People are supposed to go see a musician to hear the music. That is why they are called musicians. So why should we care what the musicians wear, or how visually stunning their performance is? Lately, it seems as though the only thing most musicians care about is how to keep the public talking.
Watch the VMA awards on MTV, and glamorous performances will be promised, yet the vocals are mediocre at best. There aren’t any simple performances where a singer just sits down and sings well. Isn’t that their job? Singers should have to sing well because that is what they are getting paid millions of dollars for. Their elaborate shows almost seem like a distraction from their lack of talent.
Because auto-tune is used in almost every song heard on the radio, it allows for record companies to produce more singers at a quicker pace. They don’t have to actually be a good singer anymore. The record company will mold whatever talent they have into a well-tuned voice with the click of a button.
“Everybody thinks that they can be a singer, especially actors,” sophomore Brooke Klooster said.
The only thing that matters in the music world today is marketability. If they have the looks, the personality, and they can sort of carry a tune, they are in. It doesn’t matter how they sound live, just as long as they give their audience the “razzle dazzle.”
This differs from the legitimate singers of the 20th century. Musicians like Barbara Streisand and the Beatles rarely had over-the-top shows or flashy costumes, they didn’t need it. They thrived and became successful on their massive talent.
Going back to the old standard would be beneficial. Things wouldn’t be so dog eat dog in the music industry. Singers almost seem to be fighting to stay relevant because they are competing with so many others.
When Kanye West infamously interrupted Taylor Swift during her acceptance speech for female music video of the year, many people suggested that he did it, not to support Beyonce, but because his fame was dimming. West received enormous amounts of attention and made countless public apologies. All of this landed him on the covers of every tabloid.
There are a few breaths of fresh air in the music industry. Bands like Coldplay and Taking Back Sunday not only write their own music, but are wildly talented. Christina Aguilera, Beyonce, Martina McBride, Bruno Mars, and Jack Johnson are singers with catchy songs and powerful voices.
If we were to increase the amount of talent expected from famous musicians, we would be able to enjoy more quality music instead of dealing with strange performances and obnoxious publicity stunts.