Are blackness and whiteness useful concepts in the study of popular music?

The concepts of blackness and whiteness are useful as a starting point as they allow us to identify where the music is from and how it originated. However, it is a very complicated concept, as certain music seems to be fused between the two.

Hatch notes “Pop music has always depended upon the interaction between white and black traditions”. An example of this is "Rock and Roll came about from white peoples fascination with black music" (Barry Shank). It works both ways with Bhangra music being influenced by sounds from the West.

So with music having elements of both black and white the music is therefore hard to define, Artists such as Elvis blur the lines between ‘black’ and ‘white’ music, making these concepts ideological (Tagg). For me a far greater issue of importance is class and location as this plays a pivotal part into why music is the way it is.

Can popular music achieve genuine political chang

The idea that popular music can achieve genuine political change is debatable. Popular music can be very influential and can inspire people. John Street states, “pop becomes the expression of its political and social context”. Movements like the Live Aid charity singles reflect this best, they helped raise millions to change lives in Africa and arguably had an influence on several countries making changes to the way they help third world countries.

Although attempts by artists for political change in terms of government has failed. Red Wedge who used popular music to promote the labour party failed in helping them win the general election in 1987 and several artists in America failed in their attempts to get George Bush out of the White House.

However, the music did raise thought on political issues. It might not have a direct impact on political change itself but it does create awareness that can help trigger change.

Does the emergence of the digital download signal the end of the music industry?

Digital downloading is a great easy way to get music fast with out leaving your house but it has lead to a culture of piracy. Music file sharing has become big but also illegal,the music industry classes it as theft and responsible for downturn sales of Cd’s. However the success of Radiohead’s album has challenged this statement, some fans may simply want to sample music before purchasing it. The emergence of I Tunes (legal digital downloading) for me is a big moment in music history; it has definitely helped increase sales because it is so cheap and easy to access. Yes the digital download has lead to piracy of music but it has also helped boost record sales and take music in to a new era. Therefore the digital download will not signal the end of the music industry but will actually bring music into an exciting new era.

(Lawrence Lessig, (2004) Free Culture: The Nature And Feature Of Creativity, P.68-69.)

What is world music?

World music is traditional or folk music of a culture; it is normally created and played by indigenous musicians that are related to its culture. One can describe it mostly as ‘local’ music that is marketed on a global scale. World music is created for different origins to reflect their authentic culture, traditional values and to promote a sense of national identity. However, the increasing dominance of imported cultures is creating a threat to the indigenous culture identity. ‘Specific case studies “clearly indicate that world music is not occurring” but rather that international and local sounds are being fused together to create heterogeneous world music’. This is harming the original idea of world music, as the traditional authentic music that reflects culture is not being created. World music is becoming more influenced by mainstream music leading to a lack of representation of culture, going against the general purpose that world music should stand for.

Roy Shuker, (2002) Understanding Popular Music, P.70