Initially upon studying the messages and communities behind the Hip Hop genre added with all the issues that they try to convey, I was immediately reminded of my personal affinity for punk rock music.
Music has grown and developed throughout the generations, becoming a medium of entertainment and storytelling, using these devices to lure people in while informing them. As many other things in our capitalistic sphere have been, music would soon be commodified into an industry, money grubbing and lucrative, full of executives who work to get the most out of customers. That’s not to say that this development would lead straight away to the death of art as many talented musicians have prevailed under this scope but even they were not free from the interferences of these businessmen.
Unfortunately to become successful as a musician would require “selling your soul” to a top record label. While many people choose to take this literally, imagining conjured up ties between celebrities and Satan, this expression best exemplifies the blockage of true artistic expression. Most artists are instead encouraged to flourish under the parameters of the industry business model that strives to capture the attention of large masses instead of cultivating a niche but loyal customer base. It is no longer what you wish to express it’s whatever sells best. Songs are catchy, vaguely relatable and most of all nonthreatening to the masses. In a sense this idea of forgoing differences to come together and enjoy music is a pleasant thought, however it becomes a problem when when this type dominates the music industry.
Smaller underground movements that made by and for certain communities, such as hip hop would flourish under these loyal dedicated bases who understood the messages conveyed in the music as well as enjoyed the songs. This situation would permit true expression where artists would be less concerned with trying to gain followers profits and large scale support.
These movements were often the most authentic, criticizing higher powers and antiquated systems beckoning for revolution and action. In this genre many disillusioned young people such as myself have found solace in these decade old songs that many still unfortunately ring true today. It just so happens that punk is dead and most modern hip hop has forgotten its roots as these genres have morphed into shells of themselves, abandoning their values in the face of profit and fame. Now these styles have been commodified and made consumable for the average buyer, losing their original edge that once made them the enemy of the masses. These musicians once had something critical to say in critiquing passive behavior to welcome in loud, boisterous but passionate lyrics, tangible calls to action that sought to rally against issues of the period.
It’s no secret that in this earlier period there were frauds amongst the true rebels, a la London’s Sex Pistols, the dress up dolls of Vivienne Westwood. While many of their songs exemplified the discontentment towards the monarchy and it’s “oppressive regime”, they relished in the chaos instead of turning all of this action for good.
Now it seems that many artists want that “true edge” but only stylistically, not ready to face any backlash for what they stand by, and while all music doesn’t necessarily have to contain political messages it is important to remember the roots of these genres. Modern day musicians like to bring up guns and drugs as a point of making them look more “hardcore” and to earn respect, however the origins of these mentions were meant to paint a realistic picture of the misfortunes plaguing these lower economic communities.
Although these large artists that claim to be a part of these genres have captured the attention of the masses, looking closer many small music communities still remain. It was in these tight knit spaces I would find myself, and despite all the negative portrayals of punk rock music I would find comfort in these smaller communities. Here artists are more connected to those who listen to their music and they don’t take the role of an omnipotent looming god over the masses. Fans of the music themselves stick together, not vying for the attention of their idol, but instead sharing the similarities of listening to a more niche branch of music.
Despite the reign of conglomerate media companies over music, film and more, sticking true to your values and interests can find you in smaller groups of like minded people. It’s important to maintain this balance when listening to music, reveling in the entertainment aspect but still finding time to understanding the truth behind their lyrics, remembering that songs are more than just a beat but a powerful medium of storytelling.
Communicating Change 