Many have witnessed rock’s decline in the modern era, but just as many refuse to let it fade away.
Society has deemed rock music a dying art for decades. With the rise of new music genres and technology, the culture surrounding what rock music was has changed. However, in times of change, people are beginning to see unlikely heroes emerge.
Communications High School (CHS) sophomore Zach Benner of Tinton Falls is part of the movement to bring rock music back to modern media. As the drummer for Tomorrow of Last Year, Benner hopes to take his music beyond local audiences and share it with listeners everywhere.
“The idea is that it’s gonna be the next big rock sensation, and we’re gonna bring rock back to the mainstream,” Benner said. “Lofty expectations for sure, but this is the music industry; anything can happen.”
For these young musicians, many obstacles stand in the way of pursuing their dreams. Senior Sean Sharkey of Fair Haven doesn’t see the value in taking such a big risk and would prefer to keep music as a hobby.
“I don’t think I can justify jeopardizing my career on a music degree, and the return on investment of live shows is minimal,” Sharkey said. “That isn’t to say that a music-based job is impossible in today’s world, it’s just that there’s even less money in the field than there used to be.”
Middletown High School South freshman and young aspiring musician Noah Ben of Highlands welcomes the risk. He believes the nature of rock music leads to a certain level of uncertainty.
“I love music, especially rock music, and I don’t see that ever changing,” Ben said. “I think the whole idea of rock music is to kind of go against the grain and hope that you’re the one person that makes it, so I’m willing to take the risk every time I perform.”
Although most dreams begin with the idea of being a performer, other jobs within the music industry can be more stable. Music novices can choose to go down multiple paths, including sound engineering, teaching, marketing, etc. As much as Benner hopes for his rockstar dreams to come true, he recognizes that the rockstar lifestyle might not be for him.
“Pursuing music would be my absolute dream career; however, if I’m being realistic, sitting around in a trailer touring is not really for me,” Benner said. “I would like to stay close to the music industry, however, in a more stable position like being a sound guy.”
Many feel as though the work that young musicians do today can greatly impact the future of the music industry. Ben sees the importance of continuing his art now more than ever.
“Rock music can quickly disappear if we let it,” Ben said. “I think my goal right now is to keep it alive and continue playing the music I love with my friends. ”
Ben knows that the music industry is always changing, but he also knows the only thing that young musicians can control right now is their love for the art.
“I’m just going to keep on doing what I love,” Ben said. “If it makes money, great; if not, I’ll make a fine guitar center employee.”
