The more credible
the artist, the less
they seem interested
in profit. They do
what they do for the
their love of it, and to
express themselves
Pandering to capitalism is considered
"selling out"
Art and commerce, independant and corporate,
underground and mainstream or losing touch with their
audience by changing styles or using commercial
production techniques
"Folk art" scene of 60s was
central to art and commerce
debate. Rock considered
authentic because of its
roots in music traditions
(blues) merit as art music
(psych, prog)
Play their own
instruments to a high
standard. Idea of
virtuosity and genuine
talent
Write their own songs
Autodidactism. "natural
talent" and being self taught
was perhaps valued more
than the "classically trained"
musician. eg - Jimi Hendrix
Some production values are values more than others.
Some technology can be regarded as "cheating" for
example, auto-tuned vocals
Simon Frith, 1986 "Art Versus Technology:
The Strange Case of Popular Music" quoted
"the continuing core of rock ideology is that
raw sounds are more authentic than cooked
sounds."
Folk cultures focus on "an expression of the feelings and
experiences of everyday reality" (Redhead and Street, 1989)
Music of the people; production and instrumentation
often simple - one guitar.
Expression and engagement with cultures, audiences
and communities
Issues of race, gender and class. Some genres are
considered "suitable" depending on these things.
Rock considered more "masculine" than pop. Blues, jazz,
hip hop and gospel considered "black music" and popular
music considered music for the middle/lower class
A rich, privaledged person singing about
the woes of being poor would be
considered inauthentic
Authenticity can be used to market artists,
as it is a socially constructed concept. fans
are self aware and are accepting of an
artists mythologized image.
Historical continuity. Genres considered
inauthentic at the time, may be
regarded otherwise later in time.
Motown was considered commercial pop, but has
not received retrospective commercial acclaim.