The industry of songwriters and artists is facing one of its biggest crises to date, yet it seems that the music industry is still in a state of euphoria. This discrepancy between reality and perception is confusing and worrying, and there are some major issues that are particularly troubling.
First and foremost, many songwriters and artists feel neglected and think of giving up their passion for it. They feel overwhelmed by the effort to gain likes and subscribers on social media, to portray themselves as content creators on social media rather than true artists. This focus on social media has caused a shift in the industry that puts songwriters and artists in direct competition with everyday amateur users and shifts the focus away from the art of being an artist.
One of the most notable examples of this shift is the rise of short video platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Trill and and now YouTube. These platforms allow non-professionals to create and share their own content, but this access comes at a not inconsiderable cost to the songwriter. As the costs of producing films and images are added, it becomes increasingly difficult for individuals to afford the equipment and workload required to independently produce content for online media. This not only puts a strain on the finances of individual composers and artists, but also takes valuable time away from their art of songwriting.
It is essential to remember that quality should always come before quantity. The constant pressure to produce content for the sake of internet fame is not only detrimental to the art, but also to the music creators themselves. While we obviously cannot return to a state of pre-social media, it is important to note that the big players in the industry have taken control and made huge profits for their shareholders without providing sufficient compensation for creators.
To make matters worse, these big players are laying off staff at the moment to maintain income for their investors and are not willing to share the burdens of the ups and downs of the economy with their employees. This further highlights their lack of concern for the individuals who also make up the music industry and it is a disheartening reality for those who are working hard to continue in the industry.
It is time for the industry to take a step back and rethink its priorities. Instead of looking solely to profits and internet fame from talented self-promoters among musicians who are often more of the short-lived influencer type, they should focus on the art and the songwriters and artists who make it all possible. Supporting emerging talent and investing in their success is crucial for the industry to last. It’s not just about making a profit, it’s about preserving the art and the artists who create it. The industry needs to recognise this and take responsibility for its actions and work to create a fair and sustainable environment for all involved.
Andrew Cane 