MUSIC HAS CHANGED: SO WHAT!
Driven largely by the rise and evolution of streaming platforms, the world of music has undergone profound change in recent years. Fuelled by advancing technologies i.e. the internet and now AI, plus the shifting sands of listeners behaviour and music consumers, there are less and less of us spinning 45’s, tapes and CD’s it seems. Personally… I still listen to the all.
THE INTERWEB
The changes keep on coming. As streaming services now control audio’s narrative, new technologies like blockchain and immersive spatial audio, promise new ways for artists to connect with fans and control their work; thankfully. To be honest… it’s been tough on the smaller fish. Any development that helps indipendent artists, is welcomed. Spotify is choking us…. FYI!
That said, with change comes challenge. Slower streaming growth, soaring concert prices, and now the legality and authenticity of AI-created music, 2025 marks a pivotal time of reinvention and innovation in music. A scary time. The good news is, creativity might just well be, the yin to technologies yang; and I for one am signed up, on board and invested… I’m in.
Navigating the Stream
Meanwhile, as streaming services control audio’s narrative and new technologies like blockchain and immersive spatial audio, promise new ways for artists to connect with fans and control their work. So there are more changes coming.
With change comes challenge. Slower streaming growth, soaring concert prices, and now the legality and authenticity of AI-created music, 2025 marks a pivotal time of reinvention and innovation in music. Creativity might be the yin to technologies yang; and I for one am signed up, invested… I’m in.
MUSICAL CHAIRS
I am optimistic. With all its fears and flaws, technology could well be seen as a cool vehicle, just like the wheel (for reel to reel), Bumble Bee (Transformers) or guitar strings (thank you string people). I am inspired by what is happening out there. Okay, the technology is scary as fook, but what I see all around me, the creativity, the innovation, the apps, all have my head spinning and pencil twitching (yes I write with pencil first — it’s a editing thing).
These days I am writing like never before. With so many ideas and new songs on the go I am busy. Revenue dries up these mega streaming sites (your money does not come to us), however, with my developing expertise in production, coupled with my experience as a songwriter, event organiser and band leader, there is so much more potential for new music, fans and artists to come together. So yeah, ever the eternal optimist.
With optimism being my instrument of choice, it leads me to where we are now… which is and has always been… community. As we speak, the crew are putting chairs in a circle once more to share new ideas and songs. The plan is simple, to bring it back to the fireplace and the family. In a world this big and ever expanding, it might be time to come a little bit closer. To think smaller and act local. That is what we want to do. Maybe you would like to join us.
Introducing our new community based music event
The schönberg international songwriting festival
Television Thursday is back – September 4th at 20:00 Irish Time
As always, thanks for your support. Any ideas, thoughts, recommendations – we’d love to hear from you.
Lessons in Light: All in one place
CHALK – THE NEW VIDEO
Magpie – is one of the darker album tracks.
Dark Folk fused with Celtic Soul.