The Day the Music Died

Whenever I hear that song, I think of all the great musicians who died before their time: Buddy Holly, John Lennon, Janis Joplin, Billie Holiday,Kurt Cobain, Jimi Hendrix, Elvis, and tons more. The 50s, 60s, and 70s were such a tremendous growth period for American music. Now, we hear the phrases "canned music", "prerecorded vocal tracks" and "auto-tune". I have been wondering what happened to the music industry for years. Until I started using iTunes, Myspace, and launch.com to help me find musicians, I had a hard time finding great music. Sure, there's the occasional pop song that's so catchy, so well done that it's hard to ignore it as it plays over and over on the radios. Britney Spears is a great example. "Hit Me Baby, One More Time" was so catchy that I can sing every word despite the fact that I don't think Britney is a especially talented singer. However, musicians that push the genres and continue to evolve and cultivate their music are often ignored.

"Before the Music Dies" (on hulu) is a documentary examining the plight of the musician and just why the music industry has changed so drastically.  They talk to legends like Eric Clapton and Dave Matthews about where the industry is going and what they think can be done.  They talk to executives in radio and in the recording industry about how they chose who gets air time and who doesn't.  They also get advice from the musicians about making music in this environment.  

I really enjoyed this film.  It's not just about the music industry.  It's about American industry.  Everything is getting watered down.  The thinking is as long as it doesn't taste bad, it's good.  The great thing about recessions are they are like wildfires going around clearing the fields.  Now is the time for small business seeds to blow in and enrich the soil again.  It's time for the big guys to fall and the little guys to pick up the pieces.  Sure, it means we'll all have to live uncomfortably for a while, but it won't be long before innovation, invention, inspiration and independence from big business brings America back to her feet.

America, wake up!  Demand the best artists by supporting local bands.  Go to the free concerts in the city.  Buy tickets to the opera and symphony concerts.  Visit your local art museums and by art from locals instead of the poster company online.  Shop at your local farmer's market.  Listen to the independent radio stations and call in requests for up and coming artists.  Go to the local guy's restaurant instead of the chain store.  Go to the local hardware store instead of Walmart.  Yes, times are hard and yes, those big businesses are important to the economy.  You won't shut them down.  Eventually, you'll have to go to the Walmart or the grocery store, but go to the local guys first.  

I can smell the fresh turned soil and I'm ready for America's rebirth.  It's time for a revolution.  Don't wait on the US government.  Use your pocketbooks, use your time, use your resources to change the world.  Don't be another brick in the wall.  Don't eat from a can.  Demand more.