Axing BBC 6 Music will scupper chances of budding musicians
Ralph Allen — March 7, 2010 4 Comments
Persistence is an integral aspect of success and the frustration of a seemingly impenetrable industry leads too many potentially brilliant musicians to abandon their course. Without radio stations and showcases like 6 Music, fewer will hold onto that drive and determination to be heard, and music’s art will suffer. If the only viable course becomes strictly mainstream, music’s development will not only become regressive, but will lose credibility and become debased further as an art form. I dread the day when CDs are stocked solely by supermarkets and truly great bands are left with nothing with which to establish a career
Media
Music can change the mood, not the mindset
Ralph Allen — January 7, 2010 7 Comments
Musicians can make a big difference, but can’t expect to inspire political movement, at least not in this country. I hope that more politically motivated bands join the fray, as it does ultimately dismay me that music has become so generally devoid of political meaning, and the advent of an exciting cultural movement could well be imminent. But for now, for most of us, to whatever extent we are the heroes of our own narrative, music serves only as the soundtrack to our development.
Culture, Editor's Pick
Indian composer Ilaiyaraaja is a genius; how long can the West ignore him?
Vignesh Subramanian — February 16, 2009 36 Comments
Vignesh Subramanian can’t understand why Indian genius composer Ilaiyaraaja has not been recognized by the music world in the West.