Comments on: End of the Music Superstar Era

By: Panos

Panos — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:08:10 +0000

Christine, you are spot on. What I mean is that music is an even bigger part of our lives than it was in the past. The difference is that we get that music from a significantly larger number of artists than before. Less depth, more breadth.

By: Christine Cochran

Christine Cochran — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:35:24 +0000

No big thing, but I am confused…

I think I know what you mean when you say the “mass market is over.” However, I’m really lost on what you mean by the sentence in the parentheses: “(Music today influences us as a collective force, rather than an individual one.)”

How are you tying in “influence,” “collective force,” and “individual?” I want to understand what you mean by collective force, because to me, that somehow implies, or is close to, the concept of a mass market.

Maybe you mean ONE individual will likely not have that much market reach ever again.

And while I agree that music influences “us,” so too do the marketers behind it!

Ok, thanks!!!

By: Nick Ratliff

Nick Ratliff — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:18:42 +0000

Agree and disagree. American Idol will continue to pump out the traditional pop stars and there will continue to be a huge audience for the most talented singers/dancers. Even if it is not on the scale of Jacko, it’s still a mass market product with huge budgets. I can see an artist like Justin Timberlake appealing to this audience for many years.

I agree in that we already have much more exposure to really good musicians. There are so many that competition is tougher than ever. This is all good news for the fans: higher supply of good talent, more intimate venues and more direct artist contact.

It still comes down to good acts running their business as efficiently/effectively as possible – same as ever. The pie is growing, and pop artists will continue to get a huge slice. At the same time, there are way more slivers of the pie for indie artists.

By: Barry

Barry — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:02:34 +0000

It was his ultimate control that finally killed him, He was surrounded by hangers on who enabled Michael to spin out of control. Its a tragedy and the enablers deserve to be prosicuted.

Britney Spears was on her way down when people intervened, it was too late for Michael.

By: Tishea E

Tishea E — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:54:34 +0000

I love that you recognize that MJ is the last of the Superstar Era. I’ve been saying this for the last decade. I always use him as an example when explaining to the upcoming R&B artist that you have to lead and be innovative; think of Michael Jackson. He was unique and always going above and beyond. Although he’s the greatest, I think that Madonna, Janet Jackson, Whitney, and Mariah are superstars so there’s still some left. Unfortunately, if this new Gen X doesn’t understand what’s needed to come close to MJ it will be lost.

Nonetheless, I have faith in the new kids coming up; there’s a savant out there – we just have to recognize and support him/her.

Job well done on this article!

By: Martin Case

Martin Case — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 19:53:27 +0000

Perfectly worded. Thanks for taking the time, Panos. -M

By: supercitizen

supercitizen — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 17:46:05 +0000

Thanks for the kudos to MJ! Refreshing, given that the media is totally blasting him–and he really deserves recognition for his tremendous contribution to music!

That said, just curious about “full speed ahead?” They were so rabid, and then just dropped out of sight…Wish I knew how it got resolved…