#965 - Rick Beato - AI Bands, Spotify, TikTok & The Death Of Songwriting

Overview

This episode dives into the seismic shifts in the music industry, exploring the rise of AI-driven music, the dominance of streaming platforms like Spotify, TikTok's influence on music creation, and the evolving role of pop stars. Rick Beato and Chris Williamson discuss the challenges and opportunities for artists in a rapidly changing landscape, from monetization strategies to the ethics of AI in music.

Notable Quotes

- The algorithm's the audience. It's agnostic. If you're not getting traction, it's not the algorithm's fault. - Rick Beato, on the realities of content discovery.

- If AI can create better music than you, maybe it's time to up your game or rethink your approach. - Chris Williamson, on the meritocracy of creativity.

- The days of record labels creating your career are over. If you don’t have a viral moment, you’re not breaking through. - Rick Beato, on the new rules of music success.

🎟️ Why Live Nation Faces Backlash

- Chris and Rick discuss why Live Nation is often criticized, including high ticket prices, excessive fees, and opaque practices like dynamic pricing.

- Dynamic pricing, where ticket costs fluctuate based on demand, confuses even industry insiders like Rick, who notes its complexity compared to simpler pricing models of past decades.

- The logistical challenges of live shows, from sound engineering to pyrotechnics, add layers of cost and complexity, further fueling public frustration.

🎵 The Changing Role of Pop Stars

- Many pop stars today are more about branding and social media presence than songwriting. Rick highlights how most pop songs are written by professional teams, with artists contributing minimally.

- Artists like Billie Eilish and Ed Sheeran are exceptions, creating their own music and maintaining creative control.

- Social media savvy is now a critical skill for pop stars, with platforms like TikTok driving song virality and career success.

📈 TikTok's Impact on Music Creation

- TikTok has reshaped how songs are written, with artists and producers crafting tracks to maximize their TikTokability.

- Viral moments often hinge on short, catchy segments of songs, leading to a focus on hooks and shareable snippets.

- Older tracks, like Fleetwood Mac's Dreams, have found new life on TikTok, proving the platform's power to resurrect and amplify music.

🤖 The Rise of AI in Music

- AI-generated artists and songs are already infiltrating platforms like Spotify, raising ethical and creative concerns.

- Rick warns of a future where AI music could dominate playlists, potentially sidelining human artists.

- The debate centers on whether AI music should be allowed to compete with human-created works and how to ensure transparency for listeners.

💰 Monetization in the Modern Music Industry

- Live performances remain the most reliable income stream for artists, as streaming revenue often falls short.

- Artists are diversifying income through merchandise, VIP meet-and-greets, and even teaching.

- Platforms like Spotify are criticized for low payouts and algorithmic playlisting, but they also offer tools like geotargeted concert promotion that benefit artists.

- The future may involve blockchain verification for human-created music and platforms dedicated to organic music.