04/15/2009
Why Is Rock The Only “Indie” Music
This will be a short one but I have to get it off my chest. Why is Rock music the only genre that gets the “Indie” title? If’ I’m a independent R&B artist why couldn’t I call my music Indie R&B or Indie Soul? On most music sites, when it comes to music genres or categories, I always see “Indie” associated with Rock or Pop.
I don’t want to go there, but I must. We have had a long history of racial issues in this country and music industry was not excused. In fact, African Americans were hit pretty hard in the early years of popular music. Race records, black musicians being excepted in Europe more than at home. The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton and a host of others can attest to this. Elvis owed his beginnings to old blues artist that he emulated. Each of these icons worked in their own special gift so I don’t want to take away from them. This is more on the industry, which is still run by a majority of White Americans.
The landscape has changed considerably so this is not a discussion on race relations or racial injustice. But I do think it plays a part in the mind set of those still in charge. True “Indie” music should have every genre, that is not associated with the Major labels, attached to it. So, there should be “Indie” Hip Hop, “Indie” World, “Indie” DNB and so forth. I know that “Indie” has a particular sound attached to it. It is more a genre than a description of an artist type.
This brings me to the whole genre thing. I like good music. I don’t really care what the genre is. There’s good and bad in every one. But this is me. I don’t think the general audience is that far different from me. I’m old enough to remember early AM pop stations. On WLS in Chicago, ealry 70s, you could here Elton John, Sly and the Family Stone, Kiss, Wings, Ringo, James Brown, ABBA, Marvin Gaye, The Osmonds and the The Jackon 5. This was all on one radio station! Top 25 Radio! At night you would here B-sides from these same artists, songs from up and coming artists, songs from the albums that did not get play in regular rotation and WHOLE ALBUMS IN THEIR ENTIRETY!!!!
Sorry, I went off point. My childhood friends, white and black, knew all of these different artists. There was no talk of this one was black or white. It didn’t matter. All that matter was the music. And it was all good. Best decade in music in my humble opinion. Will we ever get back to that type of musical enjoyment again? Maybe. But it will start with us shedding ourselves of these generic descriptions and accepting each other as artists not categories.
To a Mother Concerned About File-Sharing – My Reply
Here’s the question:
I have a teenage son who tells me his pirating music is no big deal. Since he is a musician himself, I point out to him that someday that’s going to be hismoney people are stealing. But he remains unfazed.
He tells me the record sales make money for the record label, not the artist. He says that the artists make all their money from touring and live concerts. He thinks the pirated music promotes the concerts and therefore helps the artist make more money. I still don’t allow pirating in my house.
But tell me what you think – as artists out there having your work “shared,” are you just glad to have it being enjoyed, or does it bother you? Admittedly, he is stealing music that is recorded by major record labels, so maybe its different than the independent musician working for his living. But I’d still like to hear what you think.
Thanks,
ValerieAnd here’s my reply:
Free is here!
The moral question is something that I could not advise you on. We can tell are children right from wrong but that’s all we can do. Society is becoming more and more conducive to “taking” art. In 5 years “free” music will be expected from fans. I’ve been struggling with this issue for a while and I’m coming to grips that “free” is here to stay. As musician and artist we have to develop different models to monetize opportunities that “Free Music” will give us.
Your son’s reasoning is not correct and I don’t agree with it. I would understand it if he just said he wants the music and doesn’t want to pay for it. There is no justification for theft. Just man up and at least call it what it is. If anything I would advise you to make sure he knows the real reason why he’s doing what he is doing.
I can accept giving music away for free and I’m ready to do it. But I also plan on writing material through out the year. I also plan on releasing 7 EPs (6 songs) through out the year ( the 12 song CD format is dying too). I’m concentrating on performing and merchandising as well. We have to come to the realization as artist that “free” is now part of the new model.
Video Hit – “Taking It Up High”
Here’s my first homegrown joint. This was for the song “Taking It Up High” from my first indie release, “In My Comfort Zone.”
It’s a work in progress…
