At the end of 2010, Billboard announced that it would start a social media chart to keep track of how recording artists were doing on social sites. The chart was dubbed the Social 50. On February 21st 2013, Billboard unveiled it's YouTube chart.
In the early 1990s, Billboard changed the name of the R&B chart to the Rap/Hip Hop & R&B chart. Back then I thought that this somehow was making the statement that R&B was on it's way out... hmmmm. So, when they announced their social media chart I was certain that something was going to run afoul. Surprisingly, the chart was pretty much what I thought it might be, which is a reflection of the top major label recording artists
The new YouTube chart represents exactly those same artists, albeit not necessarily in the same order. I think both the Social 50 and the YouTube charts are great ways for Billboard to stay in line with the growing changes brought about by the digital age.
However, I was a little disappointed. While I knew what these charts would look like, I was kind of hoping that I would find music from artists that I had never heard of, with music that was so diverse that I would be compelled to check out those charts to hear what was, really new. As it is, both of these charts represent more of the same from the same handful of artists. Most of them have been present for about the last 10 or 15 yrs, though their sound has remained relatively the same as when they started.
There is so much more music on YouTube then what you will find on the new YouTube chart. While it is a good barometer for measuring how songs on the top 40 are doing, you're not going to see that great new band or artist that you found, anywhere near it. At least Billboard is keeping up with the changing times
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Thursday, February 21, 2013
After The Fall
On February 15th the world was stunned and surprised by the news of a meteor strike over Russia. While it's true that meteors enter Earth's atmosphere everyday, one the size of the one that exploded over the Ural Mountains, happens only once a century.
The meteor struck the Earth's atmosphere at about 33,000 miles per hour, at an altitude of about 12 to 15 miles above the Russian city of Chelyabinsk. The object was estimated to be about 50ft in diameter and weighed an estimated 7,000 tons. The explosion, which created a shock wave that had the force of a 500 kiloton bomb, knocked out windows and crumbled a few walls. More than 1,000 people were injured by glass and flying debris.
Hours later, asteroid 2012 DA14 which is about twice the size of the Russian meteor, passed within 17,200 miles of the Earth. The two events were not related to each other, however, it tends to make one wonder, even if momentarily, about what is out there in the darkness of our own solar system that just might be headed our way.
It isn't known what if anything is planned in the event that something much larger than the Russian meteor or asteroid 2012 DA14, should be on a collision course with the Earth. At least it's good to know that someone is watching the skies and keeping track of anything that might prove to be a threat.
NASA's Near Earth Objects Program discovers and catalogs the various objects that are relatively close enough to the Earth that they may eventually make contact. Since 1994, some 9734 near Earth objects have been detected. Of those, 862 are asteroids. Of those asteroids, one in particular came to NASA's attention. In 1994, an asteroid named Apophis, which has been discovered to be about 1,066 feet wide, was calculated to contact the earth on April 13th 2029. However, further investigations led to the alternate date for an impact in 2036, but both dates have since been ruled out.
Humanity seemed to go about its daily existence until the 1980s when a giant crater was discovered off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Since then it is believed that a giant asteroid struck the Earth about 65 million years ago, bringing extinction to the dinosaurs. Concern began to grow over the possibility that such an event could also do the same to humanity. Gladly, we now possess the technology by which we are able to keep an eye on our surrounding universe, and hopefully, we will stand a much better chance.
The meteor struck the Earth's atmosphere at about 33,000 miles per hour, at an altitude of about 12 to 15 miles above the Russian city of Chelyabinsk. The object was estimated to be about 50ft in diameter and weighed an estimated 7,000 tons. The explosion, which created a shock wave that had the force of a 500 kiloton bomb, knocked out windows and crumbled a few walls. More than 1,000 people were injured by glass and flying debris.
Hours later, asteroid 2012 DA14 which is about twice the size of the Russian meteor, passed within 17,200 miles of the Earth. The two events were not related to each other, however, it tends to make one wonder, even if momentarily, about what is out there in the darkness of our own solar system that just might be headed our way.
It isn't known what if anything is planned in the event that something much larger than the Russian meteor or asteroid 2012 DA14, should be on a collision course with the Earth. At least it's good to know that someone is watching the skies and keeping track of anything that might prove to be a threat.
NASA's Near Earth Objects Program discovers and catalogs the various objects that are relatively close enough to the Earth that they may eventually make contact. Since 1994, some 9734 near Earth objects have been detected. Of those, 862 are asteroids. Of those asteroids, one in particular came to NASA's attention. In 1994, an asteroid named Apophis, which has been discovered to be about 1,066 feet wide, was calculated to contact the earth on April 13th 2029. However, further investigations led to the alternate date for an impact in 2036, but both dates have since been ruled out.
Humanity seemed to go about its daily existence until the 1980s when a giant crater was discovered off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Since then it is believed that a giant asteroid struck the Earth about 65 million years ago, bringing extinction to the dinosaurs. Concern began to grow over the possibility that such an event could also do the same to humanity. Gladly, we now possess the technology by which we are able to keep an eye on our surrounding universe, and hopefully, we will stand a much better chance.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
The Fourth Major?
Looking to avoid any antitrust violations, Universal recently sold former EMI holding, Parlophone Records. Now that there are officially only three major record companies, is it possible that a fourth will ever reemerge?
Last summer, when Universal was considering divesting itself of Virgin Records, Sir Richard Branson was said to be in negotiations, in a bid to buy back the company that he founded in 1972. When I heard the news, I remember thinking what a great idea that would be. Instead of going from four majors, Virgin could have been spun off to keep a sense of balance in the industry. Talks went on for several months until finally the deal fell through.
So what's the big deal, right? If you're an Independent or DIY label, the issue is the loss of market share in the face of the mega majors financial and promotional muscle power. However, the Indie community is looking at the sale of Parlophone to Warner as a, countervailing force against the duopoly of Universal and Sony, strengthening Warner, which had been struggling in recent years. But, that still leaves only three major record companies on the face of the planet.
The larger Indie labels have been making a splash at the Grammys in the past two years. In fact they won a total of 34 trophies this year, with notables wins from Big Machine, Concord Music Group, and Rounder Records. With growing numbers like that, I think that it's conceivable, at least in my opinion, that a fourth major could arise from their ranks.
There's so much more music out there than what's being played on terrestrial radio, that I think that a fourth major would be a perfect way to not only highlight it or showcase it, but also bring it to the eyes and ears of the public. However, being an Independent has it's strong points. One is, as an Independent artist, there's a greater chance that you get to make the music that you, the artist want to make. With that being said, there may not be an Independent that wants to risk their autonomy, in the face of Grammy acceptance, and/or wider public acceptance.
Still, a fourth major recording company would make the current music scene a much more interesting place. It could spur greater competition among labels to bring the most unique artists and bands to the forefront. Not to mention, the possibility of increasing the variety of artists, bands, and music styles currently offered on terrestrial radio and in brick & mortar stores. And, you know what they say, variety is the spice of life.
Last summer, when Universal was considering divesting itself of Virgin Records, Sir Richard Branson was said to be in negotiations, in a bid to buy back the company that he founded in 1972. When I heard the news, I remember thinking what a great idea that would be. Instead of going from four majors, Virgin could have been spun off to keep a sense of balance in the industry. Talks went on for several months until finally the deal fell through.
So what's the big deal, right? If you're an Independent or DIY label, the issue is the loss of market share in the face of the mega majors financial and promotional muscle power. However, the Indie community is looking at the sale of Parlophone to Warner as a, countervailing force against the duopoly of Universal and Sony, strengthening Warner, which had been struggling in recent years. But, that still leaves only three major record companies on the face of the planet.
The larger Indie labels have been making a splash at the Grammys in the past two years. In fact they won a total of 34 trophies this year, with notables wins from Big Machine, Concord Music Group, and Rounder Records. With growing numbers like that, I think that it's conceivable, at least in my opinion, that a fourth major could arise from their ranks.
There's so much more music out there than what's being played on terrestrial radio, that I think that a fourth major would be a perfect way to not only highlight it or showcase it, but also bring it to the eyes and ears of the public. However, being an Independent has it's strong points. One is, as an Independent artist, there's a greater chance that you get to make the music that you, the artist want to make. With that being said, there may not be an Independent that wants to risk their autonomy, in the face of Grammy acceptance, and/or wider public acceptance.
Still, a fourth major recording company would make the current music scene a much more interesting place. It could spur greater competition among labels to bring the most unique artists and bands to the forefront. Not to mention, the possibility of increasing the variety of artists, bands, and music styles currently offered on terrestrial radio and in brick & mortar stores. And, you know what they say, variety is the spice of life.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
The Old Guard
The words "old guard," tend to refer to the established, often conservative element within a society. But, I have often heard it used in reference to those whose customs, practices, and traditions carry on beyond the times in which they were created. When it comes to music, the "old guard," can be found among those artists and bands whose music has stood the test of time. The names of which are numerous and stretch across every genre.
On Saturday, January 26th 2013, Leroy Sugarfoot Bonner, lead singer of the Ohio Players passed away. One of Funk's "old guard," is no longer with us. He was with the band in the mid 60's when they were known as The Ohio Untouchables, and became their lead singer in 1974, with the release of the album, "Skin Tight." He briefly went solo in the 80s and was touring an Ohio Players lineup right up until the time of his death.
Something that I personally wanted to see happen from the music of those Funk bands of the 70s, was not an attempt to replicate what those artist did. Because, many of them were growing and evolving the sound of Funk. In fact, the Ohio Players were continually making their music more appealing and accessible to as broad an audience as possible. And, until Disco, they were doing it with great success.
In many ways and at many times over the last several decades, it seems as if Rock, Jazz, and Funk are being replaced by Rap, Hip Hop and Dance. While this is only my opinion, elements that made the former genres so relevant and gave Pop music it's "punch," have been discarded in favor of more trendy, highly produced confections.
While Funk is not Classical music, which continues to enjoy popularity, it can still be said that there are Funk classics, and Rock and Jazz classics too. The question in my mind is whether or not someone from this or future generations will step forward and carry the torch! Be true to the Funk and remember the, "old guard."
On Saturday, January 26th 2013, Leroy Sugarfoot Bonner, lead singer of the Ohio Players passed away. One of Funk's "old guard," is no longer with us. He was with the band in the mid 60's when they were known as The Ohio Untouchables, and became their lead singer in 1974, with the release of the album, "Skin Tight." He briefly went solo in the 80s and was touring an Ohio Players lineup right up until the time of his death.
Something that I personally wanted to see happen from the music of those Funk bands of the 70s, was not an attempt to replicate what those artist did. Because, many of them were growing and evolving the sound of Funk. In fact, the Ohio Players were continually making their music more appealing and accessible to as broad an audience as possible. And, until Disco, they were doing it with great success.
In many ways and at many times over the last several decades, it seems as if Rock, Jazz, and Funk are being replaced by Rap, Hip Hop and Dance. While this is only my opinion, elements that made the former genres so relevant and gave Pop music it's "punch," have been discarded in favor of more trendy, highly produced confections.
While Funk is not Classical music, which continues to enjoy popularity, it can still be said that there are Funk classics, and Rock and Jazz classics too. The question in my mind is whether or not someone from this or future generations will step forward and carry the torch! Be true to the Funk and remember the, "old guard."
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