Even though there are hit singles and successful albums, like Justin Timberlake's "The 20/20 Experience" or Emeli Sande's "Our Version of Events," is the state of music improving? Are there musicians, not just singers, being cultivated?
According to music veteran Quincy Jones, there aren't a lot of musicians being cultivated these days and that really bothers him.
"That is something that bothers me. They got dumbed down because they were more concerned with selling hubcaps and clothes and vodka than creating great music," Jones shared with Access Atlanta last week. "Money comes from spirituality. It’s something you can’t see or taste or touch."
According to Jones, learning to be a great musician is no longer a priority. It seems like money and fame is.
"Compassion and excellence. When they love what they’re doing, they work hard. We came from the school where we didn’t think about money or fame, just being a great musician," said Jones.
Thoughts?
Quincy Jones is an iconic music producer who has worked with some of the greatest artists in history, from Michael Jackson to Frank Sinatra. Recently, he shared his thoughts on modern musicians and their approach to creating art. His words were frank and unapologetic: “They’re more concerned with selling clothes than making great music.”
In this article, we’ll explore Quincy’s comments further and see what lessons can be learned from them. He argues that today’s generation of artist are too caught up in materialistic things such as fashion instead of focusing on producing quality work. We’ll also look at how Jones’ views have changed over time and how they relate to the current state of the industry.
For those interested in learning more about what Quincy had to say about today’s musical landscape—and why it matters—this article will provide a comprehensive overview. So if you’re keen to hear what one of the most acclaimed producers in history thinks about contemporary music, read on!
Quincy Jones’s Views On Artistic Expression
Quincy Jones, a Grammy-winning producer and musician, has strong views on the current state of music and art. He believes that many musicians are too concerned with commercial success rather than artistic expression. In an interview with BBC Radio 4 in 2017, he said “They’re more concerned with selling clothes than they are creating great art.”
Jones believes that this shift away from true artistic expression is damaging to both the artist and their audience. He says: “When you dumb down your music for money or fame then it isn’t real anymore…The only way you can stay ahead of the game is by being creative.” This statement outlines how important creativity is to Jones; he insists that those who want to make a lasting impact must prioritize originality over profit.
However, Jones also acknowledges the importance of marketing when it comes to making a living as an artist. He explains: “You have to learn about business as well so you don’t get taken advantage of – but if all you think about is money and not artistry, then I think there’s something wrong somewhere.” Here we see his balanced approach towards commerce and creativity: while he insists on maintaining one’s own style, he recognizes the need for financial stability in order to make great art.
The Impact Of The Fashion Industry On Music
The fashion industry has also had a major influence on the music scene. Many artists are now producing music to coincide with their clothing lines, blurring the line between art and commerce. This trend reflects Jones’ statement that many musicians prioritize selling clothes over creating great art.
This shift has been met with mixed reviews from fans and critics alike. Some argue that this commercialization of music is damaging to both artist and audience as it takes away from true artistic expression. Others see it as an opportunity for artists to express themselves through multiple mediums, including fashion.
No matter what side one falls on, there’s no denying that fashion plays a huge role in today’s musical landscape. While some may prefer more traditional forms of creative expression, modern times have seen many successful collaborations between musicians and brands – proving that there can be room for both money and creativity in the world of music.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s clear that Quincy Jones has strong views on the state of modern music and artistry. He believes that many musicians are more focused on selling clothes than they are about making meaningful art. His observations have some truth to them; fashion often does take precedence in today’s musical landscape.
At the same time, though, there is a great deal of value in creating unique artistic expressions. Music can be both commercial and creative – we just need to strive for balance between these two interests. Musicians should move away from their focus on trends and instead find inspiration within themselves to create something truly special.
The key takeaway here is that while fashion may play a role in the success of an artist or band, it shouldn’t overshadow the importance of creativity and originality when writing songs or performing live. Ultimately, artists must remember why they started making music in the first place: to express something personal through passionate performance.
