This question has been asked by a lot of people recently, so I'll put it out there!
I was having a think, and I can't remember the last time I actually used a CD for something other than to put the music on my phone. Everywhere I go, I have an auxiliary cable or headphones, so what's really the point in having that disc anymore?
There's certainly an argument for having a collection, it's nice to have the artwork and a hard-copy product from an artist. I have many CDs, even if they are no longer used much.
I guess this is one of the reasons vinyl records are coming back in. They have that vintage feel, with incredible artwork, and it's a 'blast from the past' if you get a record player to go with it (or dig the old one out from your attic!). Additionally, for any up-and-coming bands out there, being able to hand out a CD with a few of your tracks on it does wonders for the public eye. It's great PR and it saves the effort of having to download anything later on.
It's fair to say CDs and Vinyls have their place in today's world, but that's not in the player or on the turntable. The sound quality of recordings has improved 10-fold since vinyl, and the hard-copy products are museum pieces. There are many people I know that have record collections, and seeing them in full glory is pretty incredible! When I ask them how often they listen to the records, they give the usual line of "Why would you listen to it? It decreases the value...", and that's expected.
So tell me, how many CDs do you have? And how many vinyls? How many have you sold just to free up space? I know I've got rid of a fair few!
Until the next post, Adios!
Thursday 18 February 2016
Music Videos these days!
It seems to me that music videos used to be very simple. You'd have the band performing the song, either by miming on stage or a live performance. It was pretty much always one of those options.
When videos started becoming more popular, they were then changed slightly to include video effects, transitions and the like. This made them more interesting to watch, but still kept the focus on the music.
Then there were dance routines included in the videos, which shifted to taking the focus off the song, and more on the dancing. This was probably because the songs were nothing special. Although they are great dance anthems, you have the likes of the Macarena...Cha Cha Slide...The Ketchup Song...the BIRDIE song...need I go on? The reason those songs are popular is because of the dance to go with them, not the genius writing.
And now, pretty much every music video is about girls dressed in nothing, fast cars, money, and that's it. If it's none of those things, it means the song is written as a love song trying to get someone back. Specifically, I'm talking about songs that are in the charts. When you get into things like Kerrang, these subjects change, but that's another day!
This isn't to say the chart videos are all rubbish or anything like that, a lot of them are great, with catchy tunes to go with them, and I'll admit I'm a bit of a chart-nut, so enjoy the music I find on there. But it seems that music videos aren't about the music anymore, and are now focussed on what's 'marketable'.
As with everything, let me know your thoughts! Do you agree? Disagree? Have a different theory?
Until the next post, Adios!
When videos started becoming more popular, they were then changed slightly to include video effects, transitions and the like. This made them more interesting to watch, but still kept the focus on the music.
Then there were dance routines included in the videos, which shifted to taking the focus off the song, and more on the dancing. This was probably because the songs were nothing special. Although they are great dance anthems, you have the likes of the Macarena...Cha Cha Slide...The Ketchup Song...the BIRDIE song...need I go on? The reason those songs are popular is because of the dance to go with them, not the genius writing.
And now, pretty much every music video is about girls dressed in nothing, fast cars, money, and that's it. If it's none of those things, it means the song is written as a love song trying to get someone back. Specifically, I'm talking about songs that are in the charts. When you get into things like Kerrang, these subjects change, but that's another day!
This isn't to say the chart videos are all rubbish or anything like that, a lot of them are great, with catchy tunes to go with them, and I'll admit I'm a bit of a chart-nut, so enjoy the music I find on there. But it seems that music videos aren't about the music anymore, and are now focussed on what's 'marketable'.
As with everything, let me know your thoughts! Do you agree? Disagree? Have a different theory?
Until the next post, Adios!
Tuesday 16 February 2016
Live Music vs. Everything Else!
This is something that will have many positives and negatives on either side, but regardless of what is said, this is an ongoing battle.
We'll start with Live Music, and the positives and negatives associated with it.
A lot of us will have gone to see our favourite bands live, probably at the cost of a week's groceries plus travel to get there. Now ask yourself; what did that band do to stand out? Make a lasting impression? Something that's so different from an album or recording that you need to see it again and again.
The same number of us, if not more, will have seen a band that's just starting out at the local pub/bar/club, or at a charity festival or event going on locally.
This is a great way to be introduced to a band, as you see what they are actually like when they perform, as opposed to the product of a studio. Granted, it's not always possible to see a band live, or they may not sound as good as their recording, but the pressure is definitely on for bands to perform, and not just 'perform'.
I've seen many bands in concert, and there are plenty more I want to see or would see again, but the ones I wouldn't go and see are the ones that sound exactly as they do in their album, and don't do anything that 'stands out' on stage. If a band looks like they're enjoying themselves, get the crowd involved (even if it's a small crowd), and interact well with each other, that ticks the boxes for me. Whether it's a band with 100,000 fans, or 10.
Onto everything else. There are obvious positives about recordings, online streaming, and all of the like. Accessible 24/7, can listen to pretty much any band you feel like, and with many platforms these days, they will suggest like-for-like artists for you to listen to, so you can discover 100s of bands from your desktop!
The main negative I can think of from that is 'over-exposure'. By this I mean you might hear so many different bands that you forget which ones are good, or may even take for granted the work that went into each recording. This is particularly true with Spotify, as it will set up a playlist of related artists, and although you're listening to that small band's music, you won't remember who they are, or are very unlikely to.
Another negative I would have to mention is how accurate the recording is/isn't to that artist. We all know the auto-tune button exists, and a lot of artists in the charts use that these days. The right producer could make a 3 year-old sound like Jimi Hendrix, so when you hear a killer track online, be a little reserved until you see the live show. Of course, there are millions of artists that do just recordings, and don't perform live. This is absolutely fine, as long as list themselves as 'producers' or 'DJs'. To call themselves a 'band' and not do live shows (in my opinion), dilutes the meaning of the word.
As with everything, let me know your thoughts on the matter, it would be great to hear what you think!
Until the next post, Adios!
We'll start with Live Music, and the positives and negatives associated with it.
A lot of us will have gone to see our favourite bands live, probably at the cost of a week's groceries plus travel to get there. Now ask yourself; what did that band do to stand out? Make a lasting impression? Something that's so different from an album or recording that you need to see it again and again.
The same number of us, if not more, will have seen a band that's just starting out at the local pub/bar/club, or at a charity festival or event going on locally.
This is a great way to be introduced to a band, as you see what they are actually like when they perform, as opposed to the product of a studio. Granted, it's not always possible to see a band live, or they may not sound as good as their recording, but the pressure is definitely on for bands to perform, and not just 'perform'.
I've seen many bands in concert, and there are plenty more I want to see or would see again, but the ones I wouldn't go and see are the ones that sound exactly as they do in their album, and don't do anything that 'stands out' on stage. If a band looks like they're enjoying themselves, get the crowd involved (even if it's a small crowd), and interact well with each other, that ticks the boxes for me. Whether it's a band with 100,000 fans, or 10.
Onto everything else. There are obvious positives about recordings, online streaming, and all of the like. Accessible 24/7, can listen to pretty much any band you feel like, and with many platforms these days, they will suggest like-for-like artists for you to listen to, so you can discover 100s of bands from your desktop!
The main negative I can think of from that is 'over-exposure'. By this I mean you might hear so many different bands that you forget which ones are good, or may even take for granted the work that went into each recording. This is particularly true with Spotify, as it will set up a playlist of related artists, and although you're listening to that small band's music, you won't remember who they are, or are very unlikely to.
Another negative I would have to mention is how accurate the recording is/isn't to that artist. We all know the auto-tune button exists, and a lot of artists in the charts use that these days. The right producer could make a 3 year-old sound like Jimi Hendrix, so when you hear a killer track online, be a little reserved until you see the live show. Of course, there are millions of artists that do just recordings, and don't perform live. This is absolutely fine, as long as list themselves as 'producers' or 'DJs'. To call themselves a 'band' and not do live shows (in my opinion), dilutes the meaning of the word.
As with everything, let me know your thoughts on the matter, it would be great to hear what you think!
Until the next post, Adios!
Saturday 13 February 2016
Genre Discussion
I'm pretty sure there are more genres of music than people in the universe...and that's a lot.
There are the usual ones that the majority of people have heard about; rock, pop, indie, metal, country & western, jazz, funk, etc. But then...hardcore-math-rock seemed to become a thing. WHAT is that!?
As music becomes more popular in schools, colleges and hobbies, these genres seem to expand into things that most people would describe as "what on earth is that?"
Taking my example of hardcore-math-rock, it would seem to be a rock guitar riff, with a pumping kick-drum, in a time signature that changes every verse, chorus and anywhere they feel like it in between. It's confusing to listen to, but if that's what some people like then who am I to judge?
Call me old fashioned, but I like the plain genres, enjoy listening to them regularly, and that's pretty much it. It's not to say I'm narrow minded in music; I have a lot of different genres in my collection, but when it comes to pushing it further into these fusion genres, I draw the line.
Not to say all fusions are bad of course, I listen to a few bands that could be a fusion of hard rock, drum and bass and maybe a little dubstep. It's mostly known as Nu-Metal, but I prefer to call it Hard-drum-step...ok that's a lie.
Are any of you readers into these fusions? Any you would recommend/avoid? Would be great to hear your thoughts on the matter!
Until the next post, Adios!
There are the usual ones that the majority of people have heard about; rock, pop, indie, metal, country & western, jazz, funk, etc. But then...hardcore-math-rock seemed to become a thing. WHAT is that!?
As music becomes more popular in schools, colleges and hobbies, these genres seem to expand into things that most people would describe as "what on earth is that?"
Taking my example of hardcore-math-rock, it would seem to be a rock guitar riff, with a pumping kick-drum, in a time signature that changes every verse, chorus and anywhere they feel like it in between. It's confusing to listen to, but if that's what some people like then who am I to judge?
Call me old fashioned, but I like the plain genres, enjoy listening to them regularly, and that's pretty much it. It's not to say I'm narrow minded in music; I have a lot of different genres in my collection, but when it comes to pushing it further into these fusion genres, I draw the line.
Not to say all fusions are bad of course, I listen to a few bands that could be a fusion of hard rock, drum and bass and maybe a little dubstep. It's mostly known as Nu-Metal, but I prefer to call it Hard-drum-step...ok that's a lie.
Are any of you readers into these fusions? Any you would recommend/avoid? Would be great to hear your thoughts on the matter!
Until the next post, Adios!
Music on Social Media
As we all know, Social Media has been taking off over the last few years, which includes Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to name a few.
In addition to that, there are a few music-dedicated Social Media sites, such as SoundCloud, ReverbNation and more. These are sites that not only allow you to upload material, but find managers/record contracts/venues to play, and there are more that allow publishers to find your music to use on adverts and TV.
There's definitely a possibility of these media taking over how we obtain, listen to and discover new artists, although that may not be all bad.
The positives are that it's easy to upload music and get yourself out there, you can share music between all of these sites, increasing reach and the chances of the 'right people' hearing your music to take it further. Additionally, with publishing companies actively looking for artists' music for marketing and PR, any new artist could be perfect for what they need, without having to have years' of experience.
There are a few negatives of course, as with everything in life. The competition is sky-rocketing already, and if these sites grow much more then it will become nearly impossible to get anywhere in a music career. Additionally, with millions of tracks being uploaded to these sites, the value of music may be compromised in some way, where a high quality track could be regarded as 'just another brick in the wall' (pun-intended).
What do you think about it? How do you discover new artists? Am I being completely paranoid over nothing? Send your thoughts my way!
Until the next post, Adios!
In addition to that, there are a few music-dedicated Social Media sites, such as SoundCloud, ReverbNation and more. These are sites that not only allow you to upload material, but find managers/record contracts/venues to play, and there are more that allow publishers to find your music to use on adverts and TV.
There's definitely a possibility of these media taking over how we obtain, listen to and discover new artists, although that may not be all bad.
The positives are that it's easy to upload music and get yourself out there, you can share music between all of these sites, increasing reach and the chances of the 'right people' hearing your music to take it further. Additionally, with publishing companies actively looking for artists' music for marketing and PR, any new artist could be perfect for what they need, without having to have years' of experience.
There are a few negatives of course, as with everything in life. The competition is sky-rocketing already, and if these sites grow much more then it will become nearly impossible to get anywhere in a music career. Additionally, with millions of tracks being uploaded to these sites, the value of music may be compromised in some way, where a high quality track could be regarded as 'just another brick in the wall' (pun-intended).
What do you think about it? How do you discover new artists? Am I being completely paranoid over nothing? Send your thoughts my way!
Until the next post, Adios!
Adverts on the radio
A-nnoying!
Here I am, listening to Absolute Radio online, and I swear I've heard more adverts than actual music!
Naturally, I understand the importance for them to have adverts, it covers the costs etc., but it really infringes on my listening time, which just isn't conducive for my music-loving self!
I'd be interested to see what kind of return these companies get on their adverts though. I wonder how many "How did you hear about us?" questions are answered with "Absolute Radio with Frank Skinner"....not many I wager.
These radio stations should have a better option than advertising to cover their costs, one that isn't stopping us listeners hearing the music, but also one that doesn't rely on some rich-guy just paying for it outright.
Maybe there should be a 'listeners = time' system, where the more listeners you get in a week/month/year/lifetime means more airtime for you. But the cost of setting one up should be low, paying a hosting company and then the equipment you need. I reckon we'd get an abundance of new stations, which could only open up opportunities for those that love to broadcast, and even let people try it out to see if it's their thing! But that's just an option of course.
What do you fine readers think about the topic? Do you agree with adverts? Maybe you like hearing about the different things on offer and the break from banging tunes, or maybe you're in the same mindset as me!
Until the next post, Adios!
What is music?
Wow...this is certainly a big question, one that a lot of people may not have an answer to.
In my experience, music can be defined by one word. Emotion. Yes, it might be broad, but isn't that what music is anyway?
I'll expand on my point...
Music can create emotion in seconds, whether it's the style, speed, notes, volume, or simply a memory that jumps into your head from a particular song.
When you go to the gym, the music played there usually has pumping bass, is upbeat, and may be 3 or 4 minutes long per track. The reason? So it creates motivation and energises the listener!
This is just one example of how music can work in the right environment, and there are countless other examples, such as ballads, rock anthems, reggae, drum and bass and metal. I'm sure you can think of situations where these music styles would be perfect!
So what is music? I suppose I could expand on my definition now. Music is love, hate, experience, happiness, sadness, and most importantly...anything you want it to be!
This is where you get involved. What's the happiest memory you have related to music? It could be anything, whether playing it, listening to it, or whatever! Why not share and get others involved? It would be great to hear your thoughts.
Until the next post, Adios!
In my experience, music can be defined by one word. Emotion. Yes, it might be broad, but isn't that what music is anyway?
I'll expand on my point...
Music can create emotion in seconds, whether it's the style, speed, notes, volume, or simply a memory that jumps into your head from a particular song.
When you go to the gym, the music played there usually has pumping bass, is upbeat, and may be 3 or 4 minutes long per track. The reason? So it creates motivation and energises the listener!
This is just one example of how music can work in the right environment, and there are countless other examples, such as ballads, rock anthems, reggae, drum and bass and metal. I'm sure you can think of situations where these music styles would be perfect!
So what is music? I suppose I could expand on my definition now. Music is love, hate, experience, happiness, sadness, and most importantly...anything you want it to be!
This is where you get involved. What's the happiest memory you have related to music? It could be anything, whether playing it, listening to it, or whatever! Why not share and get others involved? It would be great to hear your thoughts.
Until the next post, Adios!
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