The Grammy's?? The Shammy's!

I just read an article about the decline of the music industry. In 1999 the industry was worth 14.6 Billion Dollars. In 2009? 6.3 Billion.

The article goes on to blame things like Napster and the changing technologies, and I feel as though that's a big part of the challenges the music industry has faced, but I don't think that's what is continuing the decline. I spent $40 last night on songs on iTunes out of the blue!! The way to sell music digitally has been refined pretty well.

Here's the problem. . . When the digital age slapped us in the face the big record companies freaked out and sued all sorts of people, assuming this could be the end of their world. After that, they went into a crazy panic and thought they had to make immediate money, so they only signed artists they thought were sure things for this instant.

This practice was not uncommon before, but in the past, there was always a mixture of commercially viable artists and long-term investment artists that were under development and they knew would have long careers. Now the long-career artist has been removed from the big picture and all we have are a handful of short-term artist because the big companies were freaked out about losing their money over digital downloads.

Short term artists are also pushed to have good singles so that they can sell right now. The problem with this in the digital age is that it's easier and cheaper to buy a single now without buying the whole album. Since the consumer doesn't even need to buy the whole album to hear their new favorite song, the record companies are out of the money for the whole album. Since it's a single-based market, the record companies don't even care about having a strong, unified ALBUM. It's just a collection of singles. What's the newest Major Label album that you can say "that's a great album" There are lots of smaller label records out there, and records by old artists with new records, but for new artists? few and far between. (there are always a few exceptions, but the exceptions don't make the rule)

This whole mess with the major labels trying to make more money now for fear of not making money later also made them change their main demographic. They're shooting for kids younger and younger. That's because they think the only people willing to buy things in a recession are the rich parents of annoying kids. Hence the pop music industry being more childlike than ever. . .musically, lyrically, thematically, tonally. Watching the Black Eyed Peas new stuff is like watching the Teletubbies with their wacky costumes, silly songs, and weird dance routines. As a music fan, I find it hard to connect with all that.

That brings me to a big point. The MUSIC INDUSTRY is no longer that. It has become the ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY. Music is a part of it as much as music is a part of video games or movies. . . it's an accent to a series of other events.

Now I'm not the kind of musician that believes music is something unto itself. I believe MUSIC is a language. . a form of communication, and I feel as though a lot is being said, but nobody's really saying anything. If you want a good conversation, you'll have to go elsewhere.

I'm not angry about realities of what's going on (with a few exceptions. . .ahem. . .taylor swift. . ahem. . for another blog) These are mostly my observations on why this industry is taking a dive. I strongly believe if the record industry allowed people to go out on a limb and really say things (even Green Day did well with their political album, American Idiot. . .also older, established artists with much pull) then people will have something to listent to, connect with or at least form an opinion about. This at least gets people talking about issues, their lives, their worlds, what's important.

Perhaps that's the thing that bothers me the most. We're not being shown any new way to view anything important. We're just being fed the same things in the same ways because it sells a few records now, but we'll get sick of it and move on. . .which is why the big record companies are in a constant scramble. Get some depth and people will stick with you forever.

Distractions

A new year means resolving to do all sorts of things that you might or might not do. Little promises you make to yourself that you might or might not get to. . . . usually a venture to eliminate certain vices from your life, be it fatty foods and flabby bellies, lack of work ethic, smoking, bad attitudes, communication with loved ones, whatever your poison.

At 5'11.5" I have reached my heaviest weight at 206lbs. I'm certainly not in BAD shape, but I could do better. I don't really make that much money, but then again, I don't have that many expenses. There are all sorts of things I suppose I could have molded into a New Year's Resolution, but I decided to go a different route.

Consistency. I want to start projects and events that I will continue to do. It's easy to START going to the gym, but I want to go REGULARLY, and not just for a week and burn myself out. I want to learn to make a plan and stick to it. This goes for my music career as well.

I have told some people, but I have put it my two weeks notice with the Academy of Music and Art in Westmont. (actually we didn't have time to discuss the exact timeline, but I'm sure we'll work it out for everybody) Before long, I will be working at Avenue N Guitars pretty much full time teaching lessons and working on the floor. This was a goal of mine (and the store's) for a while now. . .2010 - Nick becomes a full-time staffer! So, anybody looking for me, you'll know where to find me. (for those of you who don't know, I also live above the store.. . best scenario EVER!!) I will miss my students in Westmont, but it is the right time for me to move onward and upward!

My consistency goal includes little stuff like picking a specific day to take out my garbage, do my dishes, and do my laundry. This hap-hazard system of waiting of odors to guide my progress is not working for me (don't say "eeeww" you know you've smelled the towel to see if it's fresh)

I also want to blog on a consistent basis. We'll see if it works and I'll have to pick a day and time, but so far it seems like it's noon on Tuesdays. . . .That is until my 11:00 student returns from holiday madness, which will probably be next week, thus throwing off my new schedule.

Well, to anyone who reads this, best of luck with your dedication to your resolutions, whatever they may be!

Mother of Invention

So I'm back to blogging in the middle of the night. No, I'm not drunk. It's just the night-owl artist in me that likes to be active when everyone else is asleep. In fact. . .

There is a theory about artists. Some say that in caveman days there were two sets of people, one of which was the "hunter/gatherer" type. . .always out hunting/gathering all day to make sure there's enough food for the tribe. The other group was the guardians of the cave as the hunter/gatherers slept. This was a pretty boring job, so those who sat and watched the front of the cave would draw pictures, sing songs, and tell stories to help pass the time. According to the theory, we artists are descendants of those cave-watchers who had nothing nothing to do. Interesting idea, huh?

This brings me to a thought. If necessity is the mother of invention, why were basic forms of art discovered and applied to everyday life before math? Why is it that now math is at the top of the "academic food pyramid" of sorts while the arts are being cut from it? Historically, during recessions and economic downturns, musicians and artists have thrived.

I think since many people haven't been taught how to express themselves (even if their expression is as lame as "I want to get drunk and party") they are drawn to the people that can assist them in putting their thoughts in some tangible form so they can share it with others.

Those are my thoughts . . .do you know how to express yours?

Blogging Nick Number One: The Bandwagon

Everyone seems to be having a blog these days. By that, I mean my family. . . and as I try my best to keep up with all the blogs and fail to find the gumption to comment regularly, I find myself having my own thoughts on things that I might want to share with the . . . . I was gonna say "world" but what I really mean is the very small circle of people that might actually check in on my little ramblings here.

So, here I am, sleepless at 3:26 in the morning because I had a church gig at 9 in a northern suburb, then worked at Avenue N Guitars for our first Sunday being open ever, then made my way to my favorite local spot, Aberdeen, for a delicious dinner of Steak Frites (it was a long day, I deserved it!) and promptly went home and fell asleep until about an hour-and-a-half ago. There is no YouTube video that is safe from my late-night search for entertainment, mainly guitar players this time.

It actually was a video I saw that planted the seed of public expression in my head this late night. A girl guitar-facing her way through Eric Johnson's smooth shred classic "Cliffs of Dover", an impressive attempt for any fast-fingered female, or male for that matter. This had me seeking out other songs she's done. . . and then I got to one of her songs.

Ash Soular wrote a political song called "Obamanation", and perhaps you can infer by the title that she's not a big fan. . .which is fine. (don't worry, this is not a political blog.) As I watched her performance and read the endless stupid comments people made. . some in favor, some in opposition, and some just crude, sexist crap. . . .I realized that I have troubles taking thematic chances musically. I've never written anything overtly controversial in any way. Even the chord progressions I like are complex, yet slick and most often undetected in context.

I try to figure out what this means. Am I a wuss? Do I not like confrontation? Am I passive aggressive? Do I feel I need my music to be acceptable to everyone? Would I rather be liked by all than only loved by some?

I suppose the challenge is knowing. How are people so sure that they are right, while others disagree 100%? Doesn't that make you question your first thought? Is everyone else just a moron? How do you know if you're the insightful one or the one shaped by your side's propaganda?

You don't. . and that's why it's so tough. Who's to say what really works or what really should be in such a large and complex country.

I think that's enough thought for now. More blogs are to come, but be prepared. . . . I have no plan on what topics will be covered, so who knows what's to come!

~Nick