Why the Perception: UK Musicians/Bands are Better, Despite US Producing More Famous Artists Throughout History
Speaking as an Outsider: Perhaps it is the Americans themselves who tend to believe that British bands are better, more innovative, and less commercial. It is probably an image thing. British bands are, as far as I know, very much controlled by their labels who very much like to break through in the American market. In the 1960s, that was a landslide, and it continued through the 1980s and beyond. And maybe they get credit from American companies sometimes, more than they deserve. Similar to French cognac, German cars, and Swedish crime series, British musicians and bands might be perceived as superior.
Listening to the excellent American podcast 1001 Albums, I was prompted to explore this perception further. There’s no such thing as ‘superior’ music. There’s music you like and music you don’t. Admittedly, the world is teeming with narcissists who can’t distinguish between their own subjective tastes and objective metrics in creative content, which don’t exist. But I like The Doors, The Clash, The Velvet Underground, The Jesus and Mary Chain, The Replacements, and Lene Lovich. However, I am not self-absorbed enough to think that makes any of these artists ‘better’ than another. I do observe, however, that on a per capita basis, I like British artists more than American artists. However, this gets a bit wonky—I mean, per capita, I apparently love Icelandic music above all else. Iceland has fewer than 400,000 people, after all.
Does any of this bother me as an American? No. But then I am not an insecure tribalist desperately seeking a sense of self in the achievements of those who hold the same passport as me.
ldquo;Perceptionrdquo;: People Can Perceive All Kinds of Wrong Things
Some people from the UK are proud of their country and, therefore, perceive that the musicians of their country are better than those from another country. Or perhaps for some others, there is a belief that the exotic is always better, making the musicians from across the water seem superior to the home-grown musicians.
But why would a false perception like that matter anyway? It is rather pointless to opine about why other people believe false perceptions. The fact is that good musicians are spread evenly across all countries in the world and across time, too. Any perception that there is a better country or a better time for musicians is always false.
Perception vs. Reality: Unpack the Truth About Musicians
The reality is that every country has produced incredible musicians who have left their mark on the world. The UK has the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Oasis, Coldplay, and many more. The USA has artists like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Nirvana, and countless more. It’s not about one being better or the other; it’s about diversity, innovation, and artistic expression.
In terms of innovation, both countries have had their moments. British musicians are often noted for their unique sounds and experimental approaches, while American musicians have been at the forefront of rock, pop, and hip-hop. It’s a matter of cultural influence and cross-pollination. Both countries have contributed to the evolving landscape of music.
Conclusion: A Balanced View:
Ultimately, it’s a case of personal preference and cultural background. What one person likes does not make another artist fundamentally better or worse. The music industry is complex, and it’s essential to appreciate the contributions of every country. The perception that one country’s musicians are better than another is a subjective and sometimes misleading one. What matters is the quality and impact of the music itself, rather than where it’s produced.