Module 8

Throughout most of the readings and studies in the class thus far, we’ve noticed that the “retro” impulse in popular music is quite common (Starr and Waterman, pg. 542).  Many popular artists of today include stylistic and musical elements that are from older musical genres and have become reworked into a modern tradition.  Bruno Mars captures this throwback image, as we have seen in live performances such as his Superbowl halftime show which features dance breaks that are a blatant replication of James Brown.  The partnership between his music and identity are clearly inspired by artists of a previous time, but with a modern twist.  Race and musical stylings also contribute to said image, as we have seen over time the borrowing of elements between styles of different natures, such as that of blues and country.  While many notable musicians defend the idea that “music has no color,” it is hard to deny stereotypes within these styles of music (pg. 544-545).  Many of the great songs and artists would be very different if performed in a different language or even by a different performer. Merle Hagart and Outkast are not going to be able to implement their style, sound and artistry into the others music. It is hard to argue that racism hasn’t played a major role in the evolution of “American” music, a term as broad and diverse and its country’s occupants (545).  

Social classes play a very important role in how music is written and portrayed in american vernacular. Many artists take their own background and incorporate that into their music for their specific audiences.  Consider Bruce Springsteen’s Born In The U.S.A. which serves as a series of snapshots for the American working class.  Grandmaster Flash’s “The Message” and Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come” both defend the African American population, referencing conditions other races may not experience (547).  Billy Joel’s “Uptown Girl” mentions a woman’s reluctance to pursue a man (Joel) who may be beneath her stature (547).  The music of Motown as well as blues show an amount of personal accounts to their past as well as difficulties of the present. Socioeconomic classes play a great deal in the major role of creating music from the 1970’s to now.

Another important development in American Vernacular music is the creation of important Technology to help in the dissemination of music. With the invention of the phonograph, radio, the electric microphone, and sound film to the advancements in audio-recording like the different forms of recording to digital samplers and sequencers, the compact disc, and today’s evolution of the internet, iPods, and iPhones (548).  Recording music has advanced, too, like the implementation of digital recording and refined use of analog recording.  Products like AutoTune and ProTools afford its user correction of musical errors, but take away from the sonic element of music (549).  “Imperfection” is a necessary part of music (549). With the technological advances in vernacular music, the way music is able to be performed, shared, created, as well as disseminated is up to an immeasurable level. In addition to technology, social networks such as Facebook, Myspace and other outlets have allowed for digital recordings and downloads to become included in overall sales for artist on Billboard Top 100 as well as introduced new upcoming artists using SoundCloud and YouTube Channels. 

As music became more and more popular in the united states, many producers wanted to reach out the American public through the use of television.Television networks like MTV and VH1 once delivered music videos and programs, being the first channels of their nature. New forms of music television like The Voice and American Idol provide its viewers with reality-based music offerings (550-551).  Programs like Idol embrace a large sense of American values such as democracy and competition (552).  The voting audience has even overturned judge rulings, giving fans a voice and allowing them to dictate the outcome, further driving the appeal of such programs (552).  

Today, the internet is the most profound catalyst in the dissemination and popularization of music (552).  The creation of the MP3 has made music-listening and -purchasing uniquely different from previous forms.  The use of MP3’s are very simple and can has become the most common form of sharing and selling music. The MP3 is very convenient given the advancements and focus on technology in modern American culture.  Of course, illegal dissemination of music via MP3 sharing is often an issue, as evidenced in scandals like that of Napster in 1999 (553).  Today, iTunes, created by Steve Jobs in 2001, is a fee-based music downloading service designed to supply content for the then-new iPod (554).  Other groups, like Amazon, have challenged the iTunes method of fee-based music downloading services, but iTunes still dominates the download business (555-556).