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Music Evolution
Technology has revolutionised nearly every aspect of our daily lives, a fact we are all well aware of. However, when considering the history of music evolution, we often overlook the remarkable changes happening behind the scenes and take for granted the ease with which we access and enjoy our favourite songs.
From the advancement of recording techniques and the rise of digital platforms to the way artists connect with audiences and monetise their work, technology has fundamentally been a pilar in music evolution. This invisible force has not only enhanced the accessibility of music but also democratised its creation and distribution, opening doors for artists and listeners alike in ways previously unimaginable.
Production and Accessibility
Let us start with the 1950s. Creating music was a labour-intensive and costly endeavour, mostly reserved for major record labels and well-funded studios. Recording sessions took place in professional studios equipped with the best technology of the time, including ribbon microphones, magnetic tape recorders, and echo chambers. Musicians had to perform together and get everything right in a single take since all the sound was mixed into one channel, leaving little room for error. Listening to music was also a luxury. Vinyl records were the main medium, requiring expensive record players that needed regular maintenance. Albums were costly, making music a high-end commodity for many people.
The 1960s and 1970s contributed toward music evolution with multi-track recorders, pioneered by musician and luthier Les Paul and popularised by studios like Abbey Road. This technology allowed separate recording and later mixing of different parts of a song, offering unprecedented flexibility in production. Condenser microphones replaced ribbon microphones, offering higher sensitivity and durability. Echo rooms were replaced by plate reverb effects, which used a metal plate to electronically simulate reverb, overcoming the limitations of physical echo rooms.
Despite these advancements, renting equipment and studio time remained expensive, especially since the technology was new and mainly available to large studios. However, more affordable and portable music formats emerged. The long-play vinyl record made music more accessible, while 8-track tapes and cassette tapes allowed listeners to enjoy music in cars and on portable players, integrating music into daily life.
The 1980s and 1990s saw further technological advancements with digital audio workstations (DAWs), which heavily contributed toward music evolution. These tools offered comprehensive recording, editing, and mixing capabilities on personal computers, making high-quality recording accessible to more musicians and producers. Synthesisers, drum machines, digital effects, and plugins expanded the range of sounds available in DAWs. Samplers allowed producers to incorporate pre-recorded sounds and loops into their music, saving time and money compared to traditional gear.
The introduction of CDs also revolutionised music consumption with their superior sound quality and durability. Personal stereos, such as the Sony Walkman, became immensely popular, enhancing music portability. The rise of the internet brought about a seismic shift in music accessibility through MP3 players and file-sharing platforms like Napster.
From the 2000s onwards, music evolution has been predominantly associated with digital technology. Home studios with professional capabilities became common, equipped with advanced DAWs, powerful computers, high-quality audio interfaces, virtual instruments, and cloud-based collaboration tools. High-quality recordings could be achieved with relatively inexpensive equipment and software, lowering the barrier to entry and allowing more artists to produce music professionally.
Likewise, Artificial Intelligence introduced new tools and capabilities, with AI-driven software capable of composing music in various styles, suggesting chord progressions, creating complete tracks, and even mimicking the voices of existing artists. These tools analyse extensive datasets of existing music to generate original compositions, offering composers a vast array of creative options – though there are also some downsides, as previously reported.
Thrilled to share #Lyria, the world’s most sophisticated AI music generation system. From just a text prompt Lyria produces compelling music & vocals. Also: building new Music AI tools for artists to amplify creativity in partnership w/YT & music industry https://t.co/CMttmLPjoC pic.twitter.com/UvOFE45uJs
— Demis Hassabis (@demishassabis) November 16, 2023
Streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube brought unprecedented levels of music accessibility. These platforms offered vast libraries of music for a monthly subscription fee or even for free with ads. Seamless integration with smartphones and smart speakers made music omnipresent. Subscription fees for streaming services are relatively low compared to purchasing individual albums or tracks, and free versions are also available. As a result, the barriers to accessing music have become minimal, offering a rich and diverse listening experience at a fraction of the cost and effort of previous decades.
Was It All Positive?
The democratisation of music production and accessibility in recent decades has been a remarkable achievement in music evolution. However, this widespread accessibility has also introduced some challenges.
In the past, music production was often a more deliberate and thoughtful process. The Beatles’ meticulous recording sessions at Abbey Road Studios, using innovative techniques and carefully crafted arrangements, produced timeless albums that are still revered today. Such dedication often led to music that was deeply appreciated and cherished by listeners.
Today, anyone with a computer can produce music, which has often led to an influx of music that sometimes lacks the craftsmanship and depth of earlier eras. Non-musicians can use samples and pre-made chord progressions to create tracks quickly, resulting in a quantity-over-quality scenario.
Moreover, the heavy reliance on the same samplers, plug-ins, and virtual instruments has led to a certain sterility in modern music. With many artists using similar tools, much of today’s music can sound homogenised and lack the unique, creative flair that defined previous generations.
On the consumption side, music has become extraordinarily easy to access. Streaming platforms add around 100 000 songs per day and offer vast libraries for extremely low monthly fees, allowing listeners to effortlessly explore new music. This convenience, while advantageous, has also reduced the “sweat equity” once associated with music appreciation. In the past, buying an album meant a trip to the store, investing in a physical record, and taking the time to listen to it thoroughly. This process often resulted in a deeper connection to the music and a greater appreciation for the artist’s work.
In contrast, today’s listeners can skip from song to song with little commitment, leading to a more superficial engagement with music. The sheer volume of available tracks means that individual songs and albums can easily get lost in such a vast digital sea, potentially undervaluing the efforts of some musicians who pour their heart and soul into their creations.
Conclusion
Without a doubt, balancing between the benefits of technological advancements and the values of thoughtful music production and appreciation will be challenging, particularly due to the influence of streaming platforms on music evolution. In particular, the financial model of streaming services, which rewards high play counts, encourages the production of music that fits into easily consumable formats, further sidelining experimental or innovative pieces that may require more investment from listeners.
Nevertheless, it will be particularly interesting to see how music evolution unfolds over the next decade, especially with the growing role of AI. Something to keep in mind the next time you open your Spotify.