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Charli XCX: Reinventing Pop Music

November 18, 2024

Since her debut album, *True Romance*, in 2013, Charli XCX has been reshaping the world of pop, setting herself apart with her daring, synth-driven sound and unconventional style. Early on, her...

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Harry Styles’ Last Tour and His Well-Deserved Break: A Journey of

November 18, 2024

Harry Styles has become one of the most captivating performers of this generation, and his last tour, “Love on Tour,” was a testament to his evolution from boy band member to solo superstar...

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Metro Boomin: The Architect Behind Modern Hip-Hop

November 14, 2024

In the changing landscape of hip-hop, few producers have done more than Metro Boomin. His signature sound and sonic innovation have made him not only the most popular star in the industry but has...

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Adele’s Triumphant Return: The Impact of Her Music on Healing and Resilience

November 14, 2024

Few artists capture life’s rawest emotions like Adele. From her breakout album “19” to her latest release “30,” her music has consistently resonated with listeners, offering comfort and strength...

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Arctic Monkeys: Tracing the Growth and Lasting Influence of the UK’s Iconic Band

November 14, 2024

As their first UK tour since 2018 quickly approaches, it's the perfect time to reflect on the remarkable journey and lasting impact of one of the UK’s most cherished bands: Arctic Monkeys...

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The Mastermind behind the Game of Thrones soundtrack - Ramin Djawadi

November 14, 2024

Ramin Djawadi, a German composer of Iranian descent, has established himself as one of the most innovative and influential composers in Hollywood, particularly through his work on the HBO series...

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Sabrina Carpenter: Rising Beyond Challenges to Shine in the Music World

November 13, 2024

Sabrina Carpenter’s journey from a young Disney star to a full-fledged pop sensation is a story of resilience, evolution, and unwavering passion. More than just an actress-turned-singer, Carpenter...

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Mitski: Redefining Modern Womanhood Through Music

November 13, 2024

In today’s music scene, few artists capture the complexities of womanhood as honestly as Mitski Miyawaki. Known simply as Mitski, she’s become a powerful voice for the modern woman, exploring...

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The Artistry and Impact of Raye: A Dynamic Voice in Modern Pop Music

November 13, 2024

British singer-songwriter Raye, born Rachel Agatha Keen, has carved out a distinct space in the contemporary music scene with her soul-stirring lyrics and unique voice. Known for her candidness and...

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Unlocking the Art of Confessional Songwriting with Gracie Abrams

November 13, 2024

In an industry bursting with noise, Gracie Abrams has mastered the rare art of making listeners lean in. Her songs, built on confessional storytelling, cut through the clutter by speaking directly...

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Olivia Rodrigo: Giving Voice to Gen-Z's Fear, Anger, and Anxiety

November 13, 2024

Olivia Rodrigo’s music resonates deeply with Gen-Z. Her songs—raw, fierce, and honest—are filled with fear, anger, and anxiety, emotions that define the reality of today’s teens. As much as we’d...

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How Taylor Swift Masterminded Her Way to Global Success

November 11, 2024

Taylor Swift’s success is no accident; it's built on an unmatched knack for songwriting. According to Toby Koenigsberg, Associate Professor and Chair of Popular Music, Swift’s songs are both...

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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.