What has become of the Music Industry?
The difference between the Music Industry today and from 50 years ago is not only clear but virtually transparent. We are more obsessed with ‘image’ and appearance than ever before. The media must take the main responsibility for this as they constantly emphasise the importance of image in order to be successful. Television shows such as ‘Pop Idol’ and ‘Fame Academy’ suggest that a certain image is more important than your actual musical talent. In recent episodes, some singers have been criticised for not ‘fitting in’ with the desired star image. Some have even been verbally attacked for not only their appearance but also their weight. Those who do not ‘fit in’ with certain weight, height and appearance criteria get slammed by critics and are dismissed, despite the fact that they may have more talent than other contestants.
Our obsession with image is evident through the extremes that people go to in order to ‘fit in’ with the fame criteria. Children as young as 10 have resorted to anorexia in order to feel accepted. They want to live up to the examples set by their idols on television and in music. Children are not the only ones to be affected by these pressures. Women too are obsessed with their bodies, a recent survey commissioned by REAL magazine interviewed 5000 women and here are the results.
• 67% claimed they would definitely or possibly have plastic surgery now or in the future to ‘improve’ their bodies.
• ¼ of women had tried to starve themselves by fasting
• 15% had attempted to lose weight with laxatives
• Only 3% were totally happy with their body
• 73% think about their size or shape every single day
• 6/10 claimed their body image made them feel depressed.
The conclusions from this survey stated that one of the main driving forces behind this obsession is that celebrities increasingly influence women. It is a worrying trend in society that seems to put the priority of being slim and attractive above anything else. This is evidently reflected in the media and music industry, where appearance is possibly more important to your success than talent.
It is clear that the media is setting all the wrong examples. Not only with an obsession over vanity but also amongst the issue of sex. The underlying fact today is that ‘Sex sells!’ There is no doubt about that. Yet how far is this obsession affecting the music industry? From raunchy Pop videos to Rap song lyrics: sex is everywhere! I hate to generalise but Pop mainly consists of raunchy outfits and dance routines, even Dance or Club mix incorporates the theme of sex or explicit lyrics into their tracks.
Of course, the music industry has not totally transformed itself into an obsessed group of sex and vanity maniacs. Not yet anyway! Other classifications of music such as Rock and Punk appear to be against following any image restrictions. They rebel against any criteria yet get criticised for doing so. So what has become of the music industry? Are we all secretly more obsessed with image than the actual music? Even I have to admit, Justin Timberlake’s music is not the only attraction! The pressure placed upon music stars today is immense. Generally, you have to be a rebel, sex symbol or at least look good if you want to succeed. Anyone who doesn’t, e.g. Rik Waller, will virtually be laughed at. It’s harsh but true. Do you agree?
© 2003 Freeway
Written by: Kelly Welch