Im sure everyone has their theory of when the Music World went downhill. But I think we all can agree it was when it was more important what an artist Looked like then what they sounded like. I think this started taking shape in the Late 80's and Early 90's, also combined with the advancements in technology it is all lead to the downfall of the artist. Now I must explain, ARTISTS are still out there, however the choice to NOT focus on them is the decision of RADIO and VIDEO. Take peoples views of RAP music, I mean what does america view RAP as, well, its a Guy with Lots of Women around and cars and jewelry and cash. Basically once $$$ started being made off this image thats when all the labels went out and found their Rapper. The average span of a Rap artists career is about 2-3 albums if they are lucky, they dont even realize what they are getting into when they sign on, all they are is a product. Now this also can be said of the so called "rock" artists out there today. It seems if you are over 25 you are OLD and dont get play. This can be explained but the average Listener to RADIO and viewer of MTV, the attention span is zero, thats why they throw these shows at them like Road Rules and all that other crap, and a radio playlist contains the same 10 songs for months, no variety, just format. If an artist like PRINCE came out today he would be dropped after 2 albums, no label will put $$ behind someone that sells less than 100,000.

the day when soundscan and going "platnum" determined if U were an artist really was the day the music died so to speak. I woke early this morning and saw that VH1 was playing the New Duran Duran video at about 6am, and i thought to myself that sums it all up. The duran duran CD has long since vanished from the charts and it was the fault of SONY, not that sales matter to me but if SONY wanted they could have put something into the effort. But anyway, DD will make it all on the Tour. Which continues to prove that the ones that can play still remain. Longevity is important, it shows the desire and the Love of playing, I llok at the artsits I see on the charts today and see MARIO and 50 Cent and things like that, and i wonder if they realize how short their time is, i mean do u really think there no.1 desire is to make music.....