Been thinking a lot about the intersection of art with commercial interests. Ultimately the market decides, yet taste-makers (now referred to as "influencers") can have such an impact. I know of a lot of people trying to promote "hand-made" music on social media, but it seems to be tough sledding.
I can't say that I have any answers, but it does seem like a system in the US that is quite broken, not just with music but in many areas.
One of the problems, as I see it, is that the market can't decide without information, but everyone I know has no clue where to go to find information anymore. Google search no longer works, youtube throws up a lot of stuff based on what you've already viewed, never anything new, radio doesn't work anymore as a purveyor of new music, and few people I know are on spotify or similar platforms.
There used to be cost-free distribution channels where you could go to find a steady stream of new music -- radio stations, MTV, local record stores. But where now? Is it Tiktok? I find stuff on substack with people like you who introduce me to new artists and songs, but substack is a small rather elite channel.
So it's not clear what the fix is. We'll just have to keep observing and thinking!
Such a great list. I've been on a Mohini Dey rabbit hole for a couple of months. I am sure you have heard her supergroup with the "old fogeys," DarWin, but in case you haven't, here's a song I dig. Proves how amazing she is, that these monsters sought her out for the band. https://youtu.be/DPVC3-E0IU8?si=1FSFzstOi15DRC1v
Hey Steve, thanks for the comment and link. I've seen some of their live clips, but hadn't dug into DarWin's catalogue. I saw him pop up when looking at projects by Dream Theatre guys, but didn't realize the extent that he has collaborated with a who's who of musicians. So will have to check him out! Anyway, Dey seems to have an extremely busy schedule. If she comes around here in whatever configuration I'd go see her. BTW, are you thinking of catching the Alabama Shakes concert in Aug?
Yes! I got my tickets a month or more ago. I didn’t realize you were a fan or I would have emailed you. If you go, let me know. My seats are reserved. I’ll email you the location in case there’s anything nearby.
Actually, I thought I was the one who alerted you--at least, I alerted the email group post-the last Album of the Month discussion. Yes, I actually like Alabama Shakes even more than Brittany's current work. I may be travelling but if not I definitely would want to go.
Holy smokes! Blew me away, every single one. Now a big fan of Mohini and Haruka.
Those Hysteria kids are exactly why we need to set up a new artist-centric music industry in the U.S. We can't let that talent go to waste.
And who said rock is dead?!
Been thinking a lot about the intersection of art with commercial interests. Ultimately the market decides, yet taste-makers (now referred to as "influencers") can have such an impact. I know of a lot of people trying to promote "hand-made" music on social media, but it seems to be tough sledding.
I can't say that I have any answers, but it does seem like a system in the US that is quite broken, not just with music but in many areas.
One of the problems, as I see it, is that the market can't decide without information, but everyone I know has no clue where to go to find information anymore. Google search no longer works, youtube throws up a lot of stuff based on what you've already viewed, never anything new, radio doesn't work anymore as a purveyor of new music, and few people I know are on spotify or similar platforms.
There used to be cost-free distribution channels where you could go to find a steady stream of new music -- radio stations, MTV, local record stores. But where now? Is it Tiktok? I find stuff on substack with people like you who introduce me to new artists and songs, but substack is a small rather elite channel.
So it's not clear what the fix is. We'll just have to keep observing and thinking!
Such a great list. I've been on a Mohini Dey rabbit hole for a couple of months. I am sure you have heard her supergroup with the "old fogeys," DarWin, but in case you haven't, here's a song I dig. Proves how amazing she is, that these monsters sought her out for the band. https://youtu.be/DPVC3-E0IU8?si=1FSFzstOi15DRC1v
Hey Steve, thanks for the comment and link. I've seen some of their live clips, but hadn't dug into DarWin's catalogue. I saw him pop up when looking at projects by Dream Theatre guys, but didn't realize the extent that he has collaborated with a who's who of musicians. So will have to check him out! Anyway, Dey seems to have an extremely busy schedule. If she comes around here in whatever configuration I'd go see her. BTW, are you thinking of catching the Alabama Shakes concert in Aug?
Yes! I got my tickets a month or more ago. I didn’t realize you were a fan or I would have emailed you. If you go, let me know. My seats are reserved. I’ll email you the location in case there’s anything nearby.
Actually, I thought I was the one who alerted you--at least, I alerted the email group post-the last Album of the Month discussion. Yes, I actually like Alabama Shakes even more than Brittany's current work. I may be travelling but if not I definitely would want to go.