are some—in fact very few—singers who are around now that are genuinely gifted. In fact, I’m sure there are ones that immediately come to mind. But unfortunately, their talent and efforts are drowned out by the powers of mainstream, and the demands of society that is over-consumed with stimulation. The ‘fans’ want the lights, the barrage of dance moves and dancers, the pyrotechnics, and the autotune. Otherwise, to them any performance would suck.

Wrong With the Music Industry

There will never be another Whitney, but I cannot help but keep hope that more and more singers step into the spotlight that will be so vocally gifted, so soulful, and so graceful and elegant, that society-at-large would have a change of heart, and demonstrate that change with their music downloads, concert ticket and product purchases, radio requests, and TV show and video viewing. I sincerely hope that in time, the media would stop giving so much attention to the antics of artists for the sake of ratings and pageviews, and start shining a spotlight on those lesser-known and underrated artists whose raw talent by far surpasses any gimmick.

Wrong With the Music Industry

Because after all, it is not until we change that the industry will change.

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What are your thoughts on the current state of the music industry? Share with me below or tell me about it at: melisasource@yahoo.com.

Wrong With the Music Industry