Abigail Crews

Posting for class 📝

[Abigail Crews @bugviewer]

@MeganChippett04 Although auto-tune/heavy editing isn't used by every artist/genre, I agree with the fact that its prominence can serve as a turn off for live shows. One video of a live performance that doesn't reflect the recording can easily turn someone away from live music forever. #F22POPMUS

[Abigail Crews @bugviewer]

@keigan_joyce Good point regarding geographical restrictions! Most bands only tour in a select number of places—a number which generally shrinks the smaller the band is. Even those who desire to see bands live can't always allocate the time and/or make it work financially. #F22POPMUS

[Abigail Crews @bugviewer]

I think Wald's statement is mostly untrue, as many would jump at the opportunity to see their favorite musicians live. This being said, venues can often be overcrowded/inaccessible to certain fans, so for these individuals, recordings are important and often preferred. #F22POPMUS

[Abigail Crews @bugviewer]

@munlsj283 It's true that we should use this as a chance to learn from past problems. It should have never happened, but the damage has already been done to the talented artists who were ripped off, so it is most important now that we not let history repeat itself. #F22POPMUS

[Abigail Crews @bugviewer]

@toaststoat Agreed! Music is a way of expressing yourself and responding to the world around you—if someone takes a work and changes it to suit their own moral agenda, that spits in the face of the original artist. Schlock rock isn't "covering" a song, it's a form of censorship. #F22POPMUS

[Abigail Crews @bugviewer]

Schlock rock is undeniably cultural theft. Singers profited off the work of African-American artists—often while they struggled for recognition—by changing their lyrics and sound to suit white, conservative tastes. This eliminates any cultural significance/meaning. #F22POPMUS

[Abigail Crews @bugviewer]

@keigan_joyce The dramatization is an interesting point! The use of a breaking voice adds an almost theatrical quality to certain songs. I personally enjoy it, but I wonder if some listeners would find the emotion feeling "fake" because of the theatricality. Food for thought! #F22POPMUS

[Abigail Crews @bugviewer]

@toaststoat Agreed! Variety is always a good way to grab the attention of listeners, and the same goes for clear/strong emotions. People often seek out media that reflects their own experiences, so the intense emotion in his voice would certainly help to draw people in. #F22POPMUS

[Abigail Crews @bugviewer]

A breaking voice is a staple of gospel music, as it denotes intense emotions felt by the singer. Since the song is Ray Charles' own version of a gospel hymn, he likely uses a breaking voice to evoke this connection. Additionally, it adds a unique texture to the song. #F22POPMUS

[Abigail Crews @bugviewer]

@laceyjane1313 Solid point! Many people are forced to buy expensive products, not because they feel a need to 'fit in', but because companies artificially limit options and utilize brand loyalty as a method to make consumers pay more. Bluetooth and adapters mean extra money for them. #F22POPMUS

[Abigail Crews @bugviewer]

@toaststoat Good point! Most streaming services cost on average ~$10 a month (with discounts available for students or families), and some such as Spotify have free options available. Beyond this, places like YouTube also serve as a free option for listening with a wide selection. #F22POPMUS

[Abigail Crews @bugviewer]

Like brand name clothes, certain tech brands have higher/lower status associated with them. Streaming services, to me, have changed listening for the better. It opens up a much broader option pool, and exposes people to genres/cultures they would never otherwise hear. #F22POPMUS

[Abigail Crews @bugviewer]

@sreid71 I feel like the intent is most important. Are they looking at/considering these topics responsibly and/or critically, or are they glamourizing them? Good handling can help address issues, but when listeners feel they must do things to "fit in", it's often the latter. #F22POPMUS

[Abigail Crews @bugviewer]

@MUSjenna It's hard to say that popular music doesn't reflect on our culture in some way—it's popular for a reason. This being said, I agree that no art form is inherently better than another. If someone only wants to be a 'passive listener', their music still holds value. #F22POPMUS

[Abigail Crews @bugviewer]

Popular music has certainly created 'false needs' in regards to aspects of popularity, wealth, health, romance, etc. While a lot of popular music is simplified in certain ways, a 'passive audience' isn't necessarily bad—it's its own type of culture and crowd. #F22POPMUS