The New Dinosaurs

In the realm of music there is a definite trend emerging; a movement toward a more "natural" presentation. The advent of cheap, high-quality video gear, practical software and nearly free distribution on the internet allows almost anyone to express themselves to a world-wide audience. At the same time YouTube is removing copyrighted work from major labels, it is being overrun by indie or unsigned acts- many of them as good as the signed "artists" and most of them far more authentic. It is hard to be true to yourself when you are supporting armies of lawyers, accountants and executives.

The French videographer Vincent Moon has been building an archive of what he calls "take away concerts." They are shot live, sometimes in one take, and often in the street or other public locations. This is the forerunner of the future of music performance: a wide-open format where singers and musicians will be able to communicate directly to their audience and where a virtual concert can take place anytime, anywhere, and always be available. No wonder the record companies are running scared- they are the new dinosaurs, on the verge of extinction (running in fear from four teen-age girls, perhaps?) How anyone will make any money in this new business model is a topic open for speculation; of course very few people made money working for record labels either. Perhaps the lack of the corrupting influence of money in music will ultimately end up being a good thing.

Or is this whole post just an excuse to run another picture of Pascal Pinon?

Image: Vincent Moon