Is the Mainstream Ready Once Again for Dance Music?

Not since the heyday of Dance/Pop Artists like Taylor Dayne and Paula Abdul has Dance Music been a mainstream category. Today, "Dance Music" as defined by Billboard's Dance Club Chart represents only a very small segment of the music market. But thanks to the recent CD Release "Sleeping in the Nothing" from Kelly Osbourne and another upcoming CD release from Entertainment Media magnet Paris Hilton, that could very well change.

Osbourne is a Reality TV Star and Mainstream Solo Artist who has embraced the Dance Music Genre on her latest CD. And because of her Star Status, she's bringing a lot of mainstream attention back to "Dance Music". It is ironic that Osbourne, a newcomer to the genre, might yet turn a Dance CD into a multi-platinum Mainstream hit.

After the country's musical tastes moved towards Hip Hop, Urban, and R&B/Pop, the Major Labels redirected their focus away from the Dance/Pop genre and it fell into decline. The dance music landscape attracted more than it's fair share of sub-standard Producers, Vocalists, and Songwriters. It got so bad that even legit Artists who could hold their own in any genre, like Grammy Nominees Amber and Deborah Cox were affected by it. Cox has even suggested publicly that being labeled a "Dance Artist" hurt her mainstream career.

Though these Artists have continued to release Remix Singles (Amber's latest "Voodoo" is out June 21), many of them have embraced other musical genres. Amber has gotten great notices for her multi-genre (Alt Rock infused Electronica, Pop/Rock, Dance, Jazz) CD "My Kind of World" and Cox has said that she is recording a CD of Broadway and Jazz standards. Even Kristine W told the Toronto Press after an appearance at last year's Fashion Cares that she'll do a Jazz CD next.

If Osbourne has a mainstream hit with "Sleeping in the Nothing" though, Dance Music's fortunes may turn once again. And the announcement from the Internet's most searched for celebrity Paris Hilton that she too will release a Dance CD shortly (which will reportedly include a remake of Blondie's Disco Classic "Heart of Glass") virtually guarantees that Dance Music will get a huge Mainstream Media boost. If these Artists are successful in turning younger CD Buyers onto Dance Music, the genre might once again become a Commercial force.

Kevin Snook is the editor of Dance Music, a site focusing on dance/pop music artists, articles and reviews.

---

How Many Guitar Chords Do I Need To Know?

Guitar chords, (chords played specifically on a guitar,) differ only... Read More

Buying A Guitar

There are many things to consider when buying a new... Read More

Piano Lessons - Group or Private?

Piano lessons are a great activity for children. They encourage... Read More

Songwriting - The Art of Writing a Good Song

Did you know that good songwriting is often the key... Read More

Alternative Sales Sources for Your Music

Following, is a list of alternative sources that may be... Read More

Building Your Digital Music Collection

The previous two Tech Tips took a look at eight... Read More

How To Write A Song

Did you ever wish that it was your song playing... Read More

Things To Know When Shopping For A Guitar Amplifier

Guitar amplifiers are a major part of your tone. Some... Read More

Learning to Play the Piano with Chords Part 2

Do you want to learn how to play chords on... Read More

How to Create Interesting Textures

A lot of new age piano music consists of repeating... Read More

MP3 Music Subscription Services. A Good Deal?

There's a reason Apple Computer dominates the legal 99-cents-a-download digital... Read More

The Various Countries - A Rant About Country Music

It is no secret that over the past couple decades... Read More

Visualization Techniques for the Pianist

Controlling the images of the mind through image projection has... Read More

Music for Corporate Entertainment

For many years I have supplied music for and played... Read More

Improvisation and Musical Form

Do you ramble on endlessly with your improvisations? If so,... Read More

Benatar and Geraldo - Still Rockin on a High Note

Most people look forward to the summer months because they... Read More

Piano Lessons Can be Fun!

There are essentially two ways to learn piano - note... Read More

Canadian Stars: The Marble Index and the Waking Eyes

Canadian Indie bands are dominating the music scene and it... Read More

The Top 10 Reasons Why You Suck At Playing Guitar

You don't 'need' to play guitar enough.If you desire to... Read More

Music to Echo Your Mood

In what way do the kinds of music (rock, rap,... Read More

Interview With An Up And Coming Musician From Toronto

Today, Norm Goldman, Editor of Sketchandtravel.com and Bookpleasures.com is delighted... Read More

A Quick and Easy Composition Method

Here's the method I use every time I want to... Read More

Prepare for the Master (CD Mastering)

Many artists are still confused as to what goes on... Read More

CD Mastering using Har-Bal

Feel free to download the entire manual detailing the mastering... Read More

Acclaimed Songwriter and Performer Michael Alan Releases New CD: Searching for the Heartland:

New York born singer songwriter Michael Alan, who records with... Read More

An Interview with Jon Bon Jovi ? 100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Cant Be Wrong

The idea originated with singer Jon Bon Jovi. Jon kept... Read More

Effective Band Rehearsal

If your band is in rehearsals, either preparing for gigging,... Read More

Closet Monsters London Spicoluk

Way back in November I found myself at the Casby... Read More

Copyright Basics for Songwriters

Should you copyright your song? If you're a songwriter, sooner... Read More

10 Ways for Unknown Musicians to Get the Word Out

When Clear Channel controls the radio and the monopoly newspaper... Read More

Composing George Winston Style

If you're a fan of New Age piano, no doubt... Read More

Facts about MC Big Proof

Facts about MC Big Proof"If I was you, suicide would... Read More

Lori Nuic Sparkles

A soulful vibe along with an amazing voice is what... Read More