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Stephanie Poetri: Navigating the Stars and Soundscapes

April 3, 2024

Indonesian-born artist Stephanie Poetri is not just a musician; she's a sonic storyteller whose narratives unfold against the backdrop of a world obsessed with digital connectivity and astrological...

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Universal Music Group and HYBE Forge Strategic 10-Year Distribution and Collaboration Agreement

April 1, 2024

In a significant move that underscores the evolving dynamics of the global music industry, Universal Music Group (UMG) and HYBE, a prominent South Korean entertainment company, have announced...

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The National: A Journey Through Melancholy and the Art of Songwriting

March 31, 2024

Since its inception in 1999, the National has meticulously crafted a sound that resonates with the subtle complexities of human emotion, blurring the lines between melancholy and a peculiar sense....

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NIKI: A Profile on Self-Discovery and International Acclaim

March 29, 2024

Nicole Zefanya, known professionally as NIKI, has carved a unique space for herself in the contemporary music scene, transforming from a self-made YouTube artist into a history-making star...

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Jhené Aiko Embarks on the Magic Hour Tour: A Celebration of Resilience and Artistic Collaboration

March 27, 2024

In the dynamic world of contemporary R&B, few artists possess the ethereal quality and lyrical depth of Jhené Aiko Efuru Chilombo. Known for her soulful voice and introspective songwriting, Aiko...

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SZA's "Saturn": Chart-Topping Success and Insight into Her Songwriting Process

March 22, 2024

In the ever-evolving world of R&B music SZA stands as a beacon of innovation. Her latest single, "Saturn," marks a significant milestone in her illustrious career. Debuted during the 2024 Grammy...

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The Rap Challenge of Drill Beats: Why Cardi B Didn't Release Ice Spice 'Munch' Remix

March 20, 2024

Drill beats, with their gritty textures and relentless rhythms, represent one of these challenging frontiers. Cardi B's recent experience with recording a verse for a remix of Ice Spice's "Munch"...

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Ariana Grande's Lyrical Odyssey: Love and Loss in 'Eternal Sunshine'

Ariana Grande has once again captured the spotlight with her latest album, "Eternal Echoes." This time, Grande embarks on a deeply personal journey, weaving her narrative through the thematic...

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Ludwig Göransson’s Oscar Triumph: Crafting Oppenheimer's “Unplayable” Score

March 14, 2024

In the grand auditorium of dreams, Ludwig Göransson clutched the Oscar statuette for Best Score, a testament to his monumental contribution to Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer. This win adds another...

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The TikTok-UMG Standoff: A Battle Over Music Rights and Its Ripple Effects

March 10, 2024

Universal Music Group (UMG), the world’s largest music company, has withdrawn its catalog from TikTok, the leading platform for music promotion...

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Jimin's Historic Billboard Hot 100 Triumph: Elevating K-Pop to New Heights on the Global Stage

March 7, 2024

lmost one year ago, BTS's Jimin etched his name in the hall of music history by becoming the first South Korean soloist to clinch the number one spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart with his hit single..

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The Mick Gordon Controversy: A Symptom of Deeper Issues in the Video Game Industry

March 6, 2024

the composer behind the critically acclaimed soundtracks of Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal, has come forward with serious allegations against Bethesda, Id Software, and specifically, Id Software...

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TikTok - Changing the Music Industry

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Photo Source: Carbon Magazine

There is no question that technology and the internet is changing the way in which many aspects of the world operate. The internet has rapidly accelerated the rate that information can be communicated between people, and it allows anyone to reach people from anywhere on the globe in a matter of seconds, something that was previously impossible. 

Of course, the effects of new technology such as the internet carry over to the music industry. This article will discuss the effects that mobile apps are having on the way the music industry works, focusing specifically on TikTok. TikTok has significantly altered the way music creators promote music, how record label companies seek out new talent, and how songs go viral.  

Artists are using TikTok to gain exposure and advertise their music. TikTok’s algorithm is incredibly effective at spreading content quickly and it is very good at displaying content that is similar to what the user has previously interacted with and found interesting. Artists are taking advantage of this by posting short videos of their music on the platform. Because of this, users can discover new music from their favourite genres that they otherwise would have never found out about. 

Another feature of the app that can increase the amount of exposure a particular video receives is the share feature. If users come across a new song or artist that they really enjoy, they can send the video or the artist’s account to all of their friends, who may send it to their friends, and the cycle will continue. 

Most clips on TikTok are very short, usually less than 1 minute, and this makes them easily digestible for the user. Instead of having to listen to entire songs on the radio, people can watch a 15 second clip of the best part of a song, increasing the amount of different content that each person can find. In addition to this, some music creators have teamed up with already popular TikTok personalities and influencers who help promote their music to a large audience. 

Looking at the bigger picture, the music industry as a whole is adjusting to this novel approach to promoting content. In the past, record label companies would have artists audition or would attempt to find new artists in person. These companies have started using TikTok to come upon new artists who haven’t received exposure from traditional forms of media, making it much easier for companies to reach talented artists. This is mutually beneficial for both artists and companies, as it gives talented musicians a way to get into the big leagues, and it gives record companies the opportunity to profit from discovering the next big thing. 

Finally, TikTok trends can also revive older music and establish its popularity in demographics who otherwise would be unlikely to be exposed to such music. For example, ‘Dreams’ by Fleetwood Mac surged in popularity after it was used in a viral TikTok trend involving skateboarders filming themselves with picturesque scenery in the background. 

Overall, the internet will only become more utilized and widespread, and the future of music will follow this trend.