Opening the gates
In a recent article in Relevant Magazine the group The Roots were asked about how the internet will effect the growth of their genre.
Q.
As internet access to music continues to push the old gatekeepers of the music industry aside, do you think we will see greater diversity of black images and ideas in music.
A.
The internet is flattening things out, but its also opening the gates, sort of like Woodstock. Woodstock was made to be a controlled event. The next thing you know, a whole bunch of people just crashed the gate and started coming in. And that’s cool, but it makes it a little bit hard to find fighting room, because everyone is on a fair and level playing field – so now your talent will be the determining factor of your fate… I feel sorry for those artists who aren’t prepared.
I can’t help but draw parallels to what I see in our genre of music. In my 7 years with Galleywinter, a major hub of information on the internet about Texas/Red Dirt music, I’ve seen a ton of bands come and go. Some rise to the top and some get lost in the shuffle. I mainly hear how unfair it is that these bands, that don’t make it, aren’t getting a fair chance in the scene. I think The Roots hit the nail on the head for my thoughts on the matter. The internet and myspace creates hundreds of bands that should never have even started.. but it also allows for the otherwise unheard of talents to actually make it.
I was just listening to one band from my hometown… absolutely horrible. But within the next 5 minutes I had surfed on to a new artist that I heard and loved for the first time. I’ll just be glad when places like Galleywinter quit getting blamed for not doing enough for younger talent. The younger talent needs more… well… talent.
2 Comments
Ryan on July 29th, 2008
Well said Kelly. The thing that aggravates me is that it’s made me become cold towards ALL new bands. I can’t hear the goods ones because I already expect them to be crap.
Kelly on July 28th, 2008
Amen! Chip from Amber Waves of Twang wrote a while back about the new GAC Star show. He basically called out all the “alt” and “edgy” country bands that send him cd’s or email him and complain about the current system and how they are getting negelcted. He called on those same bands to go out for shows like the one on GAC or Nashville Star, and do something about it versus just griping. I agree that bands need to be progressive with getting the word out on their work, but they need to be just as diligent in creating a unique and lasting sound that will help open many more doors than a good myspace bulletin ever could.