bronsd11 said:Pitchfork is undeniably the most influential music site today, and just might go down as the most influential ever. I remember reading an article about how a single "Best New Music" can lead to a band signing million dollar deals and receiving $10,000+ for a show just based off that ONE review [EDIT: I believe they were referencing that after the Weeknd's "House of Balloons" got a high score, he was being offered thousands of dollars just to play one show]. The site hosts their own music festival in two different continents, while they also have their own sponsored stages at other major festivals (Primavera, SXSW, etc.). To act like Pitchfork is irrelevant is ignorant. They are arguably the most popular trendsetting website, period.
With that said, everyone knows the site isn't perfect. I mean, jesus, what would YOU do with that much power? They are literally molding people's artistic tastes because of their recommendations. That's a lot of power. & I truthfully believe that Pitchfork tries to remain impartial and give the music they actually like "high scores" and the music they dislike "low scores", just as you & everyone else would likely do. I really would hate to think that they take bribes or money to help promote particular acts with good scores & more news coverage, but that doesn't really sound all that unlikely either. As it stands currently, Pitchfork covers some great, sometimes challenging music. I don't agree with about 50% of the things they say, but their eye for talent is undeniable. And truthfully, if it wasn't for Pitchfork, I likely wouldn't have stumbled into some of my favorite bands of all time.
this. but the sad part is most of the dudes writing for pitchfork i'm gonna guess are white indie music lovers. so when it comes to hip hop they gain an authority that i don't think they deserve.
