This MP3 Lunatic attended the CMJ Convention held in New York City last week.

I was impressed by the amount of interest in contemporary music exhibited by the convention attendees. I got a glimpse of the future. I was encouraged. I enjoyed seeing a new generation of music lovers. I can only hope they get the opportunity to experience the rich music experience I did while growing up in the 50s/60s. I know there’s comparable - if not better - music talent out there currently.

It seems the problem is getting these artists the attention of the public.

Most of the panels I observed recognized the value of filtering music. When I was in college, this job was usually done by the record labels. These music companies were the premier filter. Label A&R departments determined which music talent to record, finance, and promote. Then radio - the broadcast filter - selected which songs resonated with the public.

But the convention goers acknowledged the major record companies are downsizing to cut losses and radio is a shadow of it’s former self.

Plus, everyone noted that the “Great Hope” of the Internet hasn’t yet righted this ship.

But when I spoke to the attendees at the convention, they didn’t seem to be music deficient. They’re getting plenty of music from plenty of places. User filtering on the WWW has become their answer to retarded radio and decreased music choices.

Watch Out RIAA. They’re learning to live without you!