Mind Over Media: MRAZED

Media Meditation # 7

2002 was the first time I had ever seen Jason Mraz live in concert. I had no idea who he was or what he sounded like prior to the show. Once the show was over, I couldn't imagine my life without his music. I have seen Jason, (yes we are on a first name basis, I met him once and now we are best friends) 8 times in various locations. Every single show is entirely different from the last. He makes every performance personal and unique by scatting, breaking out a cover song in the middle of one of his songs or beat boxing. Overall he is very appealing to the limbic brain, talented and can act freely on stage as he pleases. He allows every member of the audience to obtain their own “value message” from his songs through “emotional transfer.” The one thing that remains constant with every show is the atmosphere. The first time I saw him was at a tiny venue, before anyone knew he was, and every show since then has been slightly bigger and bigger. Even thought he no longer plays in small intimate settings, Jason has the ability to make a big arena feel small and personal, which is why I think he is so talented. He engages everyone in the audience emotionally. Jason Mraz unfortunately, does not appeal to everyone. Which is why he has a few top 40 friendly songs. These songs such as “The Remedy” “You and I both” and “Wordplay” upset me because I don’t think they showcase Jason’s talent enough, he is better then these songs! The lyrics of "Wordplay" even say, "For the record label puts me on the shelf up in the freezer gotta find another way to live the life of leisure, so I drop my top, mix and I mingle, is everybody ready for the single and it goes[...] when it's time to get ill I got your remedy for those who don't remember me." I feel like he is making fun of himself in this song. However, if you listen to him play these songs live with an acoustic guitar they are so much better! I feel as if a lot of people don’t give him a chance because they hear him on the radio and judge his talent based on his “pop” songs, which isn’t a true representation of him as an artist. However, according to David Croteau and William Hoyness, “Media organizations are attempting to produce hits- products that will be popular with audiences and, therefore, big moneymakers. It stands to reason that stars, who are also perceived to be popular and moneymakers will be a key part of their strategy. The logic goes some thing like this: hits make money, stars make money, and hits have stars; therefore hits need stars. In a media world in which uncertainty is a constant, decision makers seeks rules to make their decisions less arbitrary. The deep commitment to stars and to the importance of reputation more generally is one of the principal ways that the fluidity and ambiguity of the media industry are brought under control” (Media and Society 155). Jason’s record label wants him to make money, because if he makes money then they make money. The more pop songs he makes the bigger chance he has at gaining popularity and fame! It makes sense, but it is frustrating for me to go see him in concert and sit next to girls that only know the words to the songs that are on the radio. Jason Mraz’s lyrics and music are so much deeper then all the other songs on the radio. I just wish his radio listeners knew that!

Please take a moment to watch this video. This song "Sleeping to dream" is my favorite song and is the song I remember most from that first concert.