Ambiguous Question

[fatboyslim]

Hi Guys

So i've got this kinda weird essay question i've been pondering over which is:

"Discuss how three or more articles explore the industrial and commodification aspects of popular music"

I understand the commodification aspect of music (pretty much how pop has become cookie cutter and music being treated as a commodity) however i am unsure in regards to the industrial aspects of music.

If anyone can fill me in, it would be much appreciated! :D

[billl]

Maybe similar to the commodification, but with more of a focus on the "machinery" responsible for its output. Not necessarily actual machines--but think of any sort of mechanized, optimized process. Again, "commodification" seems a bit like the same thing as what I'm suggesting, here--but I think "commodification" might be something more focussed on the post-production aspects (marketing, consumption), while the "industry" part might be about how the "product" itself is put together. (e.g. ways in which control, efficiency, and predictability of outcome seem emphasized over originality, creativity... when the music is made/selected)

[Hawkman]

Well the question does seem to be ambiguous. I guess it depends on the level of education of the person setting it in the first place. "Commodification" isn't a word I recognise, and I've seen a few. Comodification is a constructed word which is at least decipherable - co, meaning with and modification, meaning alteration or change. If the question is asking how instrumental technology has changed popular music, all you've got to do is read a few articles on this in the music press and talk about them. However, the question doesn't actually say this: "...explore the industrial and commodification..." I don't know whether this is because you can't type or the person setting the question is lamentably lacking in education when it comes to the English language. Is he/she asking you to explore the industrialisation and commoditisation of the music industry, or my first interpretation of the question - i.e. how has the advent of technology influenced how music is created. e.g. electric over accoustic, synthesizers, etc.

It's possible that in the context of your studies and classwork this is apparent, but just reading what you've asked, it isn't. If in doubt, ask your teacher.

Live and be well - H

[billl]

There might be other ideas, but what I was going with was:

industrial aspect = "the music industry" (with some bleed over into commodification)
commodification = http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commodification

[Hawkman]

Thanks for that bill. Just another example of how Marxist newspeak is corrupting the language then. If they mean commoditization, why not just say it, rather than invent a word which doesn't actually mean what it says? All this bloody postmodern crap is getting way out of hand.

Live and be well - H