"I think it's ridiculous to try to sell records to teenagers, because teenagers don't buy my records. And there ain't that many teenagers out there in the marketplace"
About this Quote
In this quote, John Mellencamp reveals an important viewpoint on marketing music to teens. The underlying sentiment exposes his apprehension about the efficiency and appropriateness of targeting this market for his records. To analyze this quote more deeply, we can explore several layers of Mellencamp's statement.
To start with, Mellencamp recommends that there is a detach between his music and the interests or acquiring practices of teenagers. By claiming that teenagers don't buy his records, he implicitly acknowledges a generational or cultural gap that might impact the resonance of his music with more youthful audiences. This might come from differences in musical tastes, cultural referrals, and even the thematic material of his songs, which may not align with teenage issues or experiences.
Additionally, Mellencamp's assertion that "there ain't that many teenagers out there in the market" can be viewed as a commentary on the more comprehensive music market's focus. He seems to challenge the prevalent industry notion that teenagers are the prime market for music usage. It can be analyzed as a call for a more nuanced understanding of music marketing, one that goes beyond stereotypical group targeting and thinks about the varied tastes and purchasing power of different age groups.
In addition, Mellencamp's usage of the word "outrageous" communicates a sense of disappointment or disbelief. This may reflect his wider creative viewpoint, valuing authenticity and creative integrity over commercial strategies that focus on sales over significant connections with audiences.
In essence, Mellencamp's quote highlights the complexities of the music business and the significance of lining up artistic output with genuine audience engagement. It highlights a wider critique of commercialism, recommending that music must go beyond mere market transactions and engage listeners on a much deeper level, no matter their age. Through this lens, Mellencamp advocates for an industry approach that values creative authenticity and promotes inclusive audience relationships throughout generational divides.
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