Proof cross-genre can work

[Bob Olhsson]

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/26/arts/music/26leed.html?ex=1165208400&en=c924e77895929339&ei=5070&emc=eta1

[nobby]

Worth repeating:

Even during the ascent of Britney Spears and the Backstreet Boys in the late 1990s, when teen sensations were getting all the attention, consumers 45 and older were the industry’s biggest market, according to survey data compiled by the Recording Industry Association of America. The gap has only widened since then. Last year fans 45 and older accounted for 25.5 percent of sales, while older teenagers (a group more prone to music piracy) represented less than 12 percent.

Some folks in the industry seem to be slow in recognizing this trend... either that or they're not sure how to respond.

Paradigms seem to take a long time to shift among certain people.

[Bob Olhsson]

The challenge is that as we get older, we have a larger number of people who we admire combined with a diminishing amount of time available to spend as fans.

[nomad]

The challenge is that as we get older, we have a larger number of people who we admire combined with a diminishing amount of time available to spend as fans.


Bob, not to be argumentative, but I've found that the older I get, the shorter the list becomes of people and artists whom I 'admire', per se. I've become far more selective and less prone to putting mere mortals on any sort of pedestal. And sadly, it seems the more I learn about so many I once admired, the less I admire them.

Fortunately, this doesn't negate my appreciation of great music, regardless of how flawed the individual(s) may have been who created it. But in terms of being a true FAN, and the devotion which that term implies, it has certainly had the effect of thinning the list for me personally.

The one upside of this is that regarding those I do still admire, I admire them that much more for the fact that they still manage to pass the litmus test.

If you find yourself truly admiring a growing number of people and artists as time passes, then I have to say that I envy you that.

[shikawkee]

I too have gotten to the point that truly there are waaaaay too many artists I admire than I'm able to keep up with.

Then again, I'm, open to lots of new music. And though I'd say that generally speaking the music scene as a whole isn't as vital or talented as it was many years ago (maybe there's TOO MUCH talent?) I still find gems every once and a while.

I just wish I had the funds to keep up!
Maybe that's why fan relations are more important than ever.
Keep 'em happy and coming back. There's lots of competition.