Music is no exception to this. I think it’s very true that a lot of successful artists are successful because of successful marketing and branding ploys. However, when you think about it, a lot of these hot shot artists don’t really have a lot of staying power. I highly doubt that in 20 years from now that a hit Ashlee Simpson record from 2004 is going to be highly sought after. But John Coltrane, Dave Matthews Band, Eric Clapton, and the Beatles? They are going to continue to sell records until the end of time. (I’m just using those artists as examples. There are many many others who are just as deserving.)

Yes, you are correct in that music has been highly commercialized, especially in recent years. Record labels and content holders are doing more and more to appeal to the consumer and snag a (usually temporary) stronghold on their corner of the industry. Eventually, however, that hold will most often times be shaken loose and those artists will quickly be ushered out and will just as quickly be replaced by the “next big thing.”

True talent will shine through corporate financial backing. As superficial as the industry can be, I take comfort in the fact. Good music is good music, and while clever marketing can temporarily distract our visual sensibilities, commercial glitz can never fool a person’s ear, or emotions.