Screenshot from film by Joshua Reed
(8 min read)
You may have noticed my recent instagram post discussing the concerning trend of musical homogenization in today's industry. This observation sparked an enlightening dialogue with a friend about the current state of music creation and distribution. Given the significance of this topic and its implications for artists and listeners alike, I believe it warrants a thorough exploration in this newsletter installment. While my analysis draws from rigorous scientific research and empirical studies (for those who value such evidence), I'll also weave in my personal insights and experiences as a working musician navigating these challenges. This combination of data-driven observations and firsthand experience should provide a comprehensive view of our rapidly evolving musical landscape.
The Research
A comprehensive and illuminating study conducted by researchers at the Medical University of Vienna, meticulously analyzing an extensive dataset of over 500,000 albums spanning 15 distinct musical genres and 374 detailed subgenres, unveiled a compelling and concerning truth about the modern music industry: as songs climb the ladder of popularity, they tend to conform to increasingly standardized patterns and structures. The research team employed sophisticated analytical methods to evaluate musical complexity, specifically examining variations in sound quality, tonal color and acoustical elements across different compositions. Their findings demonstrated a clear and consistent correlation between commercial success and a reduction in instrumental sophistication, suggesting that mainstream appeal often comes at the cost of musical innovation and complexity.
Several factors contribute to this trend. Let's explore the key reasons behind this shift in musical complexity and what it means for artists and listeners alike.
The Streaming Paradox
In our data-driven music landscape, we're witnessing a seismic shift that's reshaping the very foundation of music creation and distribution. The "Spotify effect" has ushered in an era where artificial intelligence and complex algorithms increasingly dictate musical success. These algorithms analyze massive datasets of listening patterns, skip rates, and engagement metrics to determine which songs get promoted to wider audiences. As a result, artists and producers are now facing an unprecedented pressure to create music that satisfies these algorithmic preferences rather than following their artistic instincts.
This shift goes far beyond simple distribution mechanics. Musicians are increasingly tailoring their songwriting process to match specific data points: optimal song lengths (typically 2-3 minutes), immediate hooks within the first 30 seconds, and simplified song structures that minimize skip rates. Even music production techniques are being modified to ensure songs perform well on streaming platforms, with producers adjusting elements like intro lengths, chorus placement, and sound dynamics to match what algorithms favor.
This algorithmic influence isn't just changing how music reaches listeners—it's fundamentally transforming the creative process itself, potentially stifling innovation and artistic expression in favor of formulaic success. We're seeing the emergence of a new paradigm where data analytics, rather than artistic inspiration, increasingly shapes the sound of contemporary music.
By the Numbers
Studies show that popular musical styles consistently demonstrate lower instrumental complexity
As styles attract more artists, their instrumental variety typically increases—but their commercial success often decreases
Genres maintaining their complexity (experimental, jazz, folk rock) often see decreased commercial success
Breaking Free from the Algorithm
In today's music industry, we're witnessing a concerning shift as more artists abandon their authentic creative voices in favor of following algorithmic trends that promise streaming success. This prioritization of metrics over artistic expression represents a fundamental transformation in how music is created and valued. The algorithm-driven approach encourages formulaic compositions designed to maximize play counts and engagement statistics, often at the expense of genuine artistic innovation and musical depth. Yet, there remains a powerful countermovement of artists who choose to preserve their creative integrity despite the commercial pressures. For these independent voices, authentic artistic expression continues to resonate deeply with audiences who seek something beyond algorithm-optimized tracks. The current transformation affecting the music industry extends far beyond simple format adjustments—it represents a crucial choice between preserving artistic authenticity and surrendering to data-driven formulas. In the face of these industry-wide changes, OMGjazz maintains an unwavering commitment to creating innovative, boundary-pushing music that stays true to our artistic principles. Through our dedication to crafting unique, high-caliber compositions rather than chasing streaming metrics, we're actively working to maintain and expand a vital space for genuine creative expression within today's increasingly digitized musical landscape.
What's Next?
The future of music stands at a pivotal moment of transformation. In the wake of the 2020 pandemic, we've witnessed a profound shift in how we value community and connection - a silver lining that reminded us how coming together, even virtually, contributes to our mental and physical well-being. This realization has sparked a revolution in how audiences engage with music. Direct-to-fan platforms have evolved from alternative options to viable, thriving ecosystems where dedicated listeners actively support their favorite artists, creating sustainable careers outside traditional industry structures.
What's particularly encouraging is the growing awareness among music enthusiasts about the limitations of algorithm-driven listening experiences. More and more fans are taking control of their musical journey, consciously moving beyond the constraints of streaming platforms as their sole source of music discovery. They're making music listening an active, intentional part of their lives rather than a passive, algorithm-directed experience. This shift represents a fundamental change in how audiences engage with music - from passive consumers to active participants in artists' creative journeys.
Screenshot from film by Joshua Reed
With emerging technologies continuing to democratize music distribution and fan engagement, we're seeing the power dynamics of the industry shift dramatically in favor of genuine artistic expression and authentic community building. The future of music lies not in algorithmic recommendations but in the hands of passionate fans who understand the value of direct support and meaningful musical connections.
This isn't to say streaming platforms like Apple Music or Spotify are inherently bad. The expansiveness of music was slowly dwindling in the late '90s due to piracy—a huge issue that platforms like iTunes, and later Apple Music, helped resolve. What's crucial, though, is how we use these platforms. Make an active effort to go beyond them to artists' shows and official websites, where you can take a deeper dive into their work and find meaningful ways to support the music that soundtracks our lives.
I know, it may seem overwhelming to some. We're all busy trying to thrive in spaces where survival itself feels challenging. But here's the most important takeaway: the more you invest in the arts, the more you receive in return.Unlike the necessities we maintain in our lives—money, food, shelter—music gives us a space to imagine, to love, and to create lasting memories we can revisit through song.
To conclude, I invite you to join me on November 6, 2025, for our album release party at The Sultan Room in Brooklyn, New York. Early bird tickets will go on sale soon. Space is limited so sale the date a look out for when tickets go on sale. As a special bonus, one lucky newsletter member from our email list will win a Limited Edition Vinyl of "Prelude to Descent." Each ticket purchase will count as one raffle entry—buy 4 tickets, get 4 entries. We'll announce the winner at the show and present them with their own signed copy of our new album. More details coming soon.
We're thrilled to see you there! Until then, keep enjoying all the amazing music coming out this year and more from me at Noteworthy. Peace!
PRELUDE TO DESCENT: AN OMGJAZZ ALBUM RELEASE PARTY
"Prelude to Descent" by FKAjazz is now available at omgjazz.com and will be rolling out across streaming platforms throughout the year. Join us for our album release party on Thursday, November 6th at Xanadu's Sultan Room. Save the date—tickets go on sale August 6th. We're planning an unforgettable night featuring performances by OMGjazz (FKAjazz × Sachcoo), a special guest DJ, and more.
We're thrilled to be hosting our release party at The Sultan Room—a unique live music venue and nightclub located in Bushwick, Brooklyn. The venue is renowned for its intimate atmosphere and state-of-the-art sound and lighting system, making it the perfect setting for our album debut.
Early-bird tickets go on sale August 6th at 12 PM EST. These discounted tickets include exclusive gifts for the first 50 purchasers and priority entry at the door. More details to come.
Source materail: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0115255
