(no subject)
Can't you see that we're just the latest trend? What does it say about market research when suddenly Urban Outfitters is selling the striped off the shoulder t you wore last summer or the cut up "vintage" t-shirt you were inspired to create. "Indie" has become the punk rock of our generation. What started as a small group of devoted listeners has turned into a subculture of those who dress the same, cut their hair the same, and listen to mostly the same “unheard of” bands. Although we may not be the most sought after target group as consumers, it is obvious we have influenced the market as a subculture that creates needs. The meanest of the "Mean Girls" was shown wearing a sweater I wore last week. Fox Searchlight Productions recent "indie flick" Garden State's soundtrack, including artists like The Shins and Nick Drake, reached top ten status on the charts, positively influencing the sales of the individual albums. Many of us have followed the music in this film, having the original releases of the artists for years, and were able to sing along when first seeing it on the big screen as if it were an old favorite. However, think of those who were influenced by the characters that they wished to emulate themselves, who sang along to the music and recommended it to their co-stars. Those who saw the film, heard the score, and ran out to buy the soundtrack after. We've moved on from the Brittany Spears and Limp Bizkits subjected consumer markets into this. We are all just advertising ourselves through websites like livejournal, friendster, and myspace. Anything that associates a face along with a list of favorite music, books and films, an identity along with a username. Doesn't it seem odd that just recently bands like Death Cab For Cutie, in their fifth full length CD release, are suddenly receiving popular radio play and everyone seems to know about them. That the search for concert going buddies that used to seem impossible is now a likely pick, from probably about one in five at a liberal arts college.
This is America, we're a media based society and we're all turning into puppets. We've allowed what we choose to listen to and watch shatter our individuality.
Go out and find something you like, support it, and make it your own.
This rant and rave has been brought to you based on todays principals of music business class and thoughts I have had on my own for some time now.
Having said all of that... Berklee is now on the facebook, watchout!
You can still be a part of it, as long as you realize that's exactly what you are.
This is America, we're a media based society and we're all turning into puppets. We've allowed what we choose to listen to and watch shatter our individuality.
Go out and find something you like, support it, and make it your own.
This rant and rave has been brought to you based on todays principals of music business class and thoughts I have had on my own for some time now.
Having said all of that... Berklee is now on the facebook, watchout!
You can still be a part of it, as long as you realize that's exactly what you are.