Why Does All Music Sound the Same? | Examining Claims of Artistic Decline 👯♀️
How Streaming and AI are re-shaping the soul of musical expression
The music industry stands at a crossroads, facing unprecedented challenges and transformations that have sparked intense debate about its artistic future. Let's examine the key factors shaping this discussion.
The Homogenisation of Sound
Modern music has experienced a measurable decline in complexity and diversity. A landmark study by the Spanish National Research Council, analyzing 500,000 recordings between 1955-2010, revealed three concerning trends:
Timbral variety (“Timber”) peaked in the 1960s and has steadily declined
Pitch content has decreased, with fewer chord variations and melodies
Overall loudness has increased by approximately one decibel every eight years (ouch…👂🏻)
This homogenisation stems partly from the widespread use of standardized digital tools, with most contemporary pop music relying on a limited combination of keyboard, drum machine, and computer software.
The Streaming Economy's Impact
The rise of streaming platforms has fundamentally altered how music is valued and consumed. The current streaming model has created several challenges:
Economic Devaluation
Artists receive mere fractions of a cent per stream, with Spotify's average payout being just $0.0038 per play
Major labels earn approximately $1 million per hour from streaming while most artists struggle to make a living
The "music is free" mentality has become pervasive, diminishing perceived value of music
Artistic Compromise
The pressure to create "playlist-friendly" content often leads to artistic compromises
Artists must generate millions of streams to match previous album sale revenues
The focus has shifted from album-oriented artistry to single-track production
The Amplification of Musical Homogenisation Through AI
Generative AI threatens to accelerate the homogenisation of music through several concerning mechanisms:
Data-Driven Limitations
Economic & Market Pressures
Loss of Human Experience
Skill Deterioration
The combination of these factors suggests that generative AI, while appearing to make music creation more accessible, may actually accelerate the trend toward a more uniform, less diverse musical landscape.
This technology risks creating what one expert calls an "isotropic feel;” Music that sounds uniform in all directions, lacking the distinctive characteristics that make human-created music compelling and culturally significant.
The Path Forward
Despite these challenges, music isn't dying so much as transforming. It’s our collective responsibilities to make sure music doesn’t lose its soul. The industry shows signs of adaptation:
Innovation in Creation
Artists are finding ways to balance AI assistance with human creativity
New, hybrid forms of artistic expression are emerging
Economic Evolution
Alternative revenue streams are developing through live performances and direct fan engagement
Artists are exploring new models of ownership and distribution
New Platforms are beginning to experiment with more equitable payment systems
The future of music as an art form ultimately depends on how we navigate these challenges while preserving the human element that gives music its emotional resonance. While the industry faces significant hurdles, the core of musical expression remains vital and must continue to evolve.
Join us at Vinyl Culture as we continue exploring ways to preserve and evolve authentic Music Culture in an age dominated by algorithms and corporate interests. Together, we can make a difference.🫱🏼🫲🏽
Read More from Vinyl Culture📚:
In the coming weeks, we'll delve deeper into topics like strategies for meaningful music discovery in the digital & AI age. Together, we can ensure that music remains a vibrant, diverse, and integral part of our lives. 😃
Artistic compromise is an oxymoron