Streaming services have revolutionized the music industry, transforming not only the business aspect but also the very essence of music itself. According to the book “Key Changes: Ten Times Technology Transformed the Music Industry” Howie Singer and Bill Rosenblatt, streaming services have led to significant changes in song structure, album releases, and strategies employed artists.
One notable change is the alteration in song length. As streaming platforms pay artists based on the number of listens per month, it is crucial for users to listen to a song beyond the initial 30 seconds. Consequently, artists have started positioning the chorus closer to the beginning of the song to captivate listeners and reduce the likelihood of skipping. This adjustment aims to enhance the chance of songs being heard in their entirety and increase artist revenue.
Moreover, the inclusion of songs on popular playlists, such as “Today’s Top Hits,” can significantly impact an artist’s income. Research conducted the University of Minnesota and the European Joint Research Center revealed that songs featured on this playlist receive an average of 20 million plays, translating to royalties of up to $163,000. Artists strive to be included in these influential playlists as they guarantee exposure and financial rewards.
While songs have become shorter to cater to streaming algorithms, artists are releasing longer albums. This strategic shift aims to increase the chances of having tracks featured on multiple playlists and appearing in search results. Artists have also embraced collaborations across different genres to appeal to a wider audience and maximize exposure.
In a recent development, Stability AI introduced the Stable Audio AI model, capable of synthesizing music or sounds based on written prompts. This innovation showcases how technology continues to shape and redefine the music industry in unexpected ways.
Overall, streaming services have not only transformed the way music is consumed but also influenced its creation. The need to cater to algorithmic preferences and maximize exposure has brought about changes in song structure, album releases, and collaboration strategies employed artists.
Sources:
– “Key Changes: Ten Times Technology Transformed the Music Industry” Howie Singer and Bill Rosenblatt
– University of Minnesota and European Joint Research Center study
