fantano - Music Discourse Is Dead
The speaker addresses concerns about the decline in the quality of online music discourse, noting that while there were issues in the past, current platforms exacerbate these problems. In the past, music discussions were more adventurous and community-driven, despite being elitist and limited in scope. Today, platforms like Spotify and social media sites are criticized for their algorithm-driven content that prioritizes engagement over meaningful discourse. The speaker suggests that the decline is due to the platforms' design, which does not foster genuine community or discussion, and calls for the creation of new spaces for organic and thoughtful music discourse. The speaker acknowledges that while some platforms still offer valuable content, the overall environment is dominated by superficial and aggressive interactions.
Key Points:
- Online music discourse quality has declined due to platform issues, not user interest.
- Past music discussions were more community-driven but also elitist and limited.
- Current platforms prioritize engagement over meaningful discourse, harming quality.
- Algorithms on platforms like Spotify limit exposure to diverse music.
- New spaces for organic music discussions are needed to improve discourse quality.
Details:
1. 🎧 Introduction to Music Discourse Discussion
- A post on the subreddit raises concerns about a decline in the quality of music discussion, specifically pointing to the 'tier list boom' as a turning point in discourse.
- Older users are prompted to reflect on whether music discussions were more meaningful a decade ago, suggesting a shift in the nature of engagement.
- The timeframe of 10 years ago is highlighted, marking it as a significant period for evaluating changes in music discourse.
- Additional context on the 'tier list boom': This refers to a trend where users rank music in tier lists, which some believe reduced the depth of discussion in favor of simplistic categorization.
2. 📜 Evolution of Online Music Discussion
- By 2015, online musical discourse had significantly matured compared to earlier years.
- In 2009, music discussions were primarily held on forums and Japanese image boards, with the blogosphere, including platforms like Pitchfork, playing a significant role.
- The internet user base in 2009 was smaller, and mobile internet access was not as pervasive, leading to less frequent online engagement.
- Streaming had not yet become the dominant business model in the music industry, unlike in 2015.
- The evolution from 2009 to 2015 marked a shift towards more accessible and constant connectivity, influencing how music discussions occurred online.
3. 🌐 The Changing Paradigm of Music Consumption
- Music engagement is increasingly occurring within smaller, niche online communities such as 4chan, Reddit, and various message boards and blogs. These communities offer more adventurous music curation due to their smaller, more localized, and passionate user base.
- Despite the richness of discourse, these communities can be toxic, aggressive, and elitist, with limited diversity in taste and heavy reliance on meme-based discourse.
- Traditional media still dominates mainstream music discourse, but online communities provide a more engaging and varied discussion platform.
- Niche online communities influence music consumption trends by curating diverse and lesser-known music, challenging the mainstream media's influence.
- Examples of influential communities include Reddit's various music subreddits, which foster diverse music discovery and discussions.
- The evolution of these communities has shifted music discovery from traditional media to user-driven platforms, increasing the diversity of music consumed.
4. 🎵 The Flaws in Early Online Music Communities
- Early online music communities were criticized for their top-down, one-sided nature, lacking reciprocal and communal engagement.
- These communities often engaged in hype cycles that were considered boring and overlooked many great artists, albums, and sounds.
- There was a close-knit relationship between a small number of labels, PR groups, and influential blogs like Pitchfork, creating an exclusionary 'cool kids club' environment.
- The speaker calls for a more diverse and improved approach to music discourse, highlighting the need for a system that better represents a variety of artists and sounds.
5. 📰 Decline of Traditional Music Media
5.1. Financial and Cultural Degradation of Music Media Outlets
5.2. Reasons Behind the Decline
6. 📉 Current State of Music Discourse Online
- Music discourse online has become hollowed out, with fewer platforms supporting informed discussions, especially on social media.
- Social media discussions are dominated by 'hot takes' and quick reactions, hindering meaningful engagement.
- Around 2015, music discussions began transitioning to social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit, which were less affected by bots and more conducive to genuine interaction at the time.
- This period also saw active music websites and blogs contributing positively to the discourse with diverse content.
- Algorithms had not yet homogenized musical tastes, allowing more diverse and personalized playlists.
- There was a notable presence of exciting artists in both the underground and mainstream music scenes, which were actively supported by the community.
7. 🗣️ Impact of Social Media on Music Conversations
- Spotify's algorithm is criticized for limiting recommendations and creating generic playlists, which negatively impacts music discovery. For example, the platform's algorithm often restricts users to a narrow set of music options, reducing exposure to diverse genres and artists.
- Comment sections on platforms like YouTube and Instagram prioritize controversial content, often leading to heated debates rather than thoughtful discussions, which diminishes the quality of music discourse.
- Music discourse on social media is frequently polarized and tribal. Fan communities can be aggressive and divisive, discouraging open conversation and creating an environment where only extreme opinions prevail.
- Social media platforms function similarly to TV stations, with algorithms designed to provoke reactions rather than promote genuine engagement or knowledge-sharing. This approach often sidelines meaningful content and prioritizes posts that drive user interaction, regardless of their quality.
8. 🔍 Exploring Solutions and Alternatives
- Enthusiasts should build platforms for organic interaction, reducing negativity and control.
- Platforms like Stereogum, Rate Your Music, Sputnik, and Album of the Year are valued, but social media often degrades music discourse.
- Music fans are encouraged to create discussion spaces focusing on genuine interests, avoiding conflicts over trivial topics like chart positions.
- The community should prioritize authentic engagement, drawing lessons from successful platforms to foster quality discourse.