Interesting how Taylor Swift wasn’t mentioned here…
Somewhat along the lines of what Alejandro said: While I agree that the names you mentioned from today’s lineup don’t stand as tall as the headliners of the 90s/00s.. I do think it’s because they aren’t necessarily vocalists. They’re performers and entertainers, akin to Britney, Spice Girls, Gwen Stefani, etc. In modern era we’d have: Chappell Roan, Dua Lipa, SZA, Doja (maybe?).
And then a top-tier of real vocalists/artists would include: Charlotte Day Wilson, WILLOW, Maggie Rogers, Ravyn Lenae, Olivia Dean.
I think of Taylor Swift and Beyoncé as more millennial than Gen Z. And you’ve given me a whole list of top tier vocalists I didn’t know. Making a playlist now …
The old men have spoken and they tell me I am a deranged old man! I was hoping to rope in the Gen Zers to watching YouTube videos of 90s live performances, but no luck!
I don't know enough about today's artists you mention but I can see they drive the culture more like how Christina Aguilera or Britney Spears did in the era you're talking about. I think there are plenty of artists like Sinead O'Connor or Alanis Morrisette. I think Courtney Barnett or Maggie Rodgers are up there for me. I still have a soft spot for Sharon Van Etten's songwriting.
I do offer you two omissions, though, to see what they spark: Lana Del Rey and Sade. I see both as entirely in their sole domain in the universe of cultural movers and shakers. Taylor Swift doesn't even come close to Lana Del Rey IMHO when it comes to art (screw the ticket sales and whatever capitalist markers you want to give her). And Sade, in that era, held the type of praise and respect from other artists (still does) in that mythical way only the greats possess.
I appreciate that Glastonbury link. That was legit. I take it back about Maggie Rogers then. (I loved the shirtless bro in Oakleys rocking out to her … that was me at 1990s Indigo Girls concerts. 😋)
“The supply limits the impact” is a good slogan for the 21st century.
Oh man, how did I forget Sade. I have mixed feelings about Lana del Rey, but I agree about Sade: in her own universe ... kinda like Prince.
Courtney Barnett and Maggie Rodgers feel too produced to me. I think the artists in the 90s had to build an audience and reputation by touring instead of uploading. Maybe Waxahatchee and Big Thief have done some of that ... but I watch them perform and I just don't see the same magnetism or raw talent that comes out in the videos I linked to.
It is not artist-specific, but I feel these performances and their video distribution were limited. Right now, I bet I could pull up hundreds of thousands of Taylor Swift concert videos if I wanted to, on whatever social platform or YouTube. The supply diminishes their impact (probably not for teenagers, but whatever). Remember how amazing it was to see a performance at all? This is why things like MTV Unplugged were such an event and still hold some grandness. The performances themselves were scarce.
Unlike most other dudes at the time (maybe your reason too 😝), I had no shame attending Lilith Fair but enough shame to not buy and wear merch. Great tribute to these women of the 90’s. Off brand for the newsletter and I love it.
As the parent of a teen that listens to most of the current names that mention, I’d see the generations as similar. Packaging and presentation have grown more sophisticated across the board, but I don’t see huge differences across the artists.
Totally: Paula Abdul, Mariah Carey, Brittney Spears, I get it.
But there was this breakthrough movement of women artists in the 90s who toured around the country building a loyal audience until radio stations had to play their music. The shows came first, then the visibility. Whereas today, it feels like: first build your social media presence, then find your PR strategy ... then consider how to make money from your tour.
I don't deny that they have talent or that they can put on a show ... but that seems like more of an afterthought. Marketing first, product second.
Interesting how Taylor Swift wasn’t mentioned here…
Somewhat along the lines of what Alejandro said: While I agree that the names you mentioned from today’s lineup don’t stand as tall as the headliners of the 90s/00s.. I do think it’s because they aren’t necessarily vocalists. They’re performers and entertainers, akin to Britney, Spice Girls, Gwen Stefani, etc. In modern era we’d have: Chappell Roan, Dua Lipa, SZA, Doja (maybe?).
And then a top-tier of real vocalists/artists would include: Charlotte Day Wilson, WILLOW, Maggie Rogers, Ravyn Lenae, Olivia Dean.
I think of Taylor Swift and Beyoncé as more millennial than Gen Z. And you’ve given me a whole list of top tier vocalists I didn’t know. Making a playlist now …
old man syndrome. The new crop is, maybe different, but the talent and creativity are just as good and raw.
The old men have spoken and they tell me I am a deranged old man! I was hoping to rope in the Gen Zers to watching YouTube videos of 90s live performances, but no luck!
Yes! Also Bjork, Kim deal, Kim Gordon... Makes me feel old but, 90s all the way!
I'm into some of new female artists too for sure, but its a completely different playing field.
I remember watching Dancer in the Dark in 2000 and being mesmerized. I was supper into Bjork’s collaboration with Rosalía last year.
I don't know enough about today's artists you mention but I can see they drive the culture more like how Christina Aguilera or Britney Spears did in the era you're talking about. I think there are plenty of artists like Sinead O'Connor or Alanis Morrisette. I think Courtney Barnett or Maggie Rodgers are up there for me. I still have a soft spot for Sharon Van Etten's songwriting.
I do offer you two omissions, though, to see what they spark: Lana Del Rey and Sade. I see both as entirely in their sole domain in the universe of cultural movers and shakers. Taylor Swift doesn't even come close to Lana Del Rey IMHO when it comes to art (screw the ticket sales and whatever capitalist markers you want to give her). And Sade, in that era, held the type of praise and respect from other artists (still does) in that mythical way only the greats possess.
I appreciate that Glastonbury link. That was legit. I take it back about Maggie Rogers then. (I loved the shirtless bro in Oakleys rocking out to her … that was me at 1990s Indigo Girls concerts. 😋)
“The supply limits the impact” is a good slogan for the 21st century.
Oh man, how did I forget Sade. I have mixed feelings about Lana del Rey, but I agree about Sade: in her own universe ... kinda like Prince.
Courtney Barnett and Maggie Rodgers feel too produced to me. I think the artists in the 90s had to build an audience and reputation by touring instead of uploading. Maybe Waxahatchee and Big Thief have done some of that ... but I watch them perform and I just don't see the same magnetism or raw talent that comes out in the videos I linked to.
This MR set from 2023 converted me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFyugATLM78
It is not artist-specific, but I feel these performances and their video distribution were limited. Right now, I bet I could pull up hundreds of thousands of Taylor Swift concert videos if I wanted to, on whatever social platform or YouTube. The supply diminishes their impact (probably not for teenagers, but whatever). Remember how amazing it was to see a performance at all? This is why things like MTV Unplugged were such an event and still hold some grandness. The performances themselves were scarce.
Now I wanna go to Glastonbury …
Unlike most other dudes at the time (maybe your reason too 😝), I had no shame attending Lilith Fair but enough shame to not buy and wear merch. Great tribute to these women of the 90’s. Off brand for the newsletter and I love it.
Ooooh, is that a gay joke? Or are you poking at my masculinity? (Aren't you the one who called me a hetero frat bro!?)
Honestly, I just love talented artists. If anyone plays any of those videos and tells me that's not brilliant art, I won't believe them.
Counterpoint: Paula Abdul 🙂
As the parent of a teen that listens to most of the current names that mention, I’d see the generations as similar. Packaging and presentation have grown more sophisticated across the board, but I don’t see huge differences across the artists.
Totally: Paula Abdul, Mariah Carey, Brittney Spears, I get it.
But there was this breakthrough movement of women artists in the 90s who toured around the country building a loyal audience until radio stations had to play their music. The shows came first, then the visibility. Whereas today, it feels like: first build your social media presence, then find your PR strategy ... then consider how to make money from your tour.
I don't deny that they have talent or that they can put on a show ... but that seems like more of an afterthought. Marketing first, product second.
I feel you (and you know I would!) but also the new pop girlies are so fun. I can and do enjoy both. My first concert was Natalie Merchant.
Ooh, where was the show?
I feel fine about fun. But where is the substance!? Links please.