Maybe this is karma for how some these same labels treated artist in the past. I think they are mad because they simply can’t compete against the internet and are losing control.
No development of these artists, no quality music, no backup, and no actual talent or ability with these artists, streaming has basically put a knife in the industry. My opinion.
The lack of quality suggests a lack of care. Its a grave mishandling when you want a huge profit margin but dont put in a genuine investment. I often wonder if those execs even listen to music or have artists they admire.
This. As a person who used to sing in and out of school, has a father that's a musician I have followed the trends in music. All this is true, but I don't feel bad for these record companies. For nearly 100 years they have been taking advantage of artists. Then you have them picking talent that they could mold to propagandize their own agenda. Sales and decension over talent. So in my opinion let them fall.
@@nakairoberson3057 Say that again. I wish there were healthier environments for the stories and messaages to thrive alongside the artists, but that doesnt redress the damage that has been done over time. Im with you on the exploitation. I dont think they anticipate the effect it has on society.
It seems like we’re in a gray area where labels either want the artists to come already polished and prepared so they don’t have to spend money and time to get them ready for the masses or they want the artist to already have a following before they get signed. 🥴🥴
@@CalvinMichaelsyeah, they want artists to come to them perfect AND they want them to do the marketing that the label is supposed to be paying a firm to do. But I don’t understand why an artist that already does those things would sign with a label. Why would they add a greedy middle man?
@@CalvinMichaels Basically the issue is that the focus is on how marketable an artist is (in their opinion) instead of does the artist have talent. And we can’t forget pay-for-play saturates the market.
@@LoveK1Because they aren’t “Artist” per say. Its a cash grab for them as well. In their mind,they can live off the advance forever and in a social media time they think ppl will support them regardless
I saw LaTavia Roberson (one of the original members of Destiny’s Child), she was talking about how they use to have to promote themselves everywhere at clubs, festivals, colleges, doing interviews any and everywhere. These artists today do NOT I REPEAT DO NOT put in the work of a Destiny’s Child, Pink, Mya, Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, EnVogue, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson,TLC, N’Sync etc… so they suffer cause they can’t keep up like those artist have and can.
@@CalvinMichaels yessir!!!! Matthew Knowles as a manager or artist developer knew what he was doing. And whether people want to give them credit or not, Kelly, LaTavia, LeToya and even Michelle have that same breath work Beyoncé does. I love the range LaTavia and Michelle have. I also love the power in Kelly and LeToya have in their voice that they downplay so much, being that both of them always had to sing the note high than Beyonce they had to be able to sing NO DOUBT.
@TheTruthAintInYa so damn true!! The work that they put into their music really showed. Janet and Mya put in that work work with their choreography, Destinys Child and EnVogue put in that work with their vocals and TLC, Michael and Nsync put in that work work with video visuals. One thing I love is that folks like Britney Spears and Backstreet Boys had the MTV machine behind them yet still were able to conduct interviews well in 1998/1999, able to connect with fans on TRL without any corny or disgusting gimmick for a viral moment and took us behind the scene of the actual artwork. The lyrics of the artist you mentioned are perfectly memorable and their albums told an actual story or theme like The Writings On The Wall or No Strings Attached.
@@TheTruthAintInYa Yass!!!! To this day I swear to God I listen to The Writings On The Wall on repeat every other day. The whole entire album like you said. Every lyric is memorable and makes so much sense compared to whatever these singers and rappers of today are saying. A bunch of nothing. Only able to smoke or drink to their music and not actually relate or deep think about it. Their words are not even clever or figurative like the artists back then.
Nicki Minaj summed it up well by stating it's currently about popularity not talent. Sadly nothing but microwave music. I'm a 70s baby so I was fortunate to grow up with music that embodies artistry, lyricism, professionalism, humility, love, soul etc. I still remember gathering with family in front of the tv to watch the Thriller video when it debuted. Good times indeed.
I mean she and Drake are a HIGE reason for that. They are the beginning of a song not having to actually be good but because her Barbz will support ANYTHING it will get pushed down the masses throats.
I hate to say it but …. She did help make it like this. She helped it be a popularity contest 🤷🏾♀️ every female rapper gotta have long hair and a big butt to be successful now . She has to dumb her self down and repeat words twice to be considered a “good metaphor”
Phyllis Hyman warned of this back in the late 80s early 90s. No development of newer artists, while trying to toss aside veteran artists. Clive Davis is guilty of this! Phyllis Hyman, Angela Bofill, Vesta Williams all got tossed aside for the "next bubblegum ONE-HIT artists"!
Even Whitney Houston was thrown to the media wolves, years later, after she made hundreds of millions for the record label. I'm gonna need somebody to hold Clive Davis accountable for his actions 😩
@@tincredibleYou need to understand labels aren't all at fault here. The new kids out here have questionable taste in short spam music. Also feels the poor new rap all these kids listen to isn't exactly help for other artist doing other genre. New Rap has been dominating for the last 5 years. And it is rather an extremely watered down version of great rap music from before. Pop has almost disappeared unless you are in Korea. Rnb is barely holding on thanks to no more than 5 mega artist still around pushing it to the masses. Streaming system cheaped up music worth then overstated by allowing just about anyone in their bedroom to have music on all platforms. Then Ai entered the chat.
and did you check out what he did when she passed ? here it is she was in the same hotel where he was throwing a grammy party it was announced that she passed and he still had the party , i mean that was disgusting and demonic and what makes it even worse is he was supposedly her " friend " @@ZebraLens
For the past 10-15 years I have asked why the music industry doesn’t media train their new artists, invest in their artist’s pure talent or invest in their artists overrall package including instrumental play, choreography, stage presence, songwriting, etc like they used to in yesteryears whether the genre was hip-hop, R&B, pop, poprock, etc. It feels like today the mainstream artists all rely on tiktok producers, sextapes, “leaked” pictures, gimmicks and one-liner podcasts interviews to promote themselves and their next project. The years of standing and singing or rapping about deep lyrics into the microphone in front of them are over. I always tried to pinpoint where the decline started in the 2000s of quality artistry being put on the backburner for repititive gimmicks of art that’s called music. I’m hoping this video will enlighten me.
Not just that but the vocal ability too like we have a lot of half ass singers ain’t nobody really sangin on stage, they just want to look cute on stage
In today’s music, the artists is not media trained and says whatever comes out their mouths on their live tiktok feeds’ IG videos and twitter threads while the artists back then were trained well to do interviews with the honorable likes of Diane Sawyer, Barbara Walters, Carson Daly, AJ & Free, etc. while giving a detailed step on behind the scenes of their artwork on Behind The Music, Driven, Making The Video, Access Granted..heck even Cita’s World.
That also implies that there is artistry to explain. Some “artists” I’ve seen for the last few years have nothing that distinguishes them. Some are generic and uninteresting. I miss having mainstream variety.
Too many people in musichave nonsense of how to carry themselves in a classy way.They tell too many their personal business,argue/physically fight with fans and other artists,swear like a sailor,etc.
I think the issue is, labels no longer wanna invest in artists these days. It’s all about do you have the numbers to be an immediate success. Which in turn leads them to trying to make whatever TikTok person into a popstar. However, that ends being a failed experiment cuz their own audience has no interest in them being a popstar. So ultimately it ends up backfiring on the labels
I'm an up-and-coming artist and we are not in short supply - 7 languages/every genre... But they don't want that; they want the generic artists who will continue to give them the issues breaking into the industry they currently experience. If they looked for real music, they might have better luck. 'By the way', Chris Brown's music does sound the same.
i agree with alll the above lolol but chris? yeah it’s not just his voice. the songs sonically, musically, meaning-wise all sound the same. he has not grown in his craft in YEARS
Back in the 50s & 60s record label execs were music lovers. They groomed their artist to have decades long sustainable music careers by putting them through years of vocal training/singing lessons, charm school, but that all changed 40 years ago when the record labels shifted towards a making a quick buck model. Had Earth, Wind & Fire came out after the 1970s, Columbia Records would've dropped them. It took 5 albums for them to hit pay dirt & become the legendary juggernaut band they eventually became over the decades. The same went for Aretha Frankin. She didn't hit it out the park on her early albums. It took close to decade for her to hit pay dirt. The record execs greed did them in for the long haul. If they don't go back to the old model of grooming artist to have long sustainable careers, then they will continue to struggle trying to break in new artist. While they're at it, how about having some balance. Everything that comes on the radio sounds the freaking same to me. That's just my thoughts on this subject.
You said a lot of truth there but sadly time is moving forward. New generation with shorter spam, awful soulless music taste (classics turned generic and repetitive rap/trap) and a preference for songs 25 secs long as an audience do not help. Also streaming is just the devil in all of this. More money is spent making the records than what is coming back. Ai are now here to put whatever is left of all this to the grave as label may not need new artist anymore. There are a few unsigned artist still making quality music but they struggle in a world where music of great quality with meaningful lyrics means nothing anymore. Curently loving Switch by Cédrisian. He is a new artist who makes real love experience songs but he gets such little views. The list goes on...
Thank you and Calvin Michaels for educating us. They should go back to the Motown blue print on creating great artists and music.. That's still my go to music anyway. Some other artists I have enjoyed who were in Country, Pop and folk music. Are all gone. You don't hear good quality music from those genres anymore. The technology has changed music a great deal. Now they are bringing record players and vinyl records back.😂😂😂😂😂. Which they should have never left behind anyway. Bring good music back. No more of this junk music on the air ways.🎉
@christinestevens8845: You're welcome! Motown is an excellent example! You'll never have artist like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Temptations, The Marvelettes, Mary Wells, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, Jackson 5, The Commodores, Rick James, Teena Marie & the Four Tops on one record label ever again. I have turntables & vinyl. I never fully bought into the digital revolution even though i do have some CDs of artist who's music never made it to vinyl.
Also, we no longer all hear the same song on one device, the radio. Even when Napster started and iTunes, the MAJORITY of music was still delivered to us on the radio. Now everything is so siloed, there is no "main source" anymore so it is hard to push one new artist through to everyone. So you have to make your impact on instagram reels or TikTok as the main source, but then you dont know if that artist can perform for 3 hour straight in person, which is the real problem. These new artists who hit hot on TikTok are not performers.
VH1 leaning so heavy into celebrity reality TV & going away from the behind the music & Even the I love blank series. They was a good way to let the teens of the generation to connect with the artist of yesteryears. So many solid music documentaries get lose to streaming. We all listen to what we like while algorithm cues up similar song. It leaves no room to explore new music. I think some type relegation to keep companies from consolidating power wealth so much.
Established artists even have a hard time putting out unique work because the labels are looking for a quick hit. When Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak presented their idea of a 70's soul album, both Atlantic and Aftermath thought they were insane. Fortunately, they both had some pull, so they were able to put out 'An Evening With Silk Sonic'. It's cross generational and different from anything else in the market. Sometimes you just have to roll the dice.
I think an artist like Tiwa Savage, who had a large international fan base, didn't get the investment and support when she signed with Roc Nation. She still has a lot of respect in the AfroBeats and Afro-Pop scene because of the career she built but it felt like when she started her US crossover, her label didn't really put effort into her for years and ended up being behind the Afrobeat wave into the US
As a Colombian this story sounds a lot like Becky G who is huge in Latin Music. She started her career as an English-speaking pop rapper in the USA but was going nowhere with her music. So she instead focused onto the Reggaeton market and years later today she is one of the top female artists in Latin Music. I guess the story is, go wherever your talent takes you highest and appreciated, even if it is not in America.
Part of the problem is that the industry is trying to create the art rather than find and support it. I turn off when I know they’re trying to convince me that something is good rather than presenting it and letting me say, hey this is good. Also the industry just turns me off. The predatory nature of labels, producers and the attempts to erase the music that came before is just a turn off.
I'm glad you brought up the part about touring and how it's the older listeners (I put anyone that is 30 and up in that category) that are really sustaining the artists and their music. We love music too and we crave new music from new acts as well. But it's the under 21 crowd that is catered to when it comes to new acts and music so what ends up happening is that the 2000s and 90s artists are the ones killing the touring game now and for good reason. Because they're all we got.
1: Too many copy & paste artists. 2: Artists are self producing so they're less polished. 3: Record companies arent budgeting for artists, because theyre loosing profits from streaming. 4: Trash Music from popular artists, not Talented artists. 5: Oversaturated and Attention Span real estate. Your CD collection got replayed. You don't hear the same song twice. So your not able to remember and have an experience with an artist.
Speaking of CDs, I notice that as I’ve transitioned to streaming from CDs I find myself more so play listing than experiencing albums in full. I may play an album in full on the first or second listen and then I put the stand out tracks on a playlist. So the songs that tend to be a slow burner usually become forgotten over time and then I rediscover them years later. 🥴
The hard truth is that we live in an everybody-gets-a-chance society now and when everybody gets a chance,its hard to develop stars. No gatekeepers. You can be a celebrity or famous by your own standards and without having charisma or even real talent by having a million ig followers,100K youtube views and a blue checkmark by your photo. Nothing is aspirational when anybody can get it/be it. What makes someone like Beyonce a STAR is that nobody can get up there & do what she does but if you only have presence behind a phone,photoshop and a microphone…when its time to do star things,its just not there.
I don't think there's a lack of talent I think it's a symptom of the times we're in. Life is hard right now and the music is too superficial to make an impact, I do think there's going to be a big swing in the opposite direction of tiktok music we're going to go back to looong songs, with a message. I also think people want community more now and prefer to see their artists live. The artists aren't performing like they used to but I think that's going to change too.
Great point. It's definitely a reflection of the times. We're currently in a time where people also celebrate mediocrity and relatability as opposed to back in the day, society celebrated exceptional talent and innovation. We're in an era of mediocrity, relatability, remakes, reboots, sequels, etc. It's the Dark Age of entertainment. I certainly hope the pendulum swings back.
Two things: 1. A lot of my highlights are coming from a place centered within the old industry standards or the old guard. As time, technology, and society evolves the industry will have to as well. Which goes back to the point made about the industry always being in a position of playing catch up to what’s already happening. I don’t think the music industry has successfully been able to tackle the transition into its new norm during this current world of fast media, streaming, and the public’s rising need for more content, more often, with more innovation. 2. Also as stated in the description they’re so much more that can be added to this conversation. Things I didn’t get a chance to expound on: 1. The era of DIY artists… where do they fall within the picture? (Spotify has 40,000 daily uploads of new material) 2. The decline of award show relevance 3. The repurposing of Music Videos & Promo 4. Social Media marketing 5. Interchangeability of Merch vs Streams Battle 6. Sustainability of Singles 7. Album Eras are indistinguishable 8. The transition from albums to mini projects 9. Marketable “all purpose” entertainers vs artists that specifically want to do music 10. Ageism 11. Limited musicianship in production 12. The fear of not falling within the popular trend 13. Artists not given grace to develop a fanbase through multiple projects 14. 360 Deals 15. Consumer and artist burnout from over saturation 16. The slowly changing identity of musical genres 17. International acts 18. Where does AI fit into all of this?
This kind of reminds me of the Beenie Baby craze - boom and crash. The thirst for profit drove their own business into the ground. They didn’t understand what elements were allowing the boom to happen and at the time they didn’t really care. They focused on squeezing as much profit from the boom as possible and thought the boom would last forever but anyone on the outside could see that they were crippling themselves. This is what I would say is happening in the music industry.
I think a lot of artists today dont know how to perform on stage today because we dont have shows like TRL, 106 & park, and Top of the pops anymore where artists get to hone their performance skills before the award shows and tour dates.
This video was so informative and on-point that I had no idea an hour had already passed. It's like eating the whole snack without knowing it and sadly reaching up to an empty plate for another bite 😮😢 Great talk! Stay real! 💯
@DanielleSamoneJohnson77 "It's like eating the whole snack without knowing it and sadly reaching up to an empty plate for another bite." You phrased that so well!!
Hi Calvin! Can we also talk about how music has been kinda trash and creativity just isn't the same ever since music and the arts were pulled out of public schools? People used to be so much more creative and unique, and they were willing to take more risks to try something different. UPDATE: Please, please, PLEASE do a review of Usher's new song, "Boyfriend"! When it dropped, I immediately thought of how you said new music needs to be cross-generational again... and maybe Usher heard the message? LOL
I see a lot of blaming the labels but the consumer has to take responsibility as well. We live in a society that caters to niche audiences and props up mediocrity.
Exactly, taste in good music has sunk to a new low. The stuff I hear people sing or should I say rap along to with zero depth is a massive issue. The audience for great music isn't there as many are over a certain age and Dont really bother supporting or looking for new artist trying to put quality sound out.
Louder for the people in the back! You attract what you put your energy in to. There are so many creative artists out there (Oshun, Cleo Soul, SaRoc, Sampa the Great, Raven Lenae, Christian Scott, Robert Glasper, Masego, October London, Gregory Porter-etc) that don’t have a massive following because folk are too busy writing whole dissertations on what Chloe or Megan Pete have on today-instead of spending time to find music that you as a consumer prefer. Change your algorithm. If you like music from the Motown era, and you search that enough in TH-cam, you will start getting recommendations for artist whose melodious musicality match the energy of that genre. Half of the artists I listed are because I have over 20 playlists across TH-cam and Apple Music (of which both Chloe and Megan are on LOL-BUT my music taste extends from Quincy Jones to Queen Pen to Queen) .
The Labels and Radio Stations made the mistake throughout history by pushing the older artists out the rotations. Like the 70's Artists being push away in the 80's. The 80s Artists going into the 90's, The 90's Artists into the 2000's, Etc Etc!!! They pushed the Adults and Mature Consumers away. They won't play the independent Hip Hop and R&B Artists that are putting out Great Music. Thank God for Spotify, Pandora, IG Artists suggestions. I didn't know about Briitish Artists Little Simz, Mahalia and Sampa The Great (Zambian). I heard them on my local HBCU Station (NCAT State University). I miss shows like Video Soul on BET, Yo MTV Raps, Rap City, Etc! Keep up the great work, Brother! Like you said, Artists in past all had different vibes. Stephanie Mills, Angela Winbush, Chaka Khan, Natalie Cole sounded different. Gang Starr, The Roots, Wu Tang Clan, Common, Nas, Eve, ATCQ, Mos Def, Outkast all sounded different. Now other than J.Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Rapsody....these Rappers sounded a like. Back in the past you would here 3-5-7 songs off of a EWF, Micheal Jackson, Prince, Phil Collins, Janet Jackson, Madonna Album. Now you will here the same song 10 times a day for 1 year.
@CalvinMichaels You are a wealth of knowledge and I really enjoy your analysis and insightful views on music. You definitely connect the dots and contextualize topics in a way for people to understand the how and why. Cause and effect.
Live streams are a good indicator of popularity imo. First how many are watching, how many are actively talking. You can get a gage (bots are obvious here). If you don't have a good live streaming presence the chance of you selling out a big concert is pretty abysmal.
Calvin everything you have said is one hundred percent correct. But you forgot about how AI has effected music negatively. I have listened to some of them and the music sounds dead. I agree that if you give the audience what they want yes they will come and tell others about the album. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Awesome insight on this topic. I haven’t listened to the radio in over 10 years. I went from playing mixes made on cds to streaming music! With social media and adding all these songs to their videos, songs/music gets burnt out soooo quickly. This video is awesome 👏🏾 Side note: for the book club, are we reading the Tragic Life of Robert Peace?
I noticed that Victoria Monet is doing a radio press tour and local promotional events to promote her music. I think she understands it takes more than just social media to her music out there.
yeah but understand that majority of those interviews are being uploaded to social media. interviews do play a part in showing the artist personality and connects them even closer with the fans
There are a plethora of us out here. They just don't want to take the time, effort or money to invest in the artist artistry. They want the microwave success.
Your work is so appreciated, and I adore you for it! But even more importantly, you're fun and engaging to watch and listen to. I couldn't breathe for like 2 mins when you said grandma might not make it on the bumper cars 😭😭😭 And the twist dance you did in your seat, lmao. I love how evident it is that you enjoy doing what you do. Love you, Calvin 😘❤
OMG when that Macarena song came out, it was EVERYWHERE! I remember my coworker came into work with a Macarena doll. You press the doll and plays the song lol 😂
@48:30 Steve Lacy is an example of this. Clips of his concert went viral when he was performing 'Bad Habit' because people only knew the lyrics of the snippet that was a popular sound on Tik Tok. People were singing their hearts out during the snippet then it was crickets and awkward for the other parts of the song. Crazy and sad phenomenon.
1. Image in lieu of talent 2. Same-sounding, non-unique music: why follow one artist when you can get the exact same sound from a thousand copycats 3. Defunding of R&B: R&B artists and music heavily fueled and influenced the genres of rock and pop. Unfortunately, the industry closed up the well. There is no development of NSYNC and Backstreet Boys without New Edition. There is no development of Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera without Janet Jackson. Think about more than just the artists Think about the songwriters, producers, and arrangers that would later enter the pop world.
This is such a great video events like this make me feel bad for the younger artists coming up bc there are ones that have alot of potential but don’t have artist development behind them or if they do they are signed to a indie label put them in a 360 deal and if that’s not the case the indie labels are too small to help them breakout to the mainstream these young artists especially black artists and Asian KPOP idols are victims of how messed up the music industry have become,
Calvin we're just gonna have to add this to your R&B is Dead series because we've been deprived for way too long. I love it when you're in your music history bag.
Also for the tv part, shows for all ages used to have popular artist doing theme songs and performances during the show- not just late night shows for exposure. I can think of Proud Family, ALL that, In Living Color, Living Single, A Different World, Keenan and Kel, Cousin Skeeter, et al. Multiple generations on lock.
Bruh 😂 I listened to this in 1:25 speed because it was a long one. But first of all you couldn’t tell me it wasn’t Kevin Hart speaking 😂 and secondly as a person who was in the music industry and went through hell and back dealing with labels and other big artist I’m here to just say AMAZING JOB 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 you broke that shit DOWN!!! Loved it
I recommend supporting local artists in your community. Most have to be decent live performers in order to have some kind of foothold in the local market. I’ve been going to a lot of free and low cost live shows in my area (Baltimore/Washington) this summer. We have a lot of nice artists from a broad array of genres.
I think another major issue is that so many new artists have controversial issues so early on. They don't even have enough time to gain loyal fans that will weather the storm with them because they're so new lol.
We are living in the manifestation of the Drake,Nicki Minaj and Justin Beiber era of music where mediocrity thrives as long as its commercially successful.
@@archivesunset4214Agree. Nicki is not mediocre. Neither is Drake or Justin. They are all talented and the last of the megastars. They also had coaching and real industry backing.
You must be young. All of these artists are mediocre and don’t even have songs with longevity. They just put out trendy music. Name several songs from either of these “artists” that they put out 10 years ago. That simply doesn’t exist.
Love your music insight! This actually mirrors Hollywood in so many ways. Everything from “looking at streamer fillers you have” - you’ll be amazed how many studios look at new actors twitter/Insta followers - it’s ridiculous. There is no development- they keep producing these microwaveable artists with no Star power. These new rappers out here trying and failing at sounding like Lil Wayne over these lame lazy beats. It’s so sad what’s happened to music. The loss of the music video channels really affected the industry and for someone like me (a Janet fan) 🤬don’t start me. Keysha Cole…. After hearing her LIVE at the BET awards in 06👀 she sounds a HOT MESS live, I remember saying, how did she get a contract? Ugh
The end of the age of the artist superstar is a good thing. They were the 1% - the rest of us worked for them or got other music related jobs. The gatekeepers are losing their power and we can get our music directly to people who love what we do. Now with the attention of fans spread across more smaller acts, more of us get to make a living by finding our fans - more great music is now getting released and heard.
On a basic level the issue is this. As long as accountants and old people running the industry continue to think their way is best, they will continue to lose. One to five people with their finger on the pulse and a few to search those people out needs to constantly be in your lineup. Giving the artists creative freedom helps. The gatekeeping the American music constantly does is getting annoying. Latin music, Afrobeats and soon Kpop have proven that we are not the only ones that can produce quality music that everybody wants to hear. The fear they have is amazing on so many levels. Also trotting out the OGs is a bit of nostalgia but not proof that the industry still has it, especially when up against New music that didn't come from America (ie.BTS, Bad Bunny, etc.) Edit: Americans are complaining about Koop but they(SM Entertainment) took the Motown blueprint and became the artists people claim to want. Not all Kpop is good, but the ones that are they are killing it. The other problem is the industry don't know how to handle them or capitalize on them unless they come to America for tours.
Music reflects the times we are in no matter the period in history and today listen to the music and then go outside no matter the medium and we know it mirrors that which is reflected outside. Great Episode!!
The 1st person I thought about was Cardi when u mentioned people who just wanna b famous. She's not talented as an artist, but is a fan favorite based on drama & personality. She has no flow or delivery, just a huge following. Her concerts were not selling out when she was doing performances.
This is an EXCELLENT summary of the evolution and modern history of the music industry. It should have more views. Please make more videos diving into these industries, especially as they pertain to black artists and entertainers.
Brother Calvin, you said it if best. It is artist development. Even rappers had it. It took a minute for them to blow up and they had to bust their behind. A good example was Nelly, 50 cent even Jay Z. When they had that 1 hit, it was a wrap. That’s why their music back then is gold ❤❤❤
I think during the touring segment you should have shouted out Victoria Monet who just sold out her tour in a single day even though she’s a relatively small artist. That was really impressive and shows people are willing to pay for a show for someone who will really give them one
Calvin, it would be awesome if you could teach a Musicality class at one of your local colleges or universities. I watched this video all the way through! I think it could lead to a lot of engagement that a lot of the younger folks are missing (similar to artist development).
i really enjoyed this assessment! your grasp on how the music industry has changed over time and different artists’ career trajectories is impressive. nicely done!
I appreciated your point about the industry cultivating artists the way Keyshia Cole's label cultivated her. That sounds like it would CHANGE the industry. 💯
Great job Bruh Calvin I think you need to do more deep dives on the history of music and musicians in the US over the past 100 years. I also agree with your analysis of the music industry in the modern times and the fact that they have always been behind the times when it comes to the culture. One great example is the Wu-Tang TV series on Hulu, it showed how the record label chewed up the RZA, "We Love You Rakeem" an then spits him back out. Of course we all know years later RZA would go on to form his own label and Wu-Tang would go own to be one of the greatest groups in Hip-Hop. Something has to give because I haven't listened to live radio in over 10 years now and the only reason I know about new artists is because of social media platforms, then I rush to TH-cam to see their new video only to be disappointed by a 2 minute ad,......😒....of course they still count that towards their views (1M views).....🤫 However I digress.....😔 Hey Calvin could you do a story on how Award shows and the red carpet going down over the years and how it all relates to the lack of artist development.
They went cheap with the rappers, pushed R&B artist on the back end, discontinued Artist and Development and turned away artist wh plays instruments and sing. Live bands and music by artist who has the trinity. Tik Tok is commercial cheap. Go back to the roots of music with true writers who don't do ABC simple Simone lyrics.
I'm so glad I was born in the late 80s with parents who were teens during the 70s. I got to grow up through cassette tapes, the emergence of CDs, ipods. And watched weekly shows like Showtime at the Apollo and Soul Train. During a time where real music and artistry was still very prevalent and inspired me so much. Sure the sound changed and evolved per decade, but the talent and heart was still there. Record companies have to start valuing the total package again when it comes to the artists.
Calvin, I’m going to need you to get a sessional lecturer position to teach American music history at a major university. I’m speaking it into existence for you!
this video felt like 30 mins with all the info you gave! I took a trip down memory lane and felt like i was chatting with a friend. this is an amazing video!!
This was BRILLIANT 👍🏿 I Literally just had this same conversation the other day with a friend STiLL trying to break into the music business, and i'M a dinosaur compared to you 🤣
Love this topic and thank you for the gems! I miss the days of the big rollouts of of albums/cds and visiting the record stores only to get lost in discovery. We definitely need to get back to quality!
Great Video.... I agree with every single point. I dont even fillow todays industry as a 38year old....i just stick to the artists I hava already appreciated: Michael, Janet, Whitney etc.
Wow! Great and informative video! Thank you. I had no idea. It is so sad how labels treat people. The point of their existence should be to support the artist. I feel so badly for the artists that are really talented and working so hard only to be thwarted by the label. Sheesh.
Shout out Calvin who really kno how to breakdown material reality to things especially the many layers of the music industry. Along with great music history. Most of the music industry with a focus of majors they are only about maximizing profits with minimum effort on all sides for the next Q6 & wash rinse repeat. That modal doesn’t leave room for artist development & creating long lasting musicians.
This is true, thanks to Billboard constantly lowering the bar & moving the goalposts with bundles & Streaming! They have most definitely played a role in what they're writing about!
Calvin - you just answered a question I had about the lost of bridges in songs - I had heard that hip hop took over the bridge because where you would have a bridge in the song you now had someone rapping - however , you mentioned in your video the push for songs to be less than 2 minutes well that leaves no room for a bridge . #Bring back bridges in songs
I love your take on this subject. I was thinking about this the other day. We all used to collectively listen to the same music and we watched the same shows before because there were only so many channels or radio stations available. Now with all the different streaming services we're not all looking or listening to the same things. Artists definitely aren't being developed like they used to be and that shows in their lack of stage presence and lack of live singing abilities.
Maybe this is karma for how some these same labels treated artist in the past. I think they are mad because they simply can’t compete against the internet and are losing control.
For sure I believe that.
I wouldn’t call it karma because the artists suffer if the labels do too
Bingoooooooooooo
Yep!!! I've said it before & I'll say it again...
... The major record companies are the worst thing to happen to the music industry...!!! 🎶
No development of these artists, no quality music, no backup, and no actual talent or ability with these artists, streaming has basically put a knife in the industry. My opinion.
Yup
The lack of quality suggests a lack of care. Its a grave mishandling when you want a huge profit margin but dont put in a genuine investment. I often wonder if those execs even listen to music or have artists they admire.
This. As a person who used to sing in and out of school, has a father that's a musician I have followed the trends in music. All this is true, but I don't feel bad for these record companies. For nearly 100 years they have been taking advantage of artists. Then you have them picking talent that they could mold to propagandize their own agenda. Sales and decension over talent. So in my opinion let them fall.
@@nakairoberson3057 Say that again. I wish there were healthier environments for the stories and messaages to thrive alongside the artists, but that doesnt redress the damage that has been done over time. Im with you on the exploitation. I dont think they anticipate the effect it has on society.
@@nakairoberson3057they do deserve to fail 👍🏾🤣😂
How about Labels start training the artists again? Also start promoting artists more.
It seems like we’re in a gray area where labels either want the artists to come already polished and prepared so they don’t have to spend money and time to get them ready for the masses or they want the artist to already have a following before they get signed. 🥴🥴
The problem is oversaturation and "attention span" real estate.
Its the difference between porn on DVD compared to Streaming.
@@CalvinMichaelsyeah, they want artists to come to them perfect AND they want them to do the marketing that the label is supposed to be paying a firm to do. But I don’t understand why an artist that already does those things would sign with a label. Why would they add a greedy middle man?
@@CalvinMichaels Basically the issue is that the focus is on how marketable an artist is (in their opinion) instead of does the artist have talent. And we can’t forget pay-for-play saturates the market.
@@LoveK1Because they aren’t “Artist” per say. Its a cash grab for them as well. In their mind,they can live off the advance forever and in a social media time they think ppl will support them regardless
I saw LaTavia Roberson (one of the original members of Destiny’s Child), she was talking about how they use to have to promote themselves everywhere at clubs, festivals, colleges, doing interviews any and everywhere. These artists today do NOT I REPEAT DO NOT put in the work of a Destiny’s Child, Pink, Mya, Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, EnVogue, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson,TLC, N’Sync etc… so they suffer cause they can’t keep up like those artist have and can.
Even had them performing at Tina’s hair salon for the customers.
@@CalvinMichaels yessir!!!! Matthew Knowles as a manager or artist developer knew what he was doing. And whether people want to give them credit or not, Kelly, LaTavia, LeToya and even Michelle have that same breath work Beyoncé does. I love the range LaTavia and Michelle have. I also love the power in Kelly and LeToya have in their voice that they downplay so much, being that both of them always had to sing the note high than Beyonce they had to be able to sing NO DOUBT.
@TheTruthAintInYa so damn true!! The work that they put into their music really showed. Janet and Mya put in that work work with their choreography, Destinys Child and EnVogue put in that work with their vocals and TLC, Michael and Nsync put in that work work with video visuals. One thing I love is that folks like Britney Spears and Backstreet Boys had the MTV machine behind them yet still were able to conduct interviews well in 1998/1999, able to connect with fans on TRL without any corny or disgusting gimmick for a viral moment and took us behind the scene of the actual artwork. The lyrics of the artist you mentioned are perfectly memorable and their albums told an actual story or theme like The Writings On The Wall or No Strings Attached.
@@AmoMe2009 Writings on The Wall I could listen to from top to bottom most albums if they have one you can’t even do that no more
@@TheTruthAintInYa Yass!!!! To this day I swear to God I listen to The Writings On The Wall on repeat every other day. The whole entire album like you said. Every lyric is memorable and makes so much sense compared to whatever these singers and rappers of today are saying. A bunch of nothing. Only able to smoke or drink to their music and not actually relate or deep think about it. Their words are not even clever or figurative like the artists back then.
Nicki Minaj summed it up well by stating it's currently about popularity not talent. Sadly nothing but microwave music. I'm a 70s baby so I was fortunate to grow up with music that embodies artistry, lyricism, professionalism, humility, love, soul etc. I still remember gathering with family in front of the tv to watch the Thriller video when it debuted. Good times indeed.
Basically this Beyonce said it as well the moment social media became a huge part of an artist worth is when the talent became less important.
I mean she and Drake are a HIGE reason for that. They are the beginning of a song not having to actually be good but because her Barbz will support ANYTHING it will get pushed down the masses throats.
There has always been microwave Artist. Like Paula Abdul
I wouldn't consider Paula Abdul a microwave artist she was a choreographer which is an art form itself music for her was also a passion.
I hate to say it but …. She did help make it like this. She helped it be a popularity contest 🤷🏾♀️ every female rapper gotta have long hair and a big butt to be successful now . She has to dumb her self down and repeat words twice to be considered a “good metaphor”
Phyllis Hyman warned of this back in the late 80s early 90s. No development of newer artists, while trying to toss aside veteran artists. Clive Davis is guilty of this! Phyllis Hyman, Angela Bofill, Vesta Williams all got tossed aside for the "next bubblegum ONE-HIT artists"!
Even Whitney Houston was thrown to the media wolves, years later, after she made hundreds of millions for the record label. I'm gonna need somebody to hold Clive Davis accountable for his actions 😩
I remember Phyllis saying this in either a a Video Soul interview or an EbonyJet interview.
@@tincredibleYou need to understand labels aren't all at fault here. The new kids out here have questionable taste in short spam music. Also feels the poor new rap all these kids listen to isn't exactly help for other artist doing other genre. New Rap has been dominating for the last 5 years. And it is rather an extremely watered down version of great rap music from before. Pop has almost disappeared unless you are in Korea. Rnb is barely holding on thanks to no more than 5 mega artist still around pushing it to the masses. Streaming system cheaped up music worth then overstated by allowing just about anyone in their bedroom to have music on all platforms. Then Ai entered the chat.
and did you check out what he did when she passed ? here it is she was in the same hotel where he was throwing a grammy party it was announced that she passed and he still had the party , i mean that was disgusting and demonic and what makes it even worse is he was supposedly her " friend " @@ZebraLens
@@ZebraLensClive will get his karma 👍🏾so will Puffy 🤔
For the past 10-15 years I have asked why the music industry doesn’t media train their new artists, invest in their artist’s pure talent or invest in their artists overrall package including instrumental play, choreography, stage presence, songwriting, etc like they used to in yesteryears whether the genre was hip-hop, R&B, pop, poprock, etc.
It feels like today the mainstream artists all rely on tiktok producers, sextapes, “leaked” pictures, gimmicks and one-liner podcasts interviews to promote themselves and their next project. The years of standing and singing or rapping about deep lyrics into the microphone in front of them are over. I always tried to pinpoint where the decline started in the 2000s of quality artistry being put on the backburner for repititive gimmicks of art that’s called music. I’m hoping this video will enlighten me.
Not just that but the vocal ability too like we have a lot of half ass singers ain’t nobody really sangin on stage, they just want to look cute on stage
I saw a decline around 2015 or 2016 in terms of music and training artists.
Because the labels ripped the artist off and the label owning their masters for 25 years is why..
No A&R producers
Music isn't physical either..You have to actually buy it ..
If Calvin isn't giving a history lesson, it's not a day of the week! 🤣
Never change brother!
I am up at 5am listening to this topic....feels like I am in school and I love it
In today’s music, the artists is not media trained and says whatever comes out their mouths on their live tiktok feeds’ IG videos and twitter threads while the artists back then were trained well to do interviews with the honorable likes of Diane Sawyer, Barbara Walters, Carson Daly,
AJ & Free, etc. while giving a detailed step on behind the scenes of their artwork on Behind The Music, Driven, Making The Video, Access Granted..heck even Cita’s World.
Not cita’s world 😂😂😂😂
@@inthemixwithleahbpodcast 😇
That also implies that there is artistry to explain. Some “artists” I’ve seen for the last few years have nothing that distinguishes them. Some are generic and uninteresting. I miss having mainstream variety.
Too many people in musichave nonsense of how to carry themselves in a classy way.They tell too many their personal business,argue/physically fight with fans and other artists,swear like a sailor,etc.
@@Wonderwoman79G so true. Their personal business overshadows their artistry focus. Tyrese is a good example of this.
I think the issue is, labels no longer wanna invest in artists these days. It’s all about do you have the numbers to be an immediate success. Which in turn leads them to trying to make whatever TikTok person into a popstar. However, that ends being a failed experiment cuz their own audience has no interest in them being a popstar. So ultimately it ends up backfiring on the labels
I'm an up-and-coming artist and we are not in short supply - 7 languages/every genre... But they don't want that; they want the generic artists who will continue to give them the issues breaking into the industry they currently experience. If they looked for real music, they might have better luck.
'By the way', Chris Brown's music does sound the same.
i agree with alll the above lolol but chris? yeah it’s not just his voice. the songs sonically, musically, meaning-wise all sound the same. he has not grown in his craft in YEARS
Yes,@@taylormccoy6145, it does - he's exactly the same.
Back in the 50s & 60s record label execs were music lovers. They groomed their artist to have decades long sustainable music careers by putting them through years of vocal training/singing lessons, charm school, but that all changed 40 years ago when the record labels shifted towards a making a quick buck model. Had Earth, Wind & Fire came out after the 1970s, Columbia Records would've dropped them. It took 5 albums for them to hit pay dirt & become the legendary juggernaut band they eventually became over the decades. The same went for Aretha Frankin. She didn't hit it out the park on her early albums. It took close to decade for her to hit pay dirt. The record execs greed did them in for the long haul. If they don't go back to the old model of grooming artist to have long sustainable careers, then they will continue to struggle trying to break in new artist. While they're at it, how about having some balance. Everything that comes on the radio sounds the freaking same to me. That's just my thoughts on this subject.
You said a lot of truth there but sadly time is moving forward. New generation with shorter spam, awful soulless music taste (classics turned generic and repetitive rap/trap) and a preference for songs 25 secs long as an audience do not help. Also streaming is just the devil in all of this. More money is spent making the records than what is coming back. Ai are now here to put whatever is left of all this to the grave as label may not need new artist anymore. There are a few unsigned artist still making quality music but they struggle in a world where music of great quality with meaningful lyrics means nothing anymore. Curently loving Switch by Cédrisian. He is a new artist who makes real love experience songs but he gets such little views. The list goes on...
Thank you and Calvin Michaels for educating us. They should go back to the Motown blue print on creating great artists and music.. That's still my go to music anyway. Some other artists I have enjoyed who were in Country, Pop and folk music. Are all gone. You don't hear good quality music from those genres anymore. The technology has changed music a great deal. Now they are bringing record players and vinyl records back.😂😂😂😂😂. Which they should have never left behind anyway. Bring good music back. No more of this junk music on the air ways.🎉
@christinestevens8845: You're welcome! Motown is an excellent example! You'll never have artist like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Temptations, The Marvelettes, Mary Wells, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, Jackson 5, The Commodores, Rick James, Teena Marie & the Four Tops on one record label ever again. I have turntables & vinyl. I never fully bought into the digital revolution even though i do have some CDs of artist who's music never made it to vinyl.
Also, we no longer all hear the same song on one device, the radio. Even when Napster started and iTunes, the MAJORITY of music was still delivered to us on the radio. Now everything is so siloed, there is no "main source" anymore so it is hard to push one new artist through to everyone. So you have to make your impact on instagram reels or TikTok as the main source, but then you dont know if that artist can perform for 3 hour straight in person, which is the real problem. These new artists who hit hot on TikTok are not performers.
VH1 leaning so heavy into celebrity reality TV & going away from the behind the music & Even the I love blank series.
They was a good way to let the teens of the generation to connect with the artist of yesteryears.
So many solid music documentaries get lose to streaming.
We all listen to what we like while algorithm cues up similar song. It leaves no room to explore new music.
I think some type relegation to keep companies from consolidating power wealth so much.
Established artists even have a hard time putting out unique work because the labels are looking for a quick hit. When Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak presented their idea of a 70's soul album, both Atlantic and Aftermath thought they were insane. Fortunately, they both had some pull, so they were able to put out 'An Evening With Silk Sonic'. It's cross generational and different from anything else in the market. Sometimes you just have to roll the dice.
I think an artist like Tiwa Savage, who had a large international fan base, didn't get the investment and support when she signed with Roc Nation. She still has a lot of respect in the AfroBeats and Afro-Pop scene because of the career she built but it felt like when she started her US crossover, her label didn't really put effort into her for years and ended up being behind the Afrobeat wave into the US
And isn't she 40!? I swear she can pass for early 20's
As a Colombian this story sounds a lot like Becky G who is huge in Latin Music. She started her career as an English-speaking pop rapper in the USA but was going nowhere with her music. So she instead focused onto the Reggaeton market and years later today she is one of the top female artists in Latin Music.
I guess the story is, go wherever your talent takes you highest and appreciated, even if it is not in America.
@@brownskinbeauty. Early 20s is a stretch
I love it when Calvin does these deep dives on music & in the news. He does the indepth research cuz music is his passion. Keep up the great work sir
Yup this is Calvin at his best
Part of the problem is that the industry is trying to create the art rather than find and support it. I turn off when I know they’re trying to convince me that something is good rather than presenting it and letting me say, hey this is good. Also the industry just turns me off. The predatory nature of labels, producers and the attempts to erase the music that came before is just a turn off.
Good point.Predatory behavior is a concern for a young artist,who is trying to break into the industry.
I'm glad you brought up the part about touring and how it's the older listeners (I put anyone that is 30 and up in that category) that are really sustaining the artists and their music. We love music too and we crave new music from new acts as well. But it's the under 21 crowd that is catered to when it comes to new acts and music so what ends up happening is that the 2000s and 90s artists are the ones killing the touring game now and for good reason. Because they're all we got.
1: Too many copy & paste artists.
2: Artists are self producing so they're less polished.
3: Record companies arent budgeting for artists, because theyre loosing profits from streaming.
4: Trash Music from popular artists, not Talented artists.
5: Oversaturated and Attention Span real estate. Your CD collection got replayed. You don't hear the same song twice. So your not able to remember and have an experience with an artist.
Speaking of CDs, I notice that as I’ve transitioned to streaming from CDs I find myself more so play listing than experiencing albums in full. I may play an album in full on the first or second listen and then I put the stand out tracks on a playlist.
So the songs that tend to be a slow burner usually become forgotten over time and then I rediscover them years later. 🥴
The hard truth is that we live in an everybody-gets-a-chance society now and when everybody gets a chance,its hard to develop stars. No gatekeepers. You can be a celebrity or famous by your own standards and without having charisma or even real talent by having a million ig followers,100K youtube views and a blue checkmark by your photo. Nothing is aspirational when anybody can get it/be it. What makes someone like Beyonce a STAR is that nobody can get up there & do what she does but if you only have presence behind a phone,photoshop and a microphone…when its time to do star things,its just not there.
Yep.
I don't think there's a lack of talent I think it's a symptom of the times we're in. Life is hard right now and the music is too superficial to make an impact, I do think there's going to be a big swing in the opposite direction of tiktok music we're going to go back to looong songs, with a message. I also think people want community more now and prefer to see their artists live. The artists aren't performing like they used to but I think that's going to change too.
Great point. It's definitely a reflection of the times. We're currently in a time where people also celebrate mediocrity and relatability as opposed to back in the day, society celebrated exceptional talent and innovation. We're in an era of mediocrity, relatability, remakes, reboots, sequels, etc. It's the Dark Age of entertainment. I certainly hope the pendulum swings back.
@@coolida23511 so true, me too
Two things:
1. A lot of my highlights are coming from a place centered within the old industry standards or the old guard. As time, technology, and society evolves the industry will have to as well. Which goes back to the point made about the industry always being in a position of playing catch up to what’s already happening. I don’t think the music industry has successfully been able to tackle the transition into its new norm during this current world of fast media, streaming, and the public’s rising need for more content, more often, with more innovation.
2. Also as stated in the description they’re so much more that can be added to this conversation.
Things I didn’t get a chance to expound on:
1. The era of DIY artists… where do they fall within the picture? (Spotify has 40,000 daily uploads of new material)
2. The decline of award show relevance
3. The repurposing of Music Videos & Promo
4. Social Media marketing
5. Interchangeability of Merch vs Streams Battle
6. Sustainability of Singles
7. Album Eras are indistinguishable
8. The transition from albums to mini projects
9. Marketable “all purpose” entertainers vs artists that specifically want to do music
10. Ageism
11. Limited musicianship in production
12. The fear of not falling within the popular trend
13. Artists not given grace to develop a fanbase through multiple projects
14. 360 Deals
15. Consumer and artist burnout from over saturation
16. The slowly changing identity of musical genres
17. International acts
18. Where does AI fit into all of this?
This kind of reminds me of the Beenie Baby craze - boom and crash. The thirst for profit drove their own business into the ground. They didn’t understand what elements were allowing the boom to happen and at the time they didn’t really care. They focused on squeezing as much profit from the boom as possible and thought the boom would last forever but anyone on the outside could see that they were crippling themselves. This is what I would say is happening in the music industry.
I think we may need a part 2 on this 😂
I think a lot of artists today dont know how to perform on stage today because we dont have shows like TRL, 106 & park, and Top of the pops anymore where artists get to hone their performance skills before the award shows and tour dates.
This video was so informative and on-point that I had no idea an hour had already passed. It's like eating the whole snack without knowing it and sadly reaching up to an empty plate for another bite 😮😢 Great talk! Stay real! 💯
@DanielleSamoneJohnson77 "It's like eating the whole snack without knowing it and sadly reaching up to an empty plate for another bite." You phrased that so well!!
Hi Calvin! Can we also talk about how music has been kinda trash and creativity just isn't the same ever since music and the arts were pulled out of public schools? People used to be so much more creative and unique, and they were willing to take more risks to try something different. UPDATE: Please, please, PLEASE do a review of Usher's new song, "Boyfriend"! When it dropped, I immediately thought of how you said new music needs to be cross-generational again... and maybe Usher heard the message? LOL
That PART!!
I see a lot of blaming the labels but the consumer has to take responsibility as well. We live in a society that caters to niche audiences and props up mediocrity.
Right
Exactly, taste in good music has sunk to a new low. The stuff I hear people sing or should I say rap along to with zero depth is a massive issue. The audience for great music isn't there as many are over a certain age and Dont really bother supporting or looking for new artist trying to put quality sound out.
Louder for the people in the back! You attract what you put your energy in to. There are so many creative artists out there (Oshun, Cleo Soul, SaRoc, Sampa the Great, Raven Lenae, Christian Scott, Robert Glasper, Masego, October London, Gregory Porter-etc) that don’t have a massive following because folk are too busy writing whole dissertations on what Chloe or Megan Pete have on today-instead of spending time to find music that you as a consumer prefer. Change your algorithm. If you like music from the Motown era, and you search that enough in TH-cam, you will start getting recommendations for artist whose melodious musicality match the energy of that genre. Half of the artists I listed are because I have over 20 playlists across TH-cam and Apple Music (of which both Chloe and Megan are on LOL-BUT my music taste extends from Quincy Jones to Queen Pen to Queen) .
🗣
The Labels and Radio Stations made the mistake throughout history by pushing the older artists out the rotations. Like the 70's Artists being push away in the 80's. The 80s Artists going into the 90's, The 90's Artists into the 2000's, Etc Etc!!! They pushed the Adults and Mature Consumers away. They won't play the independent Hip Hop and R&B Artists that are putting out Great Music. Thank God for Spotify, Pandora, IG Artists suggestions. I didn't know about Briitish Artists Little Simz, Mahalia and Sampa The Great (Zambian). I heard them on my local HBCU Station (NCAT State University). I miss shows like Video Soul on BET, Yo MTV Raps, Rap City, Etc! Keep up the great work, Brother! Like you said, Artists in past all had different vibes. Stephanie Mills, Angela Winbush, Chaka Khan, Natalie Cole sounded different. Gang Starr, The Roots, Wu Tang Clan, Common, Nas, Eve, ATCQ, Mos Def, Outkast all sounded different. Now other than J.Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Rapsody....these Rappers sounded a like. Back in the past you would here 3-5-7 songs off of a EWF, Micheal Jackson, Prince, Phil Collins, Janet Jackson, Madonna Album. Now you will here the same song 10 times a day for 1 year.
The touring segment of the vid is my favorite part. 100% FACTS! Touring is REALLY EXPOSING WHO'S WHO in music today!
@CalvinMichaels You are a wealth of knowledge and I really enjoy your analysis and insightful views on music. You definitely connect the dots and contextualize topics in a way for people to understand the how and why. Cause and effect.
Right ! He’s so good at that .
Live streams are a good indicator of popularity imo. First how many are watching, how many are actively talking. You can get a gage (bots are obvious here). If you don't have a good live streaming presence the chance of you selling out a big concert is pretty abysmal.
Calvin everything you have said is one hundred percent correct. But you forgot about how AI has effected music negatively. I have listened to some of them and the music sounds dead. I agree that if you give the audience what they want yes they will come and tell others about the album. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Awesome insight on this topic. I haven’t listened to the radio in over 10 years. I went from playing mixes made on cds to streaming music! With social media and adding all these songs to their videos, songs/music gets burnt out soooo quickly. This video is awesome 👏🏾
Side note: for the book club, are we reading the Tragic Life of Robert Peace?
I noticed that Victoria Monet is doing a radio press tour and local promotional events to promote her music. I think she understands it takes more than just social media to her music out there.
yeah but understand that majority of those interviews are being uploaded to social media. interviews do play a part in showing the artist personality and connects them even closer with the fans
There are a plethora of us out here.
They just don't want to take the time, effort or money to invest in the artist artistry.
They want the microwave success.
Your work is so appreciated, and I adore you for it! But even more importantly, you're fun and engaging to watch and listen to. I couldn't breathe for like 2 mins when you said grandma might not make it on the bumper cars 😭😭😭 And the twist dance you did in your seat, lmao. I love how evident it is that you enjoy doing what you do. Love you, Calvin 😘❤
Thank you 💙💙💙💙💙
OMG when that Macarena song came out, it was EVERYWHERE! I remember my coworker came into work with a Macarena doll. You press the doll and plays the song lol 😂
Lord not a doll 😂😂😂
@@CalvinMichaels
I know right! 🤣🤣🤣 Hahahahaha.
@48:30 Steve Lacy is an example of this. Clips of his concert went viral when he was performing 'Bad Habit' because people only knew the lyrics of the snippet that was a popular sound on Tik Tok. People were singing their hearts out during the snippet then it was crickets and awkward for the other parts of the song. Crazy and sad phenomenon.
They need you in those board meetings to set them straight. Your chanell is amazing, hope it continues to grow further !
1. Image in lieu of talent
2. Same-sounding, non-unique music: why follow one artist when you can get the exact same sound from a thousand copycats
3. Defunding of R&B: R&B artists and music heavily fueled and influenced the genres of rock and pop. Unfortunately, the industry closed up the well. There is no development of NSYNC and Backstreet Boys without New Edition. There is no development of Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera without Janet Jackson. Think about more than just the artists Think about the songwriters, producers, and arrangers that would later enter the pop world.
Your music videos are my favorite you bring so much history, cultural context to Events.
@naimalavender2657 I feel the same way! Calvin always brings the *GOOD* conversations!
This is such a great video events like this make me feel bad for the younger artists coming up bc there are ones that have alot of potential but don’t have artist development behind them or if they do they are signed to a indie label put them in a 360 deal and if that’s not the case the indie labels are too small to help them breakout to the mainstream these young artists especially black artists and Asian KPOP idols are victims of how messed up the music industry have become,
Calvin we're just gonna have to add this to your R&B is Dead series because we've been deprived for way too long. I love it when you're in your music history bag.
Also for the tv part, shows for all ages used to have popular artist doing theme songs and performances during the show- not just late night shows for exposure. I can think of Proud Family, ALL that, In Living Color, Living Single, A Different World, Keenan and Kel, Cousin Skeeter, et al.
Multiple generations on lock.
Had to blink to make sure I saw right..an hour long video?!? Yessss 😆
Bruh 😂 I listened to this in 1:25 speed because it was a long one. But first of all you couldn’t tell me it wasn’t Kevin Hart speaking 😂 and secondly as a person who was in the music industry and went through hell and back dealing with labels and other big artist I’m here to just say AMAZING JOB 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 you broke that shit DOWN!!! Loved it
CALVIN WE NEED A PART 2 I know you ain’t done and we will watch much love!!!!! 🫶🏾🖤
I've been waiting for you to talk about this! Let me grab my breakfast.
I’m so mad it took 3 days longer than I wanted it to take. Couldn’t find a free minute to film and edit..
I recommend supporting local artists in your community. Most have to be decent live performers in order to have some kind of foothold in the local market. I’ve been going to a lot of free and low cost live shows in my area (Baltimore/Washington) this summer. We have a lot of nice artists from a broad array of genres.
You did a great job of giving me language to describe my frustration with the music and what is readily available. Thank you!
I absolutely can listen to you talk about music all day, every day❤️❤️. Talk to em nephew, talk to em🙌🏾
I truly appreciate how educated musically you are.⭐️🤗
I think another major issue is that so many new artists have controversial issues so early on. They don't even have enough time to gain loyal fans that will weather the storm with them because they're so new lol.
We are living in the manifestation of the Drake,Nicki Minaj and Justin Beiber era of music where mediocrity thrives as long as its commercially successful.
nicki minaj is not mediocre she's the queen of rap for a reason....one of the best rappers to ever do ut
@@archivesunset4214Agree. Nicki is not mediocre. Neither is Drake or Justin. They are all talented and the last of the megastars. They also had coaching and real industry backing.
You must be young. All of these artists are mediocre and don’t even have songs with longevity. They just put out trendy music. Name several songs from either of these “artists” that they put out 10 years ago. That simply doesn’t exist.
Bruh. Super Bass? Moment 4 Life? Your Love? ROMANS REVENGE?? Like bruh what
@@Gullahbae-xm6msI agree
Love your music insight! This actually mirrors Hollywood in so many ways. Everything from “looking at streamer fillers you have” - you’ll be amazed how many studios look at new actors twitter/Insta followers - it’s ridiculous.
There is no development- they keep producing these microwaveable artists with no Star power. These new rappers out here trying and failing at sounding like Lil Wayne over these lame lazy beats.
It’s so sad what’s happened to music. The loss of the music video channels really affected the industry and for someone like me (a Janet fan) 🤬don’t start me.
Keysha Cole…. After hearing her LIVE at the BET awards in 06👀 she sounds a HOT MESS live, I remember saying, how did she get a contract? Ugh
This was Absolutely Genius! Thank You for bringing the history to life.
All Facts with a Side of TRUTH! What a breakdown! You are have broken down the music industry to a science.
The end of the age of the artist superstar is a good thing. They were the 1% - the rest of us worked for them or got other music related jobs. The gatekeepers are losing their power and we can get our music directly to people who love what we do. Now with the attention of fans spread across more smaller acts, more of us get to make a living by finding our fans - more great music is now getting released and heard.
On a basic level the issue is this. As long as accountants and old people running the industry continue to think their way is best, they will continue to lose. One to five people with their finger on the pulse and a few to search those people out needs to constantly be in your lineup. Giving the artists creative freedom helps. The gatekeeping the American music constantly does is getting annoying. Latin music, Afrobeats and soon Kpop have proven that we are not the only ones that can produce quality music that everybody wants to hear. The fear they have is amazing on so many levels. Also trotting out the OGs is a bit of nostalgia but not proof that the industry still has it, especially when up against New music that didn't come from America (ie.BTS, Bad Bunny, etc.)
Edit: Americans are complaining about Koop but they(SM Entertainment) took the Motown blueprint and became the artists people claim to want. Not all Kpop is good, but the ones that are they are killing it. The other problem is the industry don't know how to handle them or capitalize on them unless they come to America for tours.
Music reflects the times we are in no matter the period in history and today listen to the music and then go outside no matter the medium and we know it mirrors that which is reflected outside. Great Episode!!
I'm not even 15 minutes in, and this historical overview is fantastic! Thank you so much for your insight.
The 1st person I thought about was Cardi when u mentioned people who just wanna b famous. She's not talented as an artist, but is a fan favorite based on drama & personality. She has no flow or delivery, just a huge following. Her concerts were not selling out when she was doing performances.
REMEMBER POP UP VIDEO!!? WHERE THEY WOULD HAVE FUN FACTS ABOUT THE ARTIST, VIDEO, SONG... ETC❤️❤️❤️🎶🎶❤️
Very well reseaeched Calvin. Your points are clear, the structure is cohesive and your references/details are supportive.
This is an EXCELLENT summary of the evolution and modern history of the music industry. It should have more views. Please make more videos diving into these industries, especially as they pertain to black artists and entertainers.
Brother Calvin, you said it if best. It is artist development. Even rappers had it. It took a minute for them to blow up and they had to bust their behind. A good example was Nelly, 50 cent even Jay Z. When they had that 1 hit, it was a wrap. That’s why their music back then is gold ❤❤❤
Calvin I am a 70's child. And I listen to nothing but classics, 60's thru 90's
I think during the touring segment you should have shouted out Victoria Monet who just sold out her tour in a single day even though she’s a relatively small artist. That was really impressive and shows people are willing to pay for a show for someone who will really give them one
I’m still so mad it sold out within 2 hours. Couldn’t even get a ticket 😒
@@CalvinMichaels there should still be some tickets available for resale if you don’t mind paying $150 lol
Omg Calvin in the morning yessssss❤❤❤ get me through this work day Calvin! You're the best 😅 love the randomness, let's get it!!!
Calvin, it would be awesome if you could teach a Musicality class at one of your local colleges or universities. I watched this video all the way through! I think it could lead to a lot of engagement that a lot of the younger folks are missing (similar to artist development).
Great video. I gave up on radio and the 'Music Industry' over 15 years ago.
Very thoughtful content and the time passed quickly. Thank you so much for the history lesson and analysis.
This is an AMAZING conversation. Hit all the points I’ve always thought to myself.
i really enjoyed this assessment! your grasp on how the music industry has changed over time and different artists’ career trajectories is impressive. nicely done!
Thank you Calvin for educating me, I wish I could hold all this knowledge like you. Love from the UK!!!
I appreciated your point about the industry cultivating artists the way Keyshia Cole's label cultivated her. That sounds like it would CHANGE the industry. 💯
When it comes to radio in current times....thank God for the Aux Cord and Bluetooth, Amen.
I think the music industry would be good if they just took more risks and actually looked at what people gravitate towards
Great job Bruh Calvin I think you need to do more deep dives on the history of music and musicians in the US over the past 100 years.
I also agree with your analysis of the music industry in the modern times and the fact that they have always been behind the times when it comes to the culture. One great example is the Wu-Tang TV series on Hulu, it showed how the record label chewed up the RZA, "We Love You Rakeem" an then spits him back out. Of course we all know years later RZA would go on to form his own label and Wu-Tang would go own to be one of the greatest groups in Hip-Hop.
Something has to give because I haven't listened to live radio in over 10 years now and the only reason I know about new artists is because of social media platforms, then I rush to TH-cam to see their new video only to be disappointed by a 2 minute ad,......😒....of course they still count that towards their views (1M views).....🤫
However I digress.....😔
Hey Calvin could you do a story on how Award shows and the red carpet going down over the years and how it all relates to the lack of artist development.
They went cheap with the rappers, pushed R&B artist on the back end, discontinued Artist and Development and turned away artist wh plays instruments and sing. Live bands and music by artist who has the trinity. Tik Tok is commercial cheap. Go back to the roots of music with true writers who don't do ABC simple Simone lyrics.
Can't believe you lut out a surprise video this early. Getting my coffee ready rn
We appreciate your breakdowns sir! & the podcast, keep it up!
I'm so glad I was born in the late 80s with parents who were teens during the 70s. I got to grow up through cassette tapes, the emergence of CDs, ipods. And watched weekly shows like Showtime at the Apollo and Soul Train. During a time where real music and artistry was still very prevalent and inspired me so much. Sure the sound changed and evolved per decade, but the talent and heart was still there. Record companies have to start valuing the total package again when it comes to the artists.
Calvin, I’m going to need you to get a sessional lecturer position to teach American music history at a major university. I’m speaking it into existence for you!
🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
I've learned so much from your commentary and you talked about it in a fun way😊 I'm now a fan.
this video felt like 30 mins with all the info you gave! I took a trip down memory lane and felt like i was chatting with a friend. this is an amazing video!!
This was BRILLIANT 👍🏿
I Literally just had this same conversation the other day with a friend STiLL trying to break into the music business, and i'M a dinosaur compared to you 🤣
This is so excellent. I appreciate this conversation so much. ESP. As a new artist myself
Love this topic and thank you for the gems! I miss the days of the big rollouts of of albums/cds and visiting the record stores only to get lost in discovery. We definitely need to get back to quality!
Nephew, I agree, people gravitate towards happy music. This is why the Lost Boyz was able to thrive, in their era.
Great Video.... I agree with every single point. I dont even fillow todays industry as a 38year old....i just stick to the artists I hava already appreciated: Michael, Janet, Whitney etc.
This is a treat! Thank you Calvin ❤
Thanks for putting in the time to make this video. 👍🏾
Wow! Great and informative video! Thank you. I had no idea. It is so sad how labels treat people. The point of their existence should be to support the artist. I feel so badly for the artists that are really talented and working so hard only to be thwarted by the label. Sheesh.
Shout out Calvin who really kno how to breakdown material reality to things especially the many layers of the music industry. Along with great music history.
Most of the music industry with a focus of majors they are only about maximizing profits with minimum effort on all sides for the next Q6 & wash rinse repeat.
That modal doesn’t leave room for artist development & creating long lasting musicians.
Baby!!! When I say you be doing your research!! You are legit.
Billboard IS THE REASON why real artists can’t get a look in, so this is hilariously ironic to me.
This is true, thanks to Billboard constantly lowering the bar & moving the goalposts with bundles & Streaming! They have most definitely played a role in what they're writing about!
Calvin - you just answered a question I had about the lost of bridges in songs - I had heard that hip hop took over the bridge because where you would have a bridge in the song you now had someone rapping - however , you mentioned in your video the push for songs to be less than 2 minutes well that leaves no room for a bridge . #Bring back bridges in songs
Excellent Commentary as ALWAYS!! Thank you❤
I love your take on this subject. I was thinking about this the other day. We all used to collectively listen to the same music and we watched the same shows before because there were only so many channels or radio stations available. Now with all the different streaming services we're not all looking or listening to the same things. Artists definitely aren't being developed like they used to be and that shows in their lack of stage presence and lack of live singing abilities.