An finish to pop | Seth’s Weblog

Popular culture relies on shortage. When there are just a few TV stations or a dozen radio stations, it’s doubtless that many people watch or hear the identical factor on the similar time.

And so a preferred TV present or music from fifty years in the past in all probability reached twenty instances as many individuals as a preferred hit as we speak.

However the lengthy tail brings different advantages. Extra decisions, extra innovation.

Not only a lengthy tail of consumption, but additionally a spectacular lower in the price of manufacturing. Improvements in computer systems, cameras and AI imply that individuals could make content material with out permission from a gatekeeper.

Within the newest AI breakthrough, right here’s a latest Paul McCartney music ‘up to date’ to make use of the voice of a younger Paul McCartney.

You possibly can hear a fast snippet right here:

Whereas that is technically wonderful, what it highlights is that inside just a few weeks, we’re going to see hundreds (or hundreds of thousands) of latest songs created by AI and out there on YouTube and streaming channels. A few of them will probably be mediocre. Some will probably be breakthroughs. And some will probably be hits.

Creating music (or writing) is an inherently human exercise, and it doesn’t go away. What does go away, although, is the industrial dynamic of hundreds of someones in Nashville or Hollywood hitting it massive massive massive with nothing however a typewriter or a guitar.

The tip of pop and the rise of the lengthy tail and AI brings us again a century. Similar to it was–small circles of individuals, not mass markets. However this time with countless alternative and a enterprise mannequin that’s laborious to visualise.

PS my buddy Paige has a brand new e book out. You possibly can learn the digital version free of charge with password buddy.