(apologies for the commercials)
"Never have so few companies controlled so much of the music played on the radio and for sale at retail stores. At the same time, there are more bands and more ways to discover their music than ever. Music seems to have split in two – the homogenous corporate product that is spoonfed to consumers and the diverse independent music that finds devoted fans online and at clubs across the country.
BEFORE THE MUSIC DIES tells the story of American music at this precarious moment. Filmmakers Andrew Shapter and Joel Rasmussen traveled the country, hoping to understand why mainstream music seems so packaged and repetitive, and whether corporations really had the power to silence musical innovation. The answers they found on this journey–ultimately, the promise that the future holds–are what makes BEFORE THE MUSIC DIES both riveting and exhilarating.
At the heart of BEFORE THE MUSIC DIES are interviews with musicians, industry insiders, music critics, and fans that reveal how music has reached this moment of truth. Featured performances from a truly diverse group of artists, ranging from The Dave Matthews Band and Erykah Badu to Seattle street performers and Mississippi gospel singers show us that great music is always out there… as long as you know where to look. BEFORE THE MUSIC DIES will renew your passion for great music, and inspire you to play an active part in its future."
Support the filmmakers and buy the film: you won't regret it!
The reason most everything on the radio has a similar sound, both sonically AND genre-wise, is that humans prefer sounds they're familiar with. They associate it with safety. And, as the majority of listeners are passive and couldn't give a shit less about lyrical or emotional content, it makes more sense for the radio to play things people feel instantly comfortable or familiar with. The radio is in the business of selling commercial time: the purpose of the music is to fall into the background just enough to prevent you from changing the channel. Whenever you hear something genuinely new, or at least unfamiliar, you have to make a conscious decision whether or not you like it. Generally, you've got a 50/50 chance you'll like it enough to keep listening. However, if the newest "Nickelback" or whatever corporate song comes on, and it has the same sound sonically, as well as generally the same lyrics, song structure, chord progressions, etc., 99% of people that liked the LAST Nickelback song will like the "new" one. Thus, they stay tuned in for the commercials, which the real reason for radio to exist in the first place.
Heart, Soul, Emotion, and Talent are all enemies of Corporate Radio. Stop listening, and start LISTENING!
-steve.h