The influence of technology on the music scene is both obvious and subtle. Technology has brought a vibrant flair to the industry through online streaming platforms. Spotify, iTunes, and YouTube are just three platforms that give millions of users access to millions of songs. For example, the Spotify database contains more than 80 million tracks.
Easy access to music via a computer or mobile has been a boon for the industry. However, technology has some less obvious but just as powerful effects. One example of this is the way musicians can connect and inspire each other via social media networks and dedicated music sites.
The Internet Opens Up New Ways to Make Music
For example, Pirate.com hosts one of the world’s largest music communities. The website not only contains links to online resources, recording tips and a community hub, but it’s also a database for recording studios. Musicians can use Pirate to book studios in over 36 locations, including major cities such as London and Birmingham. Musicians can also use the website to connect with other artists.
These resources make it possible for people to inspire and be inspired. This can result in collaborations, crossovers, new ideas and, most importantly, more music. That’s not to say these things couldn’t happen without digital technology and the internet; they could. However, when someone in Birmingham, for example, can connect with an artist in New York over the internet, creativity has more chance to flow.
More Music Events Means More Buzz for Fans and Creators
Another subtle way technology has helped the music industry is through information on the latest events. Listening to songs via apps and talking through creative ideas with people online certainly contribute to the vibrancy of the music industry. However, music has always been at its best as an in-person experience, which is why the importance of live events can’t be overlooked.
The festival scene bounced back from a two-year hiatus in 2022, and events are happening in the UK, Europe, the US, and beyond in 2023. Familiar festivals such as Glastonbury, Download, MADE, and Tomorrowland will all happen in 2023. Finding details for these events takes little more than a few keystrokes and clicks.
However, perhaps the biggest sign that music is thriving with the help of technology is the emergence of new festivals. Events such as Wide Awake and Maiden Voyage in London have been added to the calendar alongside new offerings like Kite. You’ve also got obvious crossovers between music and technology with events like those featured on Skiddle. These meet-ups are designed to connect podcasters in the UK and inspire new ideas. Not only would these events not be possible without digital technology (because we wouldn’t have podcasts), they wouldn’t be as visible or popular without the internet. This, once again, demonstrates the positive impact technology has had on the music industry.
Coverage Keeps Live Music Alive
One final example of tech helping the music industry is coverage. Made-for-TV events such as Eurovision have seen viewing figures increase thanks to online streams. 161 million people watched the competition. That was a marked increase in previous Eurovision viewing figures. This increase in viewership can be attributed, in part, to online coverage.
This brings us full circle to the idea that music is more vibrant than ever, thanks to digital technology. We now have more ways to create, publish and consume music. Regardless of whether you’re a listener or performer, it’s a great time for music in all its forms, and for that, we have technology to thank.