Beyond the Binary: The Beautiful Mess of Artistic Expression and Identity
Image Credit: Melotika (https://melotika.com)
A Response to Melotika's "Having Experience in 2024 Means Selling Out"
In her recent recent post, Melotika reveals discourse laced with some potential misunderstandings. While the financial strain and algorithmic puzzle of the music industry are undeniable realities, Melotika's frustrations cloud her judgment, leading to views that appear to align with transphobic rhetoric.
The financial strain of being an independent artist is a constant melody. Melotika highlights the often-meager return on investment for promotion, from PR agents to festival applications. Social media algorithms can feel like a labyrinth, favoring artists who conform to specific trends. Finding genuine success requires navigating this maze without sacrificing the unique sound that forms an artist's core identity.
The hyperbolic claim that "music kills" is melodramatic nonsense. Music has the power to uplift, inspire, and unite. Music undoubtedly carries immense power to influence and inspire, and while it can occasionally be used for negative purposes (like glorifying violence), to suggest it's inherently destructive overlooks the vast spectrum of emotions and experiences music can evoke. Perhaps even more concerning is her dismissive attitude towards themes like body positivity and LGBTQ+ rights. These aren't "dangerous" ideas; they're about acceptance and representation, something Melotika seems to be lacking here.
The characterization of a "certain desperate audience" raises more questions than answers. It's a vague term that feels targeted towards a marginalized group: a lazy tactic used by those who feel threatened by change. While Melotika's frustrations with commercialization and conformity are valid, painting all music consumers with a negative brush overlooks the diversity of humanity and their varied motivations for engagement.
Melotika's core message about artistic authenticity resonates. However, her critique of inclusivity efforts veers off course. The fight for trans rights isn't about removing identity; it's about acknowledging the spectrum of gender experiences that exist beyond the binary. Similarly, the statement that "the fight for identity is actually a fight to erase identity" warrants scrutiny. It is a transparent attempt to downplay the very real struggles faced by transgender people, conflating acceptance of diverse gender identities with the erasure of gender altogether. Embracing non-binary and fluid gender identities expands our understanding of gender as a construct. Accepting more identities is literally the opposite of erasing them.
Generalizations about Gen Z being devoid of substance are equally unhelpful. The portrayal of them as a "lost generation with no real substance" reflects a narrow perspective that fails to acknowledge the diverse and complex young people who are shaping the world today. Their focus on self-expression and social justice can be a powerful force for positive change. The last “Lost Generation” gave us a boon of amazing art during the Modernist Period – which was very different from the art that came before. The blame for the industry's current state lies not with young fans or creators, but with the older generation of gatekeeping executives who hold the true power.
The issue of "selling out" deserves nuance. Promotion is necessary, but it shouldn't equate to sacrificing artistic integrity. Melotika criticizes artists who achieve success by embracing themes that resonate with the "woke" crowd. Perhaps this is because the concept of inclusivity and social awareness is somehow threatening to her worldview. It's worth noting that Melotika also conflates a woman's worth with her husband's wealth – a perspective that's equally outdated. It’s also important to note that Grimes and Musk never actually married. For those Millennial artists coming out as LGBTQ+, maybe they simply feel safer doing so now in a more accepting world.
The emphasis on viral fame can be a double-edged sword. While it can propel an artist to stardom, it can also overshadow genuine talent. Developing songwriting, performance, and production skills still remain the foundation for long-term success. Unfortunately, "making it" the way Melotika describes it can feel akin to winning the lottery – a chance occurrence amidst a sea of talented artists.
Melotika's experience with grant applications highlights a potential issue when identity takes precedence over merit. However, it's important to remember that not all grants prioritize this way. The truth is, the music industry is a complex ecosystem. While her frustration is understandable, it's important to see the bigger picture. Social media platforms like TikTok offer new and additional avenues for discovery, just like YouTube and Myspace before. Artists will rise up wherever people converge.
I also don’t love trigger warnings, because while helpful to some, they can be triggering themselves (I sure as heck think of my past trauma just by reading TW/CW: Rape). However, respecting individual needs is key. It’s insulting, however, that she used the term to illustrate how she felt attacked by people supporting lifestyle choices that depart from societal pressures. Her discomfort with a music producer's lifestyle advice highlights a difference in values, not a moral failing, nor an attack on those who plan to walk the already worn path. People are triggered by trauma, not by humans experiencing life differently.
Finally, the world is not and will never be a binary place. Melotika's rigid thinking does a disservice to the beautiful messiness of human experience. Seeing the world in shades of gray, rather than black and white, allows for a more nuanced understanding of the human experience.
Melotika's story highlights the perseverance required of independent artists, but it's important to see beyond her frustrations. The path to success may be challenging, but for those with genuine talent, resilience, and an open mind, the possibilities are endless. By fostering open dialogue and embracing diverse viewpoints, we can strive towards an industry (and society) that celebrates authenticity, creativity, and inclusivity for all.
