Full disclosure: I’m addicted to the song “Watcha Say” by Jason Derulo. If you don’t know it, it’s probably better if you don’t look it up. While I firmly believe that autotune and over-production are out of control, I am fascinated by the major label methodology of producing hits. I enjoy seeing what maximum expenditure can (and can’t) produce in the studio and I appreciate what the hitmakers believe will successfully exploit the public’s desire for barely-discernible originality.
It seems like everyone except the aging executives at the majors know that the well is running dry on CD sales, and no matter how viable digital sales (or subscription access to “the cloud“) become, there won’t be a whole lot of money to throw around. So what happens to artists like Jason Derulo at that point? Can pop music find a way to make records that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars that still turn a profit? Probably not, which I find a little upsetting. As trifling and dastardly as the majority of the music industry is, I lament a world without highly polished pop music. It’s always been a part of the musical fabric of my existence, and though I’ve intentionally shunned it for a good portion of my life, I still like that it’s there if I want it.
On a somewhat related note, Public Enemy is asking its fans to fund a new record. This is an interesting model, and one that I think can work if you’re a currently popular band with an obsessive fanbase. Is P.E. that band? Eh…I love me some Public Enemy, but they’re heyday was 20 years ago…now they’re asking for $250,000. I recorded both of my last two albums for under $1,000. Yes, I’m no Public Enemy, but 1/4 of a million dollars? Sounds like Flavor Flav hasn’t been saving those paychecks from Flavor of Love.
ANYWAYS…I’m playing a few Portland shows coming up. Also, I posted a couple new tour diaries awhile back. You can check them out at Willamette Week and Punknews.
Yup.
- Aaron