We are made stupider by the shortening of songs
A Warning On the Future of Music: with Author Ted Gioia
Songs shrunken and dumbed-down — 3 minutes is far too short to allow your mindset to become altered. THE LENGTH MATTERS.
“Really the most important people in music now are the CEO of Apple, the CEO of Google, the CEO of Spotify…none of them are from a music background…People [who] do not genuinely love [and understand, appreciate] music…are making decisions about what everyone is going to hear, based on profit maximization.” — 25:30 in — This may explain the ‘fake artists’ situation and also the ever declining royalty situation…people don’t love music the way they used to [because we are all being abused by the profit motive driving music].
“There is great [new] music out there, but it is never coming from [any] major label; it’s always self-produced.” — 32:00 in
Ted Gioia is an American music critic and historian. He is author of eleven books, including Music: A Subversive History, The Jazz Standards: A Guide to the Repertoire, The History of Jazz and Delta Blues. He is also a jazz musician and one of the founders of Stanford University’s jazz studies program.
Ted Gioia is a prominent American author, jazz pianist, and music historian known for his work in exploring and documenting various aspects of music, particularly jazz and its cultural significance. Here are some key points about Ted Gioia:
1. Authorship: Ted Gioia has written several highly acclaimed books on music, covering a wide range of topics such as jazz history, blues, pop music, and the impact of technology on music. Some of his notable works include “The History of Jazz,” “Delta Blues,” “The Jazz Standards: A Guide to the Repertoire,” and “How to Listen to Jazz.”
2. Scholarship: Gioia’s writings reflect his deep knowledge and passion for music, as well as his rigorous research and scholarship. He is known for his insightful analysis, engaging storytelling, and ability to convey complex musical concepts in accessible language.
3. Jazz Pianist: In addition to his work as an author and music historian, Ted Gioia is an accomplished jazz pianist. His background as a musician gives him a unique perspective on the music he writes about, allowing him to offer valuable insights into the creative process and performance practices.
4. Cultural Commentary: Beyond his contributions to music scholarship, Ted Gioia has also written extensively on broader cultural issues related to music, including the role of technology, the impact of globalization, and the future of music in the digital age. He often engages with contemporary debates and challenges facing the music industry and musicians.
5. Influence: Ted Gioia’s work has had a significant influence on both scholars and general readers interested in music. His books are widely read and cited in academic circles, while also appealing to music enthusiasts and casual readers seeking to deepen their understanding of the art form.
6. Online Presence: Gioia maintains an active online presence through his website, social media accounts, and contributions to various music publications and platforms. He engages with his audience through articles, essays, reviews, and discussions on topics ranging from jazz history to current trends in music.
Overall, Ted Gioia’s contributions to music scholarship, cultural commentary, and performance make him a respected figure in the field of music studies. His books continue to be influential resources for anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of music history and culture.