When I put up this video I expected to get maybe a couple of thousand views and a ton of hateful comments. But instead I got, at this point , around 20k views which is awesome! And the comments have been not only the most I've ever gotten but also (mostly) the most thoughtful, insightful and well articulated comments ever. I've never done a video like this before and only recently started doing videos where I'm mostly talking after a suggestion from @everythingalways who watches some of my videos (I usually do heavily edited videos that are more story focused). I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who watched, subscribed and also to all of you who had such great comments, even the ones that challenged my position because it has made me rethink a few things and has inspired me. When I started this channel I swore that I would answer every comment (except the stupidly nasty ones) and I've mostly been able to do that. I've been trying to do that here and I think that I got everyone but I might have missed some. I haven't gotten back to responses to my replies yet because so far this has taken 6 or 7 hours to do and I need to work on another video as well as some producing / mixing projects and I need to get some sleep. Again, thank you so much!
@FreakingOutWithBillyHume you made some great points, it was honest, simple, logical , and informative. It is also really positive because I feel we are kinda lacking in that on TH-cam at the moment.
Hey Billy. Lots of stuff to chew on in this video. I do agree that all technology has done is democratise the creation of music, leading to so many more people being able to get their music out there without needing to deal with the gatekeepers. It's also easy to look back with nostalgia at the old system and talk about all the great music that was produced and forget about all the crap that came out alongside it. Steve Albini had something similar to say. He said if he wasn't dealing with creative people all the time, he would have closed up shop ages ago, but he hasn't. Creativity hasn't died. It just needs to break through all the noise. But I think where technology has really hurt music is that video games and streaming are now the main kinds of leisure that people focus on. Society itself has seen a big shift. We are no longer in the time when tv, the radio, and music were the only options for home entertainment. And I think that is what the conversation needs to be about. It is not about whether or not technology has made music worse, but rather what the place of music as an artistic and entertainment medium will be in society going forward. At the moment, we don't have any rock bands that are popular, but we still have lots of solo artists like Taylor Swift and Bruno Mars who are big. But will even these guys exist in the future, or are we headed into a world where music is reduced to background noise and only matters in the context of a film or a video game?
Great stuff ! I feel the full potential of innovations that even less recent technology can bring to music and art is immense with still so much untapped potential to explore, when I hear people bash the use of technology in art and music I almost feel that they are essentially the creative equivalency of the amish.
Modern Music = lets fix it in post lazy un-practiced musicians in a studio pressing record before they are ready. Older Music = lets Practice our asses off, Perfect our Unique Style and Nail It in the Studio and make a Killer Album. 🤘 Mic bleed also adds a lot to the over all sound. Everything is REAL, everything is there and Rocking the Room at the Same Time. Musicians need to Feed off Each-other and feel the Music. Even a Metallica Concert just isn't the same these days. NO AMPS on Stage. NOTHING!!!! all digitally processed in the back, It sounds clean but the POWER and Weird Feeling in the Air is Gone. 🤔
Rick needs to stop listening to mainstream music industry-type of tracks created by celebrities. If he listened to the music created by non-famous artists in the underground, he’d hear firsthand how much incredibly brilliant things are being created at this point in history. It’s everywhere. It doesn’t get millions of streams.
Exactly dude, I asked myself this so many times. He has a HUGE platform and always shits on music nowadays but only listens to POP bullshit that ways ALWAYS crap. Well, WHY don't YOU use your HUGE platform to promote fresh and creative artists!? He is so full of shit
The Black angels (Austin TX), Uncle Acid and the Dead Beats (UK), Meshuggah (Sweden), Black Emperor (Canada🍁), Dirty Honey(LA)...damn man, there's just so many great Rock bands 🎸 around that almost noone hasn't ever listened about!
I think yours and Rick's points can exist in parallel. There can be more than one perspective on these things. It doesn't have to be "you're wrong, and i'm right". Things have gotten to how they are through super complex processes that you can never quantify. It is what it is. Make the best music you can. Give the best advice you can. Cheers!
Multiple opinions can definitely exist in parallel. In a general sense that's a reasonable thing to say. But I strongly disagree in this specific context. Claiming technology is making music worse is just plain wrong. Let's see for example, where do we choose to draw the line on technology? The creation of the electric guitar? What about when we developed the microphone? "Music used to be live or not at all! The development of music recording technology has made listeners too attached to one specific performance of the song and now believe any modification to that recording to be wrong!". See, take any point in history and you can draw a meaningless line. Heck, without technology there wouldn't exist music in the first place. Pianos, drums, violins, every single instrument is a piece of technology. The more technology evolves, the more power it gives the musician to make what they hear in their heads exist outside of it. And that is never going to be what kills music.
@@smugler1 Personally I think we draw the line at inventions that make music, as an art form, "lazier". Electric guitar is an amazing invention because it INCREASES the kind of sounds a guitar can produce. Drum machines? It automated the creative process and made artists lazier leading to terrible music genres like EDM (fight me). Autotune/pitch correction? It helps musicians to be lazy (by saving time and not requiring them to do as many takes) and basically cheat, going as far as autotuning live without telling the audience (pretty much a scam IMO without a clear disclaimer that's what you should expect). Music and art in general isn't an objective field like engineering/medicine etc. where doing something more efficiently is automatically superior. Using a program to modify someone's pitch to be perfectly in tune isn't something to strive for in a subjective discipline like art. Same is true with advent of AI. There's a good reason artists are so against AI - it may be practical, but it does essentially cheat the creative process. It's both "they took our jobs!" and "it lacks soul" arguments at the same time. I agree with you IN THEORY. In theory, giving mostly everyone access to tools to produce music and publish it instead of requiring expensive recording studios/record labels is great. But what ends up happening is that people are greedy and lazy if given the chance and love to take shortcuts. Corporations don't have to "find" some local band producing awesome sound, they can just artificially create one with a team of producers and then have someone sing the lyrics. Billy himself admits that the topcharting music nowadays is mostly terrible. Why is that the case if access to technology has suddenly given everyone the creative freedom to do pretty much whatever they can imagine? Rick is wrong that ALL music is bad and yes, technology does allow the truly creative people to come up with awesome stuff, but we can see that's the exception, not the rule. Advent of technology did inexplicably create a lazy musical generation in the mainstream and that's kind of tragic. Anthony Fantano made the same argument in response to Rick's video (people might make bad music using technology, but it's not the fault of technology itself, just how it's used) and, again, I agree with him in theory. But how it actually works out in real world is a different matter.
@@skiptowne8533 I'm (way) over 35 so feel unqualified to speak about modern pop music. I think the future of music is absolutely A.I. and it's going to be startling and amazing.
Sometimes you dont even need to look, Spotify told me this morning on the way to work that Quicksand covered Refused's The Liberation Frequency. Suberb and delightfully human.
Popular music generating millions of streams is indeed worse than a few decades ago. The underground still thrives and has very creative and innovative bands/artists. Screw the music business and do it on your own terms. You no longer need to sell your soul to the big labels to release you music.
@@ericmassicotte378 I agree. The downside is that many musicians need clever producers to make the music good. That happens less nowadays. It’s the only argument they have - those that long for a return to the old days.
Well, in theory, I agree. You don't need expensive equipment to produce music, you don't need to rely on record labels signing you anymore. So that's supposed to be good for music as a whole. But what ACTUALLY happened? Record labels and corporations basically monopolized platforms like spotify and you DON'T hear these supposedly amazing artists on the charts unless you go looking for them. You won't hear these supposedly amazing artists on a radio/in the mall/during sport events etc. To deny it's a huge cultural problem is silly. Sure, a lot of generic music topped the charts in the past as well, but great all-time classic music did too. Nowadays if you look at like top15 of spotify charts from the past, let's say, 5 years, I don't know how many songs would make like top500 greatest songs of all time list?
Home run Billy! I’m 79 and have been making music since I was ten. Around 15 years ago, a botched surgery took away my ability to use my keyboards, so I taught myself how to manipulate MIDI loops from music I created decades ago, as well as some Apple loops and third-party loops. As a result, my music is way different than it ever had been, but it was still my music. I’ve never stopped listening to music throughout these many years and am hooked on groups like Dirty Loops and other Fusion bands - too many to list. I’m frustrated by friends who stopped evolving musically in their 30s and 40s. But that’s just me.
I was and independent artist in the mid 80's and 90's, scratched out a living, supporting a large familly. As home studio recording progressed, my goal became to make a would class album. I managed to get two releases out that sold around 25-30K and got some airplay going on about 50 stations. Recorded on and Akia 12 track. It didn't hit my world class in quality goal, but got enough of my music out there to know there was an audience. Health issues in my family shut me down. I'm finally getting back to it. Going to computer based DAW was hard for my head, but now that I've got past the learning curve, the problem is not the equipment. What an age. Now all I have to do is write great songs, get great arrangements and musicians, record and mix it right, and maybe have a chance at finding my audience. No easy task on a shoestring budget, but at least it's a possibility. Your blog was great!!
Wow! You sold over 25K independently with music you recorded on an Akai 12 track at your home studio? You are a hero! I hope you keep it up and get your new stuff out.
Yes. Creativity takes SPACE. Technology hasn't stolen creativity, it has taken away our empty spaces. . . and we need those to really explore our creativity.
@@FreakingOutWithBillyHume Rick needs to start producing again because now with his large subscribers base on youtube he can expose new music and market it in a whole new way and he knows more big name artists now. He could write some jazz fusion and get top players to execute it and improvise on it and then promote it on his channel and his own guitar playing. He could do the same with rocks songs or even do some classical quartets and have real players play it. With the technology he can put a band together with members in remote locations playing together. Or he could produce some young artists and put it up on his channel. There is so much opportunity to start producing again using his youtube channel to expose new music. I don't know why he doesn't do this. Maybe he's worried that the first thing he puts out has to be perfect. It doesn't have to be. He could do three or more songs and not put them on his channel immediately and just pick one and put it on his channel. Can you get in his back about this this? I've been trying but you would have greater influence. Did you hear that old video where he re-orchestrated a Drake song? It was pretty good. He could even be working with pop artists who are doing stuff as mainstream as on the Spotify Top Tens but just doing it better. Neo-Trap Beats with better chord progressions and guitar solos. you could send him a beat, get him to create a keyboard and guitar part. Then get Charles Bertroud to play bass on it.
I think this is right. Also, although there is a lot of music being made, so much of it is being made by people working alone. Music made by groups, with producers and engineers working as a team, are not making the same kind of art as someone working at home in their bedroom. I say that as someone who often works alone now.
That's some good advice about putting your phone in the other room while working on music. I often find spending too much time here on TH-cam becoming a distraction for me and preventing me from being more productive with my music. I need to manage my spare time better. Life is too short.
It's very simple: the music industry died. So, now we mostly have hobbyist and corporate shills because real artists can't get paid. Sure, a band might release a few good songs, but don't expect anything more to come from it. The live music scene has also died because, like you mentioned, people aren't as interested in music, because there are other forms of media including AI generated content so easily available. I listen to a lot of music, but the quality just isn't there. Before, the music industry or live music venues could launch a real artist (e.g. john lennon or kurt cobain) out of the underground. Now the real artists are drowned out by people who can afford to fund their hobby, which excludes most of the artists who are worth listening to.
@@biner01 eh...music lives, creativity lives, live music national and local still lives, bands and artists self releasing or starting labels is a huge improvement over the music "industry"...like Alan Jourgenson of Ministry said a couple or few years ago "music and industry have no business being said together in the same breath", or something a kin to that. Corporate music still sux...or at least the idea of coperate hijacked, co-opted and commodified art does. Many "real" artists are still "launched", maybe not to rock icon status or stadium live show level, or national phenom...but was that all that great anyway. Usually they would just become slaves or sell outs, or watered down versions of them selves. Or because the pressure of that living legend shit go the way of Kurt Cobain, Jim Morrison, etc or get killed off like Prince or others (?) 4 questioning or rocking the "industry" boat a bit too hard. As far as the hobbyists etc, it's kinda like a fellow sound and video guy I worked with said, "just cause you watch TV, doesn't mean you can make tv"....or sub in radio, art, or any creative media in there. Yet, that also doesn't mean that a hobbyist, part time musician, or any variation on that can't be awesome and make good stuff either...especially since the equipment to record and even instruments and gear are much more affordable and you don't need a studio or corporate label etc to put shit out. And none of those people cause an exclusionary effect on larger bands or any level band or artist, their stuff is still out there too, or released, or toured etc. No sympathy for the record industry, or that of old at least...die please, haha. Great sentiment and it was a great indie label back in the day, before and during mass commodification of alt and indie music (No Sympathy for the Record Industry)
@jlande6 No one said music is dead. All I said is the quality is way lower than in the recent past. And, na, hobbyists release ok music at best, regardless of their skill level.
@@biner01 yeah I know no one said that...was just driving in a point. As far as quality is way lower, think that's a judgement call, and a bit short sighted though in my opinion...take a band like King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, I mean F'n A, listen to their early stuff 10 plus years ago then go listen to Crumbling Castle or other new tunes from them, it's like King Crimson, Gong, Can, and Hawkwind times 10 on a neo speedball and acid trip dream fantasy of some 170 + IQ genius. Totally crazy complex stuff, coming up with new tunings and working within their own scope with that and various other components, far too much to go into a lot of details I don't know. Or listen to Brian Jonestown Massacre over the last several years...I saw them last in 2016 and they played for 3.5 hrs almost straight, the last 45 min to an hr was this crazy continuous set of fusion of rock n roll, krautrock, and space rock. 8 or 9 people playing in such tight synch it was phenomenal, I mean it's hard enough to get a 4 or 5 piece in great synch live. Buddy of mine saw them last year and was much of the same, atleast kicknass wise but different set and new songs too. Or bands like God Speed You Black Emporer and their new material. Or singer song writers like Lana Del Rey, amazing mix of styles that she totally makes into her own, an amazing voice, and a fantastic writer. Another couple in that vein Ethel Cain and Chelsea Wolfe. Or most of the Psych,Fuzz, VAR Metal etc coming out of Europe and Australia, just check out the channel here on youtube Stoned Meadow of Doom (SMOD). Or hip hop/rap groups like Run the Jewels, MF Doom, and several others can't think of right now. Or new goth rock and or cold/dark wave like Lathe of Heaven, Twin Tribes, Drab Majesty, Neon, Vulture Industries. Or new releases from older bands like High on Fire, The Cure, A-Ha, Nurse with Wound, Clutch, Light Bright Highway, JD Pinkus (Post Butthole Surfers), any release from the Flaming Lips over last decade, Tool, Elder, Mono, Mogwai, Brian Eno, Slowdive, The Black Angels, Ministry, the Cosmic Dead, the Osees, Sigurd Ros, Harvest Man (post Neurosis, Tribes of Neurot), Dirty Three, Weedeater, Still Corners, etc etc etc. Or newer bands like Giant Dwarfs and Black Holes, Psychlona, Young Hunter, Grundig, Julie,Whirr, Slift, Moon Hooch, Espirit D'Air, Blind Horse, Sacred Buzz, Skelephant, Clarence. That's just a sampling and top of the crop, or top of my head right now, ha ha. All levels of bands and artists, signed, unsigned, self released, touring, streaming, vinyl/cds/cassettes, big labels, small labels, "hobbyists" (ie. Part time musicians, or musicians cause they love it and have to create, and whether they make a dime or a dime bag, ha, but have to work shit jobs etc cause thats just this shit world...or this shit capitalist corporate country). So there you go...go check some stuff out if ya doubt my word or opinion on it, but it's good if not great stuff....Definitely at least equaling and or surpassing at times bands and artists from any previous decade. Plus there is more music and more bands now than ever in history, plus all the old stuff and many older bands still putting out new innovative and interesting good stuff or at the least equaling past releases. So there ya go...quality is a check, haha...check check, mic check, anyone listening....you should be. Seek don't destroy...
you were soooo on point. I remember when people used to say STP were a copy-cat of Pearl Jam. there's a lot of unoriginal music out there now, but it was the same back then. when profit is a priority, creativity and innovation take a back seat in every industry.
The industry has been creating its own music and culture since laurel canyon in the mid 60’s, some would say it started with the Beatles, with the core genre styling by way of Tavistock and the Brill building.
Before the Beatles skiffle was a reaction to stifling popular music. Before that, great Grampa beato was complaining how now there are microphones nobody knows how to sing properly and it's all just crooners.
@@stevecarter8810 Your post is a one-sided, insulting sketch of a complex person, musician, and mix engineer - who is a friend of Billy's. His vid was not meant as a criticism of Rick's character or skills - just a different perspective on several reasons things are the way they are. You seem to have lost the thread of meaning, here - and in the process missed both perspectives. It is entirely possible that both men have valid points, and in some cases, flawed perspectives - or just different points of view, They are both - like all of us - just human beings. Skiffle was not a 'reaction' - it was an extension - an evolution - and like biological evolution, morphed and evolved into many other forms. It was more like a bridge to including many other instruments and styles from around the world. The Beatles respected, admired, and emulated many artists in 'popular music' of different decades.
@@art.is.life.eternal I'll take that feedback. I meant to use "Grampa beato" not to mean Rick but to mean someone two or three generations earlier who would have felt an analogously similar way. It's reductive because I'm singing out a particular element of a common point of view. Can you say what skiffle was an extension of? My opinion is based off UK skiffle artists saying in interviews that it democratised and gave access to music for them.
Rick is a charismatic speaker and a genuine lover of music. But I don't htink he is a good teacher. He just assumes too much is already known, a classic mistake of teachers who don't really understand how students think and what their shortcomings are. One of the best channels for theory is Signals Music Studio. That guy really breaks it down in understandable chunks without taking anyhting forgranted.
I grew up listening to R&B and soul music in the 70s. There were a lot of very talented Black bands back then. Not just singing groups. Bands like Earth, Wind and Fire, WAR, Ohio Players, James Brown, Kool & The Gang etc etc etc. They could really play their instruments. Now when I hear modern R&B and rap, the total lack of musical-ness is shocking. There's no real drummer, no guitar player, no keyboard player, no horns. There's just a "producer" with a computer, samples and a MIDI keyboard laying down incredibly simple music patterns or samples with absolutely no complexity for the vocalist(s) to record over. I'd be surprised if any young rap or R&B listener could name a single musician and his instrument. I know that most people here will associate the word "music" with "rock" but I think that urban music really and truly has gotten worse. Then again, I'm 65 and we old folks tend to hate new music.
I'm 54 & was in a metal band in southern California for a decade. We played the shit out of our instruments. We all had day jobs, but practiced 3 to 4 nights a week. When we went into the studio - we had the songs worked out to the point that we would cut the entire song live with a few takes. Then we'd go in, maybe fix anything that needed fixing, do guitar solos, & then have our vocalist come in to cut his tracks. If you have to rely on technology to make yourself sound better without practicing an instrument, working on your vocal cords, you shouldn't be making music. The industry needs to go back to basics.
Here's another example....DJs. Back in the day no one....I mean no one considered a DJ a real musician.....but now they do. Electronic "music" has propelled DJs to headliner status.
There's a few young producers here in ATL that I've mixed for who work with new artists. They are not only great musicians but are using full bands for the projects the produce. I recently mixed one where they used a real string section on a couple of songs.
I recently found some old 4 track reel to reel tapes I recorded in my parents basement when I was in high school. All cut live. Even though we were not great musicians the energy still blasted out from tapes that are over 40 years old.
@@kingdude1999 "The industry needs to go back to basics "..your forgot how fast the industry turned his back on you, it has always cared and will always care only about profit...
Thanks! There was a time when an analog 24 track was considered cheating. And I'm old enough to remember some people talking crap about SSL consoles (mixers).
Loved this video, Billy! I’ve been gravitating to your channel more and more lately. I appreciate your honesty and the push you give to remind us to stay focused and just create. It’s so easy to get distracted these days and lose sight of what really matters.
Who better than one of Rick's own peers and "industry insiders" to provide the YT community with a much needed alternate point of view to some of the challenges we face within the industry? The Beatles are a great example to the point you are making. Had they not had the courage to embrace the technological advancements of their era - reel to reel manipulation, early sampling, tape saturation, to name a few - the music landscape as we know it would probably look a lot different today. All this to say, great video! Cheers!
Thanks! Great point! The reason the Beatles were able to push the limits of recording was because they were the damn Beatles AND also because they worked off hours so none of the old school engineers were around to tell them no and the people that stayed to work those sessions were younger and not indoctrinated in the traditional way of recording. Plus, George Martin (producer) was always willing to try new things and take input from the band.
I think it's the Producers that are making this "bad" genre of music that they want to hear, and they want us to hear. It's like the movies nowadays, the Producers are making "bad" remakes instead of coming up with original movies.
I am on a number of music groups from songwriters to EDM producers and the music is crap, mediocrity is the new standard with a sprinkling of dilluision
Again for movies, you just gotta know how to look for new pieces. Just like in music. I suggest you follow film studios like A24 and NEON, they realese good movies which are almost always unique, new, artistic, and actually good. Just like everything, you just gotta teach yourself how to look for the right thing.
It's mostly what they and their paymasters want US to hear. Not that what passes for a ruling class these days isn't completely uncultured, too. The comparison with the movies is very apt. The backlash there is hardening a lot. But in music opting out is easy. Just look for what you want.
The label people have never been the geniuses they imagine themselves to be. Too much good music has been stifled or lost because of them. There is so much good recent or new music out there as the industry loses its grip.
Zappa has a great take on this in a short someplace around here: in the sixties the money people were suits who knew they had no clue, so they were "well ok, let's try this" then in the seventies the money people were hipsters with opinions about what is the next big thing. They became the gatekeepers.
That's complete BS. I used to know several of the top AR guys in the world and who signed up the worlds top bands. They got into music because of 2 things, their passion for music and a talent for picking which new local bands were going to be liked in the clubs. That's why they made to being head AR guys in companies like Capitol or Atlantic. These guys were geniuses whether you know it or not.
There was a time where label heads and A&R were often music lovers and had a background in music. By the time I got into major label work the business was filled with former lawyers and people that didn't actually know much about music, but not so much on the Urban side.
Rick is a smart, educated man. Rick has a long list of accomplishments, and a lot of life experiences. I enjoy his insights with music theory. But... Rick is definitely in the Old Man Yells At Clouds space, when it comes to his takes on the music of the day. "Kids these days..."
But historically there was such a thing as the _dark (middle) ages._ Generations of kids _can_ find themselves to be productive but rudderless, generating nothing of influence nor longevity. As ever kindly strangers probably encouraged them with cliches to the effect of "Whoa dude you've got some talent."
@@georgemeller4074 in my day...we used to walk miles with no shoes in the snow cause we ouldnt aftord shoes cause we spent our hard earned dollars on over priced corporate media...and we liked it! Bahahahaha
@@beingsshepherd While this is true, I don't extend any such generousity to Rick's critiques. He acts as if there WEREN'T any trash-tier artists in his preferred decades of reference. In addition, he tends to judge music by very narrow criteria, despite the central function of musical elements finding strong shift in focus and mechanical priority.
@@georgemeller4074 But do the constituents of a typical Spotify top ten list warrant assessment on disparate terms? I do agree that Rick seems overly interested in box-ticking with little introspection, but imho today's youth music, irrespective of genre and accomplishment feels devoid of genuine infectious optimism; like balloons inflated 75% at most.
@@beingsshepherd With that direction in conversation, we're moving into something almost entirely subjective. Nothing much to say about it, seeing as though everyone has different modes of entertainment in music.
This seems pretty on point. Musicians also have to wear multiple hats these days and be their own marketers, business leaders, producers and studio engineers. I've been wondering if this multi-tasking detracts from overall time spent writing music and practicing an instrument (which also compounds with the distraction of the smartphone). However, it seems like if musicians are disciplined these days, they can leverage the technology to do everything themselves without sacrificing integrity and bending to the whims of a record company.
spot on. there were advantages in the old way such as radio, music tv, record deals, and so forth but the music industry is broke but technology has made our ability to achieve goals a ton easier and practically a lot more affordable. DAWs are way more efficient and affordable than tape, and tape machines, I can now own 20 1176s called plugins. I don't need a record deal to get my music heard. I got sound cloud and reverb nation. I mean you hit a ton of great points
Yes!! This is the THE take. I think we’re living in a golden age of music right now. There’s less at stake so people are making the exact album they want to make now.
At the same time, nobody's recording something like any of those classic albums or writing a universally meaningful song. So many options and so little relevant output. So many new artists, such a splintered audience. Like painter Thomas Kinkade once said about (modern) art: "We have won the battle on freedom but lost the battle on relevance." True: nobody can keep you from recording whatever you want today. But also, nobody really cares.
@@crnkmnky Define "meaningful". If it means something to someone (probably many people), if it touches them emotionally, I'd suggest that implies some validity. Would you rather only acknowledge art that appeals to an intellectual minority?
It's so good to be reminded that creating music and getting it heard have *always* required hard work. Nothing new now, just different challenges. Your discussion about issues like the "gatekeepers" of the past and your counterpoints to Rick Beato are compelling. Illuminating, logical and well-done video. Very helpful.
bottom line is that commercial music has always basically sucked, with notable exceptions being when jazz was the most popular form of music, and the late Beatles to the mid-1970s era of prog rock. there have been tiny exceptions in the form of bands like the Police, U2, the Black Crowes and Radiohead, plus singer songwriters like Fiona Apple and Aimee Mann. but these artists were maverick-iconoclast types who went against the grain and achieved their success despite the mainstream and its vaccuous offerings. they were the exception to the rule. to me, things really started to head downhill in the late 1970s with the advent of disco, which started off quite well only to morph quickly into an overproduced corporatized sound. the soul was gone. things really picked up speed in the 1980s when even credible acts like Aerosmith, Heart and ZZ Top got sucked up into the fame machine, producing a soulless, digitized, homogenized sound that i couldn't even describe as music. and it's only gotten worse since then. so the point is, mainstream commercial music will pretty much always be garbage. to find the good stuff, you have to dig a little deeper. it's there, it's just not playing on your local station.
There's a documentary called The First Visit about The Beatles 1st arrival in America in 1964. The Maysles Bros were the filmmakers. They interviewed Beatles fans at JFK airport when the fab four deplaned . There's a young guy who says he's a jazz music fan who's into Monk and bebop, not into pop music but was interested in seeing what the fuss was all about so he too went to the airport. I wonder if he ever got into The Beatles music😅😅
Nonsense. I’ve said this before; I’ll say it a million times: most of the time, the music industry does not determine what is popular; THE PEOPLE DO. There are many corporate factors that do play into it, such as mass overplay, nepotism, & sales/streaming fraud, but those methods don’t work a lot of the time. I’m sick of y’all acting like there’s some grand conspiracy behind the “machine”. If it were true, we wouldn’t have random novelties, year-long trends, memes originating from viral internet media. We wouldn’t have pop-stars with generation-spanning careers that still break the charts with every release. Maybe you don’t like popular music. But just because you don’t doesn’t mean there must be some inner system that decides everything. You have to have enough open-mindedness to consider that SOMEONE is listening to that music willingly, right?
@@pickles224 good points, pickles. but i didn't say there was a conspiracy. it's just the nature of capitalism. as you say, companies produce products that cater to the market, which is the public's taste. so music is just a commodity. in a sense, commercial music is to art what mcdonalds is to fine dining. as i said, there is good music out there. but don't look to large corporations or spotify algorithms to provide it. they are only set up to make money. the difference is that, at one point, numerous record companies existed and pushed numerous different types of music, including music that you and i would likely consider progressive, or non-commercial. but over time, they either just died due to market forces or were absorbed into huge multinational corporations that did not like to take chances and only existed to make profit by serving the masses. so i'm just not sure why rick beato would think mainstream music would be a source for anything but crap. his column, after all, was addressing "Why music is getting worse?" it's not. he's just looking in the wrong place and that can only lead to romantic lamentations about an era that will never return.
@@rjw8631 but see, I still think you’re making generalizations and false equivalences. First off, you’re assuming that music that is not “commercial” is made by artists, and everything that is “commercial” is simply just pumped out by the major labels for profit. But most of the time, there is a creative mind behind that music. There’s an artist there and people like and listen to that artist. To the major labels, that music is a commodity that will make them money, but to the artist, that’s their art they are selling. Sometimes major labels push bad artists into the limelight because they’re easily digestible to the masses, but those artists usually suck, and popular artists who are compelling and have a passion and creative control over their craft will still make decent music even if it is commercial. Tyler, the Creator just put out an album last week that was a massive success. You think the label made that happen, or do you think people actually like and listen to Tyler, the Creator? And to your point that the music industry doesn’t push progressive music anymore, of course they do! Like you said, the music industry pushes the public’s taste. The *public* is the entity that decides the taste, not the corporations, and this taste changes all the time. Does the industry jump on the trend bandwagon sometimes and push artists like it to make money? Absolutely. But pretending like this is a relatively new development is just wrong; this has been happening for a long time. That’s how disco died; once Saturday Night Fever blew up the industry was shoving disco in the public’s face way too much and we all got sick of it real fast. The music business is an entertainment business. It’s not a faceless industry like the commercial restaurant business where you can ask a fifteen-year-old to make you a burger that’s the same as all other ones. Instead it’s full of celebrities that are not just there because the machine forced them there, but because they are compelling people that the public likes.
Well said, my friend. I'm a hobbyist and front an original metal band of fellow older gents. Nonetheless, I enjoy creating with other seasoned musicians. I appreciate the creative process and performing live. It ain't about the money at this stage of life. It's all about the art and camaraderie
Thank you for this video. I remember how it was difficult to find anything interesting on radio or TV. And now with Spotify I'm finding so many new and interesting songs. I think there are much more interesting music which is easily to access now. And thank you for the last take about phones and distraction. It's probably why many people are so irritated now, not only in music industry.
Thanks you!! I have been finding some good new music on Instagram but only late at night. Not sure why. During the daytime the algorithm shows me crap.
@@FreakingOutWithBillyHume I've never thought of instagram as a source for new music. Did you find it in reels? And interesting observation about the algorithm!
I'm a 66 year old drum teacher. Sure I love the seventies music I grew up with, but there are plenty of newer artists that I love just as much. I hate when people my age say there is no good music anymore. It's so much easier to find now. All you have to do is look for it. A few of my favorites are Larkin Poe, Thea Gilmore, Beth Hart, Kasey Chambers, Margo Price, The Pretty Reckless, Amy Macdonald, First Aid Kit, Lydia Loveless and The Wolff Sisters.
Any dude’s singing you like? I only like two on your list and they’re not on my concert bucket list. To each their own obviously. I like more variety and even instrumental
@@FreakingOutWithBillyHume The new Larkin Poe album, Bloom will be released the end of January. The first 3 songs are out now. Sounds like it will be another great album from them.
A good friend of mine had their album mixed by Beato in the early 00’s. Their singer was fantastic. She had a very good range and pitch. When mixing, Beato told them she would be tuned, because “that’s the way it’s done now”. They refused, and he told them he couldn’t guarantee the mix would be pro level. And it makes me think- did that speak more to the industry, or his skills as an engineer?
@ youre probably right. I know he has issues with modern pop music, and in some ways, i think the music has suffered in place of augmented vocals taking the spotlight. But there are great places all over the find great music. I totally feel the technology has opened so many door for talented kids who might otherwise never take that step into the creative space. Has pop music become less interesting? Yeah, i think so. Much of it sounds a lot like Stock music with different singers over the top of a 2-3 chord soundbed with no changes. But, isn’t the three chord structure what pop music has always been? I’ve found awesome music via tiktok, Spotify, and other mediums. And, technology has given me the gift of releasing my own music into my 50’s. Im two albums and a few singles in since 2023, and i credit the ability to learn, create, and mix to technology. The community. The support I’ve gotten from youtube channels like Spectresoundstudios’ mix reviews . All of it has given me the confidence to move from being the ‘old guy’ looking for a band to help me get “signed” to a home recording musician who only needs his skills and a laptop. That’s freedom
@@allendean9807 agreed on the democratization of high quality music recording and distribution being a great thing, overall. No, pop music wasn't always this bland. Look at people like Whitney Houston, Madonna, Mariah Carey. Heck, there was more variety in Britney Spears' first album compared to the "stock music pop" of today. Let's not forget Ace of Base, the Spice Girls and TLC. They were stand outs! When you heard Mariah come on the radio, you knew it was her. The singers these days like Tove Lo, Dua Lipa, Sia, Ava Max and Sabrina Carpenter all sound pretty much the same.
Absolute truth, Billy. My brother-in-law was a high level music programmer for CBS radio in those days. We worked at trying to get my Wife a staff writer's job in Nashville at the height of the Garth Brooks era. Labels, radio, and publishers were all about "the formula" and they were absolute "gatekeepers". And, don't even get me started about the "good old boy" network in Nash-Vegas! Great video, as always!
Oh! Nashville was and still is the worst for killing innovation. I sat on the Recording Academy board for 2 years and was disgusted at some of the other people that were there, particularly a radio promoter who I know funneled money to radio station programmers. All this person did was bitch. Too many people sitting on that board didn't even create music. I let my membership expire.
I agree with much said here, but we have at least 2 generation of music consumers who don't listen to music for the sake of listening to music. Its just a soundtrack for their daily tasks.
Yup - the average is indeed average. My wife doesn't care and likes Harry Styles. Background. I find his stuff banal and the same as everything else. But I'd love to own a piece of his career!!
Technology is here to stay and getting better, as an older musician, I've been using all the latest tools I can ge my hands on for my music production in my studio.
Well said. I come from the 80's recording era of tape and dolby noise reduction. Working in the box now, I can't even imagine going back to those old ways of recording. Rick makes amazing videos and his interviews are second to none. There are points of Rick's I agree with. New "songwriters" releasing complete Suno or Udio "recordings" is one example. But I've used Suno to create a vocal track of my lyrics and it turned out quite good. So it is what it is. I agree with you, Billy: the tech has enabled some amazing music lately. It's just also allowed many hobbyists to play the game. Great video. I'm subscribed.
Thanks so much! I was always a DBX noise reduction guy. Did you ever try recording something trough the noise reduction but playing it back without going back through it? It's a crazy cool sound in certain cases. I have thought that I heard that on some Paul McCartney and Wings records. I tried it but could never get that explosive sound.
@@FreakingOutWithBillyHume Absolutely! We used to do that with Dolby A encoding (but not decoding) in the studio, especially on backing vocals. Dolby Stretch it was called, IIRC. Our studio had probably dozens of Dolby A rackmount modules but by the mid 80s, we never used them for their intended purpose. Now, for a bit of fun and an experiment I tried a similar thing with dbx on an old Yamaha cassette 4-track maybe 15 years later (after the studio was sold to SAE, I took redundancy and changed career for a bit :D) and I did find the tape noise quite bad, but I'm sure with the right recording chain and the right part, it could be done without too much pain. And Dolby is no doubt better for this than dbx as it's only on the high frequencies. Maybe a gate for the hiss in between phrases? I still do a similar trick with ITB multiband expansion. Something like the Fabfilter eq can do a pretty good job of it, with it's dynamic feature. Just set it to boost the high end when it's gets a high enough signal and it can sound darn close to Dolby Stretch. Certainly in a mix.
Great video! Subscribed. A lot of folk are embittered by the fact that it's less expensive and easier to make music today due to the advances in technology. It's very much akin to ex athletes who bemoan the stars of today who are enjoying better deals, salaries, endorsements and so on. Ultimately, I do believe creativity will always be the deciding factor when it comes to industry success. Fortunately today, there are less barriers to entry and fewer gatekeepers at grass roots level. Thank you.
Billy, I've really been enjoying your channel and thanks for this down to earth take! I'm in my 50's but incredibly grateful for the advances in music technology that allow any of us the ability to create and put our music out there. Those who are against the democratization of the music industry and say that it's watered down the talent out there are usually the ones who are just pissed they aren't making as much money as they used to. If people in the music industry from 50 years ago had access to the tools we have today (especially in the digital domain), they would have absolutely used them! I have an incredible amount of respect and admiration for a lot of engineers, producers, and musicians who have dedicated their lives to music creation, but the reality is that great music can be and has been produced in a bedroom studio. I'm constantly inspired by the quality of music I hear currently being released, especially by younger artists.
Well, I too am pissed off that I'm not making as much money as I used to. At one point my income dropped 80% in 2 years as the internet exploded and CD sales dropped. Had the music industry continued as it had been going I'd be a very rich man now. But hey, it's not anyone else's fault but mine for being to stupid and stubborn to quit music so here I am. Yet I am more inspired now than I have been since the late 90's and I still have my dreams. Thanks so much for watching and contributing to the discussion!
Bravo! Thank you Billy! I also really respect some of Rick's content and thoughts, but I have been completely at odds with his opinions on modern music. Really really appreciate you chiming in and completely agree with your take. Liked and subbed.
Cogently argued! Yes, technology means that I can write in any style I want and record my own music without a recording studio or record company, release it for the whole world to hear and collect performance royalties, such as they are. And hear the music of similar music enthusiasts all over the world. Complete creative freedom!
Agreed. Imagine wanting to go back to recording studios being an aloof out of touch thing believing it will deliver us better music to listen to. It was awful. I was there. I extract far more joy out of creating music in my own home studio than I ever did listening to an album.
Amen brother. Been doing this since the late 60s - both behind and in front of the desk in analog to digital studios; and I am grateful for the digital age. You still have to do the work to turn out good music, but the possibilities are virtually endless now. Cheers!
I actually find it hilarious that people think there is no good music nowadays. I mean, seriously? Obviously the top of the charts is, for whatever reason, going to suck, but there is a TON of amazing music coming out all the time today.
@@RoyalBlue43 Just thinking off the top of my head here, so my thoughts aren't going to be fully fleshed out, and may potentially be way off, but I imagine it's because the charts are the public face of the corporate machinery that is the music industry. The music labels spend money on the shit that's going to make money. They don't have to make good, engaging music to make money, because they can grease the right palms and shovel their slop onto the radio where it will get endless plays. They make stuff that's familiar, stuff that people can sing along to, stuff that provides no mental or emotional challenge. It's low effort, but big payoff. The more their music gets played, the more money it makes for them. Now that TikTok dances are unfortunately a thing, it's gotten even worse. Songs can be famous for literally 12 seconds worth, and can rocket to the top of the charts, generating even more money for even less cause. Content slop, pure and simple.
This is an amazing video. People take music for granted these days because I’ve seen plenty of great artists, bands, singer and composers. What has changed is how the music gets out. I don’t release much music on TH-cam because of its algorithm. When I record, I shut off my phone.
@@WalterWhite-h8f Honestly, if you make an attempt to look, there are easily 10 utterly amazing songs in any given year. It does require some effort to get out of your comfort zone and go looking though.
As a parent I encourage young people to try whatever they want to do. Be creative, use the technology and do what serves to realise the ideas you have in your mind. That’s the work of an Artist. Great video !!!
Exactly!!!! What's funny is that the majority of hit songs I worked on were done in the spirit of "Let's have some fun" or "I did what the label said I should do and it failed, this time I'm doing what I want".
I'm from Rick's era, and I've had similar experiences. Let me be clear: just because we used drum samples and quantized tracks doesn't mean Rick is wrong. When you witness great musicians in the studio, you realize they don't need any fixing. His observations about mainstream music are valid; they don't apply to indie bands playing instruments the traditional way. Let’s not conflate this or dismiss Rick as a grumpy old man stuck in the past. He’s an important voice with real experience-one that many will never have because that part of the music business has faded away. If only people understood how incredible things were back then, how music truly unfolded, rather than relying solely on this computerized approach that everyone thinks is their shortcut to success. It’s a journey worth remembering.
You're always going to get that "grumpy old man" comment to dismiss someone that's older, even though they are right. When I hear that, I won't waste another second of my time listening to what they have to say. I don't know the young people he is around, but to say they are more innovative is B.S. To say they have a huge passion for music is the exact opposite of what I see. They don't really care and it isn't that important to them. Cookie cutter? This is the golden age of cookie cutter. At the gym I hear "young peoples" music 4 four to 5 times a week. If I'm in there for 2 hours, it might as well have been a two hour long song by the same band. A band that will disappear in a couple years. Bands used to have to develop a sound, it was different, and you knew who it was when you heard it. And Rick is right, there was an anticipation of a new album coming out and going to the music store was a great experience. I didn't have a problem finding new music other than "What they wanted me to hear." It just took some effort. I still do that to this day. I made the effort because it mattered more. I could list 20+ new CD's I just bought by 20 different bands and I'll bet this guy, as well as young people, wouldn't know any of them. Let everyone listen to what they want, that's subjective, but to say it is more innovative...he couldn't be more wrong.
@@cardinalfang7725 So Sungazer? Anna Meredith? Blood Incantation? Hiromi? DOMi & JD Beck? Louis Cole? Heilung? And just a few years back, artists like Grizzly Bear, The Mars Volta, Andrew Bird, Father John Misty...I mean, is that the cookie cutter you're talking about? Mainstream music has always suffered from some mediocrity, and these aren't mainstream artists, but they have not done badly for themselves, and they are anything but cookie cutter. And yes, young people like them.
really positive take 4:25 - great to hear this - your perspective is appreciated. lucky enough to work with younger artists also, I feel there's a real drive for experimentation and a diy mindset. given that it is so hard to break through in popular music, there's less risk in experienting and embracing imperfections, mirrors the old diy portastudio era in a way, using tech to present music in new ways
Anyone who thinks music is getting worse doesn't really have a goddamn clue about how to find good music. Or rather, where to find the kind of music you like. Same goes for movies. In the history of recorded music, there always has been and always will be good and bad..which if we're really being honest is completely a subjective thing. Its kind if pompous to think any art is good or bad. The value of any art is based on the effect it has on the viewer/ listener. So what I'm saying is, right now is the best and worst time for music, depending on your particluar taste.
That makes me think of a story. One of my rap clients and I were talking about the music that first inspired us to get into music as kids. Mine is Pink Floyd. He then told me a story about the first time he heard 2 Live Crew and how much it moved him and changed the course of his life. And I thought "REALLY????" because to me 2 Live Crew is just crap. But he truely was moved by the sound and became a very very successful producer and a friend for life. So yeah.... it's TOTALLY subjective and that's part of what makes it all so interesting.
Back in the day we had record stores. Here you could find all the genres of music. A real simple concept that worked. I think we should just bring back physical media again. Maybe the digital music format needs to die like the 8 track. It won't completely disappear, but for me record stores were a better experience overall.
@@MrBanana808 It never really left, though ('physical media'). There are still vinyl recordings being made, and other analog media - it has simply split into something like fractal fragments - with so many choices that most people simply don't have the time to sift through them all. This is why I think that BOTH men have valid points of view. The technology of recording and playback started slowly, with only a limited amount of forms to record and play back on, from Edison's time forward. Now (as is the case with all technology) - it begins to move so fast at some point that the old battle between Beta Max and VHS (or pick a few formats), look like a slow-moving stream, compared to a gushing, roaring, digital river. Digital playback of all the older media has literally turned into a torrent (pun intended) - moving so fast, and in so many directions, that music sometimes becomes the victim of its own technology (which is the point that Rick makes), but does make it possible to "skip to any song you like." The problem with this is that the recording of an album or a tape as a form of story-telling by chapter has been lost. It's now like a book full of short stories, with no real connection to each other - you don't have to listen to songs crafted as a series of stories in a themed, articulated 'novel' format anymore - and some of the music the older ways of recording (that forced me to hear tracks I initially thought were crap), have turned out to be some of my favorite songs - which means an entire art-form has been lost, because it's inconvenient to adapt to something new (that is, music you initially think you don't like). The 'long and winding road' of mixed forms and new additions as experiments in story-telling has become a victim of speed, conformity, and choice - like a super-highway that is convenient, but makes us miss new sights and sounds - like the towns just off the beaten path of the old, 2-lane 'Route 66' - we rush headlong past things that could lead us to places we've never been, and sounds we've never heard. In this way, digital music has become like a gigantic compressor, and has flattened vocal and instrumental innovation - sacrificing them on the altar of ease and speed in both creation AND listening. Too much technology has given us shortened attention spans, and helped us throw out experimental new forms, and vocal 'mistakes' that are 'cured' before we discover they are actually stylistic differences that would lead to new forms. We have given up exploration, for convenience and comfort - and that is a convergence point of validity for both men's points of view. The problem of having the convenience of "skipping to songs we like" is that we simply jump to something that makes us 'comfortably numb,' and the initial strangeness of something completely new can be skipped over too fast to appreciate it as something with great potential. I remember driving past towns with little college FM stations pumping out entire albums of brilliant new music, before fading away into the next college town's 'FM' station - with 'no static at all.' It's how I first heard The Doors, and Pink Floyd. We're becoming tourists, not explorers, and it has cost us dearly. I was born in 1951, and I have seen 'Moore's Law' play out for both good and bad in all areas of technology. I've been a musician my entire late teen and adult life. In the music industry, though (which is a story-telling medium), mostly for the bad - and for many of the reasons both of these gentlemen discuss, within the broader context of a discussion about the effect that digital production has had on contemporary music - all music, really, that is recorded or 're-edited' today. I hope there is away to get back homeward. Has anyone else listened to the music and lyrics of the singer-songwriter "Ren?" The song "Hello Ren" is real, live, unedited - and incredible. There IS a way to move forward in the same SPIRIT as past music, without repeating its style and form - but technology has become part of the problem, when it is over-used. Quantization, direct sampling, and overcompression were the first serious mistakes, and it's only gotten worse from there. USING technology isn't the problem - OVER-USING it, and using things like pitch correction for every vocal performance (include masterpieces that were recorded of virtuoso's like The Bee Gees, Freddie Mercury, and literally everything and everyone else. This was a thoughtful, excellent parallel to Rick's point of view, and I thank you for producing and uploading it.
I don't think Rick is missing the mark, but he is talking primarily about mainstream music and he does make valid points in that regard. I was music director at a college radio station, and there were tons of awesome & original music sent to us each week that didn't make it on the air simply because we did have a playlist, and it was physically impossible to play everything, no matter how good it was. There was only so much room. That has always been the case and it always will be.
I think you're right that Rick tends to compare the best of past output with the average of current output. We all do that, of course; it's how life works and it's how history works. I kind of agree with Rick that we're hearing way too much grid now, just as I agree with you that we used to hear too much genre, but just as we're well into a reaction against genre there's a _lot_ of, for example, microtonal music around now-which goes through that pitch grid and comes out the other side, with entire new grids to explore. Every era has things that suck, and they set the stage for future exploration, because it's the nature of art to challenge rules. As to the economics of art-the more we learn how to automate, the more of us will be artists (and of course, most of us-I include myself-will be bad artists, because that's how statistics work. To keep bread on the table, we're going to _need_ UBI, because in the future, only those who are really, _really_ driven are going to have jobs at all. In any field at all.
Then compare MADONNA to Lady Gaga, or Michael Jackson to Chris Brown, the Artist of now have hit a brickwall nothing really new anymore, Jimmy Hendricks invented things about the Guitar, I can mention so many new things that people then invented or brought to life, their are geniuses today that can sill find new and innotive ways to still shine, but time is coning for that. The Algo is favoring some and ignoring some, in a world where what makes a video or song popular is rarely its uality but algo, this has views so it must be nice, this person has millions subs, so I will watch his videos. Just this same video, I see Rick Beato photo in the thumbnail and you clicked, while this video disagrees with the good points of Rick. The tech is one BIG reason, believe it or not. A soulless thing such as algo that bring great music to the surface.
@@theministryofsound7448 I'm a little confused-what's the point about Madonna and Lady Gaga? I have to admit that if I were dividing music into periods-rather than talking about individual style-I might have put them in the same bucket. But perhaps they're just not who I listen to. I do have to agree that technology changes what we listen to. I hear more African and Asian music than I used to, certainly, and less music that's made within walking distance, or that's the output of the biggest of Big Music. And you're right that I ended up here through Rick-Rick's position was pretty contentious and I'm genuinely interested to know how others in the industry feel on this point. But in fact I think I originally found Rick because Adam Neely was disagreeing with him about basically the same point. And I found Adam Neely _because_ interesting things are happening in music theory, today. So … yeah. We'll understand what happened recently a bit better in a decade, when the dust settles, I'm sure.
I was with you right up until the bit about music being free and royalties going down. If musicians were able to generate a modest income from music that they produce it would allow them more time to perfect their craft. More Proficiency in music what generate more diverse and creative works. There will always be virtuosos. It is the nature of humans that there are statistical anomalies the generate unique talents. But the ground floor of General musicianship has gone down greatly because people can't afford to be good when it is cheaper to edit something to make it acceptable.
Well that is true. My income dropped 80% in 2 years - a big part of that being how my royalties disappeared. But, back in the 'old days' about the only way to make money from music was by being in a cover band playing at bars. Very very few people got record deals and most of the few that did only ever saw the advance money because they either got dropped or were subject to the terrible structure of record deals. Today a music artist has more possibilities and ways to push their careers forward. Back then it was - record deal or publishing deal or cover band. I also think that one of the reasons less young people take up playing instruments is because the new video games are so damn good and immersive and also incorporate a social aspect - they are playing with other people online. back in the day jamming with your buddies was a thing to do partly because there wasn't anything more interesting to do.
@FreakingOutWithBillyHume social behaviors that humans are drawn to will constantly recreate themselves in different ways. I do think that playing music with your friends was absolutely a social activity as much as it was creative. Just like riding dirt bikes or skateboards is both athletic and social. There's probably less group dirt dirt biking and skateboarding then there would be if there weren't online video gaming. I do think that video game creation and programming is a modern parallel to music composition and songwriting. This is probably the old and out of touch part of me but I generally don't think video gaming generates much in the way of useful skills. When it comes to being in a cover band as the only viable way to make an income playing music, I think of it as a farm team. Someone can go and play covers, become good at operating their instrument and afford to buy reliable equipment. They also learn how to put on a show. If they have greater Ambitions they can take those assets and those skills and make their own creative works.
@@lmrecordersI don't mean any disrespect, but yes, this is the old and out of touch part of you saying that video games don't generate any useful skills. Not to mention how inspiring they can be for starting one's own creative journey in multiple fields, including composing/sound design.
@aimee9478 specifically, operating a game controller has a near zero life skill development activity. Becoming a sound designer is a subsidiary inspiration that a game controller does not meaningfully play a role in.
Yesssss!! I too am cautiously optimistic!! The amount of Music being made today by great musicians is up. There is just so much more to sift thru. Good luck to everyone out there that continues to push.
I think it's because there is less money in the system since the end of physical media. Only the most successful artists make anything now. Venue owners too killed live music, as they found they made more money pushing gambling machines etc.
I absolutely respect R. Beato and I'm thankful for all the great content he puts out BUT: Being a 61 year old musician/songwriter myself, you'll eventually lose touch with contemporary music. It has zero to do with the "stretchability" of ones ears but more with the aesthetics you can't wrap your head around anymore. E.g. my songs mostly have a form or arc that is inspired by the music I loved and listened to when I was in my 20ies. I don't like autotune as a form of artistic expression, but I use it to correct tiny glitches. Like myself, Rick loves intriguing harmony. While some artists still write beautiful chords and melodies, we're basically living in a (Pop) world of limitless sound design and 4-chord songs. Well, I reckon we're not in Kansas anymore.
People are saying that Rick should not listen to chart music. A problem is that perhaps most new music listened to most commonly is from the charts. Eighty years ago, the most popular music was played by jazz musicians, thr best musicians other than classical on the planet. Autotuned chart rubbish is a problem as well.
Given that smaller bands need to play live to make any kind of money, they do still need to be able to play at a decent level, or they'd be found out as soon as they went on stage. There'd be little point 'cheating' if they can't back it up. I do actually think there's a lot of great new music out there, even if I find I have to look towards East Asia to find it. Japan is particular has a great underground scene. The problem these days is that there is so much out there, that without some kind of curation, it is hard to find the good stuff.
Oh man... that has always been my thing. Back when I was doing work for labels there was so much push back from any little thing that strayed from the established sound of whatever genre I was working in.
I remember hearing a lot of pop and rock music back in the 90s and I can tell you that a lot of the older music we cherish and revere today as staples of their genres were supremely annoying and overplayed on the radio back then. The thing about the distinct genres struck a chord with me though. The genres were more narrowly defined back then for sure. While that can be a bad thing for some, I think a big problem I have with todays music, particularly anything that isnt top40, is that artists are all over the place.... so much so that they dont really establish a distinct identity or style. Its too experimental and abstract to be relatable, especially when you get into harder music like rock, alt rock, metal etc. At the same time, the OPPOSITE is true of top40 artists like a certain female country artist and all the trap and hip hop stuff. I think rock and indy artists need focus and purpose. It almost feels like they are self censoring and not taking any risks by sticking to weird abstract vibey music. We can't all be Radiohead. We need some Tom Petty or Gordon Lightfoot. Tell a story or take a stand. Also don't take yourself too seriously either... so much trustfund americana out there. Just my 2cents.
Great point! Maybe it has something to do with focusing on singles instead of album cuts and having any kind of theme to an album. I hadn't thought about that....
I have been songwriting and recording for 40 years. I started with analog tapes. I have played piano and sung myself on many recordings in many studios across America. I have hired musicians and singers. Lately, I have tried to contact singers whose voices I have heard on youtube. These are not "stars" but they have good voices which I would like to have on my song demos. A singer anywhere can now record his/her vocals remotely using modern DAW software and a microphone. I have literally tried to contact singers across the world to try and hire them, for REAL MONEY, to sing with my professional tracks. Most of my emails go unanswered. There is a MUCH bigger problem with music today than just technology. It's like every aspiring singer wants to START AT THE TOP ! Years ago, Bob Bogle, a founder of the great band, The Ventures, was hanging out in my studio. He was, and IS, a music legend. One day I asked him if he would play bass on one of my demos.. He said, "Sure," and did play and charged me nothing. The music scene today has a PERVASIVE, MAJOR ATTITUDE PROBLEM.
Wow! I bet you've got somer great stories. As far as not getting responses from people you email, I get that too. I think some just don't believe it and think it's some sort of scam and some are not really that serious. Crazy how many really talented people I've found that don't care to go much further than posting some songs. If I had the kind of talent I've found over the years......
@@FreakingOutWithBillyHume Yes, I have come across a lot of talented people who seem to be afraid of going all out to pursue their dreams. I guess the fantasy they carry around is far more comfortable than the pain of a real struggle for success. The old saying rings true, "If it's real art, someone paid a dear price to create it and bring it to the world."
Thanks, Bill. Unfortunately, Rick has to keep pumping this stuff out, and he gets caught up in the need to create content and forgets to think clearly. 🤔
I agree. Some of his videos are really good and some seem like he's just keeping to a schedule. However, that is what is expected. I need to put out videos more regularly but have an issue with the quality.
A very good rebuttal to Rick's video. I've subscribed to your channel, as you have pointed out a lot of things that I, too, have noticed in working with artists 30 to 40 years younger than me; creativity has not been lost.
You are right. Can't believe you're voicing what I deduced a while back. Don't watch him anymore as it's become stale. I think pandering to the channel's audience is why. Ironic, eh? I don't like that he doesn't help unsigned artists with his platform. He's become one of them now (gatekeeper).
youtube drama...we all know how that works hehe . recently someone commented on one of my new songs/videos said it is AI generated, tho the image was the rest wasn't, the video edits and the track. So someone created drama whithout really knowing anything about my channel. Rick is also click baiting as many do
The arguments and views expressed in this video are really good. I saw R. Beato's video and thought that he was glorifying the past. Something like: "everything was better in the past". And I often thought to myself during the video that I completely disagree with him. Billy Hume sums it up perfectly here. While I thought R. Beato's video was negative, I find B. Hume's approach much more positive and also more respectful towards today's artists. Thank you for making the video!
Thank you so much for this video. As someone who loves all aspects of music, listening, leaning and creating, I really enjoy Rick’s videos. His talents are undeniable. I’m sure as word gets out of this video and fans of his channel end up here - please know I really like his stuff and him as a personality. At the same time, as his YT creator journey has evolved, I feel like he gets into more clickbait territory and sometimes comes off like “angry man shakes fists at clouds.” I get it, it can be frustrating when you are super talented and put years into the craft and you feel things are getting worse. I loathe the Top 10 videos that he does. But do we constantly need that horse to be flogged? My guess is that the viewership numbers of those videos say yes. I think your point about gatekeepers and trendsetters of the past is spot on. We are now able to let the people tell they want, which means things will change -especially in the charts. And especially because it now takes streaming numbers into account, which opens it up to people who were not able to influence the charts in the past. Such as kids without money, people who couldn’t afford the luxury of buying every album when it came out, etc. In that way, we have given a voice to a broader range of people and cultures, which is great. In that way way, these charts are less about music but a broader shift in access to music and how it allows a global audience to have greater representation of their voices. A kid in Sri Lanka can influence these charts just by streaming their favourite song and we are seeing that play out in the charts. Yes, it also opens it up to bad actors, too. Of course he is entitled to to his opinion as everyone else. However, I wish he’d use his growing popularity to help people understand that because music is different or shorter in length or oversimplified doesn’t make it bad music. I have to laugh sometimes when he talks about Reggaeton all sounding the same. This is something that happens all the time and something you point out in your video. Jam bands from the 90s, anyone? I hope your channel continues to grow, so that we can have a greater variety of voices from people who have tons of experience to share like you. I enjoy your live streams and would love more content on your experiences and stories. Keep it up!
I totally agree with you about Rick's videos. Sometimes they are click bait. There's a side to Rick he doesn't show much and probably because it would piss of some people. He's got strong opinions and the statements he would make back in the day would totally piss me off. But over time I realized that he was right and I needed to hear that stuff. But I think he just wants to focus on his genuine love of music. Maybe he could make a 3rd channel called "Rick Rants". I'd watch every video. You make great points about the changes in music. And thanks so much for watching, commenting and being in on my livestreams!!
This is an excellent take, thank you! I agree pretty much on everything. I wouldn't say, however, that music has become "oversimplified". Mass production music has always existed, and it has always been more popular. Probably always will be. There has always been experimental, cult following-worthy stuff as well, and now it's easier than ever to find these artists/for them to reveal themselves, if only we put a little bit more effort.
I'M A CRATE DIGGER, SO BEING INTO VINYL I'M ALWAYS LOOKING FOR OLD OR JUST INTERESTING MUSIC. IT DOESN'T ALWAYS HAVE TO BE OLDER MUSIC, IT JUST HAS TO BE CREATIVE AND INTERESTING. TODAY'S MUSIC DOESN'T HAVE TOO MANY PEOPLE ON THE MAINSTREAM THAT BRING THAT SOUND. BUT THERE ARE ARTISTS THAT ARE PUTTING AND PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES OF THEIR RESPECTIVE GENRES.
Better yet throw the phone away. All I know is the bar bands are not as good. The bar bands are hobbyist with pay checks clogging up the business of serious players. I don't know of any other profession that goes out and works for free. Most bands out working back in the day when we still had motel gigs, and the like were far better bands than I hear out there now. Back then a band was a big deal. now some folks just walk by like you not there. A live band was a big deal that's how I got in this. Working with my father when I was 10 at the Family Inns in Macon painting and making repairs. Everyday i saw the band hanging out at the pool having fun. Then they would rehearse a couple hours in the lounge then have dinner there go play the gig and go back to the rooms and party. By the time I got to where i could play good enough there was a karaoke machine there and a D J. Then there were no bands at all. Then the internet came and why would you need to hire a guitar teacher anymore? I do use the technology like everybody else though I miss the sound of 1970 1972.
You said it right there! Bands are competing with the little computers in people's pockets. Entertainment competition... Plus let's not forget all of the big screen TVs that they have on the bars. I've always thought it was rude to have a live band playing while those TVs are on.
You bring back memories and have a great point. I spent a few years playing in Holiday Inn and strange hotel lounges. We would hang out by the pool, practice in the afternoon in the lounge and then get dinner (which was usually part of the deal). Then we would play 3 and sometimes 4 sets that night covering everything from ZZ Top to Micheal Jackson to Stray Cats to Shalimar. Most of the musicians I played with were really good (I was always the least accomplished). That experienced helped formed my whole career. Thanks for watching and commenting!
That was a really really cool video. I had never heard of this gentleman before, but I loved that throughout the entire expression of his opinion, he not only stayed on point but made relevant parallel and peripheral points, all the while showing incredible respect (and admiration), for his very good friend, Rick....even acknowledging Ricks influence and contributions ot his knowledge,. experience,.and success. And I loved how succinctly he summarized the music industry, as a whole, and in its component structure. (A&R people gotta love 'em lol) So glad that people like him, and Rick, are around and sharing their wisdom experience and knowledge. Thanks for a wonderfully, great video, bud!!!
It's good to hear both sides of an argument, and I have nothing invested in Beato, but a lot was left out here. There's a difference between having to get another take because the pro singer went out of tume on a note, and using Melodyne because a young singer wouldn't know intonation if it bit them in the a$$. Also, Rick isn't talking about the entirely of the scene - he's focusing on the top. It's as if every act now is the Monkees, and the only real creators are the producers. And Rick is certainly right about alternative interests - video games and social media really do eat up time for today's youth that we boomers spent listening to radio and our stereos.
Social media and streaming movies/TV shows are big reasons for sure! Back in my youth, we had the internet but music wasn't free except on the radio. Napster changed everything and then TH-cam and Spotify changed it again. There is an oversaturation of entertainment options... So everybody from the top to the bottom is getting a smaller chunk of the pie.
@@RealHomeRecording Kiddos I know (think early 20s) definitely enjoy music just as much as previous generations did, they just do it on different platforms. I admit, however, that it doesn't mean that this is how things might work at large. For me my passion for music started with video game osts, so the whole "video games or music" competition idea sounds ridiculous to me, but I'm also older (30), so I'm not exactly relevant here. x)
@@aimee9478 well you are younger than me so you're more relevant in that aspect. 😂 I think my generation just consumed less songs in a longer period of time. The discovery process is a lot different than either listening to the radio or visiting a record store.
Thoroughly enjoy your ranting. Thanks for sharing these illuminating tales of studio life and dealing with the industry back in the day. Helps put the present world of music in context.
No self respecting engineer should ever resort to using drums samples, vst instruments, etc. If they can't track properly to achieve an acceptable tone to use in the mix they should stop the $$ clock and start over (at his own expense) and figure out proper mic choice, room dynamics, mic placements, hardware choices and settings, etc to achieve appropriate tones for the mix. If the musician isn't good enough to play adequately the session should end and simply inform the the "musician" that they should not be in a recording studio and if they really want to waste their money they should go work with someone else.
As a guy who has mixed for a living for several decades I can tell you that the only thing that matters is what comes out of the speakers. I can't be there when someone is listening to some band I mixed and say "well it would've sounded better had they recorded the drums better or had better sounding drums". And I can't really even say that to the client. I have techniques now that allow me to almost never use samples on a mix. But if I need to I will because my job is to give them the best sounding mix I can. Or, I could do crappy mixes and not work so much.
Rick is guardian a museum that pays him well so he’s not going to say anything positive about new music. He’s not trying very hard to uncover new artists because there is nothing in it for him when can interview legacy artists who get him views. His gripe about the Spotify algorithm is just plain lazy. Don’t be like Rick and go out there support new artists and help them grow their fan base.Stay curious!
"Legacy artists" are desperate for anyone who will play or show any of their stuff. Anyone can ring them and they've jump at the chance to be seen. He parasites off their names.
this is very true, there is SO much AMAZING music being made right now, and much of that is thanks to the availability of tech for recording and also for learning - it’s just tends not to be on the top of the charts anymore. mainstream music has fallen into the toilet, and it’s very hard to make a living for everyone else. 20 years ago despite being in bands myself, i didn’t like going out to shows much because most of the local bands were just boring and dull. now if i go hang out at a cool music bar, all the waitresses and bartenders are in incredible bands and their shows are all worth seeing. huge improvement thanks to tech, just an economic disasters thanks to the current distribution and profit models.
The REAL reason, the technology allows bands "that aren't that good" to be in the industry. And the other reason is if you take the money out of it, you reduce the quality of artists that are willing to work in that sphere. The fact that the only specific example of new music you mention is from anime/games ie. where the money is perfectly exemplifies the problem.
Great episode. I love that Rick talks to all of these big-name artists but I think it would be a great turn if he brought on up-and-coming bands of all new (and old) genres.
When I put up this video I expected to get maybe a couple of thousand views and a ton of hateful comments. But instead I got, at this point , around 20k views which is awesome! And the comments have been not only the most I've ever gotten but also (mostly) the most thoughtful, insightful and well articulated comments ever. I've never done a video like this before and only recently started doing videos where I'm mostly talking after a suggestion from @everythingalways who watches some of my videos (I usually do heavily edited videos that are more story focused). I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who watched, subscribed and also to all of you who had such great comments, even the ones that challenged my position because it has made me rethink a few things and has inspired me.
When I started this channel I swore that I would answer every comment (except the stupidly nasty ones) and I've mostly been able to do that. I've been trying to do that here and I think that I got everyone but I might have missed some. I haven't gotten back to responses to my replies yet because so far this has taken 6 or 7 hours to do and I need to work on another video as well as some producing / mixing projects and I need to get some sleep.
Again, thank you so much!
@FreakingOutWithBillyHume you made some great points, it was honest, simple, logical , and informative. It is also really positive because I feel we are kinda lacking in that on TH-cam at the moment.
Hey Billy. Lots of stuff to chew on in this video. I do agree that all technology has done is democratise the creation of music, leading to so many more people being able to get their music out there without needing to deal with the gatekeepers. It's also easy to look back with nostalgia at the old system and talk about all the great music that was produced and forget about all the crap that came out alongside it. Steve Albini had something similar to say. He said if he wasn't dealing with creative people all the time, he would have closed up shop ages ago, but he hasn't. Creativity hasn't died. It just needs to break through all the noise.
But I think where technology has really hurt music is that video games and streaming are now the main kinds of leisure that people focus on. Society itself has seen a big shift. We are no longer in the time when tv, the radio, and music were the only options for home entertainment. And I think that is what the conversation needs to be about. It is not about whether or not technology has made music worse, but rather what the place of music as an artistic and entertainment medium will be in society going forward. At the moment, we don't have any rock bands that are popular, but we still have lots of solo artists like Taylor Swift and Bruno Mars who are big. But will even these guys exist in the future, or are we headed into a world where music is reduced to background noise and only matters in the context of a film or a video game?
Great stuff !
I feel the full potential of innovations that even less recent technology can bring to music and art is immense with still so much untapped potential to explore, when I hear people bash the use of technology in art and music I almost feel that they are essentially the creative equivalency of the amish.
Subscribed!
Modern Music = lets fix it in post lazy un-practiced musicians in a studio pressing record before they are ready.
Older Music = lets Practice our asses off, Perfect our Unique Style and Nail It in the Studio and make a Killer Album. 🤘
Mic bleed also adds a lot to the over all sound. Everything is REAL, everything is there and Rocking the Room at the Same Time.
Musicians need to Feed off Each-other and feel the Music.
Even a Metallica Concert just isn't the same these days. NO AMPS on Stage. NOTHING!!!! all digitally processed in the back,
It sounds clean but the POWER and Weird Feeling in the Air is Gone. 🤔
Rick needs to stop listening to mainstream music industry-type of tracks created by celebrities. If he listened to the music created by non-famous artists in the underground, he’d hear firsthand how much incredibly brilliant things are being created at this point in history. It’s everywhere. It doesn’t get millions of streams.
Exactly dude, I asked myself this so many times. He has a HUGE platform and always shits on music nowadays but only listens to POP bullshit that ways ALWAYS crap. Well, WHY don't YOU use your HUGE platform to promote fresh and creative artists!? He is so full of shit
You are correct. Some really talented young people out there. Easy to find on the computer. TH-cam knows exactly what I like now. And in the past.
The Black angels (Austin TX), Uncle Acid and the Dead Beats (UK), Meshuggah (Sweden), Black Emperor (Canada🍁), Dirty Honey(LA)...damn man, there's just so many great Rock bands 🎸 around that almost noone hasn't ever listened about!
the songs do get millions of streams. rick only cares if you have a billion streams.
@@byron739 I am going to have to look up Uncle Acid and the Dead Beats.
I think yours and Rick's points can exist in parallel. There can be more than one perspective on these things. It doesn't have to be "you're wrong, and i'm right". Things have gotten to how they are through super complex processes that you can never quantify. It is what it is. Make the best music you can. Give the best advice you can. Cheers!
thats some middle of the road bs 😅😂 ...thats probably why it got a sticker from the channel 😅
Multiple opinions can definitely exist in parallel. In a general sense that's a reasonable thing to say. But I strongly disagree in this specific context. Claiming technology is making music worse is just plain wrong. Let's see for example, where do we choose to draw the line on technology? The creation of the electric guitar? What about when we developed the microphone? "Music used to be live or not at all! The development of music recording technology has made listeners too attached to one specific performance of the song and now believe any modification to that recording to be wrong!". See, take any point in history and you can draw a meaningless line. Heck, without technology there wouldn't exist music in the first place. Pianos, drums, violins, every single instrument is a piece of technology. The more technology evolves, the more power it gives the musician to make what they hear in their heads exist outside of it. And that is never going to be what kills music.
@@smugler1 Personally I think we draw the line at inventions that make music, as an art form, "lazier". Electric guitar is an amazing invention because it INCREASES the kind of sounds a guitar can produce. Drum machines? It automated the creative process and made artists lazier leading to terrible music genres like EDM (fight me). Autotune/pitch correction? It helps musicians to be lazy (by saving time and not requiring them to do as many takes) and basically cheat, going as far as autotuning live without telling the audience (pretty much a scam IMO without a clear disclaimer that's what you should expect). Music and art in general isn't an objective field like engineering/medicine etc. where doing something more efficiently is automatically superior. Using a program to modify someone's pitch to be perfectly in tune isn't something to strive for in a subjective discipline like art. Same is true with advent of AI. There's a good reason artists are so against AI - it may be practical, but it does essentially cheat the creative process. It's both "they took our jobs!" and "it lacks soul" arguments at the same time.
I agree with you IN THEORY. In theory, giving mostly everyone access to tools to produce music and publish it instead of requiring expensive recording studios/record labels is great. But what ends up happening is that people are greedy and lazy if given the chance and love to take shortcuts. Corporations don't have to "find" some local band producing awesome sound, they can just artificially create one with a team of producers and then have someone sing the lyrics. Billy himself admits that the topcharting music nowadays is mostly terrible. Why is that the case if access to technology has suddenly given everyone the creative freedom to do pretty much whatever they can imagine? Rick is wrong that ALL music is bad and yes, technology does allow the truly creative people to come up with awesome stuff, but we can see that's the exception, not the rule. Advent of technology did inexplicably create a lazy musical generation in the mainstream and that's kind of tragic.
Anthony Fantano made the same argument in response to Rick's video (people might make bad music using technology, but it's not the fault of technology itself, just how it's used) and, again, I agree with him in theory. But how it actually works out in real world is a different matter.
Hey man. Why can't we all just...like...live together? 😂@@fallingsky1984
Music isn’t getting worse; there’s just an overwhelming amount of it now due to technology and streaming. You need to know where to look.
Modern pop music is mostly terrible, but, there is always good music if you spend time digging.
@@skiptowne8533 I'm (way) over 35 so feel unqualified to speak about modern pop music. I think the future of music is absolutely A.I. and it's going to be startling and amazing.
Sometimes you dont even need to look, Spotify told me this morning on the way to work that Quicksand covered Refused's The Liberation Frequency. Suberb and delightfully human.
EXACTLY
True. It's mainstream music that's worse. Just have to look for the good stuff.
Popular music generating millions of streams is indeed worse than a few decades ago. The underground still thrives and has very creative and innovative bands/artists. Screw the music business and do it on your own terms. You no longer need to sell your soul to the big labels to release you music.
@@ericmassicotte378 I agree. The downside is that many musicians need clever producers to make the music good. That happens less nowadays. It’s the only argument they have - those that long for a return to the old days.
Yes!
Well, in theory, I agree. You don't need expensive equipment to produce music, you don't need to rely on record labels signing you anymore. So that's supposed to be good for music as a whole.
But what ACTUALLY happened? Record labels and corporations basically monopolized platforms like spotify and you DON'T hear these supposedly amazing artists on the charts unless you go looking for them. You won't hear these supposedly amazing artists on a radio/in the mall/during sport events etc. To deny it's a huge cultural problem is silly. Sure, a lot of generic music topped the charts in the past as well, but great all-time classic music did too.
Nowadays if you look at like top15 of spotify charts from the past, let's say, 5 years, I don't know how many songs would make like top500 greatest songs of all time list?
Home run Billy! I’m 79 and have been making music since I was ten. Around 15 years ago, a botched surgery took away my ability to use my keyboards, so I taught myself how to manipulate MIDI loops from music I created decades ago, as well as some Apple loops and third-party loops. As a result, my music is way different than it ever had been, but it was still my music. I’ve never stopped listening to music throughout these many years and am hooked on groups like Dirty Loops and other Fusion bands - too many to list. I’m frustrated by friends who stopped evolving musically in their 30s and 40s. But that’s just me.
Wow! I'm sorry you can't play the keyboards but it is so great that you adapted and are still making YOUR music! Keep it up!
@@codygiron7814 hell yes...thats awesome. Never stop! Very inspiring sir!
I was and independent artist in the mid 80's and 90's, scratched out a living, supporting a large familly. As home studio recording progressed, my goal became to make a would class album. I managed to get two releases out that sold around 25-30K and got some airplay going on about 50 stations. Recorded on and Akia 12 track. It didn't hit my world class in quality goal, but got enough of my music out there to know there was an audience. Health issues in my family shut me down. I'm finally getting back to it. Going to computer based DAW was hard for my head, but now that I've got past the learning curve, the problem is not the equipment. What an age. Now all I have to do is write great songs, get great arrangements and musicians, record and mix it right, and maybe have a chance at finding my audience. No easy task on a shoestring budget, but at least it's a possibility. Your blog was great!!
Wow! You sold over 25K independently with music you recorded on an Akai 12 track at your home studio? You are a hero! I hope you keep it up and get your new stuff out.
any links?
*Yes, I'd be curious to hear a sample.*
Yes. Creativity takes SPACE. Technology hasn't stolen creativity, it has taken away our empty spaces. . . and we need those to really explore our creativity.
Thats a really great line. Thanx
So well said as usual!
🤔
@@FreakingOutWithBillyHume Rick needs to start producing again because now with his large subscribers base on youtube he can expose new music and market it in a whole new way and he knows more big name artists now.
He could write some jazz fusion and get top players to execute it and improvise on it and then promote it on his channel and his own guitar playing.
He could do the same with rocks songs or even do some classical quartets and have real players play it.
With the technology he can put a band together with members in remote locations playing together.
Or he could produce some young artists and put it up on his channel.
There is so much opportunity to start producing again using his youtube channel to expose new music.
I don't know why he doesn't do this. Maybe he's worried that the first thing he puts out has to be perfect.
It doesn't have to be. He could do three or more songs and not put them on his channel immediately and just pick one and put it on his channel.
Can you get in his back about this this? I've been trying but you would have greater influence.
Did you hear that old video where he re-orchestrated a Drake song? It was pretty good. He could even be working with pop artists who are
doing stuff as mainstream as on the Spotify Top Tens but just doing it better. Neo-Trap Beats with better chord progressions and guitar solos.
you could send him a beat, get him to create a keyboard and guitar part. Then get Charles Bertroud to play bass on it.
I think this is right. Also, although there is a lot of music being made, so much of it is being made by people working alone. Music made by groups, with producers and engineers working as a team, are not making the same kind of art as someone working at home in their bedroom. I say that as someone who often works alone now.
Your last point about being distracted and not having the time to just sit and create something is very real. I get way more creative blocks nowadays.
That's some good advice about putting your phone in the other room while working on music. I often find spending too much time here on TH-cam becoming a distraction for me and preventing me from being more productive with my music. I need to manage my spare time better. Life is too short.
As you get older you start to notice time more and how little there is. Thanks for taking YOUR time to watch this and comment!
@FreakingOutWithBillyHume Absolutely! You're welcome.
It's very simple: the music industry died. So, now we mostly have hobbyist and corporate shills because real artists can't get paid. Sure, a band might release a few good songs, but don't expect anything more to come from it. The live music scene has also died because, like you mentioned, people aren't as interested in music, because there are other forms of media including AI generated content so easily available. I listen to a lot of music, but the quality just isn't there. Before, the music industry or live music venues could launch a real artist (e.g. john lennon or kurt cobain) out of the underground. Now the real artists are drowned out by people who can afford to fund their hobby, which excludes most of the artists who are worth listening to.
Yep. The Horde Of Hobbyists.
@@biner01 eh...music lives, creativity lives, live music national and local still lives, bands and artists self releasing or starting labels is a huge improvement over the music "industry"...like Alan Jourgenson of Ministry said a couple or few years ago "music and industry have no business being said together in the same breath", or something a kin to that. Corporate music still sux...or at least the idea of coperate hijacked, co-opted and commodified art does. Many "real" artists are still "launched", maybe not to rock icon status or stadium live show level, or national phenom...but was that all that great anyway. Usually they would just become slaves or sell outs, or watered down versions of them selves. Or because the pressure of that living legend shit go the way of Kurt Cobain, Jim Morrison, etc or get killed off like Prince or others (?) 4 questioning or rocking the "industry" boat a bit too hard. As far as the hobbyists etc, it's kinda like a fellow sound and video guy I worked with said, "just cause you watch TV, doesn't mean you can make tv"....or sub in radio, art, or any creative media in there. Yet, that also doesn't mean that a hobbyist, part time musician, or any variation on that can't be awesome and make good stuff either...especially since the equipment to record and even instruments and gear are much more affordable and you don't need a studio or corporate label etc to put shit out. And none of those people cause an exclusionary effect on larger bands or any level band or artist, their stuff is still out there too, or released, or toured etc.
No sympathy for the record industry, or that of old at least...die please, haha. Great sentiment and it was a great indie label back in the day, before and during mass commodification of alt and indie music (No Sympathy for the Record Industry)
@jlande6 No one said music is dead. All I said is the quality is way lower than in the recent past. And, na, hobbyists release ok music at best, regardless of their skill level.
@@biner01 yeah I know no one said that...was just driving in a point. As far as quality is way lower, think that's a judgement call, and a bit short sighted though in my opinion...take a band like King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, I mean F'n A, listen to their early stuff 10 plus years ago then go listen to Crumbling Castle or other new tunes from them, it's like King Crimson, Gong, Can, and Hawkwind times 10 on a neo speedball and acid trip dream fantasy of some 170 + IQ genius. Totally crazy complex stuff, coming up with new tunings and working within their own scope with that and various other components, far too much to go into a lot of details I don't know. Or listen to Brian Jonestown Massacre over the last several years...I saw them last in 2016 and they played for 3.5 hrs almost straight, the last 45 min to an hr was this crazy continuous set of fusion of rock n roll, krautrock, and space rock. 8 or 9 people playing in such tight synch it was phenomenal, I mean it's hard enough to get a 4 or 5 piece in great synch live. Buddy of mine saw them last year and was much of the same, atleast kicknass wise but different set and new songs too. Or bands like God Speed You Black Emporer and their new material. Or singer song writers like Lana Del Rey, amazing mix of styles that she totally makes into her own, an amazing voice, and a fantastic writer. Another couple in that vein Ethel Cain and Chelsea Wolfe. Or most of the Psych,Fuzz, VAR Metal etc coming out of Europe and Australia, just check out the channel here on youtube Stoned Meadow of Doom (SMOD). Or hip hop/rap groups like Run the Jewels, MF Doom, and several others can't think of right now. Or new goth rock and or cold/dark wave like Lathe of Heaven, Twin Tribes, Drab Majesty, Neon, Vulture Industries. Or new releases from older bands like High on Fire, The Cure, A-Ha, Nurse with Wound, Clutch, Light Bright Highway, JD Pinkus (Post Butthole Surfers), any release from the Flaming Lips over last decade, Tool, Elder, Mono, Mogwai, Brian Eno, Slowdive, The Black Angels, Ministry, the Cosmic Dead, the Osees, Sigurd Ros, Harvest Man (post Neurosis, Tribes of Neurot), Dirty Three, Weedeater, Still Corners, etc etc etc.
Or newer bands like Giant Dwarfs and Black Holes, Psychlona, Young Hunter, Grundig, Julie,Whirr, Slift, Moon Hooch, Espirit D'Air, Blind Horse, Sacred Buzz, Skelephant, Clarence. That's just a sampling and top of the crop, or top of my head right now, ha ha. All levels of bands and artists, signed, unsigned, self released, touring, streaming, vinyl/cds/cassettes, big labels, small labels, "hobbyists" (ie. Part time musicians, or musicians cause they love it and have to create, and whether they make a dime or a dime bag, ha, but have to work shit jobs etc cause thats just this shit world...or this shit capitalist corporate country). So there you go...go check some stuff out if ya doubt my word or opinion on it, but it's good if not great stuff....Definitely at least equaling and or surpassing at times bands and artists from any previous decade. Plus there is more music and more bands now than ever in history, plus all the old stuff and many older bands still putting out new innovative and interesting good stuff or at the least equaling past releases. So there ya go...quality is a check, haha...check check, mic check, anyone listening....you should be. Seek don't destroy...
@@biner01 just wondering....do you make music?
you were soooo on point. I remember when people used to say STP were a copy-cat of Pearl Jam. there's a lot of unoriginal music out there now, but it was the same back then. when profit is a priority, creativity and innovation take a back seat in every industry.
The industry has been creating its own music and culture since laurel canyon in the mid 60’s, some would say it started with the Beatles, with the core genre styling by way of Tavistock and the Brill building.
Before the Beatles skiffle was a reaction to stifling popular music. Before that, great Grampa beato was complaining how now there are microphones nobody knows how to sing properly and it's all just crooners.
STP does not sound like PJ at all, and when people used to and maybe still do ,say that, they were morons
@@stevecarter8810
Your post is a one-sided, insulting sketch of a complex person, musician, and mix engineer - who is a friend of Billy's. His vid was not meant as a criticism of Rick's character or skills - just a different perspective on several reasons things are the way they are.
You seem to have lost the thread of meaning, here - and in the process missed both perspectives.
It is entirely possible that both men have valid points, and in some cases, flawed perspectives - or just different points of view, They are both - like all of us - just human beings.
Skiffle was not a 'reaction' - it was an extension - an evolution - and like biological evolution, morphed and evolved into many other forms. It was more like a bridge to including many other instruments and styles from around the world.
The Beatles respected, admired, and emulated many artists in 'popular music' of different decades.
@@art.is.life.eternal I'll take that feedback. I meant to use "Grampa beato" not to mean Rick but to mean someone two or three generations earlier who would have felt an analogously similar way. It's reductive because I'm singing out a particular element of a common point of view.
Can you say what skiffle was an extension of? My opinion is based off UK skiffle artists saying in interviews that it democratised and gave access to music for them.
This video is a breath of fresh air, I like Rick's videos about music theory and production but when it comes to modern music he's a very grumpy man.
@StatetrooperBillyBill you spend lots of time with kids, huh?
Rick is a charismatic speaker and a genuine lover of music. But I don't htink he is a good teacher. He just assumes too much is already known, a classic mistake of teachers who don't really understand how students think and what their shortcomings are. One of the best channels for theory is Signals Music Studio. That guy really breaks it down in understandable chunks without taking anyhting forgranted.
It’s way to get clicks…
This video is nothing less than the pot calling the kettle black.
Beato: Gen X on the streets, Boomer on the beats
I grew up listening to R&B and soul music in the 70s. There were a lot of very talented Black bands back then. Not just singing groups. Bands like Earth, Wind and Fire, WAR, Ohio Players, James Brown, Kool & The Gang etc etc etc. They could really play their instruments. Now when I hear modern R&B and rap, the total lack of musical-ness is shocking. There's no real drummer, no guitar player, no keyboard player, no horns. There's just a "producer" with a computer, samples and a MIDI keyboard laying down incredibly simple music patterns or samples with absolutely no complexity for the vocalist(s) to record over. I'd be surprised if any young rap or R&B listener could name a single musician and his instrument. I know that most people here will associate the word "music" with "rock" but I think that urban music really and truly has gotten worse. Then again, I'm 65 and we old folks tend to hate new music.
I'm 54 & was in a metal band in southern California for a decade. We played the shit out of our instruments. We all had day jobs, but practiced 3 to 4 nights a week. When we went into the studio - we had the songs worked out to the point that we would cut the entire song live with a few takes. Then we'd go in, maybe fix anything that needed fixing, do guitar solos, & then have our vocalist come in to cut his tracks. If you have to rely on technology to make yourself sound better without practicing an instrument, working on your vocal cords, you shouldn't be making music. The industry needs to go back to basics.
Here's another example....DJs. Back in the day no one....I mean no one considered a DJ a real musician.....but now they do. Electronic "music" has propelled DJs to headliner status.
There's a few young producers here in ATL that I've mixed for who work with new artists. They are not only great musicians but are using full bands for the projects the produce. I recently mixed one where they used a real string section on a couple of songs.
I recently found some old 4 track reel to reel tapes I recorded in my parents basement when I was in high school. All cut live. Even though we were not great musicians the energy still blasted out from tapes that are over 40 years old.
@@kingdude1999 "The industry needs to go back to basics "..your forgot how fast the industry turned his back on you, it has always cared and will always care only about profit...
Oh man. Yeah. It’s not the tech. It’s always how it’s used. I’ve been part of music tech for like 30 years. Thank you so much for this.
Thanks! There was a time when an analog 24 track was considered cheating. And I'm old enough to remember some people talking crap about SSL consoles (mixers).
Loved this video, Billy! I’ve been gravitating to your channel more and more lately. I appreciate your honesty and the push you give to remind us to stay focused and just create. It’s so easy to get distracted these days and lose sight of what really matters.
Thanks so much for watching, commenting and continued support.
Who better than one of Rick's own peers and "industry insiders" to provide the YT community with a much needed alternate point of view to some of the challenges we face within the industry? The Beatles are a great example to the point you are making. Had they not had the courage to embrace the technological advancements of their era - reel to reel manipulation, early sampling, tape saturation, to name a few - the music landscape as we know it would probably look a lot different today. All this to say, great video! Cheers!
Thanks! Great point! The reason the Beatles were able to push the limits of recording was because they were the damn Beatles AND also because they worked off hours so none of the old school engineers were around to tell them no and the people that stayed to work those sessions were younger and not indoctrinated in the traditional way of recording. Plus, George Martin (producer) was always willing to try new things and take input from the band.
I think it's the Producers that are making this "bad" genre of music that they want to hear, and they want us to hear. It's like the movies nowadays, the Producers are making "bad" remakes instead of coming up with original movies.
I am on a number of music groups from songwriters to EDM producers and the music is crap, mediocrity is the new standard with a sprinkling of dilluision
Again for movies, you just gotta know how to look for new pieces. Just like in music.
I suggest you follow film studios like A24 and NEON, they realese good movies which are almost always unique, new, artistic, and actually good.
Just like everything, you just gotta teach yourself how to look for the right thing.
It's mostly what they and their paymasters want US to hear. Not that what passes for a ruling class these days isn't completely uncultured, too.
The comparison with the movies is very apt. The backlash there is hardening a lot. But in music opting out is easy. Just look for what you want.
Influx of easily used cgi has streamlined movies too
The label people have never been the geniuses they imagine themselves to be. Too much good music has been stifled or lost because of them. There is so much good recent or new music out there as the industry loses its grip.
Zappa has a great take on this in a short someplace around here: in the sixties the money people were suits who knew they had no clue, so they were "well ok, let's try this" then in the seventies the money people were hipsters with opinions about what is the next big thing. They became the gatekeepers.
That's complete BS. I used to know several of the top AR guys in the world and who signed up the worlds top bands. They got into music because of 2 things, their passion for music and a talent for picking which new local bands were going to be liked in the clubs. That's why they made to being head AR guys in companies like Capitol or Atlantic. These guys were geniuses whether you know it or not.
@@Tuscarora You get both kinds in this business. People with talent & passion, and people with more ego & greed than sense.
There was a time where label heads and A&R were often music lovers and had a background in music. By the time I got into major label work the business was filled with former lawyers and people that didn't actually know much about music, but not so much on the Urban side.
Rick is a smart, educated man. Rick has a long list of accomplishments, and a lot of life experiences. I enjoy his insights with music theory.
But... Rick is definitely in the Old Man Yells At Clouds space, when it comes to his takes on the music of the day. "Kids these days..."
But historically there was such a thing as the _dark (middle) ages._
Generations of kids _can_ find themselves to be productive but rudderless, generating nothing of influence nor longevity.
As ever kindly strangers probably encouraged them with cliches to the effect of "Whoa dude you've got some talent."
@@georgemeller4074 in my day...we used to walk miles with no shoes in the snow cause we ouldnt aftord shoes cause we spent our hard earned dollars on over priced corporate media...and we liked it! Bahahahaha
@@beingsshepherd While this is true, I don't extend any such generousity to Rick's critiques. He acts as if there WEREN'T any trash-tier artists in his preferred decades of reference. In addition, he tends to judge music by very narrow criteria, despite the central function of musical elements finding strong shift in focus and mechanical priority.
@@georgemeller4074 But do the constituents of a typical Spotify top ten list warrant assessment on disparate terms?
I do agree that Rick seems overly interested in box-ticking with little introspection, but imho today's youth music, irrespective of genre and accomplishment feels devoid of genuine infectious optimism; like balloons inflated 75% at most.
@@beingsshepherd With that direction in conversation, we're moving into something almost entirely subjective. Nothing much to say about it, seeing as though everyone has different modes of entertainment in music.
This seems pretty on point. Musicians also have to wear multiple hats these days and be their own marketers, business leaders, producers and studio engineers. I've been wondering if this multi-tasking detracts from overall time spent writing music and practicing an instrument (which also compounds with the distraction of the smartphone). However, it seems like if musicians are disciplined these days, they can leverage the technology to do everything themselves without sacrificing integrity and bending to the whims of a record company.
spot on. there were advantages in the old way such as radio, music tv, record deals, and so forth but the music industry is broke but technology has made our ability to achieve goals a ton easier and practically a lot more affordable. DAWs are way more efficient and affordable than tape, and tape machines, I can now own 20 1176s called plugins. I don't need a record deal to get my music heard. I got sound cloud and reverb nation. I mean you hit a ton of great points
Thanks! Great points. And thanks for watching and commenting!
This was a fantastic video - so well articulated!! I think that technology has given me more creative opportunities than anything
Yes!! This is the THE take. I think we’re living in a golden age of music right now. There’s less at stake so people are making the exact album they want to make now.
At the same time, nobody's recording something like any of those classic albums or writing a universally meaningful song. So many options and so little relevant output. So many new artists, such a splintered audience.
Like painter Thomas Kinkade once said about (modern) art: "We have won the battle on freedom but lost the battle on relevance." True: nobody can keep you from recording whatever you want today. But also, nobody really cares.
@ this is true but it leaves room for important music to reside under the mainstream stuff. Many meaningful songs for many different people.
really how do you mean
@@dkpianist The irony of Thomas Kincaide entering a discussion of meaningful art in the modern era. 😸
@@crnkmnky Define "meaningful". If it means something to someone (probably many people), if it touches them emotionally, I'd suggest that implies some validity. Would you rather only acknowledge art that appeals to an intellectual minority?
It's so good to be reminded that creating music and getting it heard have *always* required hard work. Nothing new now, just different challenges. Your discussion about issues like the "gatekeepers" of the past and your counterpoints to Rick Beato are compelling. Illuminating, logical and well-done video. Very helpful.
bottom line is that commercial music has always basically sucked, with notable exceptions being when jazz was the most popular form of music, and the late Beatles to the mid-1970s era of prog rock. there have been tiny exceptions in the form of bands like the Police, U2, the Black Crowes and Radiohead, plus singer songwriters like Fiona Apple and Aimee Mann. but these artists were maverick-iconoclast types who went against the grain and achieved their success despite the mainstream and its vaccuous offerings. they were the exception to the rule. to me, things really started to head downhill in the late 1970s with the advent of disco, which started off quite well only to morph quickly into an overproduced corporatized sound. the soul was gone. things really picked up speed in the 1980s when even credible acts like Aerosmith, Heart and ZZ Top got sucked up into the fame machine, producing a soulless, digitized, homogenized sound that i couldn't even describe as music. and it's only gotten worse since then. so the point is, mainstream commercial music will pretty much always be garbage. to find the good stuff, you have to dig a little deeper. it's there, it's just not playing on your local station.
There's a documentary called The First Visit about The Beatles 1st arrival in America in 1964. The Maysles Bros were the filmmakers. They interviewed Beatles fans at JFK airport when the fab four deplaned . There's a young guy who says he's a jazz music fan who's into Monk and bebop, not into pop music but was interested in seeing what the fuss was all about so he too went to the airport. I wonder if he ever got into The Beatles music😅😅
Nonsense. I’ve said this before; I’ll say it a million times: most of the time, the music industry does not determine what is popular; THE PEOPLE DO. There are many corporate factors that do play into it, such as mass overplay, nepotism, & sales/streaming fraud, but those methods don’t work a lot of the time.
I’m sick of y’all acting like there’s some grand conspiracy behind the “machine”. If it were true, we wouldn’t have random novelties, year-long trends, memes originating from viral internet media. We wouldn’t have pop-stars with generation-spanning careers that still break the charts with every release. Maybe you don’t like popular music. But just because you don’t doesn’t mean there must be some inner system that decides everything. You have to have enough open-mindedness to consider that SOMEONE is listening to that music willingly, right?
@@pickles224 good points, pickles. but i didn't say there was a conspiracy. it's just the nature of capitalism. as you say, companies produce products that cater to the market, which is the public's taste. so music is just a commodity. in a sense, commercial music is to art what mcdonalds is to fine dining. as i said, there is good music out there. but don't look to large corporations or spotify algorithms to provide it. they are only set up to make money. the difference is that, at one point, numerous record companies existed and pushed numerous different types of music, including music that you and i would likely consider progressive, or non-commercial. but over time, they either just died due to market forces or were absorbed into huge multinational corporations that did not like to take chances and only existed to make profit by serving the masses. so i'm just not sure why rick beato would think mainstream music would be a source for anything but crap. his column, after all, was addressing "Why music is getting worse?" it's not. he's just looking in the wrong place and that can only lead to romantic lamentations about an era that will never return.
@@rjw8631 but see, I still think you’re making generalizations and false equivalences.
First off, you’re assuming that music that is not “commercial” is made by artists, and everything that is “commercial” is simply just pumped out by the major labels for profit. But most of the time, there is a creative mind behind that music. There’s an artist there and people like and listen to that artist. To the major labels, that music is a commodity that will make them money, but to the artist, that’s their art they are selling. Sometimes major labels push bad artists into the limelight because they’re easily digestible to the masses, but those artists usually suck, and popular artists who are compelling and have a passion and creative control over their craft will still make decent music even if it is commercial. Tyler, the Creator just put out an album last week that was a massive success. You think the label made that happen, or do you think people actually like and listen to Tyler, the Creator?
And to your point that the music industry doesn’t push progressive music anymore, of course they do! Like you said, the music industry pushes the public’s taste. The *public* is the entity that decides the taste, not the corporations, and this taste changes all the time. Does the industry jump on the trend bandwagon sometimes and push artists like it to make money? Absolutely. But pretending like this is a relatively new development is just wrong; this has been happening for a long time. That’s how disco died; once Saturday Night Fever blew up the industry was shoving disco in the public’s face way too much and we all got sick of it real fast.
The music business is an entertainment business. It’s not a faceless industry like the commercial restaurant business where you can ask a fifteen-year-old to make you a burger that’s the same as all other ones. Instead it’s full of celebrities that are not just there because the machine forced them there, but because they are compelling people that the public likes.
This is what i would call an asynchronous discussion with substantial take away for everyone. Thanks to both of you 👍🏼
Well said, my friend. I'm a hobbyist and front an original metal band of fellow older gents. Nonetheless, I enjoy creating with other seasoned musicians. I appreciate the creative process and performing live. It ain't about the money at this stage of life. It's all about the art and camaraderie
That's awesome! I miss playing live. Wish I could do it more. Keep on playing my friend!
Thank you for this video. I remember how it was difficult to find anything interesting on radio or TV. And now with Spotify I'm finding so many new and interesting songs. I think there are much more interesting music which is easily to access now.
And thank you for the last take about phones and distraction. It's probably why many people are so irritated now, not only in music industry.
Thanks you!! I have been finding some good new music on Instagram but only late at night. Not sure why. During the daytime the algorithm shows me crap.
@@FreakingOutWithBillyHume I've never thought of instagram as a source for new music. Did you find it in reels?
And interesting observation about the algorithm!
I'm a 66 year old drum teacher. Sure I love the seventies music I grew up with, but there are plenty of newer artists that I love just as much. I hate when people my age say there is no good music anymore. It's so much easier to find now. All you have to do is look for it. A few of my favorites are Larkin Poe, Thea Gilmore, Beth Hart, Kasey Chambers, Margo Price, The Pretty Reckless, Amy Macdonald, First Aid Kit, Lydia Loveless and The Wolff Sisters.
Any dude’s singing you like? I only like two on your list and they’re not on my concert bucket list. To each their own obviously. I like more variety and even instrumental
Larkin Poe.... amazing!
@@FreakingOutWithBillyHume The new Larkin Poe album, Bloom will be released the end of January. The first 3 songs are out now. Sounds like it will be another great album from them.
A good friend of mine had their album mixed by Beato in the early 00’s. Their singer was fantastic. She had a very good range and pitch. When mixing, Beato told them she would be tuned, because “that’s the way it’s done now”. They refused, and he told them he couldn’t guarantee the mix would be pro level. And it makes me think- did that speak more to the industry, or his skills as an engineer?
Sounds more like he was entrenched in the industry back then.
@ youre probably right. I know he has issues with modern pop music, and in some ways, i think the music has suffered in place of augmented vocals taking the spotlight. But there are great places all over the find great music. I totally feel the technology has opened so many door for talented kids who might otherwise never take that step into the creative space. Has pop music become less interesting? Yeah, i think so. Much of it sounds a lot like Stock music with different singers over the top of a 2-3 chord soundbed with no changes. But, isn’t the three chord structure what pop music has always been? I’ve found awesome music via tiktok, Spotify, and other mediums. And, technology has given me the gift of releasing my own music into my 50’s. Im two albums and a few singles in since 2023, and i credit the ability to learn, create, and mix to technology. The community. The support I’ve gotten from youtube channels like Spectresoundstudios’ mix reviews . All of it has given me the confidence to move from being the ‘old guy’ looking for a band to help me get “signed” to a home recording musician who only needs his skills and a laptop. That’s freedom
@@allendean9807 agreed on the democratization of high quality music recording and distribution being a great thing, overall.
No, pop music wasn't always this bland. Look at people like Whitney Houston, Madonna, Mariah Carey. Heck, there was more variety in Britney Spears' first album compared to the "stock music pop" of today.
Let's not forget Ace of Base, the Spice Girls and TLC. They were stand outs!
When you heard Mariah come on the radio, you knew it was her. The singers these days like Tove Lo, Dua Lipa, Sia, Ava Max and Sabrina Carpenter all sound pretty much the same.
I’d have to listen to the before and after results to make up my mind on what you are saying
Industry. I did plenty of things with him where we didn't tune the vocals. It would've depended on the genre too.
Absolute truth, Billy. My brother-in-law was a high level music programmer for CBS radio in those days. We worked at trying to get my Wife a staff writer's job in Nashville at the height of the Garth Brooks era. Labels, radio, and publishers were all about "the formula" and they were absolute "gatekeepers". And, don't even get me started about the "good old boy" network in Nash-Vegas! Great video, as always!
Oh! Nashville was and still is the worst for killing innovation. I sat on the Recording Academy board for 2 years and was disgusted at some of the other people that were there, particularly a radio promoter who I know funneled money to radio station programmers. All this person did was bitch. Too many people sitting on that board didn't even create music. I let my membership expire.
YOU are right. There is some fantastic contemporary classic sounding tracks.....Ive found that some of the best new music is used in tv shows.
I agree with much said here, but we have at least 2 generation of music consumers who don't listen to music for the sake of listening to music. Its just a soundtrack for their daily tasks.
The utility of art changes over time.
Yup - the average is indeed average. My wife doesn't care and likes Harry Styles. Background. I find his stuff banal and the same as everything else. But I'd love to own a piece of his career!!
@@Mathrox-uu1qh Prep has a good cover of As It Was. I much prefer it to Harry's original.
Technology is here to stay and getting better, as an older musician, I've been using all the latest tools I can ge my hands on for my music production in my studio.
Well said. I come from the 80's recording era of tape and dolby noise reduction. Working in the box now, I can't even imagine going back to those old ways of recording. Rick makes amazing videos and his interviews are second to none. There are points of Rick's I agree with. New "songwriters" releasing complete Suno or Udio "recordings" is one example. But I've used Suno to create a vocal track of my lyrics and it turned out quite good. So it is what it is. I agree with you, Billy: the tech has enabled some amazing music lately. It's just also allowed many hobbyists to play the game. Great video. I'm subscribed.
Thanks so much!
I was always a DBX noise reduction guy. Did you ever try recording something trough the noise reduction but playing it back without going back through it? It's a crazy cool sound in certain cases. I have thought that I heard that on some Paul McCartney and Wings records. I tried it but could never get that explosive sound.
@@FreakingOutWithBillyHume Absolutely! We used to do that with Dolby A encoding (but not decoding) in the studio, especially on backing vocals. Dolby Stretch it was called, IIRC. Our studio had probably dozens of Dolby A rackmount modules but by the mid 80s, we never used them for their intended purpose. Now, for a bit of fun and an experiment I tried a similar thing with dbx on an old Yamaha cassette 4-track maybe 15 years later (after the studio was sold to SAE, I took redundancy and changed career for a bit :D) and I did find the tape noise quite bad, but I'm sure with the right recording chain and the right part, it could be done without too much pain. And Dolby is no doubt better for this than dbx as it's only on the high frequencies. Maybe a gate for the hiss in between phrases?
I still do a similar trick with ITB multiband expansion. Something like the Fabfilter eq can do a pretty good job of it, with it's dynamic feature. Just set it to boost the high end when it's gets a high enough signal and it can sound darn close to Dolby Stretch. Certainly in a mix.
Great video! Subscribed. A lot of folk are embittered by the fact that it's less expensive and easier to make music today due to the advances in technology. It's very much akin to ex athletes who bemoan the stars of today who are enjoying better deals, salaries, endorsements and so on. Ultimately, I do believe creativity will always be the deciding factor when it comes to industry success. Fortunately today, there are less barriers to entry and fewer gatekeepers at grass roots level. Thank you.
Thanks! I too am embittered but that has more to do with the business side and being older. We must adapt or die.
Thanks for the Sub and commenting!
I love this guy! Thank you algorithm Gods! Peace from Detroit MI.
Thank you!
absolutely! spot on! love this vid, I'm going to keep this for reference....
Billy, I've really been enjoying your channel and thanks for this down to earth take! I'm in my 50's but incredibly grateful for the advances in music technology that allow any of us the ability to create and put our music out there. Those who are against the democratization of the music industry and say that it's watered down the talent out there are usually the ones who are just pissed they aren't making as much money as they used to. If people in the music industry from 50 years ago had access to the tools we have today (especially in the digital domain), they would have absolutely used them! I have an incredible amount of respect and admiration for a lot of engineers, producers, and musicians who have dedicated their lives to music creation, but the reality is that great music can be and has been produced in a bedroom studio. I'm constantly inspired by the quality of music I hear currently being released, especially by younger artists.
Well, I too am pissed off that I'm not making as much money as I used to. At one point my income dropped 80% in 2 years as the internet exploded and CD sales dropped. Had the music industry continued as it had been going I'd be a very rich man now. But hey, it's not anyone else's fault but mine for being to stupid and stubborn to quit music so here I am. Yet I am more inspired now than I have been since the late 90's and I still have my dreams.
Thanks so much for watching and contributing to the discussion!
Bravo! Thank you Billy! I also really respect some of Rick's content and thoughts, but I have been completely at odds with his opinions on modern music. Really really appreciate you chiming in and completely agree with your take. Liked and subbed.
Thanks so much!!
Cogently argued! Yes, technology means that I can write in any style I want and record my own music without a recording studio or record company, release it for the whole world to hear and collect performance royalties, such as they are. And hear the music of similar music enthusiasts all over the world. Complete creative freedom!
Agreed. Imagine wanting to go back to recording studios being an aloof out of touch thing believing it will deliver us better music to listen to. It was awful. I was there.
I extract far more joy out of creating music in my own home studio than I ever did listening to an album.
I never liked working in professional recording studios except in a few cases. A good home studio is the best.
Amen brother. Been doing this since the late 60s - both behind and in front of the desk in analog to digital studios; and I am grateful for the digital age. You still have to do the work to turn out good music, but the possibilities are virtually endless now. Cheers!
I actually find it hilarious that people think there is no good music nowadays. I mean, seriously?
Obviously the top of the charts is, for whatever reason, going to suck, but there is a TON of amazing music coming out all the time today.
But that's what so many people are trying to figure out. Why does music at the top of the charts, with all the millions of dollars behind it, suck?
@@RoyalBlue43 Just thinking off the top of my head here, so my thoughts aren't going to be fully fleshed out, and may potentially be way off, but I imagine it's because the charts are the public face of the corporate machinery that is the music industry. The music labels spend money on the shit that's going to make money.
They don't have to make good, engaging music to make money, because they can grease the right palms and shovel their slop onto the radio where it will get endless plays. They make stuff that's familiar, stuff that people can sing along to, stuff that provides no mental or emotional challenge. It's low effort, but big payoff. The more their music gets played, the more money it makes for them.
Now that TikTok dances are unfortunately a thing, it's gotten even worse. Songs can be famous for literally 12 seconds worth, and can rocket to the top of the charts, generating even more money for even less cause.
Content slop, pure and simple.
It's easier to make money on generic music than taking a chance on something different too. It's just a profit thing.
This is an amazing video. People take music for granted these days because I’ve seen plenty of great artists, bands, singer and composers. What has changed is how the music gets out. I don’t release much music on TH-cam because of its algorithm. When I record, I shut off my phone.
I wish Beato would have top ten good songs this month instead of "here are the shitty pop tracks I forced myself to listen to."
Well that is a good idea!
Find me 10 good new songs this year
@@WalterWhite-h8f Honestly, if you make an attempt to look, there are easily 10 utterly amazing songs in any given year. It does require some effort to get out of your comfort zone and go looking though.
A reluctant _relatively_ good songs 🥴
@@WalterWhite-h8f This rarely works. If I showed someone my 2024 top ten songs they'd probably think i've lost my mind. The songs have to find you.
As a parent I encourage young people to try whatever they want to do.
Be creative, use the technology and do what serves to realise the ideas you have in your mind. That’s the work of an Artist.
Great video !!!
Exactly!!!! What's funny is that the majority of hit songs I worked on were done in the spirit of "Let's have some fun" or "I did what the label said I should do and it failed, this time I'm doing what I want".
I'm from Rick's era, and I've had similar experiences. Let me be clear: just because we used drum samples and quantized tracks doesn't mean Rick is wrong. When you witness great musicians in the studio, you realize they don't need any fixing. His observations about mainstream music are valid; they don't apply to indie bands playing instruments the traditional way.
Let’s not conflate this or dismiss Rick as a grumpy old man stuck in the past. He’s an important voice with real experience-one that many will never have because that part of the music business has faded away. If only people understood how incredible things were back then, how music truly unfolded, rather than relying solely on this computerized approach that everyone thinks is their shortcut to success. It’s a journey worth remembering.
You're always going to get that "grumpy old man" comment to dismiss someone that's older, even though they are right. When I hear that, I won't waste another second of my time listening to what they have to say. I don't know the young people he is around, but to say they are more innovative is B.S. To say they have a huge passion for music is the exact opposite of what I see. They don't really care and it isn't that important to them. Cookie cutter? This is the golden age of cookie cutter. At the gym I hear "young peoples" music 4 four to 5 times a week. If I'm in there for 2 hours, it might as well have been a two hour long song by the same band. A band that will disappear in a couple years. Bands used to have to develop a sound, it was different, and you knew who it was when you heard it.
And Rick is right, there was an anticipation of a new album coming out and going to the music store was a great experience. I didn't have a problem finding new music other than "What they wanted me to hear." It just took some effort. I still do that to this day. I made the effort because it mattered more. I could list 20+ new CD's I just bought by 20 different bands and I'll bet this guy, as well as young people, wouldn't know any of them. Let everyone listen to what they want, that's subjective, but to say it is more innovative...he couldn't be more wrong.
@@cardinalfang7725totally Agree. More innovative?
@@cardinalfang7725 So Sungazer? Anna Meredith? Blood Incantation? Hiromi? DOMi & JD Beck? Louis Cole? Heilung? And just a few years back, artists like Grizzly Bear, The Mars Volta, Andrew Bird, Father John Misty...I mean, is that the cookie cutter you're talking about? Mainstream music has always suffered from some mediocrity, and these aren't mainstream artists, but they have not done badly for themselves, and they are anything but cookie cutter. And yes, young people like them.
really positive take 4:25 - great to hear this - your perspective is appreciated. lucky enough to work with younger artists also, I feel there's a real drive for experimentation and a diy mindset. given that it is so hard to break through in popular music, there's less risk in experienting and embracing imperfections, mirrors the old diy portastudio era in a way, using tech to present music in new ways
Anyone who thinks music is getting worse doesn't really have a goddamn clue about how to find good music. Or rather, where to find the kind of music you like. Same goes for movies. In the history of recorded music, there always has been and always will be good and bad..which if we're really being honest is completely a subjective thing. Its kind if pompous to think any art is good or bad. The value of any art is based on the effect it has on the viewer/ listener. So what I'm saying is, right now is the best and worst time for music, depending on your particluar taste.
That makes me think of a story. One of my rap clients and I were talking about the music that first inspired us to get into music as kids. Mine is Pink Floyd. He then told me a story about the first time he heard 2 Live Crew and how much it moved him and changed the course of his life. And I thought "REALLY????" because to me 2 Live Crew is just crap. But he truely was moved by the sound and became a very very successful producer and a friend for life. So yeah.... it's TOTALLY subjective and that's part of what makes it all so interesting.
Back in the day we had record stores. Here you could find all the genres of music. A real simple concept that worked. I think we should just bring back physical media again. Maybe the digital music format needs to die like the 8 track. It won't completely disappear, but for me record stores were a better experience overall.
@@MrBanana808
It never really left, though ('physical media'). There are still vinyl recordings being made, and other analog media - it has simply split into something like fractal fragments - with so many choices that most people simply don't have the time to sift through them all. This is why I think that BOTH men have valid points of view.
The technology of recording and playback started slowly, with only a limited amount of forms to record and play back on, from Edison's time forward.
Now (as is the case with all technology) - it begins to move so fast at some point that the old battle between Beta Max and VHS (or pick a few formats), look like a slow-moving stream, compared to a gushing, roaring, digital river.
Digital playback of all the older media has literally turned into a torrent (pun intended) - moving so fast, and in so many directions, that music sometimes becomes the victim of its own technology (which is the point that Rick makes), but does make it possible to "skip to any song you like."
The problem with this is that the recording of an album or a tape as a form of story-telling by chapter has been lost. It's now like a book full of short stories, with no real connection to each other - you don't have to listen to songs crafted as a series of stories in a themed, articulated 'novel' format anymore - and some of the music the older ways of recording (that forced me to hear tracks I initially thought were crap), have turned out to be some of my favorite songs - which means an entire art-form has been lost, because it's inconvenient to adapt to something new (that is, music you initially think you don't like).
The 'long and winding road' of mixed forms and new additions as experiments in story-telling has become a victim of speed, conformity, and choice - like a super-highway that is convenient, but makes us miss new sights and sounds - like the towns just off the beaten path of the old, 2-lane 'Route 66' - we rush headlong past things that could lead us to places we've never been, and sounds we've never heard. In this way, digital music has become like a gigantic compressor, and has flattened vocal and instrumental innovation - sacrificing them on the altar of ease and speed in both creation AND listening.
Too much technology has given us shortened attention spans, and helped us throw out experimental new forms, and vocal 'mistakes' that are 'cured' before we discover they are actually stylistic differences that would lead to new forms.
We have given up exploration, for convenience and comfort - and that is a convergence point of validity for both men's points of view.
The problem of having the convenience of "skipping to songs we like" is that we simply jump to something that makes us 'comfortably numb,' and the initial strangeness of something completely new can be skipped over too fast to appreciate it as something with great potential.
I remember driving past towns with little college FM stations pumping out entire albums of brilliant new music, before fading away into the next college town's 'FM' station - with 'no static at all.' It's how I first heard The Doors, and Pink Floyd.
We're becoming tourists, not explorers, and it has cost us dearly.
I was born in 1951, and I have seen 'Moore's Law' play out for both good and bad in all areas of technology. I've been a musician my entire late teen and adult life. In the music industry, though (which is a story-telling medium), mostly for the bad - and for many of the reasons both of these gentlemen discuss, within the broader context of a discussion about the effect that digital production has had on contemporary music - all music, really, that is recorded or 're-edited' today.
I hope there is away to get back homeward. Has anyone else listened to the music and lyrics of the singer-songwriter "Ren?" The song "Hello Ren" is real, live, unedited - and incredible. There IS a way to move forward in the same SPIRIT as past music, without repeating its style and form - but technology has become part of the problem, when it is over-used. Quantization, direct sampling, and overcompression were the first serious mistakes, and it's only gotten worse from there.
USING technology isn't the problem - OVER-USING it, and using things like pitch correction for every vocal performance (include masterpieces that were recorded of virtuoso's like The Bee Gees, Freddie Mercury, and literally everything and everyone else.
This was a thoughtful, excellent parallel to Rick's point of view, and I thank you for producing and uploading it.
I don't think Rick is missing the mark, but he is talking primarily about mainstream music and he does make valid points in that regard. I was music director at a college radio station, and there were tons of awesome & original music sent to us each week that didn't make it on the air simply because we did have a playlist, and it was physically impossible to play everything, no matter how good it was. There was only so much room. That has always been the case and it always will be.
I think you're right that Rick tends to compare the best of past output with the average of current output. We all do that, of course; it's how life works and it's how history works.
I kind of agree with Rick that we're hearing way too much grid now, just as I agree with you that we used to hear too much genre, but just as we're well into a reaction against genre there's a _lot_ of, for example, microtonal music around now-which goes through that pitch grid and comes out the other side, with entire new grids to explore.
Every era has things that suck, and they set the stage for future exploration, because it's the nature of art to challenge rules.
As to the economics of art-the more we learn how to automate, the more of us will be artists (and of course, most of us-I include myself-will be bad artists, because that's how statistics work. To keep bread on the table, we're going to _need_ UBI, because in the future, only those who are really, _really_ driven are going to have jobs at all. In any field at all.
Then compare MADONNA to Lady Gaga, or Michael Jackson to Chris Brown, the Artist of now have hit a brickwall nothing really new anymore, Jimmy Hendricks invented things about the Guitar, I can mention so many new things that people then invented or brought to life, their are geniuses today that can sill find new and innotive ways to still shine, but time is coning for that.
The Algo is favoring some and ignoring some, in a world where what makes a video or song popular is rarely its uality but algo, this has views so it must be nice, this person has millions subs, so I will watch his videos.
Just this same video, I see Rick Beato photo in the thumbnail and you clicked, while this video disagrees with the good points of Rick.
The tech is one BIG reason, believe it or not.
A soulless thing such as algo that bring great music to the surface.
@@theministryofsound7448 I'm a little confused-what's the point about Madonna and Lady Gaga? I have to admit that if I were dividing music into periods-rather than talking about individual style-I might have put them in the same bucket. But perhaps they're just not who I listen to.
I do have to agree that technology changes what we listen to. I hear more African and Asian music than I used to, certainly, and less music that's made within walking distance, or that's the output of the biggest of Big Music.
And you're right that I ended up here through Rick-Rick's position was pretty contentious and I'm genuinely interested to know how others in the industry feel on this point. But in fact I think I originally found Rick because Adam Neely was disagreeing with him about basically the same point. And I found Adam Neely _because_ interesting things are happening in music theory, today.
So … yeah. We'll understand what happened recently a bit better in a decade, when the dust settles, I'm sure.
Absolutely loved your message at the end of this video!
Thanks!
I was with you right up until the bit about music being free and royalties going down. If musicians were able to generate a modest income from music that they produce it would allow them more time to perfect their craft. More Proficiency in music what generate more diverse and creative works. There will always be virtuosos. It is the nature of humans that there are statistical anomalies the generate unique talents. But the ground floor of General musicianship has gone down greatly because people can't afford to be good when it is cheaper to edit something to make it acceptable.
Well that is true. My income dropped 80% in 2 years - a big part of that being how my royalties disappeared. But, back in the 'old days' about the only way to make money from music was by being in a cover band playing at bars. Very very few people got record deals and most of the few that did only ever saw the advance money because they either got dropped or were subject to the terrible structure of record deals. Today a music artist has more possibilities and ways to push their careers forward. Back then it was - record deal or publishing deal or cover band.
I also think that one of the reasons less young people take up playing instruments is because the new video games are so damn good and immersive and also incorporate a social aspect - they are playing with other people online. back in the day jamming with your buddies was a thing to do partly because there wasn't anything more interesting to do.
@FreakingOutWithBillyHume social behaviors that humans are drawn to will constantly recreate themselves in different ways. I do think that playing music with your friends was absolutely a social activity as much as it was creative. Just like riding dirt bikes or skateboards is both athletic and social. There's probably less group dirt dirt biking and skateboarding then there would be if there weren't online video gaming.
I do think that video game creation and programming is a modern parallel to music composition and songwriting. This is probably the old and out of touch part of me but I generally don't think video gaming generates much in the way of useful skills.
When it comes to being in a cover band as the only viable way to make an income playing music, I think of it as a farm team. Someone can go and play covers, become good at operating their instrument and afford to buy reliable equipment. They also learn how to put on a show. If they have greater Ambitions they can take those assets and those skills and make their own creative works.
@@FreakingOutWithBillyHume On the video games you defenitly agree witch Rick 😉.
@@lmrecordersI don't mean any disrespect, but yes, this is the old and out of touch part of you saying that video games don't generate any useful skills. Not to mention how inspiring they can be for starting one's own creative journey in multiple fields, including composing/sound design.
@aimee9478 specifically, operating a game controller has a near zero life skill development activity. Becoming a sound designer is a subsidiary inspiration that a game controller does not meaningfully play a role in.
Yesssss!! I too am cautiously optimistic!! The amount of Music being made today by great musicians is up. There is just so much more to sift thru.
Good luck to everyone out there that continues to push.
I think it's because there is less money in the system since the end of physical media. Only the most successful artists make anything now. Venue owners too killed live music, as they found they made more money pushing gambling machines etc.
Spot on.
and pushing for cover bands instead of original artists.
Wow, what a fabulous perspective. Very unique and in most cases, if not all, spot on.
Just found your channel. Great work, keep it up!
I absolutely respect R. Beato and I'm thankful for all the great content he puts out BUT: Being a 61 year old musician/songwriter myself, you'll eventually lose touch with contemporary music. It has zero to do with the "stretchability" of ones ears but more with the aesthetics you can't wrap your head around anymore. E.g. my songs mostly have a form or arc that is inspired by the music I loved and listened to when I was in my 20ies. I don't like autotune as a form of artistic expression, but I use it to correct tiny glitches. Like myself, Rick loves intriguing harmony. While some artists still write beautiful chords and melodies, we're basically living in a (Pop) world of limitless sound design and 4-chord songs. Well, I reckon we're not in Kansas anymore.
No, we are NOT in Kansas anymore.
Thanks for watching and your comments. I love hearing from other old timers like me. Rock on!
There is no reason to respect Rick Beato.
@@whatilearnttoday5295 I respect everyone who helps to spread art and music.
People are saying that Rick should not listen to chart music. A problem is that perhaps most new music listened to most commonly is from the charts. Eighty years ago, the most popular music was played by jazz musicians, thr best musicians other than classical on the planet. Autotuned chart rubbish is a problem as well.
Given that smaller bands need to play live to make any kind of money, they do still need to be able to play at a decent level, or they'd be found out as soon as they went on stage. There'd be little point 'cheating' if they can't back it up. I do actually think there's a lot of great new music out there, even if I find I have to look towards East Asia to find it. Japan is particular has a great underground scene. The problem these days is that there is so much out there, that without some kind of curation, it is hard to find the good stuff.
My kids listen to a lot of music coming out of Japan.
Nicely done.
Always good to hear a valid objection.
I look forward to both of you sitting down for a video and discussing this further.😊
My favorite Beato is Ringo...
“A HORDE OF HOBBYIST”SIR I LOVE IT! 10/10 Ty for existing and coming out of the shadows.
Personally, I'm a huge fan of the genre-breaking freedom of the modern music era, which you pointed out, really wasn't viable back in the day.
Oh man... that has always been my thing. Back when I was doing work for labels there was so much push back from any little thing that strayed from the established sound of whatever genre I was working in.
In the early 80s we hadn’t even heard of “genre” yet. Genre is marketing baloney.
@@Roikat I honestly agree, but that's the landscape that was carved out for us over the last 4 decades.
Great video. Couldn’t agree more. We are literally in a golden age of music creation at this point.
Rick is looking at the past with Rosetinted glasses and only remembers all the good stuff from the past.
I think we all do that.
Yep. That’s so easy to do. Every year and decade has plenty of stinkers amongst the authentic, masterful cult hits.
Freaking whiplash. You nail it on the head here, but seemingly have a wildly different perspective on your newest vid
I remember hearing a lot of pop and rock music back in the 90s and I can tell you that a lot of the older music we cherish and revere today as staples of their genres were supremely annoying and overplayed on the radio back then.
The thing about the distinct genres struck a chord with me though. The genres were more narrowly defined back then for sure. While that can be a bad thing for some, I think a big problem I have with todays music, particularly anything that isnt top40, is that artists are all over the place.... so much so that they dont really establish a distinct identity or style. Its too experimental and abstract to be relatable, especially when you get into harder music like rock, alt rock, metal etc. At the same time, the OPPOSITE is true of top40 artists like a certain female country artist and all the trap and hip hop stuff.
I think rock and indy artists need focus and purpose. It almost feels like they are self censoring and not taking any risks by sticking to weird abstract vibey music. We can't all be Radiohead. We need some Tom Petty or Gordon Lightfoot. Tell a story or take a stand. Also don't take yourself too seriously either... so much trustfund americana out there.
Just my 2cents.
Great point! Maybe it has something to do with focusing on singles instead of album cuts and having any kind of theme to an album. I hadn't thought about that....
I have been songwriting and recording for 40 years. I started with analog tapes. I have played piano and sung myself on many recordings in many studios across America. I have hired musicians and singers. Lately, I have tried to contact singers whose voices I have heard on youtube. These are not "stars" but they have good voices which I would like to have on my song demos.
A singer anywhere can now record his/her vocals remotely using modern DAW software and a microphone. I have literally tried to contact singers across the world to try and hire them, for REAL MONEY, to sing with my professional tracks. Most of my emails go unanswered. There is a MUCH bigger problem with music today than just technology. It's like every aspiring singer wants to START AT THE TOP !
Years ago, Bob Bogle, a founder of the great band, The Ventures, was hanging out in my studio. He was, and IS, a music legend. One day I asked him if he would play bass on one of my demos.. He said, "Sure," and did play and charged me nothing. The music scene today has a PERVASIVE, MAJOR ATTITUDE PROBLEM.
Wow! I bet you've got somer great stories. As far as not getting responses from people you email, I get that too. I think some just don't believe it and think it's some sort of scam and some are not really that serious. Crazy how many really talented people I've found that don't care to go much further than posting some songs. If I had the kind of talent I've found over the years......
@@FreakingOutWithBillyHume Yes, I have come across a lot of talented people who seem to be afraid of going all out to pursue their dreams. I guess the fantasy they carry around is far more comfortable than the pain of a real struggle for success. The old saying rings true, "If it's real art, someone paid a dear price to create it and bring it to the world."
you stuck the landing.
A wonderfully thoughtful and measured response, thank you for putting this together
Thanks, Bill. Unfortunately, Rick has to keep pumping this stuff out, and he gets caught up in the need to create content and forgets to think clearly. 🤔
I agree. Some of his videos are really good and some seem like he's just keeping to a schedule. However, that is what is expected. I need to put out videos more regularly but have an issue with the quality.
A very good rebuttal to Rick's video. I've subscribed to your channel, as you have pointed out a lot of things that I, too, have noticed in working with artists 30 to 40 years younger than me; creativity has not been lost.
Thank you!!!
I hear a lot of things Rick Beato isn't denying. He admited he did all those things in the past himself.
Thanks for the reminders of the way things were, really hits home. And right on! The studio is a phone free zone.
You are right. Can't believe you're voicing what I deduced a while back. Don't watch him anymore as it's become stale. I think pandering to the channel's audience is why. Ironic, eh?
I don't like that he doesn't help unsigned artists with his platform. He's become one of them now (gatekeeper).
I loved this video!!! Everything you're saying sounds correct!!! Just great!!
youtube drama...we all know how that works hehe . recently someone commented on one of my new songs/videos said it is AI generated, tho the image was the rest wasn't, the video edits and the track. So someone created drama whithout really knowing anything about my channel. Rick is also click baiting as many do
The arguments and views expressed in this video are really good. I saw R. Beato's video and thought that he was glorifying the past. Something like: "everything was better in the past". And I often thought to myself during the video that I completely disagree with him. Billy Hume sums it up perfectly here. While I thought R. Beato's video was negative, I find B. Hume's approach much more positive and also more respectful towards today's artists. Thank you for making the video!
Thank you so much for this video. As someone who loves all aspects of music, listening, leaning and creating, I really enjoy Rick’s videos. His talents are undeniable. I’m sure as word gets out of this video and fans of his channel end up here - please know I really like his stuff and him as a personality.
At the same time, as his YT creator journey has evolved, I feel like he gets into more clickbait territory and sometimes comes off like “angry man shakes fists at clouds.” I get it, it can be frustrating when you are super talented and put years into the craft and you feel things are getting worse.
I loathe the Top 10 videos that he does. But do we constantly need that horse to be flogged? My guess is that the viewership numbers of those videos say yes.
I think your point about gatekeepers and trendsetters of the past is spot on. We are now able to let the people tell they want, which means things will change -especially in the charts. And especially because it now takes streaming numbers into account, which opens it up to people who were not able to influence the charts in the past. Such as kids without money, people who couldn’t afford the luxury of buying every album when it came out, etc. In that way, we have given a voice to a broader range of people and cultures, which is great. In that way way, these charts are less about music but a broader shift in access to music and how it allows a global audience to have greater representation of their voices. A kid in Sri Lanka can influence these charts just by streaming their favourite song and we are seeing that play out in the charts. Yes, it also opens it up to bad actors, too.
Of course he is entitled to to his opinion as everyone else. However, I wish he’d use his growing popularity to help people understand that because music is different or shorter in length or oversimplified doesn’t make it bad music. I have to laugh sometimes when he talks about Reggaeton all sounding the same. This is something that happens all the time and something you point out in your video. Jam bands from the 90s, anyone?
I hope your channel continues to grow, so that we can have a greater variety of voices from people who have tons of experience to share like you. I enjoy your live streams and would love more content on your experiences and stories. Keep it up!
I totally agree with you about Rick's videos. Sometimes they are click bait. There's a side to Rick he doesn't show much and probably because it would piss of some people. He's got strong opinions and the statements he would make back in the day would totally piss me off. But over time I realized that he was right and I needed to hear that stuff. But I think he just wants to focus on his genuine love of music. Maybe he could make a 3rd channel called "Rick Rants". I'd watch every video.
You make great points about the changes in music. And thanks so much for watching, commenting and being in on my livestreams!!
This is an excellent take, thank you! I agree pretty much on everything. I wouldn't say, however, that music has become "oversimplified". Mass production music has always existed, and it has always been more popular. Probably always will be. There has always been experimental, cult following-worthy stuff as well, and now it's easier than ever to find these artists/for them to reveal themselves, if only we put a little bit more effort.
I'M A CRATE DIGGER, SO BEING INTO VINYL I'M ALWAYS LOOKING FOR OLD OR JUST INTERESTING MUSIC. IT DOESN'T ALWAYS HAVE TO BE OLDER MUSIC, IT JUST HAS TO BE CREATIVE AND INTERESTING. TODAY'S MUSIC DOESN'T HAVE TOO MANY PEOPLE ON THE MAINSTREAM THAT BRING THAT SOUND. BUT THERE ARE ARTISTS THAT ARE PUTTING AND PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES OF THEIR RESPECTIVE GENRES.
Better yet throw the phone away. All I know is the bar bands are not as good. The bar bands are hobbyist with pay checks clogging up the business of serious players. I don't know of any other profession that goes out and works for free. Most bands out working back in the day when we still had motel gigs, and the like were far better bands than I hear out there now. Back then a band was a big deal. now some folks just walk by like you not there. A live band was a big deal that's how I got in this. Working with my father when I was 10 at the Family Inns in Macon painting and making repairs. Everyday i saw the band hanging out at the pool having fun. Then they would rehearse a couple hours in the lounge then have dinner there go play the gig and go back to the rooms and party. By the time I got to where i could play good enough there was a karaoke machine there and a D J. Then there were no bands at all. Then the internet came and why would you need to hire a guitar teacher anymore? I do use the technology like everybody else though I miss the sound of 1970 1972.
You said it right there! Bands are competing with the little computers in people's pockets. Entertainment competition... Plus let's not forget all of the big screen TVs that they have on the bars. I've always thought it was rude to have a live band playing while those TVs are on.
@@RealHomeRecording And they record you with those little computers and spread you on facebook and you tube for free. More TV s than customers.
You bring back memories and have a great point.
I spent a few years playing in Holiday Inn and strange hotel lounges. We would hang out by the pool, practice in the afternoon in the lounge and then get dinner (which was usually part of the deal). Then we would play 3 and sometimes 4 sets that night covering everything from ZZ Top to Micheal Jackson to Stray Cats to Shalimar. Most of the musicians I played with were really good (I was always the least accomplished). That experienced helped formed my whole career. Thanks for watching and commenting!
@@FreakingOutWithBillyHume nice!
@@FreakingOutWithBillyHume lol you don't remember but i met you at Tape Warehouse long long ago
That was a really really cool video. I had never heard of this gentleman before, but I loved that throughout the entire expression of his opinion, he not only stayed on point but made relevant parallel and peripheral points, all the while showing incredible respect (and admiration), for his very good friend, Rick....even acknowledging Ricks influence and contributions ot his knowledge,. experience,.and success.
And I loved how succinctly he summarized the music industry, as a whole, and in its component structure. (A&R people gotta love 'em lol)
So glad that people like him, and Rick, are around and sharing their wisdom experience and knowledge.
Thanks for a wonderfully, great video, bud!!!
It's good to hear both sides of an argument, and I have nothing invested in Beato, but a lot was left out here. There's a difference between having to get another take because the pro singer went out of tume on a note, and using Melodyne because a young singer wouldn't know intonation if it bit them in the a$$. Also, Rick isn't talking about the entirely of the scene - he's focusing on the top. It's as if every act now is the Monkees, and the only real creators are the producers. And Rick is certainly right about alternative interests - video games and social media really do eat up time for today's youth that we boomers spent listening to radio and our stereos.
Social media and streaming movies/TV shows are big reasons for sure!
Back in my youth, we had the internet but music wasn't free except on the radio. Napster changed everything and then TH-cam and Spotify changed it again.
There is an oversaturation of entertainment options... So everybody from the top to the bottom is getting a smaller chunk of the pie.
@@RealHomeRecording Kiddos I know (think early 20s) definitely enjoy music just as much as previous generations did, they just do it on different platforms. I admit, however, that it doesn't mean that this is how things might work at large. For me my passion for music started with video game osts, so the whole "video games or music" competition idea sounds ridiculous to me, but I'm also older (30), so I'm not exactly relevant here. x)
@@aimee9478 well you are younger than me so you're more relevant in that aspect. 😂
I think my generation just consumed less songs in a longer period of time. The discovery process is a lot different than either listening to the radio or visiting a record store.
Wow! Really needed to hear this… thanks I liked and subscribed
Great vid. You nailed it.
Thank you!
Thoroughly enjoy your ranting. Thanks for sharing these illuminating tales of studio life and dealing with the industry back in the day. Helps put the present world of music in context.
Thanks!
Great positive stuff Billy.
Thanks!
Amen. This is the video that needs to be watched. Much more on the mark.
No self respecting engineer should ever resort to using drums samples, vst instruments, etc. If they can't track properly to achieve an acceptable tone to use in the mix they should stop the $$ clock and start over (at his own expense) and figure out proper mic choice, room dynamics, mic placements, hardware choices and settings, etc to achieve appropriate tones for the mix. If the musician isn't good enough to play adequately the session should end and simply inform the the "musician" that they should not be in a recording studio and if they really want to waste their money they should go work with someone else.
As a guy who has mixed for a living for several decades I can tell you that the only thing that matters is what comes out of the speakers. I can't be there when someone is listening to some band I mixed and say "well it would've sounded better had they recorded the drums better or had better sounding drums". And I can't really even say that to the client. I have techniques now that allow me to almost never use samples on a mix. But if I need to I will because my job is to give them the best sounding mix I can.
Or, I could do crappy mixes and not work so much.
great stuff and YES PHONES BELONG IN JAIL when it is rehearsal time :)
I bet Rick has never listened to a King Gizzard record... or any of the young bands and musicians championed by Levitation or KEXP.
😂
@@matthorne9593 Are you serious? .......Those idiots are the result of why the music sucks today.
@@Tuscarora I agree. I’m sure none of these “underground” bands would have even surfaced in the 70s or Any other decade. King gizzard blows
Yo God bless you!
That was refreshing.
Good work
SOLI DEO GLORIA
(To The Glory Of God Alone)
Father, Son & Holy Spirit
-Ronnie
Thanks!
Tons of great music out today from young artists. Old Rick yells at cloud!
really resonate with that last point you made there. I have to turn it off AND put it in another room haha.
Rick is guardian a museum that pays him well so he’s not going to say anything positive about new music. He’s not trying very hard to uncover new artists because there is nothing in it for him when can interview legacy artists who get him views. His gripe about the Spotify algorithm is just plain lazy. Don’t be like Rick and go out there support new artists and help them grow their fan base.Stay curious!
"Legacy artists" are desperate for anyone who will play or show any of their stuff. Anyone can ring them and they've jump at the chance to be seen.
He parasites off their names.
All artists are desperate. And new young artists will jump at a chance to be seen.
All I can say Billy, is thank you. You spoke truth. Also We Are Scientists…look them up. Amazing band.
this is very true, there is SO much AMAZING music being made right now, and much of that is thanks to the availability of tech for recording and also for learning - it’s just tends not to be on the top of the charts anymore. mainstream music has fallen into the toilet, and it’s very hard to make a living for everyone else.
20 years ago despite being in bands myself, i didn’t like going out to shows much because most of the local bands were just boring and dull. now if i go hang out at a cool music bar, all the waitresses and bartenders are in incredible bands and their shows are all worth seeing. huge improvement thanks to tech, just an economic disasters thanks to the current distribution and profit models.
The REAL reason, the technology allows bands "that aren't that good" to be in the industry.
And the other reason is if you take the money out of it, you reduce the quality of artists that are willing to work in that sphere. The fact that the only specific example of new music you mention is from anime/games ie. where the money is perfectly exemplifies the problem.
On-point comment
Great episode. I love that Rick talks to all of these big-name artists but I think it would be a great turn if he brought on up-and-coming bands of all new (and old) genres.