Sublime
An inspiration engine for ideas
This is reflective of a broader trend—artists want direct ownership over the relationship with their fans, and to be compensated based on how these fans interact with their music. Case in point: SoundCloud’s recent foray into ‘fan-centric’ payouts, Deezer’s continued experimentation with user-centric payout models, and the ongoing parliamentary... See more
Yash Bagal • A New Funnel for Music
“ambient music.”
Kyle Chayka • Filterworld
she was an early critic of how the streaming economy relies less on delivering hit tunes than on keeping us within a narrow gradient of chill vibes
Was Tom really bringing all the talent to the band, and I was just riding his coattails? He sure thought he was. Maybe I was never cool at all. Just some thirty-three-year-old dad in Los Angeles.
Mark Hoppus • Fahrenheit-182
“Firework,” “Only Girl (In the World,)” and “S&M”—
John Seabrook • The Song Machine: How to Make a Hit
One of the few points of agreement is that this has been great for creators so far, especially songwriters. These deals involve creators who are already making money, but the ability to sell their catalogs lets them replace a steady stream of revenue with a one-time cash infusion — it’s “allowed artists the ability to have more liquidity... See more
Robert Levine • What Does Private Equity Mean for the Music Business Long-Term?
When sequencing a collection of songs, placing a quiet one next to a loud one affects the way a listener hears them both. After the quiet song, the loud one seems more bombastic. One musician, I’m told, would add his newest track to a playlist along with the most beloved songs of all time to see if his work stood up in this context. If not, he
... See moreRick Rubin • The Creative Act: A Way of Being
Rick Rubin is one of the most iconic tastemakers of our time. Producer, collaborator, cultural whisperer—Rubin’s career spans from LL Cool J to Johnny Cash to Lana Del Rey. He’s worked across genres, generations, and industries, yet his fingerprint is instantly recognizable.
What sets Rubin apart isn’t technical mastery. It’s attention. Intuition.... See more
What sets Rubin apart isn’t technical mastery. It’s attention. Intuition.... See more