Future icons: The longevity of modern music

The music that hit the marketplace in the past decade was arguably not as diverse or plentiful as it is today: the enjoyment listeners obtained from songs was long-lasting. Consumerism culture, seen to be at its peak in the twenty-first century, not only irreversibly changed the future of the music industry but also made it easier for new artists to release content to the market. As a result, songs that are widely talked about during their first release tend to be forgotten in, for example, just a month due to the constantly evolving structure of the modern age. In a recent interview with Metro, BBC radio’s Tony Blackburn suggested that modern music will be forgotten in 60 years. The music industry’s ability to produce new songs and artists to keep up with the demands of consumerism culture certainly supports Blackburn’s idea. However, does this make his whole statement correct? If so, are there no other names that will be remembered alongside, as Blackburn suggested, Abba and Madonna 60 years from now?

Winehouse made a name for herself in music history upon announcing her sophomore album Back To Black.

Born in 1983, Amy Winehouse was just twenty years old when she released her first album, Frank. Encompassing music genres like jazz and soul, Frank became the starting point for her career and served as a platform for major hits like ‘Stronger Than Me’, ‘Fuck Me Pumps’ and ‘What is it About Men’ to connect with listeners. Just three years after her first release, Winehouse made a name for herself in music history upon announcing her sophomore album Back To Black. She used this album to share her struggles with listeners through striking and raw lyrics, marking her a ‘modern music’ artist who challenges Blackburn’s statement. Despite her tragic death in 2011 aged twenty-seven, her defiant style and modern take on genres such as jazz and R&B, cements Winehouse as an artist who will be remembered and listened to by music enthusiasts even in 60 years time.

After the release of Back to Black, Winehouse’s name was echoed everywhere: in the streets to prestigious music circles. The titular song, recognisable from its first note is one that gives listeners goosebumps every time and has inspired many new-generation artists. It also performed well on music charts since its release. The Winehouse who, a few years prior, was scribbling lyrics in her notebook unaware that she would share them with the world, was now competing in the same league as the most prestigious names in the music industry. Winning six Grammys, including Record of the Year, Back to Black made her known to everyone. This album, conveying Winehouse’s emotional state in a gut-wrenching way, turns the phrase “I go back to black” (‘Back To Black’, Amy Winehouse) into a metaphor, and allows the listener to feel closer to the artist. However, her sharp and emotionally charged lyrics are not the only thing that enables the listener to empathise with her. Her close ties to Camden in London humanised her, setting her apart from other artists.

In light of that, when we see a person with thick eyeliner or beehive-style hair, we immediately think of Amy Winehouse. With her unique style and rebellious image that challenges the roles imposed on women, she built a legacy that will be remembered. The reason Winehouse’s name holds a place in music history is down to the rawness of her lyrics, her style and individuality, and her ability to be an inspiration for all the artists who have come after her. In fact, as reported by People, Adele mentioned how she felt she owed ‘90 per cent’ of her career to Winehouse: “I’d see her on TV or in magazine shoots with a pink electric guitar and I used to think she was the coolest motherf****r on the face of the earth”.

However, perhaps the actual number of modern artists who successfully make a name for themselves in music history will indeed be limited.

In connection with this, it is hard to fully agree with Blackburn’s statement. Some artists who fall into the category of ‘modern music’ will undoubtedly be remembered. However, perhaps the actual number of modern artists who successfully make a name for themselves in music history will indeed be limited. Due to the consumer culture brought about by the modern age, our way of consuming music has changed. Ten years ago, it took an artist around three to four years to release a new album, whereas today, artists who fail to produce new content within a year or two begin to lose relevance as they fail to entertain their listeners. Therefore, it seems only the legacies of artists such as Winehouse will truly prevail. Modern artists who have a unique image, an extraordinary fanbase and who are not afraid to show their vulnerable sides within their lyrics will be remembered alongside Blackburn’s suggestions of Madonna and Abba, even after the next 60 years.