The Do-It-Yourself (DIY) ethic of punk rock music was originally and still is an essential part of Rock n' Roll. However, the music industry in general has been used as a mass marketing tool by large corporations, such as MTV, to tell teens and young adults how they should dress, what music they should listen to, and even how they should look. MTV and other forms of popular media are seemingly contrary to the messages expressed in most forms of punk rock, indie or college rock, and electronic music - which do not seem to be readily available for just anyone to listen to due to lack of exposure or interest.
The current trend of prefabricated boy (and girl) bands and teen idols reminds me a little of the Motown days of girl groups in the 1960's - widely popular but not quite as well-respected as the hugely successful rock n' roll bands that they influenced, such as the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Later punk icons of the 1970's such as the Ramones were also strongly influenced by girl groups like the Ronettes. However, these days no rock n' roll band in their right mind would ever claim to be influenced by the Spice Girls or New Kids on the Block. Such groups hold an embarrassing place in the history of music, yet their influence continues in current choreography and soul singing-based groups like the Backstreet Boys or Destiny's Child.
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Where is real rock music these days?
Real rock n' roll music no longer exists in the mainstream, which is instead flooded by radio-friendly pop-rock singers like John Mayer or Pete Yorn, male-lead groups such as Dave Matthews Band or the Calling, or pretty young female singer-songwriters, such as Jewel or Michelle Branch. Even worse is the "alternative" mainstream of bland metal-rock-rap groups, such as Korn, Limp Bizkit, and Kid Rock. Most dissatisfied music listeners turn to college radio for real rock music. College stations (which have recently become a bit more rock than indie) have influenced "alternative rock" radio stations, but it would be better if these stations could pick up more than just bands like the Strokes or the White Stripes, who write fast fun songs, but lack the substance and soul of real rock music.
British bands have become more popular in America these days, particularly Travis, Coldplay, and Radiohead - who are more critically acclaimed than radio-friendly. However, U.S. radio overlooks the vast majority of talented British bands, even the well-established bands such as Oasis, who were once poised to conquer the American charts. Sadly, Oasis's (and my) favorite band Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, who are American, have been doing very well in overseas while they are virtually ignored in their home country. Their music takes time for people to appreciate and the US has been barely exposed to it. This may not change since they won't be back for long in the US due to their drummer's VISA problems.
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Women in Rock vs. Women in Music
Gone are the days of punk rock glory where any individual (male or female) would be willing to just pick up a guitar and play. Gone even are most all-female rock groups, such as the Go-Go's, though strong female led rock groups still exist in bands like No Doubt and Garbage, who were clearly influenced by singers like Debbie Harry and Patti Smith, but still fall into the trap of being seen as sexy vixens. Unfortunately, there are few all-female groups to inspire young women to pick up an instrument and just start playing. Women in music have been perceived more as sexual objects rather than talented singers or musician. This may dissuade the most avid female musician or singer from daring to enter the mainstream corporate male-dominated music industry.
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