The music industry has evolved over the years for the better certainly. Today’s recording artist are able to control their own songs and catalogs as long as they do not sell out. With the many gadgets and tools used today to make new sounds with certain programs; music creators do not have to be gifted or musically inclined to produce what we hear on the radio these days.
As long a person can read and have a rhythm; then he or she are able to get what they want to hear, when using certain music apps to make the music of their choice. For musicians who actually play real instruments in the studio and record using; a bass, guitars, keyboards, woodwind and brass instruments, drums and other percussion instruments; along with their main tool their voice; this is true R&B music.
Maurice White founder and former member of the legendary group Earth, Wind & Fire played one of many instruments including: drums, piano, timbales, vocals and the Kalimba. Their song Kalimba Story written by White and co-written by his brother Verdine, recorded in 1974 on their “Open Our Eyes” album; this particular funky up-tempo dance track featured the African instrument the Kalimba. He made this musical instrument very popular in and around the world. Maurice White was a gifted, creative and talented musician and vocalist and much more; his music catalog and legacy will be around for generations to come.
Today’s artist including but not limited to the likes of Bruno Mars, H.E.R, Maxwell, Anthony Hamilton, and other independent artist like; PleasureMore to name a few are bringing new music with a old school feel pioneering and paving the way to keep R&B afloat in a dominant Hip-Hop driven music industry. Quincy Jones stated on his “Back On The Block” album 1989 that rap is here to stay. Well, R&B is the foundation of Hip-Hip and will last forever.
Though the music business will continue to evolve with new technological advances and updated laws pertaining with different streaming platforms; one thing that is certain for songwriters, musicians, and record producers who makes music from the heart, there will always be music lovers who will appreciate and accept true musicianship. For emerging artist today, stay to true to yourself and the music that’s in your heart. Music, love, and peace is what is needed to make the world a better place. Music is simply twelve notes, how you use those twelve notes define your success!