Why I Think Rock Music Isn't As Dominant As It Once Was.

[Alex]

There are arguably several reasons why rock music isn't the dominant genre it once was and here are mine. Agree, disagree and debate.

1. Not much innovation

Many rock bands nowadays don't seem to do much in the way of innovating, they'll generally copy and paste what a previous band has done. Yes this has been happening for decades before but it seems to be happening quite a lot more in the past few years. Thats not to say any of the bands are bad, its just its harder for them to stand out in the crowd.

2. Being Safe

This can sort of be related to the first point but to me the majority of the new rock bands don't have any teeth per se. Bands like Nickleback are the definition of safe. They don't seem to talk about anything risque as far as I know.

3. Rock Fans Bitch To Much

This is the major point that I have an issue with. Rock fans bitch about other bands way to much. If you don't like a band fair enough, let people who do enjoy them, don't go on a fucking rampage denouncing them for whatever reason.

It seems internet has made people a lot more close minded. I was talking to a guy I know who said there are certain bands he doesn't like but he might like aspects of what they do and would understand why some poeple would like them and he would talk about what he didn't like without bashing them.

 

[lenguy]

It's such a sad thing really,Rock music is definitely on the back burner. Taking a back seat to more mainstream pop,R&B and Hip Hop genres. While the genre is in a slump of sorts,Rock music plain and simple is far to stubborn to die.

I love Rock,all rock,any rock. Metal,Alternative,Punk,Grunge,you name it. The genre and all of its sub-genres are by far my most preferred type of listening music. I don't listen to much else. Not that I hate all other genres...its just not my taste really. I grew up on Rock,the first music I listen to were bands like the Guess Who,The Eagles and the Beatles. My dad use to have these types of bands playing in the truck all the time. So it was literally the music I grew up listening to. That is why it pains me to see the condition rock music is in now these days.

Not much innovation/Being Safe

I tend to agree with this notion. Few too little bands out there are willing to experiment with different sounds. Its like they don't even attempt to set themselves apart from the whole scene of overabundance rock bands around. It seems everyone is trying to follow the Nickelback formula. Trying to break into mainstream soon and stay that way. In a way I don't blame a lot of those bands,it seems to be the only way to garner any type of success.

Then again,there has to be a line drawn somewhere. I'm always seeking out new music,new bands,always. I'm constantly browsing ITunes,previewing songs or just song hopping on Youtube,trying to find my new flavor of the month. Though for almost all the bands I just get a sense of deja'vu. Like,hm where have I heard this before,or this riff sounds awfully familiar. Even a lot of the singers sound like the same generic douche. Nobody brings anything unique to the table,its all the same sound. Bands need to jump out of their safety nets every once in awhile and try something different,it couldn't hurt.

Rock Fans Bitch To Much

Oh god,isn't this a fact among facts. Rock fans are the most finicky and fussy people on the face on the earth. Ether a band sucks because they changed or the suck because they refuse to change. Like make up your mind people,you cant have it both ways!

Then as you pointed out already Alex,people can't seem to grasp the notion that other people would like a certain band. People will go out of their way to badmouth your favorite group simply because its not what they like,Youtube is especially bad for this. It is so juvenile,its like saying my toy is better than your toy. Nobody should care,there is a huge variety of bands out there,enough to go around. Of course not everybody is going to like your favorite band but there is not need to be a smug and obnoxious nutsack about it. It really grinds my gears....

Rock fans are passionate people,its why the genre still even exists. We just refuse to let it die. Even if we have to let in all the mainstream "cooperate" trash in just to keep it alive. Rock music may not have to focus that it once had these days but its not going anywhere.

 

[AndThat'sTheBottomLine]

I have to agree with both of your points.

Innovation/Being safe
It's like the creativity is gone out of rock now. There's a group called My Darkest Days that debut a couple of years ago and they sound just like Nickelback. They all sound so generic now. What happened to bands like Metallica and Disturbed that create their own sound and make it their own.

Rock Fans
Rock fans do have a tendacy to be bitchy. My dad unfortunately is one of these people. He hates every band except for the ones that he's used to and always complains that there's nothing new but he won't try to listen to anything new. I like to look for new stuff and listen to stuff I've never heard before. If only all Rock fans were like that but Rock fans are the most devoted type of fans which is the reason why the genre is still around. Thank God because I couldn't listen to any other type of music.

 

[HailTheGillberg]

There have been some very valid points made on this topic. To go along with all of them, I will make a point that I believe is very important.

Financial Instability

Now, I can probably guess what the lot of you are thinking: There is no way an entertainment industry such as music can be in a financial pickle! The truth is, the industry is down 60 percent from its peak (it's at the lowest it's ever been). Due to this problem, record label execs can't afford nearly as many artists, and the ones that they can afford are signed in hopes of bringing the money back that they need to stay in business. This has lead to two things...

1) There is little variation in musical sound and style, simply because the record companies know what kind of music is the most profitable and banking on that kind of music for that profit.

2) Talented artists and bands that have a unique sound (who probably would have been signed had the industry still been in good shape) are being passed over in favor of artists and bands that are the most marketable to the target audience (which, I had to say it, is mostly pre-teens and young teenagers).

Until the major labels are in better financial shape (which is looking less and less likely, since a lot of musicians now are going the independent route), the bland music that is aired on Top 40 radio is likely here to stay.

 

[Fugazi]

I agree. Rock music these days is either moany whiney radiohead like alternative shit(when radiohead does it its good, but not when everyone tries to copy it with 1/5th the effort) and just your average "hard rock" shit. I hate to sound like a hipster but mainstream rock is absolutely awful. I mean the 90's were pretty great with STP, Bush, Rage, Soundgarden and others, but since the 00's rolled in we've got nothing but generic sounding rock bands that are literally copies of each other. The music they play isn't even like, memorable at all. It truly baffles me that people turn on a rock radio station and think its good music. Makes me hella sad.

 

[Police Penis Sucking Goat Fucker]

Radio rock music sucks there’s no balls no creativity there’s just nothing to it all the bands sound the same there all slow and boring and doesn't give you that same feeling you get when your listeing to bands like The Doors The Who and CCR. Bands like Linkin Park, Staind, Hoobastank, Nickelback, Creed, Godsmack, and the rest of the garbage out there. Those bands aren't innovating anything they have no balls they are all just shitty garbage that all sound exactly the same I can't stand listening to the radio

 

[Nickelback_rules]

Nickleback is doing a great and fantastic job with Rock N Roll baby. I play it on my crank system everyday, when me and the guys do burnouts on my front lawn...that Rockstar song, that gets me going everytime buddy, like woah..that is just amazing. I even cry sometimes because of how good that stuff is!

Creed are probably my second favourite band ever, they rock my socks off man!

 

[Police Penis Sucking Goat Fucker]

Today’s music is controlled by producers who don't know anything about what real music they just shove this over played garbage down our throats. You can't call that type of music art all its just mass produced crap that all sounds the same Fuck Nickelback them and Creed are probably the top two worst bands ever and a quick response to my negative rep from who ever that was not important enough to remember who they are but only tool bags listen to radio rock

 

[Remy LaCroix]

1. Not much innovation

Many rock bands nowadays don't seem to do much in the way of innovating, they'll generally copy and paste what a previous band has done. Yes this has been happening for decades before but it seems to be happening quite a lot more in the past few years. Thats not to say any of the bands are bad, its just its harder for them to stand out in the crowd.

Every year bands release generic shit to make a quick buck, look no further than the abomination of a genre called deathcore (it's not rock, but my point still stands.) One thing that irks me about your post is the "innovating" part: maybe a band in bumfuck Illinois did something different but it didn't catch on and it remained underground. I stopped listening to commercial radio on a daily basis many years ago when I learned how to use the Internet to discover new and much better music.

2. Being Safe

This can sort of be related to the first point but to me the majority of the new rock bands don't have any teeth per se. Bands like Nickleback are the definition of safe. They don't seem to talk about anything risque as far as I know.

Nickleback is just modern pop rock music for the masses. Always has been, always will be. They make a lot money creating the same ol' "safe" music, so why would they experiment and risk alienating some of their fan base and lose media exposure? Since they're mainstream it'll be difficult for some of their moronic fans (I'm not calling all their fans moronic, just the ones who fall under #3 of your list) to accept the change in music. You're asking a bit too much from a band that is cashing in on a winning formula.

3. Rock Fans Bitch To Much

This is the major point that I have an issue with. Rock fans bitch about other bands way to much. If you don't like a band fair enough, let people who do enjoy them, don't go on a fucking rampage denouncing them for whatever reason.

Ummm, this one is a bit out of place on your list. Most rock/metal fans (die hard fans) act like they're still in high school and never grew up, IMO. The same can be said about fans of other music genres.

 

[Remy LaCroix]

Nickleback is doing a great and fantastic job with Rock N Roll baby. I play it on my crank system everyday, when me and the guys do burnouts on my front lawn...that Rockstar song, that gets me going everytime buddy, like woah..that is just amazing. I even cry sometimes because of how good that stuff is!

Creed are probably my second favourite band ever, they rock my socks off man!

Can't tell if trolling or mainstream music sheep...

I can't remember the name of the song, but I think it was one or two songs before Rockstar on the track listing. I liked it before it became a single. It has a piano and the lyrics read if everyone cared or something along those lines, it's been so long so I don't remember anymore. I thought the song would make a great track in a movie. That was during my final months as a mainstream music sheep.

There have been some very valid points made on this topic. To go along with all of them, I will make a point that I believe is very important.

Financial Instability

Now, I can probably guess what the lot of you are thinking: There is no way an entertainment industry such as music can be in a financial pickle! The truth is, the industry is down 60 percent from its peak (it's at the lowest it's ever been). Due to this problem, record label execs can't afford nearly as many artists, and the ones that they can afford are signed in hopes of bringing the money back that they need to stay in business. This has lead to two things...

1) There is little variation in musical sound and style, simply because the record companies know what kind of music is the most profitable and banking on that kind of music for that profit.

2) Talented artists and bands that have a unique sound (who probably would have been signed had the industry still been in good shape) are being passed over in favor of artists and bands that are the most marketable to the target audience (which, I had to say it, is mostly pre-teens and young teenagers).

Until the major labels are in better financial shape (which is looking less and less likely, since a lot of musicians now are going the independent route), the bland music that is aired on Top 40 radio is likely here to stay.

Or, OR... People can stop listening to commercial mainstream music and listen to local college radio stations or online radio. People need to start using the internet to discover music on their own; in this age of technology we have a plethora of media to have our voice/music/whatever heard. Hell, I was only fourteen when I discovered the potential of music on the Internet. Great post nonetheless.

 

[Remy LaCroix]

Today’s music is controlled by producers who don't know anything about what real music they just shove this over played garbage down our throats.

You can't really blame them, it's their job to make cash off music that will appeal to the masses. It's a big risk for them to try something different unless they're certain it'll be a hit. You'd do the same if you were in their shoes.

You can't call that type of music art all its just mass produced crap that all sounds the same

Music, no matter how it sounds, is still art. You would know this if you were a musician, so you have no ground to stand on with this bullshit, you moron.

Fuck Nickelback them and Creed are probably the top two worst bands ever and a quick response to my negative rep from who ever that was not important enough to remember who they are but only tool bags listen to radio rock

You're (somewhat) right about one thing: tools listen to radio rock because it's more accessible to people. There are tools everywhere and they're typically ignorant to everything around them. When they gather with others who have similar tastes, whether in person or the Internet, they'll more than likely be the idiots who talk shit about "fakes", "poseurs", etc.

Radio rock music sucks there’s no balls no creativity there’s just nothing to it all the bands sound the same

They don't all sound the same, but they follow a simple formula. Intro, verse, chorus, breakdown/verse, chorus, breakdown/solo, chorus. You can only do so much to make music catchy enough for sheep to buy.

there all slow and boring and doesn't give you that same feeling you get when your listeing to bands like The Doors The Who and CCR.

Slow and boring? Bitch, you're comparing older popular rock to modern rock. You have no idea what you're talking about.

Bands like Linkin Park, Staind, Hoobastank, Nickelback, Creed, Godsmack, and the rest of the garbage out there.

Have you actually listened to Linkin Park before? Don't give me any of that singles crap. I can't speak for the rest of the bands except for that one Nickelback album.

Those bands aren't innovating anything they have no balls they are all just shitty garbage that all sound exactly the same I can't stand listening to the radio

Then quit listening to mainstream radio. If you want I can send you a PM with plenty of sources for music. Please, for the love of all that is holy, MAKE A CHANGE... KILL YOURSELF ...that's a band in case it went over your head. Go check 'em out.

Has anyone reminded you recently that you're a moron?

 

[Alex]

Ummm, this one is a bit out of place on your list. Most rock/metal fans (die hard fans) act like they're still in high school and never grew up, IMO. The same can be said about fans of other music genres.

I do agree most fans of any form of music bitch about other genres as well as artists in their own prefered genre but I feel rock /metal fans take this to another level,they bitch about the smallest things I find.

For example Black Veil Brides a band that has been gathering some steam recently (and a band I actually like) seem to be ridiculed for their appearance by certain rock fans

Spoiler

Yes they look like the bastard children of KISS and Motley Crue, but thats the idea, it's their stage attire. Not to mention musically they are very good, the singer can actually sing, the guitarists are by far some of the best new ones and I find their drummer's insane.

Spoiler

[YOUTUBE]Rl-_ZmNCOvo&ob=av2e[/YOUTUBE]

Because they don't remind certain rock fans of their favourite hardcore metal band these particular fans always bitch about it (on news articles etc) and bitch about their fans as well. I get not liking something (there's loads of stuff I don't like) but just ignore it and move on.

I feel because of this certain people who might want to listen to a particular band don't, because they feel they'll be ridiculed by their peers.

 

[ABMorales787]

I agree about Rock being on the floor. But I hardly doubt it's because of fans. I'd say it's more about lack of innovation and emphasis from radio and labels. Are there any major noted rock bands other than Linkin Park getting mass appeal? Korn? Their last album was OK, but not something most people really notice. Limp Bizkit also pretty much skids under the radar with their latest work.

The deal with Linkin Park that they've been able to adapt to a style that taps into the tastes of current mainstream appeal. Most other bands do it in either small amounts that make it seem like they're going for a cheap sell-out trick or just can't adapt properly. You do have bands like Metallica and Disturbed who can stay the same and still get their appeal, but it's still a small amount of successful rock music. Maybe it's the times due to the music business putting more emphasis on unique sounds and effect rather than instrumental performance and hard lyrics.

 

[Slyfox696]

I keep seeing people blame the music bands, I see people blaming the labels...what really needs to be blamed is the lack of taste by fans. I'm not talking about bitching (like someone else did), I'm talking about serious taste in music.

Too many people today don't care about quality of music. They want music they can dance to or music with cheap hooks. They're willing to substitute vulgarity and easy lyrics over songs with lyrics that were written with quality. Finally, listeners today don't demand their rockers have any musical ability. If they can pick up a guitar, work out a few rifts, then people are accepting of them.

Rock is dying, because the quality died a long time ago. That's why I'm excited for Tool to release their next album, because they usually put out quality music, not just music that will make a cheap and easy buck.

 

[Starcaller_Nasath]

I couldn't agree more with you about the lack of taste among music fans today, Slyfox. Though I disagree about Tool, that's a discussion saved for another time/place.

Slyfox is absolutely correct, people have no taste in music these days. That's how you get shit like LMFAO. Vulgarity and cheap hooks you can dance to.

 

[Hollywood Naitch]

I keep seeing people blame the music bands, I see people blaming the labels...what really needs to be blamed is the lack of taste by fans. I'm not talking about bitching (like someone else did), I'm talking about serious taste in music.

Too many people today don't care about quality of music. They want music they can dance to or music with cheap hooks. They're willing to substitute vulgarity and easy lyrics over songs with lyrics that were written with quality. Finally, listeners today don't demand their rockers have any musical ability. If they can pick up a guitar, work out a few rifts, then people are accepting of them.

Rock is dying, because the quality died a long time ago. That's why I'm excited for Tool to release their next album, because they usually put out quality music, not just music that will make a cheap and easy buck.

I agree with you on this Sly, the standard of rock bands has declined so much over the last decade or so, and although the newer fans do tend to appreciate some of the older, more established acts, the majority of the new bands coming through are nowhere near the standard of their predecessors.

Personally, other than a few songs (Vicarious being my favourite), I have never really got Tool. Do you have some recommendations for me as to some of their better tracks?

Also, what other bands would you regard as quality that you would suggest our younger listeners should try?

 

[Lancer]

Too many people today don't care about quality of music. They want music they can dance to or music with cheap hooks. They're willing to substitute vulgarity and easy lyrics over songs with lyrics that were written with quality. Finally, listeners today don't demand their rockers have any musical ability. If they can pick up a guitar, work out a few rifts, then people are accepting of them.

Rock is dying, because the quality died a long time ago. That's why I'm excited for Tool to release their next album, because they usually put out quality music, not just music that will make a cheap and easy buck.

I have to totally agree. I think rock has declined because of Sly's point, and another...

The sudden uprising, or resurgence, of indie/alternative music into the mainstream, and at the same time infiltrating the rock scene. I can't even check the Rock section of Zune Marketplace (not the ideal place but I still go there) without seeing Fiona Apple or Alanis Morrisette's new albums listed there.

I have seen enough people's musical tastes to formulate this opinion: People are more inclined to listen to garbage like LMFAO or anything along those lines...or the alternative music scene. Pretty much those two choices. So many listeners, including some of my close friends to my dismay, have gravitated towards focusing on those two choices and nothing else.

I for one, cannot understand the appeal of the mainstream pop garbage (LMFAO, Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, etc.), and I also have trouble fathoming the appeal of the indie/alternative scene either. Perhaps I'm biased. And yes, there are many cookie-cutter "poppy" bands in rock. I'm not denying that. But I think a lot of indie and alternative sounds the same. Upbeat or downtrodden lyrics matched up to a quirky, catchy rhythm.

And I haven't listened to a broad spread of pop or alternative, nor do I intend to. That's my opinion on it, just as much as the same can be said about rock. My point is that those two or three genres appeal to more people, contributing to rock taking a backseat.

 

[Alex]

I have to totally agree. I think rock has declined because of Sly's point, and another...

The sudden uprising, or resurgence, of indie/alternative music into the mainstream, and at the same time infiltrating the rock scene. I can't even check the Rock section of Zune Marketplace (not the ideal place but I still go there) without seeing Fiona Apple or Alanis Morrisette's new albums listed there.

I have seen enough people's musical tastes to formulate this opinion: People are more inclined to listen to garbage like LMFAO or anything along those lines...or the alternative music scene. Pretty much those two choices. So many listeners, including some of my close friends to my dismay, have gravitated towards focusing on those two choices and nothing else.

I for one, cannot understand the appeal of the mainstream pop garbage (LMFAO, Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, etc.), and I also have trouble fathoming the appeal of the indie/alternative scene either. Perhaps I'm biased. And yes, there are many cookie-cutter "poppy" bands in rock. I'm not denying that. But I think a lot of indie and alternative sounds the same. Upbeat or downtrodden lyrics matched up to a quirky, catchy rhythm.

And I haven't listened to a broad spread of pop or alternative, nor do I intend to. That's my opinion on it, just as much as the same can be said about rock. My point is that those two or three genres appeal to more people, contributing to rock taking a backseat.

It does seem when people say rock they think of pop rock (bit of an oxymoron if you ask me) and indie bands. And the trouble with those bands is they do sound all the same. Heck living in Britain I have to listen to the NME crowd (I'm just calling them that) go on about The Horrors or The Arctic Monkeys etc. I personally think they all sound the same musically and lyrically. It doesn't help that metalcore seems to be where the heavy stuff is as and while their lyrics are technically better in my view the delivery (especially the vocals) suck and the music is very similar also.

It doesn't help that we seem to be living in a time where something different is generally met with little to no response (good or bad)

 

[TWJC: The Beginning]

Rock music is at it's peak when it sounds more like pop. 80s hair bands were very pop. Sex, drugs, parties.

In the early 90s that was a weird time because it was cool to be counter culture, but then again, if the counter culture is what's cool, then that makes it pop.

I think that Rock has just run its course. There are only so many noises and sounds you can make. Now people like godawful Dubstep.

I think that there are two kinds of music listeners. Music hearers, and music listeners. Music hearers just want something to dance or bob their heads to. Listeners want their life changed by it. I think rock isn't as popular because less music hearers are listening to it. Rock doesn't have the heavy beats of pop rap or dubstep and isn't as easy on the ears as pop.

I think rap has really declined a lot too honestly. At least, actual rap.

 

[Entertain The Exodus]

People thesedays are easily distracted and dont want to think. Overly produced pop garbage thats so autotuned theres not even a fragment of a human voice left is easy to make and easy to sell. Just take any random skank give her a boob job tell her to shake her ass and voila you have the next Katy Perry. Easy money, cant blame them really.

Real music, played by musicians with talent is really an underground thing thesedays, you have to look for it.

 

[TWJC: The Beginning]

People thesedays are easily distracted and dont want to think. Overly produced pop garbage thats so autotuned theres not even a fragment of a human voice left is easy to make and easy to sell. Just take any random skank give her a boob job tell her to shake her ass and voila you have the next Katy Perry. Easy money, cant blame them really.

Real music, played by musicians with talent is really an underground thing thesedays, you have to look for it.

You don't even need a person anymore. Just create one like the Japanese did with the same hologram techniques used to create TuPac.

 

[Entertain The Exodus]

Holgram popstars does seem like the future, all the money made goes straight to the record caompany dont have to pay any young starlet desperate for fame.