Quote:
Originally posted by Diki:
Personally, I think the arranger slump in the US is mostly due to how bad they do contemporary styles. While in Europe and Latin America, more traditional forms are still very popular, in the States the clubs are dominated by bands that play rock, alternative, and rap/hiphop/R&B. None of which are the traditional arranger's forte.

Few parents would buy a PSR for their kids today and expect them to LIKE it. They want something that can do some Beyoncé, DMX or T-Pain. And that AIN'T the arranger. It's the WS/Groovebox. Europe and Latin America, singalongs are still popular, people like the familiar songs they can sing along with, but ask any kids the words to a traditional song, you get a blank stare. But they know ALL the words to some rap song, or an emo/angst rock tune...

Just look at the Billboard Top 30. I can't think of hardly ONE song that an arranger could do. Now compare that to the Top 30 in say Germany, or Mexico. I guarantee there's a LOT of songs performable on an arranger.

Until arranger manufacturers incorporate some of the features and sounds that make making hiphop and techno as easy as a WS or computer rig, don't expect to see arrangers regain any ground over here...

JMO...


Bingo, I totally agree with this. Except that plan B is that... rather than the arranger changing to accommodate contemporary "music," the "music" could change. I can only hope. And I sometimes think that it could, if only, they would. Because many young people gravitate (in the USA) to music us old farts know. From Sinatra songs to 60s / 70s music.

EDIT: And I reiterate -- I agree with Diki's (and others') comments about the problem lying in not enough modern styles. In fact, I have always thought that PERCEPTION is key to young people. They think it's uncool if it has Lawrence Welk type styles on it. I think that if the buyer were allowed to choose the type of styles for his machine, it would be better. Or just remove "old sounding" styles.

I also have stated before... I found some Korg PA styles a few years ago and was amazed at how modern the styles sounded. In fact, I used several of them in my own original compositions. They rocked.

[This message has been edited by SemiLiveMusic (edited 01-27-2010).]
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Bill