John Mellencamp: On The State Of The Music Business

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If you are a music fan, like me, you know that it's about more than entertainment.  Sometimes music is an expression of our mood.  Sometimes it's thought-provoking and profound; other times it's just a whole lot of fun.  But it's always something visceral, that touches us deep inside... Or at least it's supposed to! 

John Mellencamp shares our feelings and, obviously, has an insider's perspective to share.  I stumbled upon this Op-Ed piece he wrote last month, and I found it fascinating.  He laments the rise of the business, and the decline of the music, in the music business.  While I don't agree with everything he says (I do hold our celebrity artists accountable for their behavior as members of our society), he says so much that is so right-on!  And he also reminds us why music is so special.  He says of the current state of music: "...There is no time for the music to develop in a natural way that we can all embrace when it ripens and matures. That's why the general public doesn't really care. It's not that the people don't still love music; of course they do. It's just the way it is presented to them that ignores their humanity".  He reminds me that music as an art-form does what all great art does... It reflects our humanity.

I'd love to know what you think of John Mellencamp's comments.  Click the link below to read the entire piece.  It is a little long, but very worth it. 

On My Mind: The State of the Music Business by John Mellencamp

And to you, Johnny Cougar: Keep Rockin'!

Scott.