I've noticed a pattern from years of analyzing music. It seems that the music that is created in the hopes of doing the most good is often the least desirable to listen to. Sure, this is just my opinion but I think CD and ticket sales support this. Personally, I've found myself, on many occasions, singing along to a song whose lyrics I totally disagree with simply because the beat or hook was so darn catchy (see Jay Z or Little Wayne (trust me, I'm not throwing my hard earned dollars to "make it rain" in nobody's strip club - but damn if I don't sing the joint when it comes on )). On, the flip side, I've turned from many a radio station playing music with lyrics that were right on point - all because the music was just not appealing. This is just my personal experience so don't be offended but this is best exemplified by my love/hate relationship with Gospel music.
I'm a Christian who believes in Jesus and loves to read the Bible. But Gospel music just does not do it for me. As a producer, I find so much of the music dated. As a songwriter, I find many of the lyrics lacking in originality (The Bible has over 1000 pages in it people. Surely, there's more to talk about than "He's been good", "I'm blessed", and "It's gonna be alright". ) And though there are a few gospel artists like Fred Hammond that I find totally original, for the most part I find the "Inspirational" genre quite uninspiring.
And is this the way that it's supposed to be? Should I be more inspired by Jay Z then Donnie McClurkin? And why is it that I am? Is it because the Devil controls the music industry and therefore his people get all the cool toys to produce with? Are we all just pawns of the evil record labels who have trained us to love what they tell us to? Or, is there really a serious gap in the quality of "positive" and "negative" music.
Maybe it's a little of both. However, as creators of music (or other art forms for that matter) how do we ensure that our music "for good" is up to par with the worldly standard? Because it seems to me, that if we want to make music that will affect the masses, then we have to make music that will actually "reach" the masses. What do you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Showing posts with label Making Better Music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Making Better Music. Show all posts
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Why is "Good" Music so Bad?
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Making Better Music
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