Is it me, or does every new pop song feel like the music industry just hit “Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V?”
Pop music’s obsession with the past might be holding it back from reaching the next level.
Case in point: Lisa’s latest solo track “Moonlit Floor,” which she debuted at the Global Citizen Festival 2024. Fans love it, but the reasons why are a bit tricky.
The song clearly uses parts of Sixpence None the Richer’s ’90s hit “Kiss Me.” But, this isn’t just a nod to an old song; it’s part of a bigger problem in today’s music. This over-reliance on familiar music makes us wonder how the industry’s fixation on nostalgia reflects the originality of pop music.
Nostalgia as a Shortcut to Success
Let’s get the obvious out of the way first. There’s something comforting about hearing a familiar tune. It’s like running into an old friend at a party. And, in a competitive industry, that’s worth its weight in gold.
More and more, we’re seeing artists and producers lean on these nostalgic elements to boost their chances of making it big. And why not? They know we’re suckers for what we already know and love.
That’s why “Moonlit Floor” spread like wildfire on social media before it even dropped officially on October 3.
But while capitalizing on nostalgia might lead to quick success, it’s a bit of a double-edged sword.
When pop music becomes dependent on nostalgic elements, it’s hard to tell if it’s honoring the past or just copying it.
In Lisa’s case, some listeners praised her for paying tribute to a classic, while others voiced frustration over how much of “Kiss Me” was borrowed.
The borrowing isn’t exactly subtle. So, some are wondering if it’s more of a cover than an original piece.
Blurred Lines Between Interpolation, Sampling, and Covering
To understand the difference between an interpolation, a sample, and a cover, Lisa’s “Moonlit Floor” makes for an interesting study.
Here are the differences between the three:
- Interpolation is when you re-record parts of an older song, which is exactly what Lisa did with “Kiss Me.” She’s not using the original recording, but it definitely echoes the melody and structure of the chorus.
- Sampling is when you literally take a piece of an existing recording and use it in your new track. It could be a snippet of melody, a beat, or even a vocal line.
- Covering is a straightforward reproduction of an existing song but with a different performance. (Think: Kelly Clarkson’s Kellyoke)
These distinctions might seem nitpicky, but they can mean big bucks and legal headaches if not handled right.
Failing to properly navigate these legalities can lead to costly lawsuits, as seen in recent cases involving artists like Travis Scott and Kanye West.
Luckily for Lisa, Leigh Nash (the original “Kiss Me” singer) seems cool with her use of the song, so she might dodge that bullet.
The Innovation Dilemma in Pop Music
Lisa’s heavy reliance on a late ’90s hit points to a bigger problem in pop music: a serious lack of fresh ideas.
Instead of taking risks and experimenting with new sounds, many artists are playing it safe by recycling what’s already been done.
This trend isn’t new, though.
Artists have been sampling and reimagining old tracks for decades.
But if this lack of new ideas keeps up, the music industry might be in trouble.
Without new, experimental sounds to shake things up, pop music risks becoming stale. It’s like being stuck in an endless cycle of remakes, remixes, and reworks. Yawn.
And, as if the sampling trend wasn’t enough, now we have AI that can copy existing artists’ styles.
With sampling as a trend, what makes these songs any different from AI-generated music?
Where Do We Go From Here?
For artists like Lisa, the trend of musical recycling could negatively affect their careers.
It might lead to quick hits, but it makes it tough to carve out a unique artistic identity.
Fans might start wondering: Is this artist bringing anything new to the table, or just rehashing old hits?
There’s a reason why Sabrina Carpenter’s album “Short’n’Sweet” has been topping the charts recently. It’s not reinventing the wheel musically. But, because it’s dripping with Carpenter’s personality and wry humor, fans are eating it up.
The track “because i liked a boy” is a good example. It talks about the public criticism Carpenter faced over a rumored relationship, using clever words and a catchy tune to show her frustration.
Then there’s “Nonsense,” which shows off her knack for blending vulnerability with humor. The lyrics hit you in the feels while still managing to be playfully self-deprecating.
Or look at Taylor Swift’s record-breaking success. Her lyrics are like reading someone’s private diary. They’re very personal, often focusing on specific experiences and relationships in an honest, conversational way.
Now, these artists aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. But, they’re proof that originality, at least in lyrics, can still pay off big time.
Reliance on nostalgia also creates a cyclical effect within the industry.
Labels see quick success with remakes and use of old songs, so they’re less likely to take risks on truly innovative projects. Being original becomes the risky choice, making it harder for new sounds to break through the noise.
In turn, what the audience expects gets narrower, making it harder for really new music to find mainstream success.
But hey, it’s not all doom and gloom. There’s still time to turn this ship around.
To tackle this creativity crisis, the industry needs to find that sweet spot.
Old elements can create strong connections with listeners. Yet, they need to be mixed with fresh ideas to make some truly new music. This approach could satisfy both our want for the familiar and our need for something new.
And let’s not forget about giving credit and payment for used works. It’s not just about being fair. It encourages a more thoughtful approach to using existing material.
Lastly, investing in music education could make a big difference. By giving new musicians a good foundation in music theory and history, we can encourage them to try new things and create truly original works.
The future of pop music doesn’t have to be stuck in the past. With the right mix of respect for what came before and a willingness to explore new areas, we might just start a new age of creativity in pop.
Here’s hoping.