Changing technology making mainstream music ‘uncool’

April 12, 2011 • By Allie York  
Filed under Student Life

At the final scene of the movie “It’s Kind of a Funny Story,” protagonist Craig, played by Keir Gilchrist, asked the leading lady, Noelle, played by Emma Roberts, “Do you like music?” in an attempt to find common interest. Noelle responded like any typical American teenager: “Do you like breathing?” Music has defined generations, influenced societies, and affected humans’ emotions day by day.

George Jellinek, the host of a New York opera radio show The Verbal Scene, once said, “The history of a people is found in its songs.” Music from the 20^th century like the Beatles’ song ‘Revolution’ and U2’s hit song ‘Bloody Sunday’ depicts historical events such as Vietnam War and the fall of the Berlin Wall. So, what would future historians say about this generation’s music?

Would they be surprised with the increasingly popular themes of gang violence, drugs and brutality of women or would they be intrigued by the underlying messages of love, peace, and joy? Analyzing history through the study of music shows that the American teenage generation in the 21^st century likes a variety of genres and delivery modes, with the radio decreasing in popularity.

From techno to country, senior Jen Hull said she likes it all.

“What I listen to all depends on my mood and what I want to hear at the moment. I couldn’t say a specific genre of music I like; I listen to everything,” Hull said.

Songs like “Take Over Control” by DJ Afrojack and “Kickstarts” by Excited are some of Jen’s favorite techno songs. Another song that appeals to techno, or dubstep, listeners is “Katy on a Mission” by Katy B.

“Country is all about the classics,” said sophomore Ryan Scott.

Scott said he has been listening to country all his life; his favorite classic country singers include Zac Brown Band, Kenny Chesney, Billy Curington and Tim McGraw. His favorite songs in his iPod are “Toes” by Zac Brown Band and “Let Me Down Easy” by Billy Curington.

Students who enjoy acoustic say they like artists that include Joshua Radin, Matt White, Greg Laswell and Joe Brooks. Jack Johnson has been a popular acoustic singer and songwriter for the last decade; students who enjoy his hit “Banana Pancakes” also like “Breakdown” and “Never Know.”

Indie has been a popular genre in the 21^st century. For those who haven’t heard of indie music and don’t know where to start, look at artist like Phoenix, Passion Pit, Freelance Whales and Cage the Elephant. Already popular songs by these artists include “Girlfriend” by Phoenix, “Moth Wings” by Passion Pit, “Starring” by Freelance Whales and “Shake Me Down” by Cage the Elephant.

Some say the expansion of music technology in the 21^st century contributes to the falling popularity of radio.

“I just get so sick of all the same type of songs; everything on the radio these days is either about drugs and alcohol or sex,” said junior Alex Melikian.

Although the music scene throughout American history has been influenced by concerts, media and most of all the radio, teens polled around campus seem to be getting tired of the replayed music on the radio. About seven out of 10 Notre Dame students said they listen to the radio at least once a day, but the positive attitude toward radio music seems to be fading.

Sophomore CJ Harvey said, “When I hear the word ‘radio,’ I think of overplayed, overproduced, over promoted music.”

For generations, music producers have been utilizing radios to promote their artists and make money, but due to the influence of the internet, radio isn’t the only source of music for this generation. Unlike other previous U.S. teenage generations, the modern teenage generation receives the majority of music off the internet.

Whether students are illegally downloading music off of applications such as Limewire or Frostwire or buying their music off of internet sites such as iTunes or Rhapsody, almost every teenager relies on internet rather than radio alone.

Music industries have changed drastically from the industries parents once knew. Junior Natalie Zimmerman uses websites such as owlmm.com and pandora.com to find new music based on the music they have now. Programs such as Genius on iTunes also help listeners expand their music selection.

“I update my iPod with new music at least once a week,” said Zimmerman.

There seems to be a scramble for new artists, bands and songs that haven’t hit the radio, a race to find ‘underground’ or ‘unknown’ music, widening music selection beyond mainstream radio hits. Maybe it’s just Notre Dame, but somehow mainstream music has suddenly become uncool.

“I used to listen to the radio every day on the way home from school, but ever since I got an auxiliary cord to plug my iPod in, I’ve been listening to it (my iPod) on the way home every day,” Harvey said.

Adaptations toward the personalized music experience have been seen in cars, throughout the internet and have led to the creation of hundreds of new technologies, such as the iPod and MP3 player. Companies such as Apple and Sony have invested millions into the personal music experience, one that gives customers the choice: the choice of what they want to listen to, when they want to listen to it, from wherever they want to hear it.

Melikan said it the best: “The radio just doesn’t play what I want to hear anymore; it’s annoying. I know what I like to listen to, and I don’t find it on the radio.”

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