It wasn’t video that killed the radio star. It was us. At the very least, we were unwitting accomplices. In 1996, they – the government/corporations (one and the same) came for the radio stations waving a false promise of diversity and flashing The Telecommunications Act as its badge of authority. And we did nothing. We just let it happen. As a result, the public airwaves were basically gifted to a small number of private corporations which consolidated ownership across the country and stole any traces of variety and diversity in music, perspectives, and voices on the radio. Commercial radio and even satellite radio have since devolved into a small number of faceless entities resembling creepy, wannabe suitors, who make us uninspiring, prepackaged mix tapes in an effort to win our affections. The worst part of this relationship is that we come to believe we don't have any other more promising prospects or alternatives, so we often settle for what we can get and end up stuck in an unsatisfying, seemingly unescapable situation - an endless routine of redundancy and unsatiated familiarity.
With music, as with everything else, don't ever settle. You deserve more from the airwaves you own than a thoughtlessly compiled mix tape from a stranger. This is going to take a paradigm shift for many people, especially those who have been weaned on commercial radio since the industry was deregulated and leeched of its spirit and soul. There are alternatives out there. It's going to take some effort on your part to find them, but thanks to technology, the work is minimal. Do this for you. Don't surrender to the mundane. You deserve better and so do the musicians.
First, turn off the radio because you won't find the five songs below even on the most progressive playlist (mix tape) your commercial radio station tries to court you with. From having personal interaction with and becoming acquainted with the musicians below, it's apparent a common thread connects them together and separates them from what dominates the current radio landscape. This commonality is that they are genuine musicians. They write their own music and lyrics. They don't outsource it to others, so their songs have real world, real life resonance. Their voices are authentic, not augmented by studio trickery and deception. They haul, set up, and break down their own gear and equipment without the help of an entourage or a crew, so you know they're serious about their music. They are approachable and love to interact with fans of their music and talk about their music and music in general and how it relates to life and the world around us. However, the most admirable trait about all of these musicians is that even if there is a glimmer of hope or desire for fame and prosperity in the back of their minds that motivates them to keep making music, it doesn't take center stage. It doesn't rule their lives or dictate their music. They hold "real" jobs to make ends meet like the rest of us, and they're okay with this or at the very least, they accept it. They make music for the love of the music and the act of creating. In most cases, you won't find this kind of dedication and persistence on the mix tape of the day type of programming on your local radio stations.
Thanks to technology and the Internet, you can listen to these musicians below and make your own decision whether to invite them into your music library or not. If you like what you hear, please support the musicians by sharing your finds with other music fans, by purchasing their music, and by attending their live shows. In the end, we deserve better. 'Everyone deserves music, sweet music.'
Fly South by A Sundae Drive
A Sundae Drive is a Houston, Texas indie rock band. You can hear more of their music on their Bandcamp page and on YouTube.
Just a Little Silence by Jealous Creatures
Jealous Creatures is a Houston, Texas indie rock band. You can hear more of their music on their Bandcamp page and on YouTube.
Skeletons by Ellis Easley
Ellis Easley is a Texas musician. You can hear more of his music on his Bandcamp page and on SoundCloud.
What We're Reaching For by Keeton Coffman
Keeton Coffman is a Houston,Texas musician. You can hear more of his music on his website and on YouTube.
Numbers and Lines by Mystery Loves Company
Mystery Loves Company is a Houston, Texas chamber rock band. You can hear more of their music on