Music On the Road to Nowhere?

[Sukerkin]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-15694487

Does America have the same 'problem' as this i.e. no new musical talent being allowed to grow and mature so that they can become the long-lived and well-loved acts of the future?

I know that I am in my own middle-years now and have often claimed that not much of any musical worth has come out since the hard rock of the 70's but I am honest enough to recognise my own prejudices and realise that there must be more than one-hit-wonders out there somewhere - they're just not getting the support they need to tour and learn their craft of performing and writing.

 

[Carol]

I'd have to agree...and its a complicated problem.

iTunes has essentially killed the "album". The rock behemoths touring now appealed to a generation that still had to pay for music. 90+% of the acts on major labels don't turn a profit, the label depends on the megastars to finance the other efforts.

Perhaps there is also a matter of what the artists want to do themselves. The public eye has gotten stronger and harsher than it was when you and I were teens. If some of the artists are choosing to take their earnings and quietly live out of the spotlight, I can't say I blame them. But it is a loss...as a musician I think it is fascinating to watch a band mature and see how they manage to stay inspired. Without longevity tho....that seems impossible.

 

[granfire]

you certainly lose out when only a couple of songs are sold.
Can't recall the times I bough an album for a couple f songs, but then ended up liking a completely different one.