@Rpomeroy13 This is an excellent point! It is important to create more opportunities for ALL Canadian artists to be heard, not just the bigger stars. A quota is not necessary and could have the potential of hindering newer artist exposure, which is the opposite of what is desired.
@Quantuminsanit1 I agree with this! It is true that a Canadian quota would limit people's ability to discover music from other countries which would simply put those countries at a disadvantage and make it harder for other amazing artists to also be heard. A quota is not necessary in my opinion!
#W23POPMUS It is no longer necessary to enforce a quota of Canadian content. Canadian stars are now equally listened to as many Canadians reach the top charts every day such as Shawn Mendez, Justin Beiber, Avril Lavigne, etc. Canadian content is finally valued as it should be.
@awarfordmun I agree Alyssa! It is so much more common for bar-goers to be entertained by a DJ playing highly edited techno music than by a live band! While there are still some bars that continue to play live music, it is becoming far less common and definitely more "old-school" as you said.
@Mspuddicombe I completely agree! While concerts are fun, it is common for people to leave a concert feeling disappointed that the artist did not sound exactly as they do on recording. Music that has been perfectly fine-tuned seems to be more heavily enjoyed these days than raw music itself.
#W23POPMUS Today's pop audience often does prefer recorded music in comparison to live music. Many people prefer the heavily auto-tuned versions as they sound more polished but I also think that it is because of how convenient it is to be able to listen whenever and wherever.
@Juliewilliams0 I agree that giving credit is important. It would be wrong for a covering artist to take credit for the music when it is not theirs to take credit for. I think covers can hold value as they provide a twist on the song which people can also enjoy in addition to the original!
@Madison79665429 I agree that it should not be considered cultural theft! If an artist chooses to cover another artists' song, I think that means they appreciated it and simply wanted to share their own take. I doubt the intent would ever be to rip off or disrespect the original artist.
#W23POPMUS Authors refer to this music as shlock because of how different it is from originals in terms of lyrics and cultural aspects - it lacks authenticity. I think covers still can hold value as musical value subjective, thus different music holds value for different people.
@mjoel830 I also immediately recognized this song from Kanye West's take on it in "Gold Digger". I think it speaks volumes that classics like "I've got a woman" are used as inspiration for the production of new music as elements are tied in. A classic is just that - It never gets old!
@ryleemusic2011 Absolutely! It is common for one's voice to break when conveying intense, deep emotion in everyday conversation and Charles' choice to include this in his music has only heightened his authenticity. His vulnerability is what makes his music so relatable and appealing.
#W23POPMUS Ray Charles used a breaking voice to strongly communicate his feelings of love and passion in "I've got a woman". His tasteful and intentional use of voice-breaking added soul, heart, and vulnerability to his song thus making it authentic and appealing to listeners.
@dionbennett99 Streaming platforms such as Apple music and Spotify are amazing to access music! I have discovered the majority of my favourite music/artists through streaming songs on these apps. I find it an affordable way to have access to millions of songs which I otherwise would not have!
@awarfordmun It is interesting how much brands directly relate to social status. While off-brand earbuds would do the same thing, the Apple brand is what people feel they need to fit in. Other brands may even produce better sound, but for some reason, AirPods are associated with popularity.
#W23POPMUS The new AirPod Max headphones are associated with high social class since they are so expensive - people feel "cool" when they have them. Headphones have definitely made music more accessible, especially when on the move but the brand/edition should not matter as much.
@dionbennett99 I agree that a false need created by the pop music industry is wealth and luxury! A lot of popular music talks about owning luxurious brands such as GUCCI, Rolex, Versace etc. which creates the false idea that in order to be "cool" you must own these things as well.
@lilyjacobs21 I agree that many listeners have become passive! It seems that people simply listen and "enjoy" to whatever music is deemed societally popular without actually actively listening and forming a true opinion. A lot of popular music sounds the same but this often goes unrealized.
Some false needs from popular music are fame, alcohol and being "attractive". I agree that popular music appeals to a passive audience and provides a dumbed-down form of music as the majority of popular music revolves around the same topics and has a similar sound. #W23POPMUS
@ceparsons01 I agree that an enormous false need created by the popular music industry is over consumption. Excessive drinking is a very common topic in a lot of popular music and it creates the false idea that you have to drink excessive alcohol to be "cool" and to have a good time.
@bradleyhodder_ I agree that many listeners have become passive! It seems that people simply listen and "enjoy" to whatever music is deemed societally popular without actually actively listening and forming a true opinion. A lot of popular music sounds the same but this often goes unrealized.