Rock n’ roll was born in the early 1960s, when youngsters needed to express their fear, hate, and love of the world and its state. Bands like the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, The Who, and Led Zeppelin pulled influences from Blues and Classical music alike. They secured their decades-long careers in music with shear talent and creativity.
Pop Life
In February 1964, The Beatles performed on the Ed Sullivan Show, and Pop music was born. They pioneered the boy band, matching outfits and synchronized dance moves and all. In the ‘90s, pop music was in its prime – from N’Sync to The Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and the list goes on and on. Major record labels capitalized on the ultra-pop star for years but were not concerned with the longevity of their careers. The invention of the compact disc reflects the music of its time – disposable and temporary.
Now nearing the end of the first decade of the 21st century, Rock music has come full circle. After 20 years or more of the “hit and run” attitude towards music, we are seeing a return to the well-written, clever, virtuoso rock musicians. Now music is digital, and we can share our collections with anyone with the click of a mouse. Artists are realizing that the business is not about selling millions of CDs and getting out of there, but it is about creating a lasting, viable career as a creator.
Artist as a Business Model
With the internet, digital music, and more accessible and affordable ways to record, artists can take control of their careers and run their own businesses. The need for support from a major record label is dwindling, and the consumer is gaining power over what he wants to listen to. Artists can focus more on their artistic muses and less on the number of copies their albums will sell.
In the last decade or less, “indie” music has developed as its own genre. It stands for “independent” music and originally meant to describe artists who were not represented by a major record label. Now, even some bands with major label support are categorized as “indie”, referring to a musical movement that represents a return to the art and creative of music. Indie musicians (characteristically) focus on growing artistically and building their careers with longevity in mind.
The music industry is really having a tough time right now; the major corporations and record labels cannot keep up with technology and the individual music consumer, and the financial state of the music industry is suffering. Fortunately, artists are taking control of their own careers to ensure longevity in such a fickle business. I am confident that not only will music businesses continue to adjust to the constant evolution of the industry, but artists will continue to find novel ways to make a living and create art as they wish
