Does Anyone Really Care About Music?

The question may seem provocative, but it’s one that cuts to the core of how music is experienced and valued today. From the artist, consumer and industry perspectives, the way we engage with music has changed dramatically. Ultimately, this topic highlights a fundamental tension between convenience and authenticity, accessibility and depth.

Join us on Wednesday 12th February at 5pm (GMT) to hear from a leading panel of experts who will be discussing:

• Whether our connection to music is still as profound as it once was
• How music has become commodified in a world where streaming and instant access have transformed our listening habits
• How streaming and instant access has affected artists identity, self-expression, and community

As consumers, we may have more access to music than ever before, but the very nature of how we engage with it – through algorithms, streaming and the decline of live performances – raises concerns about whether we are truly valuing music as an art form or simply consuming it as background noise. For artists, the challenge lies in maintaining their creative integrity while navigating a rapidly changing industry. And for the industry itself, there is a need to find ways to adapt to this new landscape without sacrificing the essence of what makes music so vital.

1) The Consumer’s Perspective

With just a few taps, we can access any genre, artist or song imaginable. But the immediacy of streaming has created a culture of disposable music, with tracks played once or twice and then forgotten, replaced by the next viral hit. This behaviour has blurred the line between music as an art form and music as a commodity. Many consumers now experience music as part of a playlist culture, where songs are selected and consumed based on mood, activity or algorithmic recommendation, rather than for the individual merit of the piece itself. While streaming services have allowed for greater exposure of independent and niche artists, the nature of streaming can sometimes lead to an overwhelming sense of choice, which paradoxically makes it more difficult to develop a genuine connection to any single track or artist. Another significant change in music consumption is the decline of live gigs. While lots of music fans still go to stadium concerts and festivals, fewer people are attending smaller, local gigs. The pandemic exacerbated this trend, with many venues struggling to survive and a shift towards virtual performances, leaving the energy and experiences uniquely tied to live audiences severely diminished.

2) The Artist’s Perspective

Historically, an album release or live performance might have been the pinnacle of an artist’s career, a moment that felt monumental not only to the artist but also to their audience. However, in the age of streaming platforms, the value of individual pieces of music has diminished. Artists now face the harsh reality of getting paid a fraction of a penny per stream, a stark contrast to the revenue generated through physical album sales or live gigs. Moreover, many musicians are navigating a market where streaming platforms and algorithms often dictate what becomes popular. With millions of tracks available at the swipe of a screen, it’s easier than ever for listeners to sample music but harder for artists to cut through the noise and build lasting relationships with their audience. The question arises: if we can access all this music with such ease, are we truly valuing it? Or is it just background noise in a crowded digital world? 

3) The Industry’s Perspective

Major record labels, streaming platforms and other industry gatekeepers control much of the music ecosystem. While some argue that the streaming model has democratised music, allowing for greater diversity of voices, others point out that these platforms prioritise certain metrics– such as playlist placements and user data – over artistic integrity. In a landscape dominated by streaming, the pressure to chase viral hits and optimise for algorithms often takes precedence over creating meaningful, long-lasting music. Moreover, the economics of streaming have put many traditional music business models under strain. With fewer revenue streams from physical sales and a rise in digital piracy, the industry is grappling with how to sustain the careers of musicians while staying profitable.