When will we listen to something new?
Sitting here in the beautiful but tourist-ridden Cabo Girao in Madeira , I hear a guitarist playing "Hotel California" followed by an instrumental rendition of "Wonderwall" and then "Sweet Child of Mine." Has the world of music turned into stale bread, or is this not the right place to hear original music?
In our age of tribute, society often praises musicians based on their ability to conform to renditions of pop songs from yesteryear. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok contribute to this trend, where musicians gain recognition by echoing familiar tunes rather than exploring their creative depths. This issue reiterates in the world of talent shows where musicians painstakingly reach the notes of their idols. Even in the realm of musical education, Music Conservatories demand that students perform pieces from hundreds of years ago, perpetuating a cycle of homage to the past rather than fostering innovation.
One might wonder, would iconic bands like the Beatles make it today? The current landscape demands adherence to the almighty algorithm, a Frankenstein version of musical producers attempting to uncover the elusive formula for success. The pressure to fit into predefined molds stifles the potential for groundbreaking and unconventional musical expressions that once defined influential artists.
Yet, amidst the challenges, the modern era offers a plethora of opportunities for musicians. With numerous platforms available for learning beyond the traditional music teacher, artists can explore diverse styles and techniques, shaping their unique musical identity. The democratization of music creation has opened doors for innovation, allowing individuals to experiment and share their creations on a global scale.
In our quest for anthems, society yearns for music that represents profound unrest. However, the current state of musical education should undergo a transformation to nurture the creation of new generations capable of holding a black mirror to society. By inspiring individuals to regulate systems of power, music can be a beautiful force, serving as a catalyst for change and fostering a collective determination to shape a more harmonious future.
Educationally speaking, musical autonomy is of utmost importance to individual expression whether it be through the medium of dance or music. Teenage years are ridden with a need to adopt musical voices and trends that represent their own angst. However, these voices seem to be softening as the music industry seems to mirror the film industry with companies only banking on established brands. Teenagers wearing Nirvana shirts having never listened to a song reflect how the past has flooded the present in musical expression.
In the age of AI being able to produce renditions better than a human we have to promote more creativity in our musical syllabus. Speaking to students from musical Conservatories in Portugal, Spain and Poland, they all stated that they never were presented the opportunity to compose their own music. I was startled with this statement as I truly believe music is a language and most music students have never read off script. Only mindlessly lip syncing ideas of yesteryear.
There is a place in both music and general education to honour and conform to past practises however, in order to strike a healthy balance there needs to be a place for students to creatively express themselves and platforms to celebrate their original work.
This may just be a Christmas wish and ramblings of a middle aged man but I would like to listen to something new. The Christmas charts are still being topped by Mariah Carey and Wham but let's hope some new musical colours can paint the passing decades. First and foremost, this change as always happens with education.
