Who Stole The Soul and Blues?

Oh, where oh where have all the soulful crooners and downtrodden songwriters gone? It seems like the music world has taken a slight detour through a land of synthetic beats and auto-tuned vocals, leaving the rich, emotional essence of soul, blues, and R&B in the dust. Sure, we’ve got a handful of artists trying to keep the flame alive, but to be honest—most of them are more interested in their slick production than in actually playing an instrument. The Weekend? I guess you can slap an R&B label on him, but it feels more like a marketing gimmick than a genuine homage to the genre. But, he is a very talented performer with a great voice. Don't forget that...

Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m all for evolution in music. But when did we decide that a laptop and a catchy hook were enough to replace the raw, gritty sound of a live band? The heart and soul of blues and R&B came from the sweat of musicians jamming together, pouring their lives into every note. Today, it’s all about the glitz and glam, with artists more concerned about their Instagram followers than lyrical authenticity. Sure, there are bands out there trying to break the mold, but they’re like rare Pokémon—hard to find and often overlooked.

So, what’s the verdict? Are we really progressing, or just regressing into a bland musical landscape? It’s like trading a hearty home-cooked meal for a pre-packaged microwave dinner. We’re losing the essence of what made these genres so powerful and moving. Let’s hope that some brave souls pick up their guitars and drums and remind us what true soul, blues, and R&B are all about—because right now, it honestly feels like we’re stuck in a kinda, musical desert, desperately searching for a drop of that sweet, soulful rain.

I'd Love to Compose a Modern Day Opera But...

Watch your wine glasses!

Composing a modern day opera is no easy task. Duh, right? It's like trying to juggle flaming torches while riding a unicycle-over a street with cracks and potholes. You see, opera is not just about beautiful melodies and soaring voices. It's really a very complex art form requiring a delicate balance of music, drama, and storytelling.

First, let's talk about the music itself. Modern day opera composers generally have to navigate a musical landscape which is constantly evolving. There's the obvious need to incorporate a wide range of musical styles, from classical to contemporary, and everything in between. It's like trying to create a gourmet meal using ingredients from every cuisine in the world, but you can't find where anything is and people are hungry. Yelling. So you drop ladles and trip over the broom... 

But it doesn't stop there. Composing a modern day opera also means tackling complex themes and narratives. Gone are them days of simple love stories and tragic heroes. Nowadays, today's operas delve into the depths of human emotions and tackle social and political issues head-on. It's like trying to write a novel, a play, and a screenplay all at once; a chubby literary feat which requires both skill and creativity!

Ultimately, composing a modern day opera is a labor of love and a true test of artistic prowess. It's like climbing Mount Everest or solving a Rubik's Cube...upside down dangling over a pit of flames! A challenge which only the bravest and most talented can conquer! So, the next time you attend an opera (revival or modern day new), take a moment to appreciate the complexities behind the scenes. It's a true masterpiece in the making and a feeling to behold.

Blues and Its Dark Affair With the Music Industry

Hey! Let's dive into the long, dark and gross history between blues musicians and the record labels who took advantage of their talents. It's a story that's as old as time, and boy, does it have some twists and turns. You see, back in the day, blues musicians were like (and still are regarded as) the unsung heroes of the music world. They always poured their hearts and souls into their music, creating these raw, emotional tunes which resonated with people from all walks of life. But here's the kicker: record labels saw dollar signs instead of wholly appreciating the artistry of blues and its history.

These record labels quite simply saw the blues as a cash cow. They would swoop in, sign these talented musicians, and then proceed to exploit them like there was no tomorrow! Contracts were drawn up which were so one-sided, it'd made your head spin and blood boil! These poor blues artists were left with crumbs while the record labels raked in the big bucks. Sure, the exposure was fantastic and the genre itself thrived by the long overdue attention. But, at the end of the day, given many of these artists' financial situations, it is downright cruel to deny them of any revenue for their work. 

But you know what? Despite all the struggles and injustices, the blues never died! It kept on thriving, thanks to the sheer determination and talent of these musicians. It fueled their stories. They may have been taken advantage of, but they never let this stop them from creating music which spoke to the very depths of the human soul.

This disturbing history between blues musicians and record labels is a cautionary tale. It's a reminder the music industry isn't always fair, but it's also a testament to the resilience and power of the blues and its legends. Let's raise a glass of whisky to those unsung heroes who paved the way for generations of musicians to come.