Recording 101: Rallying Behind the Music Makers

Posted by RiffYou On October 15, 2014 0 Comment

Can you imagine a world without art? From the moment I wake up to the moment I fall asleep, the music I enjoy throughout the day enhances my mood, just as a piece of art or sculpture I see intrigues and stimulates my mind. It’s quite amazing, really!

Yet in its consumption, have you ever really stopped to consider what went into making that song or painting? What challenges and joys the artist felt?

I’ve always been curious about the creative process of others and I’m sure many creators would compare the creative process to childbirth. The emotional investment alone should increase its value considerably. Sadly, it would seem that many consumers are reluctant to spend a buck or two on a single when a plethora of free music sources are available.

It’s no secret that the music industry has been struggling to figure out how to effectively adapt to the ongoing challenges of the digital age. Not to get too statistical with you, but Nielsen Soundscan reported that digital sales fell 5.7% in 2013.

As a musician, I became very concerned when all the hype surrounding Napster was occurring way back in 1999. In my heart, I knew the ending to the story wasn’t going to be pretty. That was 15 years ago, and look at how far we’ve come…‘we’ the music industry haven’t really brainstormed up a creative way to keep the music fan invested enough to ‘want’ to spend to support the art.

It’s interesting to consider that none of us would ever grab a box of cookies off the shelf at a grocery and walk out the door without paying…or dine and dash. It’s just common knowledge that if you want to satisfy your sugar fix or enjoy a nice meal at a restaurant, you have to pay for that experience. Music – and all art for that matter – isn’t really that different.

When music doesn’t come in a physical package, does or should that change the perception of its worth?

Think about life before the Internet. If you wanted a song, you had to buy a record, cassette, or CD. With the gradual decline of the physical medium, there hasn’t really been a compelling substitute, has there?

Interestingly, I was speaking to a colleague a while back and he mentioned how he thought it was oddly disturbing that most people happily spend $5 on a Mocha Frap-a-Whatever every morning, rather than purchase a song for $0.99. I happen to agree.

I guess my point to all of this is to help create more awareness around the process of making art, as well as the struggles an artist faces both emotionally and financially to make something that improves the quality of life for everyone.

Supporting the arts is a very important karmic gesture. It would be foolish of us to think we will see another Beatles in our lifetime if the emerging artists can’t

support themselves with their art.

Do you know anyone who would pour their heart and soul into the creation of a product with the understanding that they would never be able to make a dime? No entrepreneur would ever engage in such a business model.

Yet, countless musicians and artists do everyday to fulfill a passion and to make a difference in this world.

Why not return the favour by showing your support?

-Jeff Eden

Check back next month for another instalment of Recording 101!

About the Author: Jeff Eden is an established Composer for Film & TV, and a 20-year veteran of the recording industry. He is the Owner & Head Engineer at Studio8.