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| Keith Moon of The Who playing drums |
Pop culture has always been enamored with music. The bright lights, big stars, and wild antics often make for fantastic stories, but sometimes this causes misconceptions to spread throughout the music community. Stereotypes and myths are formed about certain groups, genres, and stars themselves, and a lot of the the things we hear are simply useless, or it is completely untrue. I strongly believe that certain publications and people in this world have printed libel and hurt the worlds conception about music today. This article is to kind of offer my opinions on the negative connotations of that libel. It is also to offer up my own opinions on the state of music today. Hope you enjoy!
Myth: Rock and Roll is Dead!
Older generations today will tell you that Rock & Roll is dead and that older Rock bands are far superior to what we have to offer today.
Truth: Rock is alive, Society is moving on
In all actuality there are plenty of great rock bands out there today. Perhaps why people may think Rock is dead is simply because the impact the music has on today's youth is significantly less than it used to. I think the music is definitely still there with great up and comers such as Courtney Barnett, Tame Impala, and The War On Drugs, but it just seems that the time for the genre is simply fading. Albums are still getting revered and appreciated by many, but it seems like people are not yearning to hear Rock music as much anymore. Perhaps this is because the lack of innovation the genre has encountered. There is not as much flexibility in Rock music than a genre like Electronica or Hip-Hop.
Myth: Country Music is Awful
Country music is seemingly pretty hit or miss these days. As a student, I encounter a wide variety of different opinions on the topic. You either love it, or you hate it. I happen to be from an area where people tend to hate it.
My Opinion: I agree slightly
It's really not awful, that's not what I should say. I think there is some great more underground Country artists such as American Aquarium or Chris Stapleton, but Country-pop, a genre that's been ever so thriving since the dawn of Taylor Swift, has taken an enormous plunge. Pop tunes from Johnny Cash with politically charged meaning use to rule the airwaves, but now I only hear songs about women and beer. Sorry Country fans :(. The whole genre is definitely completely awful in any way.
Myth: Drugs make you a better Musician
Many think the use of drugs can help a musician really come into their own. Some people think artists like Kid Cudi or even Julian Casablancas possibly "fell off" because their efforts to stay sober.
Truth: Depends
Really no way to prove this one. Sure certain artists have excelled while under the use of drugs, but many great artists also never use drugs. Some of my favorite albums ever were conceived because of drugs, but then again whose the say the drugs did the magic. For me it's more about the emotional state the writer is in, and when a writer is using drugs heavily they are most likely in a very fragile emotional period, which could lead to a fantastic, emotionally raw record. I'd say some people might need that feeling that drugs might evoke from them in order to feel that focus they need.
Myth: Rappers are not Musicians
Many people think rappers are not musicians. They believe their rhythmic skills and word play does not qualify them properly. Many think in order to be a musician you must be able to play a musical instrument
Truth: Rappers ARE Musicians!
As long as you are an active participant in making music, I would say you are a musician. In order to craft any song, you have to have the necessary skills of musicianship. Many rappers of today use complex rhythms, dynamics, and amazing vocal delivery in order to convey their message. They shape their raps much like a musician would work hard to properly shape a phrase. Last but not least, the voice is an instrument, so yeah this argument is completely irrelevant.
Myth: Making Hit Songs Makes You a Sell Out
If you are an artist that is willing to try to churn out pop single after pop single, then you must likely are a sell out who doesn't actually care about music.
Truth: Mostly False
Sure people try to milk music for the dough, but even our biggest pop stars are capable of doing insane things. Beyonce and Miley Cyrus for example both have been known to make pretty glitchy/experimental music from time to time, so it is acceptable to have a little fun. As long as you stay true to the reason you started making music you are fine. I think T Swift is a sell out, and I also cite Weezer and Green Day as two huge sell out bands. These bands dropped their authentic sounds in order to gain pop appeal :(.
Myth: Indie Kids are Music Snobs
Many people give me that negative tone for being an indie kid, but sorry haha, it's just what I happen to like.
Truth: We Are
I am totally a music snob, but you should be too! There is so much music out there to listen to, and honestly if you don't absolutely love it, why are you listening to it? There is something for all of us to dig into and enjoy, and I am willing to find it even if I hate a lot of the things in the way. I will say I am not a complete snob though. I love all genres, and I think that Hip-Hop is closing in on Indie for the best active genre of music.
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