The Music of Philosophy: Music in the World of the Mundane
Part 3 (continued)
by: Brandon DeGeorge
Here's a term to throw out at you, oh loyal readers; commercialmusic. What's that mean? Commercial music? Music for commercials? Nope, thoseare called jingles. Then what are you taking about? Do you mean like, thatcategory in colleges "Jazz and Commercial Music" that counts as one major?
Gosh, you people ask a lot of questions.
Ok, basically, commercial music means any type of music that is marketed, and sold as a product to the masses for profit. It is anything, from death metal, to sing-alongs for kids. Whatever you want to name it, if you wrap it in a package, and ask the good people of the world to pay for this form of entertainment, it's commercial music.
So, basically, I have some music, I record it, package it distribute it, and sell it. Ok, fine, great..you may even make a profit, considering that a regular CD only costs about a dollar to produce. But everyone involved has to make a profit, the record company, the distributor, and the record store. That's why, after it get to the consumer, it costs fifteen dollars.
Hey, isn't that a scam? Well, no..but it's sure a pain in the butt for us that have to shell out that dough. Tapes only cost about eight dollars, though. Yeah, but tapes cost about half to produce, as do CD's.
You know what the funniest part of the whole situation is? That the musicians, (you know them, the people who actually make music, and would rather have nothing to do with business, if they didn't have to ) have to borrow money (it's called an advance...yeah, yeah...what a lie) from the record company, just to make an album in the first place.
So they borrow this huge sum of money, (usually more than what it takes to buy a home, these days) and they hire this person, called a producer (who may or may not have any talent for producing records..it's a hit or miss proposition) then they go to this totally overpriced studio (which usually has more comforts, than the artist's home, and more services, which no one really needs than a five star hotel...who's going to play golf while making a album?). So all this money gets wasted, when, economically it could of been done for about a third of the money. In the end, the musicians have to pay all that money back to the record company anyway, regardless of if they spent it all, or not. Maybe my point is moot.
Then again, maybe not. Sometimes, if an album doesn't do well enough, an artist may not see any royalties from their first album. What? Yep...talk about "don't quit your day job." The people who wrote the music in the first place, don't get to see any profit from a product, that is, essentially, theirs.
Is this exploitation? Depends on how you look at it. It's always been this way, and it's most likely not going to change, but let's look at a few points of view, anyway:
The "Music Purist's" view- Basically this is based on the view that all art is priceless, and should never be sold. That anything coming from the soul of an artist is beyond worldly materialism, like money. There can be no compromises.
The "Struggling" musicians view- I'll do anything to get my music heard. Even quit all my jobs that support me and keep a roof over my head. Hey, if I live out on the street, it'll inspire me to write better music, right?
The "Business Minded" musicians view- Alright, I want to make a decent living, doing music, and nothing else. I know that only certain types of music are accepted in mass markets, but some big stars can get to be more artistic, after they sell a few albums. I know I might not see a lot of money to start out with, but hey, this is a long term investment, and I'll do what it takes.
The "Rock Star" view- Hey man, I was born to play this guitar in front of millions of people. All I gotta do is write a few songs, and the record companies will pick me up like that. All my albums are gonna go platinum, I'm gonna be a star!
Okay, a few points of view, based on today's structure of music in society. Think about them. Are there alternatives? Sure, there are always alternatives. In fact, next month, we'll look at a philosophy, that totally attempts to put the record companies out of the loop.
Well, okay kids, that it's for this month. Just remember that most musicians do not receive acknowledgement for their talent, or for their efforts. So, next time you see a band, or any type of musicians, and you like them, don't be afraid to show it. Acknowledgement of someone's accomplishments is one of the best things you can do for someone. Acknowledgement of someone, who doesn't usually get it, is even better.
Pax perem musicum.
Ok y'all...this is your chance, tell it like it is...you have a band you're just dying to tell everyone about? (if it's your own, that's ok too). You just heard an album by someone new, or someone dead that's driving you bonkers every hour that you play it? Tell us!! We want to know!! This is a place to share good stuff that you think others might just enjoy. No negative reviews, please...we don't do that here. You think someone sucks? Tell them to their face, and see how well everyone takes constructive criticism...Oh..by the way...tell us when and where a band/solo artist/ensemble is performing, or where we can find the album/single/soundbyte, some of us just might want to check it out. Also, if anyone has music they want to share via the Net, send it here...we'll give it a listen...but we make no promises..
I want to send you my Music Reviews! I know that all responses will be considered, and those selected for the article will be duly credited to the author.