Hello friends, this week’s article is long overdue given how necessary I believe it to be…So here it goes…

It enamors me that an extremely talented musician who writes everything himself could be lesser known and lesser valued than a teeny bopper, talentless, Justin Bieberesque equivalent. For instance, there is a wonderful artist called, ‘The Dear Hunter’ from my hometown of Providence, Rhode Island. Not only does Casey Crescenzo write all of his own music, but it’s very well written content with a lot of meaning behind it.

I would like to clarify my previous statement by elaborating the fact that aside from Bieber’s problematic personality, there’s no denying the fact that he has a raw talent. He can actually sing and has a passion for his music. I do respect him for that. I’m not a fan, but I acknowledge the fact that he has a natural gift. However, his ‘all the girls love me because I’m cute’ persona is one that has been utilized by ‘famous’ viners and musical.lyers (or whatever they’re called.. no one really seems to know). Regardless, these ‘artists’ are NOT artists. They lack profound thought, an evident passion for music. Most importantly, they lack the talent…So, why are they famous then? Ask a 12 year old fangirl and she’ll argue that he’s got the ‘whole package.’

However, the truth of the matter is that these internet stars are all well loved by these young girls due to their conventionally attractive appearances. It doesn’t matter to their managers that their content lacks any substantial value, what matters to them is that they make every female listener feel special (as if she is the singer’s perceived love interest). Bo Burnham best explained this phenomena in his song, “Repeat Stuff” which is featured in his comedy show, “What” (it’s on Netflix! 10/10 recommend!).

Now, let’s compare two songs...First, we have Jacob Sartorius’ “Sweatshirt” :

Verse 2:

When you go to sleep at night, When you wake up in the morning

And when you walk the halls girl you know wanna flaunt it

This may be the start of something new

Girl I'm gonna tell you exactly what I wanna do is more than just this

So baby if you are not ready for my kiss

Chorus:

Then you can wear my sweatshirt

And you can tell your friends we'll be together till the end

Girl you can wear my sweatshirt

Cuz you're the only one I hold and I don't want you to be cold

So baby wear mine and you can wear my sweatshirt

And I don't want you to be cold

So you can wear my sweatshirt

...Now, let's contrast lyrical content of the aforementioned artist, The Dear Hunter’s song, “Cascade” :

Verse 1:

I heard a call in my sleep again

I brought my body to the altar

But a good man said that I raised the dead

I'm seeing forgotten forms from a different age

Half-hearted truths hanging in the air with the Holy Ghost

I'm singing hymns with the devil in confessional

Chorus:

I've been running through the night again

Trying to find where the wild things wouldn't go

But I'm keeping it in

Hate the sinner; never hate the sin!

As you can see, the lyrics set forth by these internet entertainers is not only garbage, but also detrimental to the youth and their perception of gender normalities as well as valuing money as superior as opposed to …

Basically, Jacob Sartorious, Jake Paul, Carter Reynolds, and the rest of them just need to quit creating 'music.' Overall, the majority of us see right through their facade, despite the abundant number of die hard fangirls…After all, they are simply using their status and power as internet figureheads to exploit young fans (primarily underage females) who they know are loyal to them and will support your career no matter what. (Jacob is like 12, but these other older internet stars that are similar to him have gotten into major trouble for taking advantage of their underaged fans...).

These internet 'stars' are not in it for the art of music and its creation, they want our money. And I say, we should not give it to them… The music industry should be reserved for individuals who have a message to share as well as a fervent passion for music! So I say, let’s be aware of what the youth listens to and guide them so they will not overlook the evils assimilated with these ‘beloved’ entertainers who don’t even care about their ‘fans’ despite what they may claim...

Conclusively, I am disappointed at the commodification of the music industry in the sense that they have placed these internet ‘stars’ into the realm of music solely for profit rather than for the love of music….