Music Exec's Response to Unexpected Grammy Winners: Complaints Not Just For Distressed Bieber Fans

While browsing the pages of yesterday's New York Times this morning (naturally, I am a day late with everything...), I couldn't help but notice this full page "advertisement" that music exec, Steve Stoute, surely paid thousands of dollars to print in the internationally circulated Times. I am not going to get into the details of the lengthy discussion that my mom and I had after reading the open letter to the Grammy Awards committee (we can talk about it in person if you feel so inclined), but I do feel compelled to share Stoute's words nonetheless. I understand that many Americans were upset with the announcement of certain awards (notably, Best New Artist to jazz bassist/vocalist, Esperanza Spalding and Album of the Year to indie veterans, Arcade Fire) because they were given to artists outside of the popular mainstream, but to hear such outright criticism from someone in the industry? Someone who supposedly understands the value of true musical talent and capability? I find it hard to believe that Stoute's sentiments are shared by many others in the music industry.

I have to admit that I am not an avid awards show fan (i.e. I did not watch the Grammy's this year, or last year for that matter), but I understand the influence that such shows have on the industries that they represent. Whether it be film, music, television, or theatre, awards shows help to set a standard for the business; they determine what is considered to be the "best" and therefore, push the products of that industry in that direction. I can only imagine the shape the music industry would take (mainstream and otherwise) if only the Justin Biebers of the world were rewarded for their work. I find it quite refreshing that the Grammy's have been able to recognize and reward the efforts of those who possess true musical talent that has not transcended cultural consciousness to the point of significant impact. These artists take full responsibility of the musical process and turn-out products that truly represent their creative vision. Quantifiable success largely due to hype from record labels, mass media attention, smear advertising campaigns, and sales does not always equal exceptional talent. Granted, I am not saying that blow-up stars like Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Eminem, etc. are NOT talented artists, they are just not the ONLY talented artists out there.

Anyway, I should probably start writing my thesis (...!!!...!!!...) but I just wanted to share this letter with you all. To preserve the integrity of the American music industry, I think it is extremely important for the industry's higher-ups to recognize and appreciate those who are not necessarily impacting American culture as a whole, but who are exceptionally talented in their own right and have no reservations in just doin' their own thang. I would expect someone like Steve Stoute to realize that the Grammy Awards are meant to give recognition to real, musical talent... which, in many cases, means talent that has not always been edited, pre-packaged, hyped-up, and sold to the ravaging, pop culture consumer.

Note: link from the Huffington Post. Not the formatting of the Times ad, but it is the exact text...which is the important thing, anyway.