Mike Vera –
In the vast ocean of sound that is today’s music scene, a notable shift is underway, melody appears to have been overthrown. Instead, melody has taken a backseat to trendy vibes and sonic aesthetics amidst the social whirlwind of instant likes, viral sensations, and the pursuit of relevance. This begs the critical question: is melody now an endangered species in the musical wilds?
It’s no secret that the music landscape always evolves with cultural shifts and technological advancements. It cannot be denied that music-making has never been more convenient and accessible than right now – and I’m all for that. As a result, such convenience has led to a surge in music releases, with streaming platforms adding over 100K new songs per day and counting. It makes me smile to know that today’s aspiring artists, armed with just a laptop, can create world-stopping hits without ever leaving their bedroom. And so, it would simply be impractical not to embrace the convenience and accessibility modern tech affords us. Democratizing music production is a remarkable thing, but as of late, slick sounds and polished productions have taken more precedence over song-craft. Thing is, stately put: having the best production has never guaranteed the best songs. Were that the case, then we might as well judge our meals by the silverware they’re served on.
Nevertheless, I refuse to jump to conclusions or point fingers with melodramatic scorn. As is the case for any generation, “the new sound” is always a product of its time, and today’s sound inevitably reflects the fast-paced, trend-driven nature of our digital age. Nowadays, musicians and producers are under tremendous pressure and impatient demand to churn out hits faster than you can say “viral”. As a result, many continue to sideline melody as a far-off afterthought, opting for bite-sized hooks which, like fast-food, can feel good in the moment, but later leaves a regrettable feeling in your gut.
We’ve been so caught up with wrapping our music with glossy production that we’ve neglected the foundational elements that make music an inherent form of expression. Ever since cavemen banged rocks together while grunting around a fire, music has always revolved around two core aspects: melody and rhythm. These two elements have been the key cornerstones of musical expression long before the dawn of streaming services, ritzy studios, and for that matter, musical instruments. Melody is what lingers in our minds long after the song ends. Melody is what our lips carry as we whistle our way out of the concert. Oh, but who needs a memorable melody when you’ve got a brain-melting bass drop, right? Wrong. There comes a point in modern music production where substance is sacrificed for spectacle, a flash of sonic fireworks that fizzle out as quickly as they ignite.
Artists and producers alike must remember that melody is not a relic of the past but a fundamental element in the endurance and magic of music. Think back to the classics, those timeless tunes that have etched themselves into the annals of musical history. The Beatles, anyone? How about Beethoven? Mozart, even? Of course, there will be those who’ll accuse me of romanticizing the past, insisting that my stance rests upon the high hill of nostalgia. And to those folks I only ask they refer to recent TV shows like The Boys and movies like Guardians of the Galaxy, and you’ll notice the constant playing of more melody-driven songs from prior generations. Only time shall tell if the same will be true for the music being made today.
So, as we rightfully celebrate the accessibility of music-making tools, we must remember that these wonderful resources are intended to assist songwriting, not to replace it. From indie darlings to established icons, melody makers remind us that great music is more than just a passing trend. A good melody is like a fine wine, getting only better with time; plus, it can always be paired with a modern meal. Certain sounds, be it disco, synth, or lo-fi may come and go with the times, but a good melody never goes out of style.
About Auktave
Auktave Music Group is a world-class promoter of established and new rising artists in the Music and Film industries. Auktave represents & promotes today’s singer-songwriters, actors, musicians and artists through a modern ecosystem of creative services & promotional channels to shine a light on new talents. For more about Auktave, please visit https://www.auktave.com
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