While reading “Music, Power, and Practice” by Maureen Mahon, I was struck by an overarching theme of the seemingly “dark” world of marketing in the music industry. Many of the musicians that we know and admire today, were, at the beginning of their career, placed into a category or genre. Which to most listeners, is just a normal part of being a musical artist. However, it appears that very few people truly know how an artist is formed and molded into who we come to love.
It you were to stop and think about the genres of music that you listen to, what would come to mind? As we discussed in class on Thursday, different genres have different distinctive qualities. When rock and roll is mentioned, we often think of male singers who also, most likely play the guitar or some other instrument. On page 328 of Mahon's article, she states that when it comes to placing an artist into a genre, "Extra-musical factors, such as race, ethnicity, gender, class and nationality influence which genre an artist is slotted into” (Mahon 328). She also goes on to say that the “genre shapes the way in which an artist is marketed to audiences as well as the creative parameters within which an artist is expected to work” (Mahon 328).
In class, another student made a comment about how the rap artist T-Pain had a quite soulful voice, versus what we tend to hear through his popular auto-tuned music. She also made a point about how, even though he has the ability to sing and not just rap, he was placed into the rap genre because of his external factors. Which goes back to Mahon’s statement about how the industry places artists into categories. I truly found this interesting, so I searched Youtube in the hopes of finding T-Pain without auto-tune. Sure enough, I found a video and actually found myself enjoying it. Which, when it comes to rap artists, I rarely say.
I believe that the music industry, in a sense, is warped. I think that as human beings and as artists, we should be allowed to express ourselves freely. However, the limitations put on the industry and people within it, make such a goal, hardly attainable. Below, I attached the video of T-Pain performing without auto-tune. Take a listen, and then think about how different the music industry portrays him.
T-Pain: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert
It you were to stop and think about the genres of music that you listen to, what would come to mind? As we discussed in class on Thursday, different genres have different distinctive qualities. When rock and roll is mentioned, we often think of male singers who also, most likely play the guitar or some other instrument. On page 328 of Mahon's article, she states that when it comes to placing an artist into a genre, "Extra-musical factors, such as race, ethnicity, gender, class and nationality influence which genre an artist is slotted into” (Mahon 328). She also goes on to say that the “genre shapes the way in which an artist is marketed to audiences as well as the creative parameters within which an artist is expected to work” (Mahon 328).
In class, another student made a comment about how the rap artist T-Pain had a quite soulful voice, versus what we tend to hear through his popular auto-tuned music. She also made a point about how, even though he has the ability to sing and not just rap, he was placed into the rap genre because of his external factors. Which goes back to Mahon’s statement about how the industry places artists into categories. I truly found this interesting, so I searched Youtube in the hopes of finding T-Pain without auto-tune. Sure enough, I found a video and actually found myself enjoying it. Which, when it comes to rap artists, I rarely say.
I believe that the music industry, in a sense, is warped. I think that as human beings and as artists, we should be allowed to express ourselves freely. However, the limitations put on the industry and people within it, make such a goal, hardly attainable. Below, I attached the video of T-Pain performing without auto-tune. Take a listen, and then think about how different the music industry portrays him.
T-Pain: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert
I agree with you that the music industry is a little corrupted in a sense that they control the artists work and what is produced. It is a shame that such talented artist are forced to abide by how the industry portrays them.
ReplyDeleteKarly, I agree with you about how the music industry places many artists into a specific genre. Artists should be able to place themselves in whatever genre they like and there should be no problem if a specific singer would like to produce music in more than just one genre.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with your post! I Belive artist should be able to express themselves freely as well, and be able to sing what ever type of music they want and how ever they want. Knowing that makes people think twice before they say they really "know" an artist.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you!! It's so true that because of his external factors like you mentioned, T-Pain was assumed to be a rapper. It's kind of stereotypical. It makes me think about how many other singers have the ability to sing in a different genre, but can't because the music industry won't allow them to due to their race, ethnicity, etc.
ReplyDeleteI also believe it is unfair to place certain musicians in categories. They should be able to choose any genre they want. T- pain was a perfect example of this because like what was said in class he is a great singer but when he raps they use auto toon to mess with his voice
ReplyDeleteThis is an amazing blog and I'm really glad you added the video at the end. I believe any artist should be able to express their own music and not be placed into a genre based upon race, religion, or gender. I think the music industry has too much control over their artists. These artists need to start telling the industry what they want and fighting for what they believe in.
ReplyDeleteI think that what your saying about people being placed in certain categories even though they posses other types of genres is true. I do think that the music industry is a dark world because they try to make you into something your not always okay with. But I think your blog was very interesting to read especially bout the comparison of t-pain because I only heard him rap too.
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