I never go to the events because I generally don't want to go by myself but last week I attended the performance of Rachel Platten, an amazing singer. I had planned on going for a half hour so I could get an article for my journalism class but ended up staying and really enjoying myself.
Rachel not only has a GORGEOUS voice and a superb talent at playing keyboard but is probably one of the sweetest people I have ever met.
I went up to sign the "More Information" book and was enamored. Her smile lights up a room and she gave me a hug and asked me where I was from. Afterwards, I asked if I could ask her a few questions and she invited me to hang out with her and the guitar and drum players and offered me sushi.
She doesn't aspire to have all the fame in the world and just wants to make people happy with her music. She wants to spread love and take people away from their worries.
I found it inspiring that she truly was genuine with not caring about all the fame and money.
*disclaimer: I kind of go into a rant at this point in the post. I have strong opinions that I tried to not have be so strong but it definitely carries a bias.*
*disclaimer: I kind of go into a rant at this point in the post. I have strong opinions that I tried to not have be so strong but it definitely carries a bias.*
Now a days, thats all everyone wants. People want to climb to the top of the charts and make tons of videos. If you follow entertainment news at all on the internet, you've probably seen (or heard of) the video/song "Friday" by Rebecca Black. Honestly, the song is horrid. I honestly cannot believe someone wrote lyrics such as those but that's not the point here. Rebecca's mother paid thousands to the company that produced this video and song. The company, Ark Music Factory seems to create videos for children aspiring to be the next big thing.
It seems that the music industry and entertainment industry in general has lost the love it used to contain. Newcomers want fame, money and celebrity boyfriends. I'm not saying that famous singers and actors don't love what they are doing. I'm sure they do. It's the industry in general that has changed--the love for original music, a voice that isnt auto tuned and videos that actually make sense.
Music appreciation has also changed or seems to be non-apparent. People like "pop, rock and hip-hop" but what happened to classical, blues, jazz, disco and all the other genres of music? I know probably 3 people my age that can say they appreciate classical music. Where did the rest of music come from? Those chordal structures, scales and notes were developed way before pop and rock. I don't think everyone has to like all types of music. I understand that classical music is sometimes boring or Disco is weird. Personally, I am not a fan of jazz but that doesn't mean I don't appreciate artists or the genre for what it is.
I can understand that to most, music is music. Not meaning its all the same, but that it's something that exists. We listen to different music depending on our emotional state, to get us pumped and when we want to be relaxed. It is funny that music is a universal language yet has so many components that can be difficult to understand and place together.
The point of this is to try and educate. Listen, learn and enjoy the universal language because it is important to our culture. Good music/not so good music, there is something in all of it. Also, find the love. Trust me, you will be able to tell the difference between a singer that loves the craft and one that wants fame. Love is different than dedication and many artists only have one of those two.
It seems that the music industry and entertainment industry in general has lost the love it used to contain. Newcomers want fame, money and celebrity boyfriends. I'm not saying that famous singers and actors don't love what they are doing. I'm sure they do. It's the industry in general that has changed--the love for original music, a voice that isnt auto tuned and videos that actually make sense.
Music appreciation has also changed or seems to be non-apparent. People like "pop, rock and hip-hop" but what happened to classical, blues, jazz, disco and all the other genres of music? I know probably 3 people my age that can say they appreciate classical music. Where did the rest of music come from? Those chordal structures, scales and notes were developed way before pop and rock. I don't think everyone has to like all types of music. I understand that classical music is sometimes boring or Disco is weird. Personally, I am not a fan of jazz but that doesn't mean I don't appreciate artists or the genre for what it is.
I can understand that to most, music is music. Not meaning its all the same, but that it's something that exists. We listen to different music depending on our emotional state, to get us pumped and when we want to be relaxed. It is funny that music is a universal language yet has so many components that can be difficult to understand and place together.
The point of this is to try and educate. Listen, learn and enjoy the universal language because it is important to our culture. Good music/not so good music, there is something in all of it. Also, find the love. Trust me, you will be able to tell the difference between a singer that loves the craft and one that wants fame. Love is different than dedication and many artists only have one of those two.
Your opinion on music is so so so true! You can appreciate someone's talent, even if you don't particularly enjoy the style of music. But nowadays, with everything auto-tuned and blegh...anyone can become a "superstar." Their music will fade away though. The true stuff lasts forever! xoxo
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