Gillmor Gang: Fractured Fairy Tales

The Shifting Landscape of Media and Creation

The year 1971 serves as a focal point, both as a calendar year and as the subject of an Apple TV+ documentary exploring a pivotal moment in musical history. Interestingly, it also represents the approximate number of hours a former president dedicated to maintaining a personal blog. While the latter claim is demonstrably false, it highlights a curious parallel. The documentary posits that 1971 marked a turning point where music truly came into its own, a claim substantiated by compelling footage featuring artists like Elton John, Isaac Hayes, and the Osmond Family.

Echoes of the Past in Contemporary Television

Looking ahead to 2021, parallels emerge in the realm of television. The drama “Gray’s Anatomy” adjusted its timeline to align more closely with current events, having initially been delayed to reflect the height of the pandemic. Similarly, “This Is Us” employed a narrative structure involving both present-day scenes and future flash-forwards, creating a sense of temporal displacement. This trend suggests a return to traditional viewing habits, prioritizing shared experiences and suspenseful cliffhangers.

A Rapid Return to Normality and Emerging Platforms

Despite being in the early stages of the “Vaccination Age,” a swift reversion to pre-pandemic norms is already apparent. Twitter, for example, is introducing a $3 monthly subscription tier for journalists in France and Canada, offering features like bookmark saving and edit capabilities. Furthermore, Twitter Spaces is gaining prominence with a dedicated tab for discovering live audio broadcasts.

Facebook, meanwhile, has launched Bulletin, a platform designed to support independent newsletters, particularly those focused on non-political, public-radio-style content. This initiative aims to circumvent Apple’s in-app purchase fees by facilitating subscriptions outside of the App Store. These developments indicate a dynamic shift within the creator economy, reminiscent of experimental periods in the past.

The Cycle of Innovation and Institutional Response

Fifty years ago, a surge in artistic talent challenged established institutions. The subsequent years witnessed a backlash, followed by a reevaluation and integration of these new forces. This cyclical pattern suggests that every year presents an opportunity for music – and, by extension, all forms of creative expression – to exert its influence. The ongoing revolution continues to unfold, now amplified by interactive digital platforms.

Joni Mitchell’s sentiment, captured in her song, encapsulates this enduring spirit:

Car on a Hill © November 28, 1973; Crazy Crow Music

Gillmor Gang Newsletter Information

from the Gillmor Gang Newsletter

__________________

The Gillmor Gang consists of Frank Radice, Michael Markman, Keith Teare, Denis Pombriant, Brent Leary, and Steve Gillmor. This episode was recorded live on Friday, May 28, 2021.

Production and direction were handled by Tina Chase Gillmor @tinagillmor.

Connect with the Gillmor Gang: @fradice, @mickeleh, @denispombriant, @kteare, @brentleary, @stevegillmor, @gillmorgang

Subscribe to the new Gillmor Gang Newsletter and participate in the discussion on Telegram.

Find the Gillmor Gang on Facebook and explore their companion show, G3, also on Facebook.