Sex, Lies, and Digital Play: A Brief Glance Into the Music Industry

Many people have the bad habit of believing that everything is what it seems; that what can be seen with the naked eye from a drastically obscured vantage point is directly representative of the factual state of things. This could not be further from the truth. As anyone who’s ever spent any time in New Orleans (specifically on the wrong end of Bourbon St.) can tell you, just because something looks pretty from three blocks away, doesn’t mean that when you get closer it won’t have the build of a linebacker, a superbowl ring to match, the voice of James Earl Jones, and a handlebar mustache to boot. No matter how glamorous something may seem from the outside looking in, there’s always more to the equation than just 1+1=superstar.

Popular hip-hop group "The WU-Tang Clan coined
a phrase which is one of the most accurate analyses
of the music industry.

The Money Train


"By now, it's no secret that the folks running the RIAA have no clue about basic economics"- Tech Dirt

Everybody has heard that classic quote from the Wu Tang Clan, which states, “Cash rules everything around me, C.R.E.A.M. get the money, etc.” Nowhere is this truer than in the music industry. At an age where recent advancements in technology have improved virtually every facet of life, leadership among the mainstream entertainment industry would be ecstatic if the clock were to simply wind in reverse for a couple decades until they could get a handle on things. By now, it is a well-known fact most major record labels have been price gouging on physical media. While most so-called “industry insiders” would have us believe that digital downloads and music piracy are the primary contributors to the problem, these factors only magnified pre-existing issues. In addition, a far more dangerous turn has taken place concerning artists and their contractual obligations to labels. Prior to the invention of the “360 deal,” labels primarily had control over the intellectual property of the artists (sound recordings, publishing, albums) while the artists still retained the rights to live performances, endorsements, film appearances, and virtually all other sources of publicity (and their associated profits.) Nowadays, many labels will only sign artists to 360 deals, a contractual obligation of the artist to relinquish all rights to not only their music, but to any potential source of revenue stemming from the use of their likeness or intellectual property. It truly is a scary world out there for those unprepared for it.

Tech Me Out


"If they could, music executives would uninvent the internet, and perhaps Apple as well." - The Economist

When I was a child, I can recall learning about the exodus of the Israelites. The story goes that the Israelites had been enslaved so long that they couldn’t let go of the old habits they picked up while in bondage. As a result, an entire generation had to be killed off in order to make way for a new generation who would be willing to follow wise counsel. In some ways I feel this parallels the music industry. Anyone who cares to take notice and do a bit of digging will realize that the segments of the entertainment industry that have embraced new technology and integrated it into their standard operating procedure have reaped the benefits. Meanwhile large parts of the music industry have refused to depart from the old way of doing business, despite the fact that it’s so obviously a death sentence. Satellite radio, media on demand, and video games with real-time A.I. were all the stuff of science fiction only 15 years ago. Since that time, these ideas have not only become reality, but their respective industries have flourished. The music industry is reluctantly beginning to follow suit, but many of those who are unwilling to get on board with the new program will never step foot into the technological promised land.

Hip-hop artist Jay-Z supporting
U.S. President Barack Obama

It’s a Political Thing


"What I'm not educated in is the field of political science. And so for me to be sharing my views and influencing people of who I think they should be voting for ... I think would be very irresponsible on my part." - Kid Rock via CMT

Hearing artists complaining about the politics of the music industry is fairly typical. Whether real or imagined, many artists throughout history have ranted about their battles with the powers-that-be at their labels of residence. But just how bad are music industry politics? It’s a well known fact that just because an artist signs a record deal doesn’t mean that they’ve made it yet. Depending on that particular artists level of priority with a label, they may or may not have a project released while they still have some sort of buzz. Combine with that the fact that the artist is still technically under contract with their label, which usually prevents them from releasing any content without the label’s approval, and you have a surefire way of killing all but the most resilient artist’s career. Let’s, also, not forget about the 360 deal mentioned earlier. But there’s also the issue of actual politics. In the recent years, many artists have been more openly broadcasting their opinions (or lack thereof) of the state of actual politics. Many of the more prolific artists have even begun placing their considerable resources into supporting their favorite political figures at times of election. Add to this the fact that the political decisions made on Capital Hill can have a drastic effect on how business is done in the limelight, and it becomes rather clear just how deep the politics of the music industry go.

Hip-hop artist Ludacris meeting with US President
Barack Obama prior to releasing a politically themed song.

Donny Hathaway, musical genius and champion
of healing through his artform.

Socially Acceptable

"violent, racist, homophobic or sexist lyrics in much of today's popular music could have an impact on impressionable young people" - Media Awareness Network

I always knew deep inside that music was extremely important in the grand scheme of life. When I reflect back on my childhood I can recall everything from gospel hymns to smooth jazz; soul standards to funk; r&b and even very early forms of blues and rock & roll. Music was a mainstay in my household. It helped mold and shape my personality and general mannerisms. Granted all of this played a backdrop to firm and competent parenting, I still couldn’t help but feel that it was relevant somehow. Imagine my surprise when my critical listening instructor enlightened his class to the fact that music is the one experience that can affect all aspects of the brain simultaneously. Suddenly a huge puzzle piece fell into place. I began to understand some of the shifts in our general society’s attitudes. People don’t seem to care for one another any more. We all have this dismissive attitude toward our fellow man and woman. When you look at the music, though, this makes sense. I grew up on music such as Marvin Gaye’s What’s Goin On, Donny Hathaway & Roberta Flack’s Where Is The Love, James Brown’s Black And Proud, and many other classics which broadcasted a proud and positive message. Despite the fact that this music was developed as a result of a specific set of circumstances, it preached a message that was universally relatable. Nowadays you can hardly turn on the radio without hearing a song that’s been edited for public consumption, that’s if the song is edited at all. Every message is about the love of money, rampant promiscuity, and the accrual of ever-greater power and status by any means necessary. Murder has become a concept that we no longer question and just universally accept as reality. We can’t hope to keep poisoning our airwaves this way without some type of  social backlash. We must get back to the time when all life was precious and sacred; when we truly believe that if one of us is killed, a part of all of us is killed with them.