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By LORA NGEM
Staff Writer

It feels hard these days to find good quality music and artists. It also feels really hard to ignore all the media moguls/ mediocre talent that raids our television and minds. Just with flipping through a magazine, I can count more and more artists that claim to be different, or “genuine”, holding some high tech device or adorning themselves in overpriced luxuries. The young generation is being taken over by young Hollywood; everywhere you look there’s countless ads and merchandise for a certain musical movie or the next Britney Spears, and it’s spreading quicker than wild fire.

Sure, there’s those artists and bands that have a solid following because of their shining brilliance that’s found once in a decade, and they have the ability to swoon the world with their music. Yet, these same people only thrive around the underground scene or they receive their fifteen minutes of fame on a late night show. I guess these great artists know they don’t need the media or all the fame , but I feel a little frustrated with society lately because we only seem to acknowledge the ones on T.V.

And has anyone noticed how much lamer lyrics have gotten? When was the last time everyone in the world knew a song because of the sick guitar solo in the middle? Why is there so much sexuality in my face??

I’ve also noticed that music has taken a sharp turn towards techno. Everything sounds more electronic and syncretized now. The 80s’ style is creeping up and technology is starting to take over. Before we know it, people are going to start imitating and dancing like robots.

I’m probably wrong about this whole thing, but I sadden at the fact that the soul and songwriting is taking the back burner while all the glamour goes to the gloaters. And I’m even more sad that society is eating this all up and demanding more from these circus acts. The image is more important than ever; it’s way more sexual and young singers are vamping it up as much as they can with their teen bodies. It’s beginning to be very eerie now.

Hardworking musicians are definitely being slowly pushed into the corner, and have to work harder than ever against this. People are having shorter attention spans, and good talent doesn’t seem to be what everyone one is looking for now. Record companies just seem to be throwing out the same uninspiring person/ band after the next in order to roll in the cash. I feel like no one seems to care anymore.

I just hope that all the true great artists out there can go around and inspire people in a positive way. I wish that words can once again be powerful enough to move crowds and just make everyone think.

There is probably well known artists out there that are doing this right now, but I feel that maybe it’s time for another whole new revolution of awesome musicians that can actually change us.

Until then, I’ll just hope and listen to the oldies.