Commercialism and Authenticity

The question of authenticity and commercialism being related is one that is open for debate. Yes, in many cases, it does ring true that an increase in popularity, and by consequence, commercialism, can change the value (both monetarily and morally) of the item. But then, there are other times when the two have almost no correlation. A prime example is in the music industry. In many circles, it is believed that enjoying the music of a band that no one has heard of is 'pure', and that enjoying mainstream media and music is part of the art of 'selling out'. While the term selling out can mean different things to different people, it is the embodiment of the idea of commercialism and authenticity. Many times, when a band goes mainstream, they will leave their previous fans behind for a new slurry of fans. Ones that 'fit' into a certain social circle, or the like.

Yet, there are other bands who have come to the mainstream that refuse to change for anyone. They sell masses of albums, yet do only what they feel is the correct way to do music. They perform and create music based on what feels right to them, not what their sponsors/record label/fans/etc. want from them. In this day and age, it is very rare for a music group to be popular with many people, and still keep from 'selling out'. But when it does happen, it is a perfect example of how commercialism and authenticity usually have an inverse relationship, there can be exceptions to the rule.