by John Durant

Created on: January 28, 2007   Last Updated: May 04, 2007

It seems like every day we're bombarded with news about the next N-Sync, or the next U2; but are these super-hyped bands capable of sustaining meaningful careers when the promotional machine that's been propping them up grinds to a halt, kicks them to the curb, and moves on to the next latest greatest superband?

Manufactured bands are a product of promotion machines which grind out one product after another with great efficiency. These promoters know exactly what needs to be done to get their artists to the top of the charts, and they do it without expecting longevity or lasting fame. It's not their fault they need to make a living. These companies employ a lot of people in the music industry, and they need to make payroll just as much as a company who manufactures tires. This is the nature of the music business, and it won't change any time soon. People also like variety, and that's precisely what these music pimps supply the masses with year after year. That doesn't exactly help the careers of one-hit wonders looking for a lasting gig.

Every once in a while we see solo artists with extraordinary appeal break free of the manufactured band that got them noticed, and actually have a lasting and satisfying career. Many of these solo artists start their own label after their major label contract is over, and they win fans by doing the music they enjoy, rather than bending to the wills of major label execs and producers. This business is what it is, for better or for worse. If people really want to see stars that will last, they need to start buying music instead of stealing it; and maybe then the music industry just might decide to start developing high quality, long-lasting artists like they used to.

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