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The Evolution of Music Performance (Post 9)


Music has always been a principle part of culture. Whether it accompanied religious rituals, served as motivation in times of battle, stylistically divided rich and poor culture, or otherwise, music has played a role in every culture we know today. Music was a reflection of the people and their values, and music culture served as a stage on which the art of those cultures could be displayed. In Western and westernized cultures today, the world in which music existed for the sake of music is known only by band kids and nostalgic, decaying old people. It has evolved into a platform where trends are born and corporate profits are determined.

Today, the quality of music is determined by the quality of performance. Success is defined by the quality of the music videos that accompany the music itself. When people attend concerts, they ask, "Is it instagramable?" Brands partner with musicians to generate profits for themselves and link their product with a specific niche of music culture.

Starting in the 80s, with the rise of spandex and fashion excess, bands became more focused on their visual appeal than the sounds vibrating from their instruments. Mötley Crüe and Kiss had a very distinct performance look, and were popular because of their image and reputation for notorious insanity. Madonna was popular for her costumes and dancing and was noted as being a mediocre singer, which didn't hinder her career in the slightest because she "looked good." Gang rap also rose in popularity and a culture was built around the rivalries that accompanied the music. In the 90s, grunge and heroin-chic took center stage and an entire genre of style was conceived by the bands comprised of children from the 70s and 80s. Death brought certain figures more fame than their music did - because the people had become the heart of the performance rather than the art.

Today, things like MTV and Youtube and Social Media have changed the way that music is perceived. It is all about the performance. Musical artists either strive to conform and produce music that people are guaranteed to like or they strive to create music so profane and ridiculous that people are forced to pay attention. Styles popularized by media, like "Billie Eilish hair" and new-wave feminism wherein women "sexualize themselves by choice for the sake of empowerment,"are now a part of culture.

There are niches that alternative culture has carved for itself where popular music is purposefully rejected and alternative styles are appreciated. But even these can be monetized - as exemplified by the cult following of Tool.

In my opinion, media has ruined music. Music should exist as a reflection of what the people want - not as a reflection of what corporate titans have told the people they want. However, maybe this is what the people want, and I'm simply unable to see it.

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