Meaning: Iggy Pop, an influential and iconic figure in the music industry, is known for his candid and often controversial statements about the state of music and the music business. In this particular quote, Iggy Pop expresses his opinion on the commercialization of music, suggesting that as music becomes more commercial, it loses its edge and authenticity.

The term "commercial" in the context of music refers to music that is created and marketed with the intention of generating profit and appealing to a wide audience. This often involves conforming to mainstream trends and industry standards in order to achieve commercial success. As a result, commercial music may be perceived as lacking originality, creativity, and depth, as it prioritizes mass appeal over artistic integrity.

Iggy Pop's statement reflects a common sentiment shared by many musicians and music enthusiasts who believe that the commercialization of music compromises its artistic value. When music becomes too focused on commercial success, it may lose its rawness, emotional depth, and innovative spirit. Instead, it may become formulaic, predictable, and devoid of the rebellious and boundary-pushing characteristics that define truly impactful and influential music.

Throughout his career, Iggy Pop has been a vocal advocate for authenticity and artistic freedom in music. As a pioneer of punk rock and a nonconformist in both his music and personal style, he has always embraced the rebellious and unconventional aspects of music. His critique of commercial music can be seen as a call to preserve the raw and unfiltered nature of music, urging artists and listeners alike to seek out music that challenges the status quo and resists the homogenizing influence of commercial interests.

It's important to note that Iggy Pop's perspective on commercial music is not a blanket condemnation of all popular or mainstream music. Instead, it is a critique of the industry-driven commodification of music that prioritizes marketability over artistic expression. He values music that retains its edge, authenticity, and rebellious spirit, regardless of its commercial success or mainstream appeal.

In today's music landscape, the tension between commercialism and artistic integrity continues to be a topic of debate and discussion. As technology and digital platforms have transformed the way music is created, distributed, and consumed, the influence of commercial interests on music has become increasingly complex. Independent artists, streaming services, and social media have provided new avenues for musicians to reach audiences outside of traditional commercial channels, challenging the dominance of mainstream commercial music.

In conclusion, Iggy Pop's statement reflects a broader concern about the impact of commercialization on the authenticity and edge of music. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving the rebellious, innovative, and authentic spirit of music, even in the face of industry pressures and commercial trends. As music enthusiasts, embracing a diverse range of music that transcends commercial boundaries can help support the continued evolution and authenticity of the art form.