Demystifying music industry jargon so you won’t feel like an outsider.
[This was my weekly column for GlobalNews.ca. – AC]
I hate jargon, technical terms used only by insiders. Jargon is, by its very nature, exclusionary. If you don’t know the language, the codes and the usage rules, you are locked out of the discussion and denied any meaningful analysis and input.
Following the machinations of the music business means inevitably running into words and phrases that seem important but are vague at best and impenetrable at worst. You could ask, but then you risk admitting that you’re an unordained, unenlightened outsider lacking in the necessary sacred knowledge. And who wants to be condescendingly taunted? So you keep it to yourself and hope that you figure everything out one day.
But that’s not right. Music should be for everyone, and anyone who wants to know how the music industry works should be welcomed. Let’s demystify some words, terms and phrases.
