The Nashville Feed

The MTV Video Music Awards is something that I looked forward to, course that was back in 1989 (the 2008 VMAs are 25 yrs old btw) but I think that's the last time they were any good. I'm sure others would disagree but this is the age of the internet so leave a comment because you can.

So why am I writing about the VMAs or even bothered to tune-in? To be honest out of curiosity since I haven't seen the show in several years and I work in the County Music industry for which we have our own awards show.

First comment is how far MTV has fallen. Reading the Rolling Stone live blog they has the same thought.

Are the VMAs in a high school gymnasium this year? This looks like our prom - zombies and all.

It's not but looks that way. It's actually at Paramount Studios. Didn't the VMAs fill whole venues like the Kodak Theater before A level artists and actors? I mean like big venues not like one at Belmont. I mean no hate for Belmont but you're no Kodak Theater. I guess for a music video channel that doesn't play music anymore and only needs music is for their lame reality shows there aren't many actors or artists would want to attend. Maybe they wanted that look on purpose, if so it has backfired.

So next it looked like the same few artists were nominated; back to the idea that they don't play music videos anymore. Am I bitter or about the no music thing?

From an advertiser standpoint, I'd be pretty pissed about MTV splitting the screen like a severe weather report and putting up trivia and what's coming next. It felt like "Well, we have to play commercials to pay the bills and its five minutes long but here's something to keep your attention." Why would

As an artist I'd wonder who's picking the spots and locations for example why LL Cool J isn't even on the main stage...again agreeing with Rolling Stone. Have MTVs demographics got so young that the artists have to be the same age or have I just got old I don't know who these new artists are and long for more familiar?
Are the VMAs are on their way out? Will it be reduced little by little like the music videos they banished many years ago? The show itself feels out of place on the network.

It's alright though; artists have already moved on. They are going direct to their fans bypassing the former "cool makers" of MTV. To be honest I think the day's of the mega-hit is over.  The media is splintered so much the traditional power of TV & radio is in decline. The artists are empowered by the internet but it still takes money to market and "break out." This will still be a problem like it has always been before but the good thing is you don't have waste it on MTV.

Rant over. You now may return to your YouTube viewing.