why are more talented musicians overlooked?

Question

many extrememly talented musicians from (steve vai, alexi laiho and the like) looked over and disregarded, and instead rappers and less talented more single minded musicians are aparantly smash hits? shouldnt music be about skill and heart not what the media says?

Answer 1

The artists you mention have built life-long legacies. They will be around long after the flash-in-the-pan pop artists today have been forgotten. In twenty years you will have a very different opinion of which of todays artists were most successful...

Answer 2

It all really comes down to money. If the musican is able to draw in a crowd then the music industry is able to put them on stage or produce their music and not lose money. There is a market for rap 'artists' so they get large amounts of media coverage.

Similarly classical and jazz music nowadays is extremely niche based and though it has many musicans who are ground breakingly talented and musically knowledgable. However since these types of music require more knowledge of music to enjoy it's impossible for their music to receive the same fame as that of rock or rap musicans.

In the end the media just caters to those who have the money to keep them afloat, though certain musicans or musics may be superior in objective sense, because they are less accessible to the masses they get little attention from them.

Edit: for those of who you believe this used to be different, ever heard of The Monkees? Didn't play their own instruments or write their own songs but were adored by legions of screaming fans all the same. Even if musicans today arn't all extremely talented it is unfair and ignorant to say fifty years ago the average band was more skilled.

Answer 3

yes it should be about skill , and it was about a decade ago and there are still talented musicians, you just have to look underneath all the garbage. I dont know why you would bash rap w/e idc. They are smash hits because obviously thats what people like. Think about it if you owned a record label and your looking for new artists to sign would you go on the street corner and find someone that has talent or sign someone thatll being you money, record sales and more? hate it or love it, but you dont have to support it.

Answer 4

Sad but true you no longer have to be talented to be a famous performer. Notice I did not say musician or singer. Marketability is the key now. Unfortunately record companies have very low opinions of the public as well. They know they can put out garbage that is easy to create in a studio and still make $$$$. The artform is not appreciated by the business that will choke out any real competition.

Answer 5

Things aren't what they used to be. Society has changed and when it comes to entertainment skill is one of the least important things now. Looking back at days gone by, Ray Charles for example, if he were an up and coming musician today he wouldn't make it. I know exactly what you mean and it sure as hell isn't fair to the hardworking talents trying to make it today. All I ahve to say to them is to keep trying and hopefully you'll someday see your name up in lights.

Answer 6

because the world sucks and pots of gold are not at the ends of rainbows. the stupid ppl that make up the Majority decide the mainstream and talent doesnt really matter to these ppl only looks and money

Answer 7

I agree with you, but let's face it, looks and image sells more and that's what the record companies look for. Just look at the Beatles, George was a helluva better guitar player than Paul, but who got more babes and press and attention? Pretty-boy Paul.

Answer 8

It's about making record companies money. Talent doesn't even factor into the equation any more.

Answer 9

Lack of mainstream audience and exposure.

Answer 10

Artists are suppost to suffer. Thats all I got guy sorry.