My 2017 Wish List

I wish the general population would realize: a) Pop-country isn’t art but a formula and you are being brainwashed to follow it. It’s all one song about the same topic….basically. b) Media attention doesn’t make it good. Just because Kanye is in the faux headlines (I won’t get into his faux life and family) doesn’t mean his music is any good. Also, more the radio play doesn’t equate to a better song. Bottom line- YOU listen to the music and YOU decide it is good to YOU.

I wish people would step out of their boxes: We all have our sweet spot. Artists we reach for and gravitate towards. But every now and then challenge yourself. Listen to something not your norm. You won’t like all of it but you just might find something you do like. As mom would have said, ‘it’ll make you a more rounded person’.

I wish fans would research their favorite artist(s): By taking just a few minutes to learn a little about your music pets, you will uncover tidbits that might gently slip you out of your box. Learn where your pets are from, who their influences are or who their backing band is and that will guide you to new-to-you music nuggets.

I wish people would buy and not just stream: Sure, streaming is cheap, but if you want your favorite artists to be able to continue to record they need a better income than the pittance streaming provides (I’m not talking about the mega stars). It’s nice to have the artwork and liner notes to know who the hell is actually playing on the album (see research). It’s also cool to have a music library- even if its small.

I wish folks wouldn’t be sold on style over substance: Self-explanatory. Don’t be a lemming.

I wish Sirius/XM would actually play_____: Alt or new music. While I like the Sirius/XM concept of different themed stations listenable anywhere, there is little brand spanking new music. The Alt-Nation station is really not all that Alt and XMU (college) plays music that is consistently in the same range and doesn’t get too obsure.