Read a music column in a newspaper, magazine or online, and you will most likely be reading the opinions of a music elitist. I would even venture to say that you know a few of these types as well.
A music elitist (as defined by me) is an individual who refuses to listen or enjoy anything top-40 or even commercially successful. They listen to a band until it becomes too “pop-y” or sells out, at which point they may strongly denounce the band’s new music while still claiming to be a fan of the old stuff.
When talking to a music elitist about the state of the music industry, they will probably bemoan the lack of real, good music and the diminishing taste of the public. If you recognize yourself in this description, I mean you no offense – I am just not one of you.
Let me clarify. I love music more than anything. It is my passion in life, whether that means listening to it or creating it. The range of music I am interested in really is all over the place, and I believe part of that can be attributed to my upbringing.
While my friends listened to Britney Spears, the Spice Girls or boy bands, my parents played Dolly Parton, the Steve Miller Band, and the Beach Boys (among others) instead. They knew good music, and they wanted me exposed to it as well. Because of the range of music that I enjoyed while so young, I have never been one to refuse to listen to any type of music, including pop.
That’s right, I will admit it: I am an avid music lover, and I listen to the radio. Sometimes, I even enjoy it. I tell you all of this to try to avoid some of the criticism that I will receive for my musical beliefs. I do not believe that popular music is a sign of a decaying music; in fact, I am excited about the future of the industry.
This year’s Grammy Awards are a great sign of the times. Last year, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Kings of Leon all were seen on the podium. All sold a substantial amount of records, and not all necessarily deserved their awards (I’ll let you make your own conclusions on that one).
The performances did not fare much better, as they were lacking in diversity of sound, and, sometimes, even talent. Skip to this year, and though the performances were still heavily pop-laden, when was the last time you heard just one folk band perform? This year, there were three, plus a trio of talented mainstream artists performing a stripped down version of a country classic for good measure.
Even for the first performance, indie darling Florence Welch of Florence + The Machine was among the likes of Christina Aguilera and Martina McBride. There were even some surprising winners. Who expected the largely unknown Esperanza Spalding to beat out Justin Bieber, or anyone for that matter, for Best New Artist? The fact that Drake and Bieber were the only two artists nominated in the category that even get radio play is an impressive move for the industry as a whole.
Just as surprising was the moment that Arcade Fire, after an interesting performance, beat out Lady Antebellum, Eminem, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry for Album of the Year. These were not categories where winners are announced before the actual ceremony, but two categories that many often believe are based on popularity and sales. This year was not perfect, by any means, but it did display diversity and an emphasis on artistry that has not been seen in years, if ever.
The Tuscaloosa music scene is even reflecting the shift. When the first shows were announced for the new amphitheater, there were many complaints over the chosen performers. Kenny Chesney and Sugarland are draws, but they were not what the majority of students wanted.
I cannot say if Red Mountain Entertainment listened to the complaints or had planned it in the first place, but it was later announced that the actual first performance would be the Avett Brothers and Band of Horses, both folk bands. Yonder Mountain String Band and the Ole Crow Medicine Show were both booked at the Bama Theatre and drew more than respectable crowds. Folk is not the only genre experiencing success in Tuscaloosa, though. Dubstep and jam bands like Bassnectar and P-Groove always attract huge crowds.
Even iTunes reflects the shift in the industry. Artists like the Black Keys and even relative newcomers The Civil Wars have been in the top-selling albums since their releases. For artists with such independent and seemingly small followings, the fact that they have staying power says something, and that is good news for those worried about the fate of music.
