What's Wrong With The EMA'S?

Source: Ziggo Dome

Like this, my blog could have been the title of a catchy Arctic Monkeys-song. Sadly, it isn't (I have the feeling it could have been great), but after last night, it might hit the charts very soon. 

For the people who have been living under a rock: last night, the MTV EMA's were in Amsterdam. In the Ziggo Dome, to be precise. Celebs of all shapes and sizes arrived at the immense hall to mingle in one of the biggest music events of this fall. Thousands of people lined up to spot a glimpse of their favourite star and perhaps take a picture or two. Many bands and artists performed, many awards were received. But by whom?

Take one good look at the list of winners, and we see nothing unexpected: all of the "big ones" are crowdpleasers, easy-to-listen-to songs with catchy tunes, lyrics that aren't too difficult to memorize and/or shocking video clips. In short, the people have chosen predictably once again, leaving many other valuable artists in the dark. 

One could be worried about this, thinking that folks nowadays have no idea of good music whatsoever. In the list of nominees were, for instance, the Arctic Monkeys (Best Alternative), Franz Ferdinand (Best Alternative), Bastille (Best New), Imagine Dragons (Best New), and The Black Keys (Best World Stage). All names that resemble an interesting, original sound, with potential to reach out over the years and become timeless. One could think that all these artists are undervalued, now that they have not been awarded with the credits they should get for making excellent music.

To those people, I would like to say: don't worry. It's only the EMA's. Only the EMA's? Yes. The nominees in certain categories (Best Male, Best Female, Best Song) leave nothing to wish for: it's one gigantic puddle of artists who all belong to the part of the music industry that is funded with loads and loads of instant fans: pop music. They have the biggest budget, the biggest record deals, an almost 100% guarantee for instant success and fame, once you have been introduced to the right people. Whereas The Black Keys have been struggling 10 years to get where they are now, Disney-star Selena Gomez just glides through this whole circus. All because she makes music that pleases the ear - and The Black Keys sometimes don't. 

Therefore, I don't regard the EMA's that highly as others may do. For the fans of pop music, an evening like this is heaven. All their favourite bands and artists, united in one big hall, performing, winning, speeching. Then there are the "other bands", not less famous, not less popular, but popular in a different crowd. There are more serious award events where these bands and artists get what they deserve - and I have my best hopes for them.