Technologies & Music: “Infernal Machines” by Alex Ross Essay

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The book Infernal Machines: How Recordings Changed Music posits that new technologies have destroyed the genius in song performance and diminished the value of melodies. In the current scenario, machines not only record tunes but also comprise instruments. Consequently, society has suffered the loss of live performance as producers promote recorded compositions.

Digital content has overtaken live concerts of the past and propelled the career of less-known personalities. While he appreciates the rich content of the music of yesteryears, Ross (2010) overlooks the power of consumers in the production of modern tracks. Although modern technology has robbed the music industry of the creative genius of a live band, it has helped market the art worldwide.

The author elevates the value of music beyond the standard labels in society but ignores the changing music tastes in different generations. The author praises the musicians of the World War period for the content in the chord while criticizing the lack of creativity in contemporary sounds (Ross, 2010). The performers of blues, for instance, demonstrated melodic genius through mastery of voice and excellent instrumentalism. Modern singers, however, employ recording technology to enhance their voices.

Critics of modern resonance lament that it lacks authenticity and soul (Ross, 2010). Currently, music lovers can create their content on a small budget and satisfy their passion for singing. Although the book observes that technology has propelled non-entities to prominence, their popularity indicates the changing tastes in music.

The book advanced criticisms of the emptiness of modern music because of technological adaptations but fails to appreciate the changing consumer trends. The current production of songs that capitalizes on immediate consumption responds to the market needs. Although the article faults modern show for loss of aura, it has enabled wide distribution and elevated artists’ careers. The author must acknowledge the role of audiences in the current music industry. Modern technology has diminished the creativity of music but propagates music production for the short term in response to the changing consumer needs.

Reference

Ross, A. (2010). Listen to this. Farrar Straus Giroux.

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