Is Soul Music for an Old Soul?
Date: 2010-09-02 | By: Crystal Tate
Filed under: Features
With artists like Drake
and Rick Ross dominating the airwaves, it’s easy to sometimes forget about some
of the underrated yet super-talented artists like Jill Scott, Kem and Raheem
Devaughn. These three artists all have something in common: they are considered
soul artists. Soul artists tend to write lyrics from the bottom of their heart,
and sing songs that bring out almost any emotion, and literally touch you in a
way like no other song. Nope, their music doesn’t have a catchy beat and dance
to go along with it, but does that make their music any less marketable?
You can ask anyone under
21 who his or her favorite artist is, and there’s a pretty good chance they’re not going to name one of today’s popular
soul music artists. However, you’re more likely to find a fan that’s over 30.
So what is it about soul artists that they don’t necessarily appeal to a
younger, and more mainstream audience? Is soul music not catered to a youth
market? Or do youth just prefer commercially recorded, popular hits?
Regardless of your age and preference for soul music, it’s worth taking a
listen to. You’ll probably find yourself with a newfound love for a soul
artist. What if you don’t like it? You have our permission to show off your
“Pretty Boy Swag” (or “Pretty Girl Swag”) with Soulja Boy or Ciara.
Question:
Do you think younger fans appreciate soul artists or listen to soul music? Why
or why not?
Bonus:
Listen to Kem’s “Why Would
You Stay”
Listen to Raheem DeVaughn's "Lyin' to Myself"
Listen to Jill Scott's "Hear My Call
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I'm 18 and i still love soul music,and we have remember soul music is last century its a new one now techno time lol
I'm 18 and I love soul. I was brought up on R&B/soul artists like Michael Jackson, Stevie and Sade. I now listen to various soul artists such as Maxwell, Jill and Erykah Badu, as well as lesser known soul vocalists from other genres such as Downtempo band, Little Dragon.
Well, Im 22 - I know of lots of people my age who listen to Erykah badu in particular...I think in the UK Amy Winehouse did a LOT for soul music
There's no Soul/R&B magazines on the newsstand that I know of, apart from this site I don't know any web site designed for Soul/R&B. I'd suggest Soul artists choose better beats.They can keep the same lyrical content and repackage it in a new and better production.
Some younger fans listen to and appreciate Soul Music. However to be more popular Soul singers need a more aggresive marketing strategy, stronger beats sometimes cause at the end of the day Music is entertainment, and Soul singers tend to take themselves too seriously.
I'm 35, and the problem is radio programmers. The young won't hear it if its not on the radio they don't promote the soul, they promote the hip-hop soul ask Boyz II Men about it. When talking of today's soul singers don't leave out Leela James, Hil St. Soul, Conya Doss.
I'm 32 and live in the Midwest very close to Chicago and Detroit where there are plenty of Soul influences. I can truly say I love Soul/R&B music. I dance to it and collect as much of it as I can. I do not think of myself as an old soul however.
i am 18 and i love soul music. I know only a few people my age that are into it tho. Not to say that its all I listen to, i love listening to mariah, beyonce, and jay-z as well. but when i want something deep and full of substance i love listening to erykah, jill, maxwell etc
I'm 23 and live in Australia (devoid of soul music) but have been listening to soul music since high school. I don't think you have to be underground or mainstream, just support whatever you love. I'm seeing Raheem perform in London at the end of the month, can't wait.