Is Rock ‘n Roll Dead Or Is There Just More Talent?

In today’s information-saturated world, it’s easy to miss just how much the digital revolution has reshaped the playing field for success in every domain. This shift isn’t just about the obvious factors like technology, but the deeper way it affects how we compare, value, and elevate talent.

Not long ago, I commented on a social media post referencing an article by Gene Simmons of KISS titled,?Rock is Finally Dead. It was Murdered.?In the piece, Simmons laments the decline of great songwriters and artists, blaming younger generations who expect music for free. While Simmons and many others of his generation mourn the loss of the shared experience of the music industry’s “golden age,” I questioned whether the situation is as bleak as it seems.

I asked, “Could it be that more talented musicians are exposed to the world thanks to social media? More supply with stagnant demand would lead to lower prices. I’ve come across talented people who didn’t make it big, despite possessing considerable skill. Why is that?”

My friend, a musician from the ‘80s and ‘90s, responded that the market is more fragmented because the tools to record and promote music are now in the hands of the masses. There’s no longer a shared cultural experience dictated by a few major players. But he also echoed Simmons’s sentiment, asking where the new Led Zeppelin or AC/DC is today.

This exchange got me thinking about?the contrast phenomenon—something I often teach in influence. We make judgments and evaluations in life by comparing one thing to another. Simmons compares modern artists to legends like Bob Dylan and The Beatles, and in that light, it’s easy to feel that today’s musicians come up short. But are they really lacking? Or are our expectations and points of comparison simply different?

Take a moment to consider: When rock ’n’ roll emerged in the 1950s, many people dismissed it as noise. The same happened with jazz, punk, and hip-hop. Yet, every generation produces something new, something unexpected that challenges the status quo.

The power of comparison shapes not just how we evaluate music, but every part of life. In today’s hyper-connected world, everyone is being compared to everything, everywhere. It's not just in music—business, sports, writing, and other industries are all experiencing this. The result? A vast supply of talent that is far more accessible but, at the same time, feels less special because we’re flooded with it.

Social media, file sharing, and self-publishing platforms like Amazon have democratized opportunities. Anyone can record music, publish a book, or launch a business with the click of a button. But that same accessibility leads to market saturation, and fewer people seem to rise to superstardom.

The?contrast phenomenon?reminds us that value is determined by comparison. Today, it’s not always about raw talent—there are plenty of incredibly skilled individuals in every field that most of us never hear of. Success comes down to something else:?Scarcity.?In a world where everyone can get their message out, those who find a way to stand out will rise to the top.

This isn’t just true for musicians. It applies to all of us. Whether you’re in business, sports, or the arts, the challenge is finding what makes you unique. Why should someone hire you over another talented candidate? Why should someone buy your product over someone else’s?

The key lies in understanding and showcasing your uniqueness—a classic example of?Cialdini’s scarcity principle. You must ask yourself: What do I bring to the table that others don’t? What combination of experiences, skills, and attributes make me irreplaceable?

Once you discover that, you’ve taken a crucial step toward influencing others and standing out. Gene Simmons and my musician friend are right in one sense: the world has changed. But I’d argue it’s not that great musicians don’t exist anymore. It’s that we need to adjust our lens. In today’s fragmented market, the rules for success are different. The new Led Zeppelin might be out there, but we won’t find them if we keep looking through the same old filter.

For those of us who want to influence others—whether as musicians, writers, businesspeople, or something else—the lesson is clear: Highlight what makes you scarce. What do you offer that no one else does? Learn to articulate and market that effectively, and you’ll rise above the noise.

Originally posted 10/20/14 Reworked with ChatGPT?

Brian Ahearn

Brian Ahearn is the Chief Influence Officer at?Influence PEOPLE?and a faculty member at the?Cialdini Institute. An author, TEDx presenter, international speaker, coach, and consultant, Brian helps clients apply influence in everyday situations to boost results.

As one of only a dozen Cialdini Method Certified Trainers in the world, Brian was personally trained and endorsed by Robert Cialdini, Ph.D., the most cited living social psychologist on the science of ethical influence.

Brian’s first book,?Influence PEOPLE, was named one of the 100 Best Influence Books of All Time by Book Authority.?Persuasive Selling for Relationship Driven Insurance Agents?was an Amazon new release bestseller.?The Influencer, is a business parable designed to teach you how to use influence in everyday situations.

Brian’s?LinkedIn courses?on persuasive selling and coaching have been viewed by over 725,000 people around the world and his?TEDx Talk?on pre-suasion has more than a million views!