Anyone in their right mind can notice the effective shift taking place in the music industry. With at-home recording equipment becoming less expensive than some professional studio sessions, “musicians” and anyone with about $3000 to spare can produce their own top-notch material. But just because you own a Korg, a MacBook, and a set of Bose headphones, doesn’t mean you are a platinum recording artist… and odds are, you never will be.

Recording pop/electronica music digitally can be done in a small studio apartment or your mom’s living room using a pirated version of Pro Tools and a synth with 37 keys or less. Sure, you can now create thousands of variations of sounds using as little as two machines and accomplish feats that music industry professionals would’ve deemed impossible 10 years ago. Just keep in mind that real talent cannot be purchased at Guitar Center.

Bands are now producing entire albums in the studio using simulations of drums and bass and taking themselves out on the road to tour the country. So would this be considered on-the-road-karaoke? That makes no sense to me. Also, in what sense are these acts worthy of being signed to labels like Fearless and Epitaph? I suppose two million myspace plays is all it takes.

A blend of musical talent including instruments and digital sounds is ideal, and can add depth and spectrum to simplified pop rock music. Although no longer original, bands are adding vocal effects and snazzy beats to play up their sound to get fans moving and attract a wider range of listeners. This is acceptable, and oftentimes encouraged. However, being solely dependent on a generic dance beat that can be created in seconds on a keyboard by my little sister, is not. If that is all you have on your resume, you shouldn’t quit your day job. I blame the popularity and simplicity of talentless rap and hip hop music for this discraceful shift in the industry. Some kid must have caught on to how easy and marketable it is to tap some keys in synchronization with rambling into a microphone, and selling it as talent. Note: being a keyboardist is different. That involves dedication, skill, an ear for tones and melodies, and oftentimes the ability to read and compose sheet music.

All that is being suggested here is this: if you have a talent, use it to the best of your ability. If you do not, then please remove yourself from this business. Don’t play into the trends, and stay away from falling into something because it is “hot right now.” Be true to yourself and your skills. Most of all- if you are in this for the money, you will fail. Let your music speak for itself.

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