What in the World is Wrong with the Music Industry?

I recently watched and shared this video on a couple of my social media accounts. It’s basically a commentary on how low we have sunk as a society in our artistic output. One recent quote that stuck out to me most was by Morrissey of The Smiths. “There’s no poetry in modern life.” I honestly couldn’t agree more!

Now I’ve lamented the deterioration of the music industry for quite some time. I have even highlighted some of the similar issues facing the Christian industry. Popular music is very unoriginal and uninspired these days and I don’t believe it’s just a generational thing. Not only do I still love finding new indie artists, but also can easily demonstrate the diversity of styles and melody in popular songs from the past. The music industry itself has also changed their priorities a great deal, but that’s a discussion for another time.

What I want to focus on is the heart of the issue and the possible solution to the problem. Not so much the ins and outs of how the music business operates, but why it isn’t working. I think the remedy is more obvious than we previously realized, but the conclusion may be shocking to some sensibilities; I don’t believe the general public should be in charge of artistic output. Yet, for the past two decades, we have allowed the appetite of the general public to dominate the listening and viewing habits of our culture. Don’t believe me? Just look at the popularity of singing contests such as American Idol and The Voice. Those in charge of running the music industry likewise appeal to the lowest common denominator in hopes of making a quick cash grab.

So why is allowing the general public to determine the type of art that society consumes a bad thing, you ask? Because the general public will rarely choose what’s best, but usually what is most comfortable. Most people are not really invested in art and will happily consume what is presented to them. When applied to other businesses and products the point becomes more clear. We don’t look to the general public to determine how best to build airplanes, perform surgeries or build houses. As we often say, leave it to the professionals! How is art any different?

There are other areas this problem exists as well, including the modern Christian church. Too often church leaders preach according to what makes the congregation feel good or is least offensive, rather than challenging them with solid teaching that helps believers grow and mature in their faith. And even politically speaking, this is why we do not live in a strictly Democratic society, but rather a Constitutional Republic. Mob rule does not always produce desired outcome.

So what is the solution then? I believe artistic output should be determined by those passionate about art. These should be the people who influence and educate the developing taste of the general public, not the other way around. And let’s face it, the majority of people working in the music industry are neither passionate about art or providing a top-notch product to the public. Gone are the days of scouring the country for exceptional talent, it’s just a money-making business all-around. Not that making money from art is the problem, but that it has become the sole focus rather than the result of talent. Candy is sweet, cheap and turns a good profit.

But imagine a world where entertainment industries were controlled by people who actually cared deeply about perfecting their craft. You can always tell the difference when there is a heartfelt drive to produce something of excellence to share with the world! It would truly be a thing of beauty that would ultimately elevate society as a whole, even those who didn’t know to long for it. So now that we have the solution, how do we achieve it? Well, that’s another matter altogether…let me know when you figure it out. In the meantime, I’ll just be here doing my thang!

“If art is not a medicine for society, it is a poison.” –Alejandro Jodorowsky