Question

Several weeks ago we encountered modernist composers who wrote music as they saw fit with little regard for audiences. More recently we encountered Bob Dylan, who, while not so hostile to audiences as the modernists, has nevertheless followed his own artistic impulses while expecting audiences to adjust to them. The late Beatles gave us a touch of this as well. Hovering over these discussions has been this question: what is the right balance between disdaining the public at one extreme and "selling out" to it at the other?

Assignment

1) In a single paragraph, post the following:

a. Briefly define your position regarding the right balance (see above); to what degree should artists cater to audiences? Give an example of one of two circumstances:

i. A group or artist that in your opinion has sold out. On what criterion (or criteria) do you base that opinion? Is it a shift in musical style? ... a lowering of musical quality coinciding with a rise in popularity? ...statements by the artist(s), music critics, fans, or others?

ii. A group or artist that in your opinion has resisted the temptation to sell out. On what do you base that opinion?

Answer 1

1.a. Right balance is generally necessary to strike when one is trying to be proclaimed as a great musician while simultaneously earn money too. As both are necessary. One seeks to further their art, which is a personal motivation, while also survive in the world through monetary gains that can be achieved through appeasing audiences. John Mayer is a great example of a person who has struck the right balance. He is considered a great musician by the greats and has played on set with some of the greatest musicians.

i. One musician who is considered to have changed his style drastically is Tame Impala. Most of his audience liked his previous sound but called him our for changing his style to a bit more poppy. Although he has retained his style, some people think he sold out. Hence, he made the song to declare his position "Yes, I am changing".

ii. Tool is one such band that has been loved for their consistency and not pointed fingers ay by its niche of followers for having catered too much to the audience and have been applauded for following their drift and musical inspirations.