"But it was only 99 cents"- Article by: Jugo Azul
When
it comes to the mainstream music scene, it’s the same thing all the time. It’s
either “I got money”, “I Get Intoxicated”, “I dress well”, or recently in the
last few years “Im God”, which im not going to get started on, and last but not
least, anything to do with “twerking”. Put these things in your music and you
will get a loyal following of listeners, viewers, or just curious banter from
those who are interested in these aspects of social cluture. But what do all
these “artists”, or maybe we should just say entertainers, not have? They lack
quality, and originality, two things that we in our society have forgotten
about in our chase for fame and fortune. But in the last year we have been sent
what I like to refer to as an “industry prophet” Mr. Macklemore himself.
Partnered with Ryan Lewis, Macklemore has done what many artists have failed to
do over the past decade, which is hit the music and entertainment scene running
full steam ahead as independent artists. Here on Jugo Azul vs. Entertainment
you know that the independent artist and their exposure is the focus, and props
are definitely due to this power house performer. Macklemore and Ryan lewis
went to the top of US and UK charts with their reality focused hit “Thrift
Shop”, and following not far behind their controversial hit “Same Love” which
they performed at the 2013 VMAs.
The duo is known for using reality and the
ability to give fans something they can relate to as an effective marketing
tool, and has taken them to the top of the charts for youtube views and
downloads.
Macklemore comes to us at a time when
the industry is in need of a serious make over. It is no secret that the
mainstream industry is not concerned, nor worried about the content of their
music to this generation. Most of the music today is sending youth and gullible
listeners a message that they have only one life to live, so they should do
everything in their power to screw it up and make it shorter. Macklemore brings
a breath of fresh air to the generation, speaking on issues of equality,
originality, and actually living an economically wise life.
We can only hope
that this trend sticks and brings some reality into the façade that the
mainstream is forcing on the industry. Lets hope that Macklemores strength of influence
puts some positive influence on the independent music realm as well as a focus
on the indie industry itself. Have we finally reached the day that independent
music will become the new mainstream? We can only watch, wait and hope.
