May 23, 2024
In an explosive return to the music scene, UK-based post-hardcore band Static Dress has released their latest single, "Crying," capturing the raw energy and intense emotion that the band is renowned..
Read moreMay 20, 2024
The New Kids on the Block are back, proving they’re still in the game with the release of their first album in 11 years. Their eighth studio album, aptly titled "Still Kids,"...
Read moreMay 20, 2024
Billie Eilish has finally released her highly anticipated third album, Hit Me Hard and Soft, with the lyrics of the final track, "Blue," capturing significant attention from fans...
Read moreMay 20, 2024
In a significant move within the music industry, Kevin Parker, the creative force behind Tame Impala, has sold his entire music catalog to Sony Music Publishing...
Read moreMay 18, 2024
In a landmark move that underscores the growing tensions between technology and the music industry, Sony Music has taken a bold stand against tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI...
Read moreMay 18, 2024
In an empowering move for independent music, Lil Durk has announced the relaunch of his Only The Family (OTF) label, now in partnership with AWAL...
Read moreMay 18, 2024
“This album has me very excited because all the songs on the album are names of cities, that’s why it’s called El Viaje,” Fonsi revealed. “They are rhythmic songs, romantic songs...
Read moreMay 18, 2024
Kehlani is making a powerful return with her upcoming album, Crash, set to drop on June 21. This release marks her first full-length project since the 2022 hit album Blue Water Road....
Read moreMay 18, 2024
Ghostface Killah, the legendary member of the Wu-Tang Clan, is gearing up to drop his highly anticipated solo album, "Set the Tone," and the lineup looks nothing short of...
Read moreMay 18, 2024
The Chainsmokers emerge with a new EP, "No Hard Feelings," consisting of a mix of their past and future sounds. The hit-making duo's latest project is a revisitation of their roots...
Read moreMay 16, 2024
Sony Music, the world's largest music publisher, has taken a significant stance in the ongoing debate over artificial intelligence (AI) and copyright. Recently, Sony has sent letters to major tech...
Read moreMay 16, 2024
In a significant move for the music industry, Pete Ganbarg, renowned for his A&R expertise, has announced the launch of Pure Tone Records in a joint venture with Atlantic Records...
Read moreBUSINESS INSIDER
Society has always placed a high value on music.
As technology starts to become more part of our lives, social media and music platforms have become more and more prominent in the music business. Compared to the times before these platforms existed, they have made it possible for music creators to gain recognition that was difficult to achieve. The unlimited access we have to these platforms allow audiences to easily discover new talents.
Platforms like SoundCloud, Spotify, and Tiktok have played a huge role in the growth of new artists. For SoundCloud, it was originally intended as a platform for sharing tracks between friends, but it quickly became a destination for up-and-coming artists looking to showcase their work. What’s great about SoundCloud is that the platform lets artists upload their own music and share it with a wider audience, without the need for a record label or music distributor. A variety of major artists known today were able to launch their music career such as Chance the Rapper, Post Malone, Lil Uzi Vert and Keshi.
Much like SoundCloud, Spotify has also changed the way people consume and discover music. Its popularity among people has grown immensely with the vast library of songs and personalized playlists that it has become a go-to place for music lovers. More so that it’s gaining more attention than Apple Music with the concept of “Spotify Wrapped” at the end of each year that contains the summary of listeners music taste. Spotify has created new opportunities for aspiring artists, allowing them to reach global audiences through a variety of features such as its editorial playlists and artist tools.
Another popular platform we can’t forget to mention is TikTok. Now we all know how much of an influence TikTok has on the music industry. Even songs that are super old-school are gaining popularity among gen-z’s and its short-form video format has made it easier and addictive to listen to songs on repeat. It has become a breeding ground for viral music trends and dances, bringing back old songs like “Sure Thing” by Miguel and “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac. The platform's algorithm and user-generated content has become a powerful tool for music promotion and discovery, especially among younger audiences. Most people can’t deny the fact that they rely on TikTok for new music suggestions. Artists like Jack Harlow have also become a hit celebrity when a snippet of his song “First Class,” became a viral trend and even Drake recognized Jack Harlow’s talent that he featured in his song called “Churchill Downs.”
Other social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter have also played a role in showcasing new and talented artists. These platforms allow artists to connect directly with fans, share behind-the-scenes content, and promote their music. It has also helped artists collaborate with other musicians and industry professionals, creating a sense of community and support.
Of course, with the rise of these platforms, the music industry has also undergone significant changes. The traditional model of signing with a record label and relying on radio play for success is no longer the only path to success. Independent artists can now build their own following through social media and streaming platforms, and many are able to sustain successful careers without ever signing with a major label.
It's clear that music and social media platforms have had a significant impact on the music industry. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be important to consider how these platforms can be used to promote diverse music genres and support artists at all stages of their careers.