Imagine this: unpopular artists across the globe are releasing songs that effectively showcase their skill level and range but are not getting much attention because their “uniqueness” sets them apart from other artists in a negative way. This is the unfortunate reality of the music industry. Many pop artists tend to make more talkative music or “easy” songs that generate fans for their catchiness rather than whether or not it is good. 

Pop music is a genre that originated in the 50s and is usually danceable, upbeat, fun, and has common themes like love, friendship, and positive self-image. Of course, pop has many different components, and not all Pop songs are on the happier side. Something that sets pop apart from other genres is its range. Some examples of pop artists include Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, Kelly Clarkson, and more. All of which are very talented and create plethoras of favorable music. However, the sound of the genre is starting to blend. 

Recently, it is become apparent that the most popular pop artists have music that is very akin to one another. A standard has been set for newer artists that are incredibly difficult to reach, and many artists are brushed under the rug and seen as “weird” or “untalented.” 

Mainstream artists tend to steer away from “singy-songs” (songs that are generally difficult and include riffs, belts, runs, etc) to create music that can be easily talked through rather than sung. Examples of talkable songs include “Ain’t Your Mama,” by Meghan Trainor, “Flowers,” by Miley Cyrus etc. Songs with this kind of vibe do not showcase an artist’s raw talent, but rather that they are focused on writing a “hit” to make money. Not to say that the mentioned songs are bad, they are an acquired taste, but by making talkable songs the standard newer artists have a hard time fitting into the industry. 

“The music industry figured out a formula that works, that makes the music easy to listen to and consume (purchase), and makes money for the recording industry.  The art has unfortunately been transformed into a business model,” Choir Director Brandon Fantozzi said.

The rareness of an artist’s voice sets them apart from others, keeping them relevant. The rise of pop artists is ruining the music industry by setting the bar so low. Underground artists such as Danica Dora, Leith Ross, Awfultune, (all of which are indie/pop) and many more don’t get as much recognition for their music despite being arguably better than mainstream artists.

The music industry hit its peak back when artists like Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, Rihanna, and Leona Lewis were the “IT” girls of music. They were all so different while still catering to the style that constructed the genre. Mainstream artists of the 2020s all have similar-sounding songs, most of which have similar elements such as lyrics and melody. The similarity of them has been the cause of multiple plagiarism scandals. Like when Olivia Rodrigo was accused of plagiarizing Elvis Presley’s hit song “Pump It Up.” The quality of music has been on a rapid decline as more and more artists blow up for singing the same copied and pasted song in a different font repeatedly. 

Artists should be stepping outside the box. After all, music is an art form and should be presented as such; rather than as a means to rake in some cash. When all the songs of the same genre have nothing notable to separate them, many artists are shoved underground. The only way to move forward and destigmatize distinctive and unique voices is to quit hyping up artists who are mid at best and be more open to a wider variety of music. 

“Like all things ‘pop,’ style and taste goes in and out of fashion rather quickly.  Think of the fashion trends we cycle through…It’s the same with the music industry.  So; ‘is pop music dying,’ I don’t think so. Its fashion and image is currently changing and undergoing a shift in cultural preferences. It always has and will continue to evolve,” Fantozzi said.