Lucas Ichnoski: How artists are making it today

Today, a lot of artists and bands are being discovered through media, mainly television. However, there are still some artists who are making it big, or bigger, from the radio. For example, every once in a while on HFS 97.5, Baltimore's Rock Alternative, they will play songs from local bands or artists from Baltimore. The more the station plays their songs, the more recognition they will get.

However nowadays, there are so many singing shows, such as American Idol, Americas Got Talent, The Voice, and The X Factor which showcase people that have a TON of talent. Where else would someone find a 13 year old that can sing as well as, if not better than, someone who has been in the industry forever? Certainly not on the street or on a subway. The best thing about those shows is that for the people watching, eventually they get to vote on who they want to win and get a record deal. A big band that started from the X Factor,whether you like them or not, is One Direction. Some of the people who are on these shows could have very well been found on YouTube doing covers of some songs, like Justin Bieber, but chances are they auditioned and made it through. They weren't just recognized, they had to perform in front of people already in the business.

Artists today, as some people would say, are "selling out." I don't think this is a bad thing because its giving the artist more attention so they can make more music, broaden their audience etc. Honestly, who cares if a band or artist is a spokesperson for a certain product. If it was you and they were paying you to do it I'm sure you wouldn't turn it down, at least I know I wouldn't; money is money. Plus, the bands or artist that's "selling out" is still making at least decent music.
With the increase of illegal downloading, artists have to make money somehow so why not advertise certain products. Not to mention the constant amount of leaks that are occurring. Leaking songs before the album is released just causes less revenue since people can listen to the album before having to buy it as soon as it comes out to listen to it. More opportunities means more money, and the music industry is all about making money, and having a number 1 song on the charts.