FEATURE:
The Last of the Great Northern Lovers:
IMAGE CREDIT: @lightupgoldII
Why There Needs to Be a Revolution in Music
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THERE are a lot of different issues and areas of discussion…
IN THIS PHOTO: Kevin Spacey/PHOTO CREDIT: Daniel Zuchnik/WireImage
popping up right now. We cannot help but see the ongoing stories concerning the likes of Kevin Spacey – high-profile actors/creatives who have been accused of sexual assault. More names are being singled out and it seems, following the Harvey Weinstein furore; there are people finding the courage to come forward and tell their stories. I have written about music and why there needs to be an explosion of change and progression. I am not saying we need to have people policing the industry and cleansing it: I see a lot of murkiness and poison in other areas of entertainment and it seems music needs to react and show it is can learn from those lessons. Although film and T.V. are not being tarnished too heavily by these accusations and unfoldings; one wonders what will happen going forward. Music is not a space that should be canonised and assumes clean and beyond reproach. It is the same as any other sector of entertainment: people will be committing crimes and abusing trust. I worry there is an institutionalised sense of ignorance whereby eyes are turned blind and people feel the need to bury their experiences under the rug – through fear they’d be marginalised and ignored. All of this is a background that fuels a desire; that kick-starts a need to make a positive change. I have bandied around ideas surrounding a music charity: a universal cause and commitment that will draw together people from music – and other areas of the arts – and send a positive message to the people. The charity – I have dabbled and toyed with names – would join everyone together in a creative and productive cause. I feel music is not being utilised and substantiated in an effective and progressive way. By that; there are few large-scale charities that represent a number of different causes and people. Mental-health is a big concern in music: I am seeing so many scarred and affected by its daily jab and haunt. There are those struggling, financially, who come from poorer backgrounds; musicians and creatives with disabilities and illnesses. It is not only those within music that could benefit and profit from an umbrella charity.
PHOTO CREDIT: Getty
There would be a social media component whereby a site would exist that would house all the charity but provide other options and access. There would be helplines for those who suffer abuse and discriminations; forums that raise issues around sexism and racism – not only in music but general society – and other ills. The hub would be a website that would have a few different sides. I have talked about creating a music website whereby one would have their music needs all in one place. You would be able to converse and connect with musicians around the world. There would be the option to listen to all digital stations available; get all your music needs in one space. I worry sites like YouTube and Spotify have a lot of great music but never organise it in an effective way. I often stumble on songs I had forgotten about or struggle to locate the song I want. This site – as I said; name to be confirmed – would make that easy and draw everything together. That is one of the most important points of any music site: housing what has come before and is around of the moment; making it simple for people to access to. In addition; one can learn how to play instruments and get software/programmes that simulate instruments. There would be links to music educational facilities and chances to collaborate with producers/artists online; a special site where you can bond with fellow music lovers and attend gigs together – share tips and find the best new acts around. A ‘music map’ would compartmentalise all the bands/artists from every town in the world. You can find artists quicker and break it down by town/city; country or genre. It would save a lot of time and make searching a lot easier. Many might be familiar with this kind of thing: I have raised this prospect before and want to make a site that goes a lot further than what is out there.
PHOTO CREDIT: Pixabay/Unsplash
This is not for business reasons or financial gain: there is a lot of confusion, separation and anger right now. I know music will continue as normal and the actual business of recording and releasing is most important. I am worried problems, issues and concerns are going unnoticed; those who want to discover great new music – and preserve that which has come before – are not having their voices listened to. So much of today’s music is driven by business and commercialism: maybe that was always the case but, the larger the industry comes, the greater the need for regulation and order. I am split between the need to provide an ethical platform and open pulpit – where subjects like sexual abuse, mental ill health and discrimination can be tackled – and organise music of the past (so the full spectrum can be discovered and enjoyed) and present (so underground acts and the mainstream can be organised into one site; easier to find those hidden gems, too) into a single place. Social media is great when it comes to sharing bands/artists; albums/songs and news without much thought and effort. I worry music is one side of social media but there is nothing that specifically distinguished and highlights music away from everything else – Twitter and Facebook are open platforms where anyone, anywhere can put what they want on there. Sounds Like Friday Night is a new, live music show that collates performances, comedy and chat into one show. It is presented by Greg James and Dotty (BBC radio) and has been met with mixed reviews. The idea is admirable but I wonder whether it is a natural replacement for shows like Top of the Pops. There are not many music shows on T.V. – Jools Holland’s long-running series is quite niche – so it was as admiral effort to put down.
IN THIS PHOTO: Greg James and Dotty
Whilst its chemistry and construct might not be the breakthrough many had hoped: it is a sign people are lusting after a music show and a return to older days. I am caught in a blizzard of nostalgia at the moment and have been rediscovering sounds that soundtracked by childhood. It is great revisiting the past and it makes me realise the importance of bringing these artists to the new generation. How this site would take shape I am not too sure – what it will be called, and how large it would be, has yet to be seen. I worry we are spending too much time on the Internet but I guess that is the way things are going. The point of my initiative is to get people more involved with other aspects of music – not only the songs/artists themselves but engage in worthy causes and charities; proactively get out into the world and help those less fortunate. I guess the site/idea is a reaction to the problems swirling and how many I see suffering – my social media feeds are filled with updates of emotional stress and loss. Music has the power to make real change and impact the world in a very potent and transformative way. More than anything; I want to utilise what is already out there in the world and put it in a separate environment for those interested. Social media is great when it comes to sharing music but I feel, from a personal perspective, it can be quite destructive and isolating. Music is a sacred and inspirational side of the arts that has created some of the finest work the world has ever seen. I worry – as I have speculated in other pieces – there will be controversy and accusations levelled at some of its stars and figures. We are in a very dark and turbulent time right now so it is vital we find a way of providing love and positivity – tackling any issues and ensuring we learn from it.
PHOTO CREDIT: Getty
I guess ‘love’ is the biggest message from all of this. I feel music is doing what it should do: providing entertainment and pleasure to the people. If we leave it at that then we are ignoring the depths and potential of music. It has the power and strength to change lives and make real changes in the world. I am discussing ideas with web developers and hope to have something formulated but I have been troubled by news coming from the acting world – wondering if it will hit music and, if so, how hard. I am concerned the music business today is too focused on business and streaming figures: that is getting in the way with the joys of music and all it can do in the world. Maybe that is a natural side-effect of a modern and technological world. I am seeing so many problems form and divisions remain. Whether that is sexism or sex; racism and discrimination – there is a lot of work to be done and practices that need reversing. The rise of mental-health issues and struggles is causing much concern. I am troubled by young people’s lack of understanding when it comes to the past. It is not the case with everyone (of a certain age) but I am troubled by the notion certain acts and albums will be forgotten in time. Feeding music and letting its fine and powerful animal do damage through the world is demanded and necessary. Maybe I am a dreamer – and the practicality and pragmatism of the notion will overwhelm the desire – but I feel this is the time we need to put our hearts and minds together and create a distinct movement – whether it is physical or electronic. Oh…and when it comes to the first part of this feature’s title – and whether it has any deeper meaning – I can reveal…
PHOTO CREDIT: Getty
IT just sounded like a bit of fun (and a possible album title)!