Synthetic and Organic music acts

The ideological basis of the music industryBy Francesca Parisi

Ideologies of CreativityKeith NegusIn Negus’ ‘Popular Music in Theory’, the key theoretical issues which arise in the study of contemporary popular music are detected.

This ideology in recent years has shaped the way in which artists' images and careers are developed, and the way that they are marketed towards specific audiences.

Creating ORGANIC and SYNTHETIC acts

ORGANIC acts are sold on their 'authenticity', both musically and socially.

SYNTHETIC acts are often sold on their 'look' or personalities, and their image is carefully constructed, usually by the record company itself.

The Synthetic Ideology Emphasis is given to single sales and to promoting

first albums Often aimed at younger, less sophisticated audiences Profits generated by this kind of artist tend to be part

of an immediate, short term strategy by the record company

The image of the artist is often constructed by the record company

The songs will be given to the artist and not written by them

The Synthetic Ideology Following a history of

successful young British boy bands, the band was formulated and constructed by a major music conglomerate, Sycho, in order to create maximum success, as a result the band has little control over their image and actions.

A key example of a synthetic act is the world famous British band ‘One Direction’

The Synthetic Ideology Their third album Midnight Memories, released on 25 November, sold 4 million copies around the world in just six weeks; it was the biggest seller in the UK, and also topped the global albums chart.

A key example of a synthetic act is the world famous British band ‘One Direction’

The Organic Ideology A 'naturalistic' approach to artists The seeds of success are within the artists, who

have to be 'nurtured' by the record company The image of the artist is 'enhanced' by the

record company The artist is given time to evolve and progress

through their career

The Organic Ideology A key example of a organic act is Ben Howard

Before signing to a record label, Howard had already released some material. In 2008 he self-released his debut EP Games in the Dark. In 2010, Ben Howard released the Old Pine EP, followed by a number of singles, such as "The Fear" and "Keep Your Head Up". Howard had enough material to release an album, Every Kingdom.

Howard signed to Island Records in 2011, due to the label's history of UK folk singers, including Nick Drake and John Martyn. After singles "Old Pine" and "The Wolves" were released in 2011, Howard recorded his debut album entitled Every Kingdom, which was released on 3 October 2011. He was nominated for the 2012 Mercury Prize.