Having talked in some detail about Elitism in music — now we can discuss Equality. Thus — in which manner is there equality in music?
Not in the innate talent.
Not in opportunity.
Not (necessarily) in the outcome of hard work, diligence and practice.
Not in reward.
Not even in self-fulfilment…
BUT
In the past the amount of control a musician had over their career was exceeded by those who directed them. Those who patronised them. Those who published them. Those who paid them. Those who recorded them. Those who broadcasted them. Now things have changed somewhat. We will look at the effectiveness of this change…but change there certainly has been.
Innate talent.
This cannot be changed — it’s INNATE! But with modern technology there are many things folk can do: firstly a whole range of instruments become available ‘virtually’. Thus — with either basic piano skills or NONE any instrument part can be mapped: notes placed; notes extended; multiple notes added. I don’t need to play any stringed instruments to replicate a string quartet. It IS preferable that I understand how a stringed-instrument is played and how they work together in harmony — but as long I don’t mind the sound of four cats having their tails pulled — I can produce something. The range of notes for a virtual instrument is concordant with their actual range — thus if you write an alto sax part then that will be defined by its range. I think I have come across virtual instruments that don’t comply in this way — the results can be odd and displeasing — you need to know your ranges in this case. To know HOW a musician plays an instrument is also preferable. If you’re playing a bass line — play it like a bass player…this is the application of taste and good musicianship.
As a singer you can alter the notes of your voice. You can auto-tune. As ANY instrumentalist you can put any note into time — or change its pitch. But you know — real music is about real people — and real people aren’t perfect! Thank God! (Ummm God IS perfect!). If you can handle a computer and keyboard — the mysterious world of music creation is really at your fingertips. Thus the elite world of the musician is opened to you.
Opportunity.
I can record a song, add artwork and release it through a distributor like CDBaby in a matter of days. Amazon and itunes etc. will make it available digitally within days or a few weeks. I can record the song (or songs) onto a CD and either print artwork myself or have it done professionally and distributed by CDBaby (etc.) where it will become available as a CD for sale. There is no difference in many ways between me and a major artist…well, you get the drift. I have the same opportunity to sell my work through major mp3 outlets as any other. Fact. I can play/record/mix/master at home…I am limited only by my capacity to buy software etc. for my computer and/or the morality of downloading for free (as many folk do). Money separates what I can achieve from the ‘Big Boys’ BUT — like a painter using a limited palette sometimes less produces better work.
Distribution is equal (in terms of availability to buy). Advertising etc. is limited by budget. But there are many, many internet radio-stations out there who will (and do) play my and anyone’s music. And that too is a form of equality — the ability to set up a radio-station and COMPETE! Numbers listening aside — this is an amazing opportunity. Quality might differ…but that’s for another article — maybe the contrasting of equality and elitism!
Hard work/diligence and practice.
We can all work hard. We can all be diligent (depending on our own limitations) and we can all practice. Humans aren’t equal (thank God) but in the broadest sense the ability to do any of the above — within reason — is available to all. In the ’70s bands sprang up under the Punk umbrella who had learnt three chords and how to sing aggressively and loudly…they practised and got out there and played — and even THEN many groups were recording and cutting their own singles, EPs and albums, maybe not home-recording then but it did sometimes happen. Music for the youth. God save the Queen and all that! Some of those punk bands even survived!
Reward.
How can a musician be rewarded these days? Well — in the sales of mp3s. Just like anyone else. In the playing or ‘streaming’ of music. Just like anyone else. (Though 1,000,000 plays is more rewarding than a 100 — n’est ce pas?) Playing gigs. As it’s always been — nothing stopping you getting out there and doing it — even busking on the street. CD sales (and even vinyl!). Merchandise. It’s all available — on clothes, artefacts etc. It’s simply a matter of proportion. The BIG CATS get the largest portion…we feed under the table on the crumbs!
Self-fulfilment.
We might not, indeed, feel as self-fulfilled as we might — we might not feel as self-fulfilled as others — but this is more a metaphysical question isn’t it? How we feel about ourselves and our role as a musician is dependent on us and how much we allow others to affect our self-perception; it all depends on our own brains (and conditioning). In this we are as equal as any other human being and the activity of each of our brains. But are brains equal?
Modern day Music — does it represent the triumph of quantity over quality? But even with BIG BUSINESS and ECONOMIC FORCES — we little fish get a chance to swim in bigger waters. What’s really great is that people discover our music — somehow — despite the huge amount that’s out there. Maybe given time, quality will rise to the surface. Maybe if there’s a Mozart out there in the world now — no matter how poor he is, he can somehow find expression for his music — get it out there and even be recognised…it’s possible.
Optimism — perhaps that’s the key word for a musician in these times. And I remain optimistic!
Tim is the author of: ‘Lyrics to Live by: Keys to Self-Help; Notes for a Better Life’ — a book which looks at the life lessons found in twelve song lyrics.
Follow ‘Lyrics to Live by’ on Facebook.
(Tim has also produced a number of CDs — check Spotify itunes etc.)
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lyrics-Live-Self-Help-Notes-Better/dp/1916424821
