There And Back (VIII)

There And Back started out as a one post blog about how Disco and its subsequent demise opened the door for major label execs to replace artists who had creative freedom, with look alike, sound alike prefab clones who were so desperate to become stars that they would sign away all of their publishing and performance rights.

In part VII, I talked about how the prosperity of the mid 1990s lead to the merging and acquiring that has ultimately reduced the once seven major recording companies down to just the three we have today. But wait there's more.

Here in the first two decades of the 21st century, the music industry has discovered what would appears to be the ultimate star making vehicle. The reality talent show has risen to such prominence that its former contestants and winners are continually wining or at least being nominated for Grammys.

Shows like American Idol, America's Got Talent, The Voice, and X Factor are tailor made for the major recording companies to accomplish their objectives. First they want to produce artists with name recognition and what they believe is star power. Second, they want to maintain the look and sound of said artists. These two objectives help major labels keep the bulk of profits that these artists make and are the same ones that lead to the demise of Disco.

So far, the music buying public has been very receptive to the shows that produce these stars. But, I'm sure that I'm not the only one who can recount the scores of artists who have appeared on these shows, received much notoriety for about a year or more after their appearance and then consequently, disappeared. One has to ask, is this really the way to bring great talent to light?

If you like reality TV, these shows offer everything from celebrity judges, to action, adventure, comedy, suspense, and of course, plenty of drama. In my opinion, the idea appears to be whether the contestant can do what they are told or should I say, perform what they are told. Those who manage to take songs previously made a hit by another artist to a level that satisfies the celebrity judges, and the shows producers, win the big recording contract. They also win loads of pressure to prove themselves worthy of what they've won.

As a DIY artist, I consider myself to a consummate industry outsider. I have no ax to grind. But as a music lover and consumer, it is disconcerting to find yourself once again digging through your oldies for a song or in many cases in search of a song that should be on the radio but isn't. You know, not an oldie, but something that you just can't find.

On January 17th sales of recorded music were reported to have reached a new low. While the three major record companies are so diversified that this might not represent a problem for them, maybe the thought of an even deeper loss of revenue from recorded music, as a result of the growth of streaming, would make them rethink their marketing scheme.