Impact of Technology on Music

[Slothy]

Unfortunately it's done alot to damage it. Technology has made Music less of an art and more of a science. The brain has grown tremendously but its heart has diminished. Back when all you had was an 8-track recorder you had to put your all into it to make sure each track was utilized the best it can. Now with protools it's alot easier to make music, and when it requires less effort you don't put as much heart into it.

I disagree completely. Technology has made the tools to make great sounding music more widely available, but by no means has it necessarily become easier. An artist still has to spend a lot of time writing and arranging a song, messing with settings on every instrument and mixer to get it just right. It takes some skill and a good ear. If anything, much of what new technology offers can make things harder. For example, if you're using some synths in a program, it's great to have hundreds, if not, thousands of sound options, but try finding the perfect one to fit what's in your head. It can be a challenge. Some things may have been made easier, but in the face of more options for tweaking a song comes one heck of a challenge.

If the drive and the desire to create good music is there, then it will show. People who don't have the drive and dedication just won't make interesting music, regardless of how "easy" technology makes it.

PS: Just listened to MSI's version of Tom Sawyer. It doesn't even come close to the original. I think I'll go listen to the original just so I can cleanse my musical pallette of that atrocity actually.

[Rengori]

Music television channels and the Internet simply didn't exist until relatively recently (20 years or so for music channels?).

MTV and VH1 stopped being relevant with Madonna and Micheal Jackson.

Wouldn't know, I don't bother with them, but they're still a considerable force in presenting music to an audience.

Music videos don't even start anymore until like midnight.

[daggertrepe]

I think technology is great for music as long as they don't "computer" any of the songs. These lazy asses can't get up and play a real instrument.

[Bolivar]

Unfortunately it's done alot to damage it. Technology has made Music less of an art and more of a science. The brain has grown tremendously but its heart has diminished. Back when all you had was an 8-track recorder you had to put your all into it to make sure each track was utilized the best it can. Now with protools it's alot easier to make music, and when it requires less effort you don't put as much heart into it.

I disagree completely. Technology has made the tools to make great sounding music more widely available, but by no means has it necessarily become easier. An artist still has to spend a lot of time writing and arranging a song, messing with settings on every instrument and mixer to get it just right. It takes some skill and a good ear. If anything, much of what new technology offers can make things harder. For example, if you're using some synths in a program, it's great to have hundreds, if not, thousands of sound options, but try finding the perfect one to fit what's in your head. It can be a challenge. Some things may have been made easier, but in the face of more options for tweaking a song comes one heck of a challenge.

If the drive and the desire to create good music is there, then it will show. People who don't have the drive and dedication just won't make interesting music, regardless of how "easy" technology makes it.

PS: Just listened to MSI's version of Tom Sawyer. It doesn't even come close to the original. I think I'll go listen to the original just so I can cleanse my musical pallette of that atrocity actually.

How can you disagree completely when you cede that "some things may have been made easier..."? Not calling you out, just seems a little awkward...

Also, you're right that the unlimited availability of different synthesizers and other instruments has made things alot harder to pick the right one. However, you're overlooking the fact that the average A&R/Producer doesn't give a about that and you can constantly hear the same instruments (and uses of them) being used in pop music.

Plus, the fact that technology, combined with our market-culture, has made things able to be made easier and faster, you're absolutely wrong - artists do not spend alot of time writing and arranging songs. If anything it has caused stricter time restraints on recording sessions and more specific alottment of record company advances.

Please do not misunderstand me - I am not saying there aren't great artists today who spend a great deal of time trying to create amazing music. I think you completely ignored my first statement about how it has helped music, and I suggest you read an entire post rather than skimming for points (you think) you disagree with. My entire point is that technology, as a side effect, has allowed an already atrocious and artistically indifferent music industry to become that much worse.

Like I said, I'm just trying to point out that there is no one answer to this debate - technology has had both positive and negative implications on music. And I'll be the first to agree that it has allowed some great musicians to make music that just would not have been possible 50 years ago.

[Madame Adequate]

I think technology is great for music as long as they don't "computer" any of the songs. These lazy asses can't get up and play a real instrument.

That's a nonsensical stance to take. Lazy?

Okay. Go here: FL Studio Homepage Download FL Studio, learn to use it in a manner which is proficient and can put out good music.

There, that was easy, wasn't i... oh no wait, it was actually kind of difficult, if you did anything more than four tracks repeating with the occasional soundbite.

Not playing an instrument does not mean no/less effort is made. It means, merely, that the effort must go somewhere else.

Edit: Bolivar - Not to call you out too harshly, seeing as you're freely admitting that technology has had plenty of good effects on the music industry, but I would suggest that if people are willing to buy unoriginal/poorly made/etc. music, then that's their business and it is apparently not as bad as we seem to think. If it sells, in short, it is good by the only remotely objective measure we've got.

[CloudDragon]

Technology made possible through computers has helped to expand the music industry I believe. I've seen music made through computers and the effects have been extraordinary!