What is the future of modern popular music? What trends are indicating something bigger is on the way? The answers to these questions are hard to come by. But the questions themselves are largely on the mind of many a record executive.
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So, to get to the bottom of the issues ourselves, we thought we would ask our ol’ friends at ChatGPT for some perspective from the artificial intelligence bots. Here below are the thoughts from the A.I. program.
1. Continued Fusion of Genres
“Genres will likely continue to blend and evolve as artists experiment with new sounds and styles. Hybrid genres like hip-hop/pop, electronic/rock, and R&B/indie have gained popularity in recent years and may continue to do so.”
2. Integration of Technology
“Advancements in technology will undoubtedly impact music production and performance. Artificial Intelligence, virtual reality, augmented reality, and other innovations may play a more significant role in the creation and consumption of music.”
3. Rise of Independent Artists
“The internet has democratized music distribution, allowing independent artists to reach a global audience without the need for traditional record labels. This trend is likely to continue, giving rise to more diverse voices and sounds.”
4. Streaming Dominance
“Streaming platforms have become the primary way people consume music. This trend will likely continue, shaping how music is produced and marketed.”
5. Social and Cultural Commentary
“Artists have often used their music to address social issues and express their views. This trend may continue as younger generations are increasingly engaged with societal and environmental challenges.”
6. Nostalgia and Retro Influences
“Nostalgia has always played a role in music, and in recent years, there has been a resurgence of retro influences from various decades. This trend may continue as new artists reinterpret classic sounds for contemporary audiences.”
7. Personalization and A.I.-Generated Content
“A.I. may play a larger role in music creation, assisting artists in composing, generating backing tracks, and even customizing music for individual listeners.”
Final Thoughts
While the A.I. bots gave a disclaimer that they cannot actually predict the future and that new advancements and ideas could change the trajectory of the music business at any moment, these seven insights seem relevant and spot on (at least for the time being).
The tools of production have been democratized, for better and for worse, thanks to computers and the internet. And with that comes new ambitions: helping people through music and creating new avenues like bedroom pop and more.
What do you think the next trends will be? Let us know.
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