The Threat to New Music - David Rowell

The Threat to New Music - David Rowell

Author: Brian Funk December 16, 2024 Duration: 49:07

David Rowell is a veteran music journalist who has worked as an editor and writer at the Washington Post for over 20 years. Stewart Copeland of the Police said "David Rowell is the kind of critic that scares us musicians. He really gets it, maybe even more than we do." 

David is here to talk about his new book The Endless Refrain: Memory, Nostalgia, and the Threat to New Music. In it he expores the popularity of legacy acts and tribute acts and the challenges it creates for new musicians trying to get their music heard. David raises the question "do we even want new music?" We discuss his take on the trajectory of the music industry and what it means for artists like many of us, who create original music, and our culture in general.

Finish-February 3-Day In-Person Workshop at Ableton's Pasadena Headquarters - https://brianfunk.gumroad.com/l/kwhsgv

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Takeaways:

  • The abundance of new music can be overwhelming for listeners.
  • Investing in music through purchase creates a deeper connection.
  • Nostalgic listening experiences shape our relationship with music.
  • MTV revolutionized music consumption and artist visibility.
  • The desire for new music is declining among audiences.
  • Tribute bands reflect a growing preference for familiar music.
  • Hologram performances raise ethical questions about music consumption.
  • Nostalgia is a powerful marketing tool in the music industry.
  • The emotional connection to music is vital for artists and fans.
  • Venture capitalists are reshaping music consumption.
  • Listeners are increasingly exposed to nostalgic music.
  • Streaming services have changed how we discover music.
  • Albums today don't linger in cultural impact as before.
  • Tribute bands provide a living for many musicians.
  • New music discovery requires intentional effort.
  • Cultural references in music are becoming less shared.

Links:

Thank you for listening. 

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And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk


Brian Funk hosts the Music Production Podcast, a space where the technical meets the personal in the world of making music. This isn't a lecture series; it's a collection of conversations that feel like dropping into a studio with a knowledgeable friend. As a working musician, songwriter, teacher, and Ableton Certified Trainer, Brian approaches each topic with a practitioner's curiosity. Discussions flow naturally from the specifics of a piece of gear or a production technique into broader reflections on creative philosophy and the artistic process. You'll hear about the tools of the trade, but always through the lens of how they serve an idea or unlock a new way of working. The podcast thrives on informal dialogue, whether Brian is sharing his own experiences or talking with guests, making complex topics accessible and immediately relevant. It’s for anyone who builds songs from the ground up and thinks about the why just as much as the how. Tune in for honest, nuanced talks that go beyond simple tips and tricks, offering a deeper, more human perspective on the craft of music production.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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