Published by: Katrina Sophia Eustaquio
Date Published: August 21, 2023
Time Published: 3:00 PM
Music has always been the universal language anywhere we go. From the loud cries of a newborn, the honks of passing cars, to the melody of an opera singer belting out words in hopes of expressing the message of the sounds. All of these are fine tunes that aid in expressing the feelings, passion, and fulfillment of the person weaving the melody. However, in the age where survival does not equal passion. Can the tone of music tune out the static noise of the need? Was the time of profound music and upbeat songs really the Golden Era?
On the 13th day of August, Chito Miranda, a member of the Filipino band “Parokya ni Edgar” known for their nostalgic songs in the 90s, took to his Facebook account to express his thoughts on the “Golden Age” of OPM Music. Chito Miranda asserted that today’s generation of musicians is the “Golden Era” because of how current artists such as SB19, Ben & Ben, and many more are compensated and treated fairly in comparison to their generation—90s to early 20s [1]. As an avid enjoyer of both generations, it brings me immense confusion on how and why musicians are forced to either give up their passion or give up the ability to put food on the table.
In Chito Miranda’s post, he stated that, “Artists and bands now don't need mainstream media and recording companies anymore (not that mainstream media nor having a recording contract is a bad thing), but artists now are no longer dependent on them to make it big," and I could not help but agree. The Golden Age of music is not about which era has the most singers that can belt the highest, or the era that has the most complex technology used in creating beats and brackets. It is about which era nourished the artists the best. It is about how singers and musicians do not have to loosen the strings on their guitars just to be able to sleep in a house that has no leaking roof.
We view music as a fundamental aspect of our society, tracing back from ancient times. It is the easiest way to tell a story and keep a culture alive. Music is everywhere but it should not be free. Like Taylor Swift once stated, “Important, rare things are valuable. Valuable things should be paid for,” [2]. Artists should be treated with respect, not only for their immense talent but also for their crafts that undeniably helps most people get past hurdles in life.
Everyone has been influenced by music in some way or another. From the lullabies as we grow up; the music phases that defined our teenage years. With the creation of millions and millions of music, released day by day, would it not be fair to at least make composing songs, and striking strings, and blowing flutes liveable? Today may not be the most indestructible Golden Age of music, but with gradual strokes and tiny beats, we could at least help amplify the sounds of the silent pleas of the people who unconsciously heard ours.
References:
[1] Miranda, C. (2023, August 19). *Maraming nagsasabi na Golden Age ng OPM yung 90s.*
*Sobrang saya naman kasi talaga nun 90s dahil sa Eheads, Rivermaya. *[Image attached] [Status update]. Facebook.
[https://www.facebook.com/ChitoMirandaJr/posts/835980534550010?ref=embed_post](https://www.facebook.com/ChitoMirandaJr/posts/835980534550010?ref=embed_post)
[2] Linshi, J. (2014, November 3). Here's why Taylor Swift pulled her music from Spotify. *Time. *[https://time.com/3554468/why-taylor-swift-spotify](https://time.com/3554468/why-taylor-swift-spotify/)
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