What's within our control anymore?

This is never a fair world. We all know it.

And as the world becomes ever more linked up into what we know as globalization and commercialisation, each and everyone of us are often left beyond control of our own fates.

As it is in any business, the music business has its very share of such market forces.

Music as an entity on its own, probably ceased to exist very long ago, but even more so now. It is no longer simply a form of expression, nor a source of entertainment and leisure. It is, as the word 'business' suggests, a money making venture... and a ricebowl to a large number of people fighting for an ever shrinking meagre slice of pie.

Criticise those in the music business as much as we may, but aren't all of us just out to earn a living? These people are simply there.. trying their very best to strike a balance between what they love to do and having to feed themselves. But once again, never underestimate the power of market forces. It takes more than 1 individual or a few individuals to change an entire industry and the way the market functions.

I remember being asked before, if one day I had the opportunity to sell my song to an artiste... who happens to be an artiste I dislike... would I sell my song or stick to my stubborn unworthy principles?

The answer is simple. I would. Would you?

Call me shallow or without principles. You can despise me for not sticking to what I believe in but it is just how you gotta go with the ways of the industry because the industry is already as small as it is. Offend one person, and you never know who else you offend along the way.. because it is true, that everyone does know everybody else.

I am saying all these because we are continuously faced with more and more debates about Mayday being packaged as a boyband and how their music has 'changed' since their 1st album.

As much as I do not like this idea myself, nor an emphasis being given to their looks, I cannot deny the importance of packaging in the 21st century music industry.

In the 60s and 70s, what you needed was a golden voice that can stand alone without music and perform live with perfection. Looks were secondary and artistes didn't really require a flamboyant personality or great moves.

In the 90s, the market called for artistes to be better looking and packaging set in... but music was still alot at the forefront of it all. At least from my memory, there wasn't really any very striking artiste who only looked good but couldn't sing.

How quickly time and trends change as we reached the 21st century. From what I see, packaging and marketing seems to have overtaken the importance of music. And I definitely frown to hear songs blast over the radio or in stores, sung by artistes who have stunning appearances but can't hold their note well. Examples of these are everywhere... I will not list them out here but I'm sure all of you have quite a number of them in your minds.

Lets now take the perspective of the Record company... you took a risk by signing on an artiste, putting in tens of thousands into recording a good album, marketing and promoting him/her then you've not only gotta feed yourself, but you've got to feed your company. The greatest responsibility now lies in the artiste to be able to sell well of course.

And the best direct solution that the present market calls for, is definitely packaging.
Unfortunately, music does have to take a back seat for now at the way the industry is going.

I believe, this is the case for Mayday as well.
If a large group of people are depending on your albums to sell well, you would have the pressure to do as you are told too. What's more, they (mayday) are such good hearted people who treasure friendships and know not to bite the hand that feeds them.

As I told SH, I will never look down on them for appearing 'boy-bandish' but I will look down on them if they ever lose their true natures - the humble people that they are, and all they want to do, is to touch the world with their music.

This is something that I know, I want to learn from them.
And so long as they never lose sight of the fact that music is meant to touch people, I will always respect them with my whole heart.

Even if 20% of the fans out there are more concerned about their appearance, I'm sure they are consoled that there's still 80% who look below the surface and feel the true essence of their music.. and be truly touched and inspired by their music.

Just as I have been inspired myself :)