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Black Eyed Peas: Sellouts in Post-Sellout World

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 22, 2009 3:55 PM CDT
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(Newser) – It is still possible for a musician to “sell out” in this hyper-commercialized world, says Seth Stevenson, who hangs on to the concept partly because of the pain he feels when a favorite song is co-opted—it’s like finding out a smart, cute girl “spends her weekends turning tricks.” But mostly, he writes for Slate, it’s because “we as a culture must reserve our right to shower disdain on the Black Eyed Peas.”

The Peas aren’t an unknown band eager to “gain national exposure quickly,” Stevenson writes. And their songs are already played heavily on radio and in clubs. For Stevenson, a new Target commercial crosses the line. “These insatiable revenue-bots are just raking in more coin.” Stevenson admits that “when the music’s this bad it’s sort of beyond the point,” but still. “Ponder the fact that will.i.am has a giant Target logo on his hat.”

The Black Eyed Peas.
The Black Eyed Peas.   (AP Photo)
The Black Eyed Peas.
The Black Eyed Peas.   (AP Photo)
will.i.am.
will.i.am.   (AP Photo)
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The BEP Target spot.   (SkinsFan613)

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When a deeply moving song gets sold for an ad, it's like finding out that the cute girl you've been having long, philosophical conversations with at the coffeehouse spends her weekends turning tricks. Call me sentimental. - Seth Stevenson

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 11 comments
drlarrymitchell
Jun 23, 2009 12:48 PM CDT
Music IS art- or it CAN be. Music is a often a conversation, a contract, between the artist and the listener. Good music becomes a part of your life. BAD music is used to sell Pop Tarts. If you have millions, why denigrate your music for a few dollars more?
Jojo
Jun 23, 2009 12:39 PM CDT
I don't agree drlarry - not after hearing Led Zeppelin on a car commercial. Has everyone forgotten that Will.i.am was already a millionaire before he sold songs to Target? After you already have millions, who really cares if you sell a song at that point? I'm thinking if it were me, I would think of it as nothing but another venue to get my music out there, no different that Myspace or Youtube. I really don't get the sudden Will.i.am bashing and I don't like his music or the music of the Peas. I mean look at all the "musicians" that sold out before anyone even knew who they were - like Sara Bareilles. I really just don't get it. Why does it change the game if you hear a song on a car commercial or on the radio? I think it's stupid to say they aren't true musicians if they sold a song to a commercial - pure stupidity. Who cares. Let them put their damn song anywhere they want.
emptycalm
Jun 23, 2009 12:25 PM CDT
As a snobby music as art purist, I will always be against "bands" like this who market their music like it's a product. As BigLebow said, there are two kinds of musicians and it would be good if people made that distinction more.

 
music industry • advertising • tv ads • Target • Black Eyed Peas • Will.i.am • sellout • licensing

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