Inspired by an artist and how music continues to evolve

Hello friends, I’d like to start by apologizing for the lack of a column last week, I got hit by the flu bug pretty hard. ‘Tis the season!

The last two weeks have been interesting, to say the least. I met a young artist from North Carolina named Jaac, and he is incredibly talented. He’s a senior in high school, with a promising future ahead of him. While talking I asked him what inspired him to pursue a career in music.

“Seeing J.Cole’s movement inspired me, and knowing he’s from North Carolina proves I can do it too,” he said.

This statement along with the influence of his father have made him a hit in his hometown, and virally on the web. It’s nice watching people succeed, especially when it gets yourself motivated to do the same. When asked to address the naysayers and critics the 17 year old said something that shocked me. He THANKED them for doing their thing, and pushing him harder. That’s true dedication to your craft. I wish you the best my friend, make it big!

The industry of music has changed drastically in the past decade. With the influences of technology such as iPods, YouTube and online radio stations, physical sales have dropped. This means it is ultimately cheaper to produce music at a time when the industry is booming. I mean, let’s be real here, the best-selling album of 2014 was the Frozen Soundtrack… what is happening to music? Ninty-two-percent of the global revenue is made from physical and digital sales, while 6% is made from performance rights. These numbers are far different from the numbers of 1988.

You used to have to be extremely gifted musically to make the big stage. Times have changed, big time. Gone are the days where one man does everything himself, in come the days of teams mass producing sound. To each their own, but I would much rather appreciate some live music, rather than synthesized beat mashing. I am a fan of both, but the genuine human touch on a brass instrument is impossible to beat. I’m sure that comes from growing up listening to such a talented pep band throughout my school days.

Be proud of the things you create, the world is full of people looking for the next big thing, and you never know if it could be you.

Have a great week Malta,

B