A couple of trend related to my discourse community are companies using digital tech in amplifiers and more artists releasing single songs rather than albums.

Companies are making new amps that have digital tech in them to satisfy users who may not be able to afford millions of effects pedals or want a specific tone. For example, Fender makes the Mustang GT amps which have a wifi connection so you can download new presets or in some cases, make and upload your own. You can even connect your phone with bluetooth and use it to control the amp while you play. I have yet to personally find a bass amp like this, but the specific tone I would love to recreate requires a couple pieces of inexpensive gear, and the main parts are multiple thousands of dollars. I have seen these guitar amps range in price from $350-400ish, all the way to $1000 from just what I have seen. Extra features vary with the price, of course.

Another trend is for people who make music is to release singles and build up hype for them rather than release an entire album. Especially for smaller bands or solo names, this is more cost effective and easier to do outside of a studio. Even for large bands. Take Metallica for example. They have been remastering and releasing huge box sets for their first four albums, Kill Em All, Ride The Lightning, Master Of Puppets and …And Justice For All. They do this and continue touring, due to how much more money they can make as opposed to making and releasing a new album. Bands now survive on tours, merch sales and hype more than album sales, due to things like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Prime and the like. Though many people would love to see new albums, Bands seem to be financially better off if they can ride a hype wave on tours, singles and merchandise.

Recently, one of my favorite Musicians, Dave Mustaine has been diagnosed with throat cancer. We are all rooting for you Dave, wishing luck with the treatment.