Attention musicians: Frustrated that your band can't crack into commercial radio? Maybe you just need to change your chord progression. In this video, Australian comedy group Axis of Awesome shows how often the same four chords have topped Top 40 radio in the past 30 years.
In all seriousness, though... What does this mean for innovative independent artists? I'm sure there's some sort of connection between those four chords and what the human brain likes to hear. But have
commercial radio stations taken it too far? Are we too reliant on a formula for success?
Personally, I get sick of saying the same song being sung by different artists on the radio. But apparently radio stations would rather "cater" to the "mass market" than tailor themselves to niche markets. I'm sure advertisers play no small part in this decision. But are we missing out on millions of niche listeners?
I'm not satisfied to stick with the safe route. I'm sure Allura would agree with me: Their sound isn't
exactly what radio stations are clamoring for.
What about you? What are your thoughts on mainstream radio and this amusing yet alarming trend?
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1.) this video is hilarious.
ReplyDelete2.) i never noticed that any of these songs really sounded similar. when you break it down like this though, it's amazing how much a like they all are.
HAHAHA! I've seen this video before and it's so amazing. I can give you the best example of 4 chords. Taylor Swift! No joke. I can play almost all of her songs on the guitar using only 4 chords and moving my capo to different frets. She can't sing. She's just another product strategically crafted to bring in the money. And boy has she brought in the money.
ReplyDeleteThat's all mainstream radio is (for the most part.) REAL bands and music won't be found on mainstream radio. We have been too reliant on that formula for success. But I guess they figure they can market that mainstream stuff to the masses and make a ton of money instead of going after niche markets. It's really sad.
When I was taking Art & Business of Recording I did a ton of research on file-sharing and there was something that clearly stuck out to me. A lot of people weren't doing it just to get the new album of their favorite artist for free. So many people said that they discovered so much new and amazing music on file-sharing sites simply because it was not being played on the radio.
I personally never listen to the radio unless somebody else is listening to it around me and I have no choice. Unfortunately, this means that innovative independent artists are going to have to give it their best and find new and creative ways to get their music out there. Social networking sites were one way to start to do that, but even now I think those are becoming more of a negative than a positive. So we just have to keep being creative, like Merton on Chatroulette. I'm sure you saw that video. If not, you should totally YouTube it.
I think that internet radio is starting to cater more towards niche markets instead of the masses. As people are using their cell phones for everything it is very easy to add an app so that you can play a station tailored to your likes, ex: pandora. I think less and less people are listening to the radio everyday and replacing it with ipods or other items.
ReplyDeleteEL
ReplyDeleteThis video is an example of what "industry" is about. The entertainment industry looks for what works and then they multiply it ten fold until no one can stand it. "Reality TV", "Boy Bands" "Hair Bands", "Disco" etc...
There is a formula in all business that drives profits and these four chords are components that drives profits.
Kimo
Personally as a marketeer I believe that selling a product that has a high chance at success is smarter than testing something 100% original...
ReplyDeleteEspecially for someone new in the industry. That is why i always have to separate business from pleasure. I can always listen to music I really enjoy on my own time.
Great points all around! While, as Kevin and Kimo pointed out, "the formula" is just something we have to accept about marketing entertainment, Joe, you're right, if we're marketing outside of the formula, Internet radio is a good option. Kyle, I really liked your response. I feel the same way-- as a marketer, I actually appreciate bands that exploit the formula (ex: Fall Out Boy), and I think we must remove personal bias if we want to get the jobs!
ReplyDeleteEMILY!!! This is so epic!!! I'm dying on my end of the laptop. I'm so glad you posted this. It shows how hard we all make it out to be, yet how simple it actually can be.
ReplyDelete