We are past the "era of the song" and are in the "ERA OF THE CELEBRITY." That is all that motivates viewers or listeners, and all that people really care about. Music is everywhere, mostly all disposable and people no longer look at music at all as they once did. Where once music was a primary influence in our lives, top 40, then 20 radio, artists and their songs were paramount. Fewer songs were in the forefront, so the attention was focused on those and the artists.

Than came cable television, multiple channels, more radio stations, mor avenues to get music. THEN, came the Internet, and people could stream whatever they wanted whenever they wanted. They also could file share and pirate music for free. Music was moved to the background. And with the net platforms, endless streaming for next to nothing, millions and millions of choices, artists everywhere, music was the disposable, "anyone can do it" element. Music and musicians now are the equivilant of the endless people that paint, sculpt, or draw for those flea markets, craft fairs, sidewalk art shows. Everyone can do it, it's all subjective and for the most part only worth what the artist themselves can generate.

The celebrity culture permeates everything we do. Sports stars tweets can incite societal upheaval, every one weighs in on every issue. Viral presence is far more important than anything creative. Celebrities dictate every aspect. The only comforting thought is that they are as fleeting as anything. In a society with an 8-30 second attention span, today's mega stars are tomorrows answer to a trivia question. Their names pop up, and most people's response is "WHO? Oh yeah, that's like so three weeks ago."

There will be new celebrities, new mergers, new people coming up to replace what was THE RAGE a few weeks before. All disposable, all forgettable.

And that. Is where we are. Do yourselves a favor and don't be expecting "the return of music or whatever." It's not coming back.
MAB