Stephen MacDonald

[Stephen MacDonald @Stephen05997881]

@AaronDyke11 I agree that streaming music should allow people listen whatever interests them without restrictions. However, I think that quotas can be useful for promoting Canadian music in national public media outlets, where Canadian music can be easily overlooked #MUS2011F20

[Stephen MacDonald @Stephen05997881]

@MatthewHoyles3 Interesting idea. I think that quotas should be enforced for Canadian radio and other public music distribution. An ideal situation would highlight the most popular music along with Canadian content to help promote Canadian artists in an American dominated industry. #MUS2011F20

[Stephen MacDonald @Stephen05997881]

I support an enforced Canadian music quota. A quota helps give opportunities for Canadians in a crowded American dominated music industry. Streaming services should offer freedom of choice but radio and other public music distribution should enforce a Canadian quota #MUS2011F20

[Stephen MacDonald @Stephen05997881]

@dylan_power1 I agree that recorded music is irreplaceable due to its cheap cost and constant availability. However, I think that live cover bands can create a unique and enjoyable experience. No recording compares to listening to a live band while you sing and dance with others #MUS2011F20

[Stephen MacDonald @Stephen05997881]

@MatthewHoyles3 While I think that recorded music has many benefits and can be very enjoyable, I agree that live music produces an experience that cannot be replicated through a recording. The connection between a live band and their audience creates a powerful musical environment. #MUS2011F20

[Stephen MacDonald @Stephen05997881]

I disagree with Wald. He fails to recognize that both records and live cover bands are enjoyed by young people. Records are easily accessible and can be enjoyed quickly. Live cover bands create a unique captivating listening experience. Both can be equally enjoyable! #MUS2011F20

[Stephen MacDonald @Stephen05997881]

@johnloveless11 Assuming the original artist is acknowledged, I definitely think covers can be a compliment to the original. Most covers now are not created for a more conservative audience. Recent covers explore new creative sounds while respecting the original song #MUS2011F20

[Stephen MacDonald @Stephen05997881]

@MatthewHoyles3 Great point! I also think that as long as the original artist is credited, covers should be freely enjoyed. Not all covers are created as "clean versions." Sometimes artists make a cover to show their appreciation for a song they love #MUS2011F20

[Stephen MacDonald @Stephen05997881]

In the 50s many cover songs were considered schlock because cover artists removed the original songs unique characteristics. These appropriate schlock covers can be boring when compared to the exciting vocal style of the originals. Covers must also credit the original #MUS2011F20

[Stephen MacDonald @Stephen05997881]

@JordanPomeroy Great point! I think Ray Charles use of breaking voice helped emphasize certain phrases or words. It truly added a new dimension of meaning and emotion to his songs, while also connecting to and captivating listeners. #MUS2011F20

[Stephen MacDonald @Stephen05997881]

@MatthewHoyles3 Ray Charles voice was without a doubt unique. I think that his use of breaking voice also added an element of raw emotion that further set him apart from other artists of his time. It made listeners feel the emotions Charles was portraying through his songs #MUS2011F20

[Stephen MacDonald @Stephen05997881]

I think Ray Charles used the Breaking Voice to help create a more individual and unique sound. As a pioneer of soul music, Charles created a sound ahead of his time. His Breaking Voice added a powerful element of raw emotion and soul to his songs that is unmistakable #MUS2011F20

[Stephen MacDonald @Stephen05997881]

@Provencher34 Interesting point. I definitely think these services can quickly make us tired of songs. However, I think the same can be said with most radio stations. They often repeat the same "Top Hits" over and over until we are tired of them. #MUS2011F20

[Stephen MacDonald @Stephen05997881]

@MatthewHoyles3 Great point! Since we often rely on our phones to use music streaming apps, we also have to ability to listen to music anywhere we want. Listening to personalized music while working out or running errands has forever changed how we experience music #MUS2011F20

[Stephen MacDonald @Stephen05997881]

The ability to play music on a cell phone has revolutionized the way I listen to music. I listen to personalized playlists during my daily routine and experience music whenever and wherever I want to. Streaming services allow me to explore and expand my taste in music #MUS2011F20

[Stephen MacDonald @Stephen05997881]

@johnloveless11 Great point! I think that record labels can also impact artistic choices. The pressure to stick to current trends has created a lot of songs that sound very similar. It is our job as listeners to seek out unique and original music to try and disrupt these trends #MUS2011F20

[Stephen MacDonald @Stephen05997881]

@MatthewHoyles3 I completely agree! I think the these big record labels are also more concerned about making money than the artist. Their pressure for artists to constantly release a new hit contributes to the onslaught of new pop songs that all sound the same. #MUS2011F20

[Stephen MacDonald @Stephen05997881]

The music industry has created "false needs." Artists feel the constant need for a new hit song. This leads to "sticking to what works." Passive mass consumption listeners force artists to focus on what will keep them relevant instead of creating meaningful music #MUS2011F20