Beatles Producer George Martin Upset That Apple Let The Riff Raff In
from the missing-the-point,-again dept
It never fails. When the tools of content creation become more accessible, some who were raised under the old ways start whining and complaining about how it's "too easy" these days. The latest to fall into that trap is famed Beatles producer George Martin (thanks to John for the link) who is upset that technology has made it easier for anyone to create music these days. "With iPods, mini-recorders and all the new technology, people can lie in their bath and make a rock record." Of course, many people think that's a good thing -- but the article implies Martin is of the other opinion. This same debate has gone on covering journalism, music, photography and plenty of other content creation industries before. The usual complaint is that by making it so easy, it increases the level of bad content out there. That's absolutely true, but since we've also created the tools to better filter (whether human or technology-based) it can turn out to be much better. The "bad" content can be ignored, and people get to experience new and different content that never would have existed before. Besides, it also allows for more niche markets to thrive. Since not everyone agrees on what's "good" and what's "bad," cheaper tools of production make it easier for less mainstream creative efforts to thrive within their own communities. The only people that's really troublesome for are (oh, look at that...) those who made their living by being the "one true chooser" of what was good and what was bad.
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Wait a Minute
It does not take a lot of talent to sample other peoples hits and then talk over them, which is what a lot of "artists" do these days. There used to be a lot more creatively in hip top/rap/pop then we see today and its pretty hard to hold snoop doggy dog up to motown or hendrix, martin's contemporaries.
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Re: Wait a Minute
I am an organic drummer (meaning I specialize in hitting membranes stretched over a shell) that plays drumset. I'm not an electronics guy by any stretch of the imagination nor do I ever choose to be. They don't feel the same......
In another paradigm, I do create "electronic" drawings, vis-a-vis Adobe Illustrator which, in comparison would be akin to sampling music. Doesn't make me bad people nor does the sampling of music make the creators of the frankensteined piece bad people. It's just creativity, and having the tools to extend your vision isn't a bad thing.
It's just when a freekin' Cellphone ringtone makes the charts in the UK as the #1 hit that my faith in music gets a little daunted.
So go hear my band www.tubbyfunk.com and see if we're worthy....
BR
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when Martin talks...
That kind of apprenticeship produces a mindset and level of personal commitment that's vastly different from the hordes of bored suburban teenagers messing with PowerBooks. It's like the difference between a professional athlete and someone who plays fantasy football or Microsoft Links golf.
BTW Martin's contribution to the Beatles' success is probably underrated. The melodic flair and manic quality came from the four kids. But the professional sounding harmonies and instrumental touches, especially in the early records - those came from Martin.
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Re: when Martin talks...
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odd, considering garageband
Something smells funny here.
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Yes But
But......times have changed. Record industry and radio consolidation have taken the life from modern music. Home recording and self distribution may be the last avenue for fresh and unique talent to cut through. Record labels do not sign fresh or unique talent. they sign whatever sounds the most like something else that is already successful.
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I gotta have more iPod, baby!
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hmmm.
Check out my home-brew music that wouldnt be there without todays technology here: http://www.andybuscemi.com
By the way George, you wouldn't have a beatles record if the technology wasn't around to record when you did - think before you speak please George.
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Sir Martin
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george martin
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Music 101
“IT’s T R A S H !!!”
I learned to play the various instruments I play the easy way by listening and imitating what I heard. I’ve managed to record four records and been a guest on many others. Some have sold pretty well and I love what I do. Many people would refer to me as a musician and I would proudly agree with them, however I would never stand myself next to a Julliard or Berklee graduate and claim to be his or her equal, even if they were in a quartet backing me up.
To drive the point home a friend of mine who graduated from Berklee College of Music has a poster in his studio that reads as follows:
Music 101
1. DJ’s are not musicians they are DJ’s
2. Lip-Synchers are not vocalists they are wanabe’s worshiping at the altar of pitch correction software.
3. A musical instrument is a piece of hardware made exclusively to produce musical notes.
4. A musician is one that plays a musical instrument or precision controls a voice.
5. Computers are not musical instruments they are machines.
6. Machines can not make music, they can only replicate it.
7. “Sampling” is a euphemism for “Stealing”.
8. “Rap Music” is an Oxymoron.
Any questions?
If you need to ask what either a euphemism or an oxymoron are continue being deceived, you’re not worth saving anyhow.
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