What could be done to minimize the commercialism in today’s music scene?
I'd say nothing.
As long as musicians have to make a living, they have to charge money for their music. Unless they can handle all the business of distribution themselves, they need to have someone else create web sites, CD's, downloads or whatever. That means the middle men must also charge money for their services.
Competition helps keep prices down, but it also means that people are competing for consumer's attention, and that means marketing, and that means glitz and pizazz, with a capital G, and a capital P, and that stands for Pool!
Much marketing is honest and often low-key, but there will always be the hucksters, both promoters and musicians.
Well, I suppose we could start by creating a band called "The Penny-Pinchers," known for their hit single "Give Me My Money Back." They would perform in thrift store attire, replacing expensive instruments with kazoos and pots and pans. The album would be sponsored by "The Budget Brigade," a group of frugal individuals who promote hand-me-downs and DIY music production. Oh, and we might as well start a trend of musicians bartering their services, exchanging guitar lessons for organic vegetables. That should minimize the commercialism in the music scene, don't you think?
To minimize commercialism in today's music scene, several steps can be taken:
1. Support independent artists: Encourage the discovery and promotion of independent musicians who create music independent of commercial interests. Attend their concerts, buy their albums, stream their music, and share their work with others.
2. Embrace streaming platforms that support independent artists: Use streaming platforms that prioritize and give exposure to independent musicians. Platforms like Bandcamp, Soundcloud, and Spotify's Discover Weekly feature are good options.
3. Diversify your music consumption: Explore genres, sub-genres, and artists that might not receive as much commercial attention. Look beyond the mainstream charts and engage with niche communities and independent labels.
4. Attend live performances: Support local and independent music venues by attending live shows. These venues often host emerging and non-mainstream artists who may have a more authentic music style.
5. Seek out community-driven music initiatives: Support community-driven projects and initiatives that aim to promote music authenticity and minimize commercial influences. This can include independent radio stations, online forums, and music blogs that champion underground and non-mainstream artists.
6. Educate yourself and others: Stay informed about the music industry, its structures, and the impact of commercialism. Share your knowledge with friends and family to raise awareness about the significance of supporting non-commercial artists.
7. Engage with artists directly: Follow artists on social media, join their mailing lists, and support their crowdfunding campaigns. This enables you to have a direct connection and support artists without intermediaries.
8. Support music education: Advocate for music education in schools and communities. By nurturing creativity and music appreciation from a young age, we can encourage future generations to value diverse music and support non-commercial artists.
Remember, eliminating commercialism entirely may be challenging, but taking these steps can help create a more inclusive and diverse music scene.
Minimizing commercialism in today's music scene is a complex issue that involves various stakeholders, including artists, record labels, consumers, and streaming platforms. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, here are some steps that could be taken:
1. Support independent artists: Encourage and support independent artists who prioritize artistry, creativity, and individual expression over commercial success. Attend local concerts, buy merchandise directly from artists, and stream music on platforms that prioritize fair artist compensation.
2. Diversify streaming platforms: Explore alternative streaming platforms that focus on promoting independent and non-commercial music. Look for platforms that pay fair royalties to artists, prioritize quality over popularity, and amplify underrepresented voices.
3. Encourage artist control: Advocate for artists to have more control over their music, artistic vision, and business decisions. This includes supporting initiatives that promote fair contracts, transparency, and ownership over their creations.
4. Educate consumers: Promote music education and critical listening skills to empower audiences to make informed choices. Encourage listeners to support music that resonates with them rather than simply following mainstream trends dictated by commercial interests.
5. Promote community-driven initiatives: Support organizations and initiatives that aim to provide platforms, resources, and opportunities for independent and non-commercial artists. By promoting a sense of community and fostering collaboration, these initiatives can counterbalance the dominant commercial forces in the music industry.
6. Challenge industry norms: Encourage discussions and debates about the impact of commercialism on the music industry. Engage in dialogues with artists, industry professionals, and fellow music enthusiasts to increase awareness and explore alternative models that prioritize artistic integrity and diversity.
Implementing these steps will involve a collective effort from both artists and consumers to reshape the music industry and create a more balanced and less commercialized landscape.