I have been known to lament the fact that mtv doesn’t include music in its line up anymore. I used to flip to that channel for good background noise while I worked on other stuff, though some songs were overplayed. Very interesting, and I’m looking forward to part 2.
To be honest, I didn't even know MTV was around any more ! That's interesting though. Maybe with streaming platforms the numbers just don't stack up when royalties are paid out, or something like that. Ever smaller pieces of the same size cake, so to speak. Which goes for so many other media as well. For instance what was once "mainstream media" is now really "legacy media", although not that many people seem to realise that in terms of news TV. Part 2 will be along very shortly, by the way. I hope you enjoy it and thanks for commenting!
It is still around; I do not watch anymore. As far as I am aware it’s mostly trashy reality tv. I like your theory as far as streaming/royalties. There are plenty of options now whereas it used to be mtv, vh1, radio, or go out and buy the album. A very good note on the legacy media, too. It’s fascinating to look back….and I’m looking forward to your next one!
Yes, I suppose regardless of how anyone thinks the intrinsic cultural legacy of music is being devalued and even lost in the virtual world we inhabit, the fact is that the way it is produced and consumed lends itself ever more to accessorization. Which is where the second and particularly third essay on this will go and explore. Part 2 will be along later today, if I can get myself in gear :)
I’d agree that Thriller was probably the high water mark of the music video era.
It’s funny though, while music videos are no longer culturally relevant, the impact of that one video is still driving modern pop forms.
How many pop stars still employ the choreographed backup dancer mob for stage performances? Pop stars have been emulating the success of that video for almost 40 years. The music video is gone, but the mark it made on pop culture is still very much with us.
Thanks very much, glad you enjoyed it so far! Yes, I hadn't thought of that as I don't really see today's stars in action apart from through media saturation ! But, yes...Taylor Swift is a perfect case in point. Agreed on Thriller and its impact for sure.
I have been known to lament the fact that mtv doesn’t include music in its line up anymore. I used to flip to that channel for good background noise while I worked on other stuff, though some songs were overplayed. Very interesting, and I’m looking forward to part 2.
To be honest, I didn't even know MTV was around any more ! That's interesting though. Maybe with streaming platforms the numbers just don't stack up when royalties are paid out, or something like that. Ever smaller pieces of the same size cake, so to speak. Which goes for so many other media as well. For instance what was once "mainstream media" is now really "legacy media", although not that many people seem to realise that in terms of news TV. Part 2 will be along very shortly, by the way. I hope you enjoy it and thanks for commenting!
It is still around; I do not watch anymore. As far as I am aware it’s mostly trashy reality tv. I like your theory as far as streaming/royalties. There are plenty of options now whereas it used to be mtv, vh1, radio, or go out and buy the album. A very good note on the legacy media, too. It’s fascinating to look back….and I’m looking forward to your next one!
Interesting how you tied music culture to “lifestyle.” But now that you’ve pointed this out, I see this everywhere. 😂 Very true.
Yes, I suppose regardless of how anyone thinks the intrinsic cultural legacy of music is being devalued and even lost in the virtual world we inhabit, the fact is that the way it is produced and consumed lends itself ever more to accessorization. Which is where the second and particularly third essay on this will go and explore. Part 2 will be along later today, if I can get myself in gear :)
I’d agree that Thriller was probably the high water mark of the music video era.
It’s funny though, while music videos are no longer culturally relevant, the impact of that one video is still driving modern pop forms.
How many pop stars still employ the choreographed backup dancer mob for stage performances? Pop stars have been emulating the success of that video for almost 40 years. The music video is gone, but the mark it made on pop culture is still very much with us.
Great essay, looking forward to part 2!
Thanks very much, glad you enjoyed it so far! Yes, I hadn't thought of that as I don't really see today's stars in action apart from through media saturation ! But, yes...Taylor Swift is a perfect case in point. Agreed on Thriller and its impact for sure.