Metallica has also stayed active. Sure, their rates varied over the years. But the discography, and sheer volume of music, the group has released throughout their 30+ active years speaks for itself. There’s something to be said for staying around, and continuing to be relevant. There are one-hit wonders, and artists who fade faster than they appear, littered throughout music history. That cycle has only quickened over time, and has seemingly hit an all-time high with EDM.
Continuing to release music, at their own (sometimes unpredictable) pace is something every artist can aspire to. The fruits of that method are shown throughout Metallica’s career, and very plainly with the group’s most recent studio album. Despite the critiques from industry experts, fan outcry, a fight with Napster, and more, Metallica has stayed true to their purpose, and released music regularly for decades.
Releasing music on a regular basis may seem obvious, but it’s something that can be misunderstood. Metallica’s most recent album before Hardwired…To Self Destruct came out nearly a decade ago. Despite that, the group has stayed active in other ways, with live performances and non-studio album releases. Works like 1998’s cover-album Garage Inc., featuring in film soundtracks like Mission: Impossible II, or the Beyond Magnetic EP in 2011 are all examples of ways the sometimes disjointed group found ways to stay active.
Giving fans something to enjoy every so often does everyone some good. Metallica has shown, with a little creativity and a lot of effort, that any sort of flexible release schedule is possible. As long as the artist is creating music they enjoy, and is willing to put it out. Again, it’s not always perfect. And it’s not meant to be. Having something new to enjoy tops wondering ‘what-if’, regardless of the release’s critical or commercial success.
Staying durable, and releasing music, takes a lot of determination. Through different members, eras, and technological advances, Metallica has proven that navigating the muddiest of music’s waters is always possible. Never giving up, and battling through the tough times, are advice for nearly any situation or career. But seeing it proven over and over, by a group of guys who’ve dealt with professional and personal issues as much as any group, should catch every artist’s attention.
All of these things are aspects of the music industry that seem to lack in EDM, as much as anywhere else. There are a few things every artist could stand to learn from the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers. Obvious as they may seem, the practices that brought Metallica so much success, and fans so much music, could do dance music artists plenty of good. Too often producers contemplate making music for the genre of the moment, or holding out until the new tune is ‘perfect’. Losing sight of the fact that the point of creating music, is for people to hear it.
Of course, there are exceptions to every rule, and reasons for every decision. As long as the art being created comes from a good place, with good intentions, the rest will work itself out. It’s when things become forced, and fake, that the music begins to lose itself. Whether EDM has lost itself is a discussion for a different article. But there’s plenty the genre, and those pushing it forward, could do by taking a page from one of music’s great bands.
Not every artist needs to spearhead a new genre or be the greatest of their era. But by following some simple markers made obvious by metal’s greatest group, artists around the world can do themselves a lot of good. Make art you love, share it, and don’t stop.
Let us know what you think of Metallica’s newest album, Hardwired…To Self Destruct, and if you think EDM can learn a thing or two from the heavy metal legends! Comment below, on Facebook, or reply on Twitter!
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Born and raised in the Northwest, professionalized in Pullman. Enjoying the ride that dance music provides in our lovely corner of the country.
