As the holiday season is rapidly approaching, many people have
began decorating their houses, baking traditional foods, and dusting off their
“ugly sweaters,” but most importantly, holiday music that has been playing in
every store since Halloween becomes more enjoyable than it was two months ago.
Songs such as “Deck the Halls,” “Do you Hear What I Hear,” “Sleigh Bells,” and
“Silent Night” are only the beginning of the myriad of songs that are
constantly played on local radio stations, in stores, and even in restaurants.
Modern artists have also contributed to the endless singles and albums that
have accumulated over the years. However, whether these covers are created to
help fans delve into the holiday spirit or to supplement their already
successful and rewarding careers remains to be seen. Do our beloved idols
really have us in mind?
The most recent rumor of Adele and Ed Sheeran collaborating for a
Christmas original isn’t the only source of excitement surrounding the music
industry this season. Whatever genre, whether it be country, classical, rock,
pop, or heavy metal, are available on free platforms such as Pandora and
Spotify. Also, Mariah Carey hasn’t been the only artist to redefine Christmas
music by writing her own songs. Coldplay, Taylor Swift, and even Idina Menzel
have managed to add a modern twist on the classics or release holiday
originals. Also, in the recent decade, the concept of “Pop Gone Punk” has gone
viral, and this year artists such as All Time Low, A Day to Remember, and Real
Friends have answered long awaited calls and compiled a “Punk Goes Christmas”
album. Typical pop artists continue to make a profit as many not-so-hardcore
people still have Justin Bieber’s 2012 album, Ariana Grande’s 2013, and even
Michael Buble’s 2011 album on repeat.
The positive image that stars so dutifully cultivate throughout
their careers may not prove true to their goals. Although it seems that
recording a holiday album is solely for the enjoyment of an audience, the
reality just may be that these artists are simply continuing on their quest for
money, popularity, and even exposure. In recent years, artists are have been
partnered with outside organizations that endorse them in order to promote
their own company. For example, Taylor Swift’s 2006 album, Sounds of the
Season, was only available at Target retailers. Ultimately, this
consumer/company relationship takes advantage of those who want to buy the
album. Without competition from other retailers, the single seller is able to
charge more and benefits alongside the artist. However, as technology
progresses, albums become more available to download on software such as iTunes
or Amazon. Even these organizations manipulate the consumer by deeming songs as
“album only” editions that can only be purchased when buying the entire
artists’ album. “Free” platforms such as Pandora and Spotify also manage to
make a profit by charging for an upgrade to stream music without advertisements.
This holiday season, this trend will undoubtedly continue.
Even though
the holidays are not the same without music, it just may be time to reevaluate
what we purchase. To avoid encouraging the wealth that so many stars have
amassed in past years, there are several options to choose from in order to
stream both popular and obscure music for free. Whether it be putting up with
advertisements, listening from websites such as Youtube, or even reviving the
ancient art of caroling, it is possible to still get in the holiday spirit
without having to spend more than necessary. Since many enthusiasts are unaware
of the money that artists make by compiling an innocent album, it is necessary
to spread awareness of the true attitudes, whether positive or negative, of our
precious artists.
~ Anneliese Godas
