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GarageBand Hacks: Creating Professional-Sounding Tracks Without Expensive Plugins

October 1, 2024

GarageBand is often seen as an entry-level DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), but it has powerful tools that, when used effectively, can create professional-quality tracks. Many indie musicians and...

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Solving the General MIDI Program Change Dilemma in Ableton

October 1, 2024

When working with MIDI in Ableton, one might notice that although MIDI clips can send program changes, most of Ableton's native plugins don’t seem to respond to these changes effectively. This can...

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Escaping 'Tutorial Hell': Stay Motivated and Actually Progress in Music Production

September 21, 2024

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Should You Write Music or Lyrics First? Solutions from Famous Creators

September 20, 2024

One of the most common challenges for songwriters is deciding whether to write the music or lyrics first. This can feel like a "chicken-or-egg" situation, but there's no one-size-fits-all answer...

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How to Plan the Perfect Release Day for Your Single or Album

September 20, 2024

Releasing a new single or album is a huge milestone for any musician. However, without proper planning, your work may not get the attention it deserves. It’s not just about putting the song online...

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Mastering the Low End: Compression Tips for a Tight Mix

September 20, 2024

When it comes to music production, getting the low end right can be tricky. Many producers face a common issue: after the initial mix sounds perfect, a few days later, the low end starts to feel...

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How to Turn a Bedroom into a Professional Home Studio on a Budget

September 19, 2024

For many aspiring musicians, the dream of creating a professional-quality home studio seems out of reach due to costs and space constraints. However, with the right strategies and tools, it's...

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Remote Music Collaboration: Tools and Tips for Seamless Production

September 18, 2024

Collaborating on music remotely has become more common, but as you’ve experienced, it can be a challenge to get it right. Audio latency, control sensitivity, and lack of real-time feedback are...

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How to Build a Loyal Fanbase Using Social Media in 2024

September 18, 2024

In today’s digital age, building a loyal fanbase is essential for musicians to thrive. Social media platforms have become powerful tools for connecting directly with fans, sharing music, and...

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Best Apps and Websites for Creating Instrumentals When You Don’t Play Instruments

September 18, 2024

As a songwriter, it can be frustrating to have melodies or lyrics in your head but no way to bring them to life without instrumental skills. Thankfully, with modern technology, there are apps and...

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How to Match Chords to Your Singing – Overcoming the Struggle

September 18, 2024

Creating music often feels like an intricate puzzle. You might have a melody that you love, but when it comes to pairing it with chords, you feel stuck. If you're in this situation, you're not alone.

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The Top 10 Free Tools Every Indie Musician Needs to Succeed

September 18, 2024

As an indie musician, creating professional music while sticking to a budget can be challenging. You might not have the resources to afford high-end software or pay for expensive marketing...

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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.