Recently, top artists have been pumping out albums and hits like “The Tortured Poets Department” by Taylor Swift, “HIT ME HARD AND SOFT” by Billie Eilish and “MILLION DOLLAR BABY” by Tommy Richman. All these releases in a short period of time begs the question, is music losing its artistry in the age of quick-hits to fuel consumerism?
The saying “quality over quantity” comes to mind as some argue that there has been less meaning behind lyrics as artists release music expeditiously by conforming to the “hit song” recipe. Past albums took longer to be produced and released, and artists seemed to spend more time crafting lyrics before releasing songs.
Sophomore Angelina Freel-DiPalma from Middletown thinks that songs used to have more meaning.
“I feel there used to be so much more story behind [music],” Freel-DiPalma said.
While some think that the fast-paced world of modern music has enforced a decline in quality, others argue that the music industry is ever changing, and the difference doesn’t necessarily mean a loss in artistry.
Students like freshman Andrew Rabe of Neptune think that the transforming music scene is refreshing, and he made the point that “Music is not losing or gaining anything, rather it’s evolving,” said Rabe.
“There are current artists that I do enjoy, and how they’re revitalizing old music and putting their own twists.”
In fact, strides in technology have afforded present day artists the ability to merge the old with the new by allowing them to seamlessly sample songs. Advancing technology also expedites turnaround times, so it is natural that albums are released quicker than in the past.
Junior Fiona Griffin of Middletown believes that technology has also assisted smaller artists by giving them a broader platform to exert their expression.
“There’s definitely more of a role in mass- production than there ever has been with the rise of tech,” Griffin said. “On the flip side, there are more independent artists that are willing to put out things that they’re passionate about.”
Senior Christina Forte of Manalapan added that these types of artists are “not what we’ve heard before. It’s a new form of art.”
Ultimately, budding, independent artists and alternate genres are aided by technological advances, as they are able to use digital platforms to circumvent industry red tape, and directly connect with their audience.
As with any business, the music industry aims to maximize profits, and manufacturing hits is a key way that is accomplished. While lyrics have evolved with the times, facilitated by strides in technology, this new generation of music is bringing new genres, sounds and artists to the scene, and this is part of the development of the art of music.
As expressed by Forte, “I don’t think that music is losing its artistry because I think it’s coming forth with new genres and there’s new ways to approach music.”
