Record Labels are Depressed & Struggling. Why?

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Recently, it came out in a Billboard article that several music execs at record labels are depressed because they're unsure of how to break new artists into the music industry. Ice Spice and Olivia Rodrigo were cited as the last big names to really break into the music industry, and I have several reasons why I think that is. A lot of music consumers think the stagnation of the music industry now is largely due to execs looking to apps like TikTok to sign new talent, and hoping their already viral music will do the heavy lifting. Artist development doesn't seem to be taken as seriously as it used to be, and in turn, it seems like the bar for big name performances is a lot lower. Aside from that, over the decades, artists and consumers alike have become privy to the fact that a lot of record labels and execs have taken advantage of artists, through means like 360 deals and other unfair contracts. For this reason, a lot of today's talented named would rather remain independent.
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[@marieantoinette8250]

Can we be honest if labels would push the best of the best talent without focus on how attractive they are music would be in a better state

[@TinaMarie]

Exactly but they won’t . That’s why Music in the earlier years was so much better . TALENT came first

[@inseungwoonamewestan1196]

Yeah but would YOU aka the public will become a superfan of someone you don't find attractive?? Labels don't push artist for the art they do it to make profit. We can blame them how we want but it's clear that the public has a bias for attractive ppl especially nowadays a lot of artist get their push or well known bcuz of their looks

[@carrington2949]

​@@inseungwoonamewestan1196Exactly.

[@marieantoinette8250]

@@inseungwoonamewestan1196 yes I and many would I wasn't attracted to Luther Patti areatha Rick and many more but Luther is still one of my favorite make singers ever! That comment alone tells me there is too much much focus on sex selling! So are you saying YOU only listen to music from people you deem sexy

[@marieantoinette8250]

@@inseungwoonamewestan1196 so because that's become the norm we should except it consumers are no stupid which is why tour sales are down these new artist are just eye candy no longevity and call us broke when they popping making club appearance then two years later they need to us to stream and repost and support lol this method won't last much longer consumers want more

[@RamboQuellz]

The problem is these labels keep trying to recreate someone from the past! We don't need another Beyonce, Nicki, Rihanna, or Drake let artist develop their own sound and style! Same way Glorilla's label keeps trying to make her super feminine and sexual like other female rappers but you can tell that's just not her style.

[@noproblems3192]

@@remyroland2424you missed the point and there is no sign of lil Kim when it comes to Nicki Minaj.

[@toxxiklovee]

​@@remyroland2424yall weirdos need to stop 🤦🏻‍♀️ nicki was influenced by kim and foxy and took that inspiration and ran with it and made her own lane so stop this narrative

[@yolofun7530]

❤qaww¹

[@somethingyoudontknow5788]

Scar lip too???

[@noproblems3192]

@@remyroland2424 denying what?

[@kiyaninoel]

primarily i think the main thing is these labels need to actually want to help these artists keep their virality instead of throwing them to the curb after the sensational of the one viral hit fades out, essentially artist development needs to return and the labels problem would probably lessen

[@naomi.cannibal]

Right it feels like they’re not as invested anymore in the artists… and want to sign ppl who give them maximum return w minimal effort

[@anastasiathehiphopfairy]

TDE has been doing this for a while. But I think that's the very reason why it's dying. They have good artists like Jay Rock, Reason, Isaiah Rashad, and Ab Soul that have been signed for years and have developed for years and yet they won't break.

[@BellesView]

@@naomi.cannibalThey’re lazy!

[@JWill951]

​@@anastasiathehiphopfairyexactly. I've been wondering where is Jay Rock. He's very talented and I don't understand why his career hasn't taken off yet

[@kiyaninoel]

@@anastasiathehiphopfairy i feel like them not breaking isnt on TDE's part tho (even tho we know punch will hold an artist back as well hence why SOS took five and a half years to come out). RCA (which TDE is distributed by) is one the main labels that fall under the example of what i had said earlier, and they're also one of the many major labels that need to get their act together

[@juicy2fresh]

Social media has RUINED the music industry. Talentless people who look good and have a lot of followers are promoted while people with actual talent don’t get the push they need from the industry. All the music sounds the same and is generic af. The “pop” songs don’t go hard anymore because there is absolutely no artistry! It’s maddening..

[@NicoleReign]

💯💯💯

[@vinaxx999]

The obsession with making iconic massive artist Irma the problem. The quality of the art / music isn’t there these days and people consume music in a very different way than back in the day

[@danikahholdman2609]

Does anyone else feel like the industry started a fire and is now crying and writing articles asking who set everything on fire?! Anyone else tired of feeling gaslit by the music industry.

[@lalalalalala1999]

olivia hitting it big after refusing a $10M contract from a label that wanted to manage her and her music, instead going for a $2M contract that gave her creative freedom and ownership of the masters of her music, was like the biggest f u to these major labels that only want to play their artists like puppets to think geffen hadn't had a major artist under their wing for over a decade then got olivia ro sign with them is crazy i will forever be proud of her cause she truly cares about her craft and is in every single detail including her marketing for her rollouts, her marketing director even said that 95% of the ideas for sour rollout were olivia's and she was definetely the boss there, and she was only 17 back then

[@sandraibarra9054]

& she probably already made more than $10M !! I love her so much. She’s so real & relatable

[@caitlingill]

Which label offered the $10 million contract? Cause that label sounds awful

[@lalalalalala1999]

@@caitlingill maybe hollywood records

[@nimcocabdi-cd6yt]

@heymichaentina because she knew what happened to taylor and all the drama of her label that sold her masters so good for she own her master and no one will control her in the future

[@ianalfonsooo]

she’s so smart for that, girl really knows what she’s doing

[@ShaneCM]

Consumers claim they want relatable artist but they are liars. The public likes mystique, high level talent and beauty without extreme surgery. The newer artist don’t compare to what they’ve chosen in the past.

[@zakariahassan7291]

I agree, and consumers can easily be manipulated or enticed to like something.

[@magical-soap5359]

Yup the glamour and "magic" of an artist is what gets you looking 👀 Folks be f*cking lying 🤥

[@Nyxthebat04]

Ngl, the public sounds like a shallow asshole. That is entirely too much to expect from a real life person, especially since ultimately, its supposed to be about the art. The public IS partly to blame for the demise of pop culture and artistic quality, imo.

[@katieward2628]

@@zakariahassan7291I see your point but I think it only goes so far, which is why the labels are finding themselves unable to conjure up stars. All the marketing in the world won’t make an unmemorable song the song of the summer. The public does have SOME discernment, look at a classic industry plant like king princess, who’s not as big as someone like Billie Eilish despite having similar resources.

[@katgreer6113]

Exactly...there's a medium. Now that we have celebs who are overexposed...we want the mystique back.

[@natasa3412]

Tiktok definitely changed the game and made creating hit music without a label backing so much easier and doable, plus, major labels got a lot of bad rep (for a reason), so artists definitely choose routes that minimise the possibility of being basically enslaved by a contract...

[@junemckenzie8412]

Yeah thats true but its a double edge sword, the artists that break out on tiktok doesnt really have artist development so its like how can they truly make an impact and have vitality in the entertainment world at that point.

[@natasa3412]

@@junemckenzie8412 True, there’s rarely a safe option that gets you all the benefits in the music industry

[@vol.145]

Stream no deja ganancias a menos que seas súper popular. Además, las audiencias ya ni siguen artistas, solo les gusta el coro o un fragmento en específico de la canción por culpa de TikTok

[@FIRXFLY]

"It's like noone wants to work anymore" The labels dont put in any work, they just want someone who's already perfect and has a lot of followers. Also, not everybody will be a star and that's okay. As long as someone has a strong small fanbase, that can be viable too. And building a bigger fanbase from a small one with time will pay off so much better in the long term anyways.

[@tandischarm8142]

and labels always literally stopping black women all the time

[@fearnot_jeans]

And people ask why many decide to auditions in other countries/industry than in America

[@andreacamp936]

Yes, agree. Labels just don't want to risk it anymore. Nurturing talent costs $$$, and they want that ROI fast. They're afraid of getting too many one-hit wonders these days. By having a big social media star, there's more of a ROI (at least to people in suits). Plus, where are the David Geffens, the L.A. Reids, heck, even the Simon Cowells at these labels? No record executive in the industry is pushing boundaries anymore.

[@katgreer6113]

​​@@andreacamp936true. They just want to sit back and collect the money as it rolls in. At least Simon actually did promote his artists, despite everything else that was wrong with his management.

[@byunbaekhyun2283]

I want a new artist that can write and produce their own song poetically and majestically like Taylor Swift, tell me which of those new artist can do that???

[@bjanderson_09]

I get that major labels are important to the industry but I hope they crumble. Major record labels have destroyed far too many artists careers by just shelving them. Additionally, they often don't know what's best their talent because many of the execs don't understand music, but it's the artist who suffers when a project doesn't perform well. Let's not forget Beyonce said Columbia records told her Dangerously in Love didn't have any hits and didn't want her to release it.

[@binfrozen]

Yup just like they shelved lady Gaga whole time they was shelving a star like wth lol

[@miakaelvira9556]

I don’t think they’ll crumble. I think they’ll transform to something else like management

[@bjanderson_09]

Yes!!!!@@binfrozen

[@bjanderson_09]

That could be a good transition@@miakaelvira9556

[@bruhvibes5941]

I find this hard to believe, Beyonce the same woman that said she wrote Irrepleacable. Her singles were very much catching trends. Crazy in Love had the trendy Gogo sound. Naughty Girl had the arabic sounds that were also trendy (Addiction/Aaliyah also had this sound) Baby Boy (Sean Paul) very trendy as well. Not cohesive in an album as well by the way.

[@Delena00]

How did we go from a whole generation of talent as far back as the 2000s - across all genres - to only a handful of moderately talented people?

[@jamzfromtheznn]

because everybody has access to the internet so everybody wants to be famous rappers or actors when they really should just get a real job

[@yourlittlebrotherGabrielReview]

Because we had just that. Different genres. Everyone sounds the same.

[@shinny4070]

Napster happened around then. Look it up, too long to explain here.

[@Thespeedrap]

Maybe schools and parents aren't teaching kids anymore about the real world and we really should start teaching kids about real instruments and music that's saying something not just talking reckless following gimmicks and trends.

[@beepbopboop7727]

Well there would be so much money poured into an artist. All the best writers, choreographers, producers poured into one artist. That is in the past.

[@Chuuzus]

i don't think we will ever see another iconic debut era like Lady Gaga's. she changed the game and had her name on everyone's lips

[@Kevin-rg3yc]

Agreed I just recently watched a video on the entire fame era and Gaga team did a smart job where they pulled a grassroot efforts for her debut where they promoted mostly in her roots aka the underground EDM club scene while promoting her more mainstream in the international markets that type of grassroots marketing helps bc it helps the artists gain a more loyal, organic and effective fanbase/following

[@naomi.cannibal]

Yeah unfortunately I think that’s over around these parts :(

[@hermes1529]

Don’t forget that before gaga was Madonna and Britney the pop OG’s

[@meganscott3295]

@@Kevin-rg3yc Hey do you have the link to that video you watched on her, or even just the name of the video? I would love to watch it!

[@Kevin-rg3yc]

@@meganscott3295 kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5PXg2d_ls-lhrc

[@LifeOfTheAngels]

Artist development is definitely a lost art form and it’s becoming less and less of a priority the more social media virility becomes pertinent to obtaining success, and none of these labels understand that cheat coding to success doesn’t guarantee interest or longevity

[@starofthestory7741]

I saw them in college… they didn’t market themselves like a corporation 🎉

[@rosecoloredbby]

Not cheat coding to success lmaooo 😭😭

[@214HectorLopez]

The best artist development of all time is the original 1950s Motown records and you are absolutely correct artist development place a big major role in the industry of music.

[@CC-si3cr]

Artist development costs money and labels do not invest in artists anymore. Singers need to already have a strong following on social media. I'm wondering if artists today even need a big label to make it big. Everything is digital, even to buy music. Other than the obligatory night time talk show visit and concert booking what do you need a huge record label for? < That should actually be a movie! Where a singer shows she got famous all on her own with the help of her friends as her mgmt team who made her success all possible. >

[@214HectorLopez]

@@CC-si3cr They did a make a movie like that it called "Selena" the original movie not the series.. In thr movie her Dad was the manager and her family played in the band with her and she got famous.

[@VisiV]

The idea that it's about labels not being able to "break new acts" sounds like a little bit of a hopeful misattribution, on their part. TikTok aesthetics and a desire for authenticity above all else basically makes it such that a label literally has no role anymore, because anything they do to increase visibility or add polish is only seen as detrimental. Basically, the labels have been fired. This has happened in all fields. Video game publishers are struggling as well. Super hero movies are not selling tickets. People don't want this thick layer of polish above substance anymore, in any of the media they enjoy.

[@LoveK1]

Heavy on the superhero movies. We’re all TIRED. I have battle fatigue. How many time can the world be almost ending in ONE franchise? It doesn’t even have any stakes anymore!

[@TheHumanPurpleTape]

Good point. The sheen is kind of a distraction at this point, but fans also want the brands & the chains & the cars. Just like superhero movies are now being criticized for the lack of polish in their CG, the average rap/r&b fan would flip if they didn't see a certain level of production value. It's really a double-edged sword.

[@usualdosage7287]

Finally people are realizing what I've been saying for years, that's the reason why music hasn't progressed that much unless you see the underground scene

[@henrywayne5724]

They don't make pop stars like they used to. Just looking at Olivia Rodrigo's rollout of GUTS in comparison to other sophomores like 21, Fearless, B-Day, Teenage Dream, The Fame Monster, Multiply, Beauty Behind The Madness etc etc, and the difference is telling. And Olivia is one of the last ones, and even she doesn't feel as big as past stars did in their sophomores. Same case with Billie. Some of them 2020 stars don't even seem to be media trained (looking at you Doja Cat) It's crazy honestly. And you're so right about streaming and shows too!

[@anastasiathehiphopfairy]

Speaking of Doja Cat, I'd see videos of her performing at smaller venues (back in 2021). I'd see a trend of the crowd being dead even though she had a lot of hits from Planet Her. And sometimes she'd perform lesser known songs of hers at festivals and the crowd would go silent. I assumed that someone with her level of fame would have crowds singing all of her songs. Because with big artists like Beyonce, Riri, Billie Eilish even- their fans know all of their songs. I always wondered why that happened. Maybe she doesn't have the cult fan base we all think she does. And/or it has something to do with what you and Naomi said.

[@Kevin-rg3yc]

@@anastasiathehiphopfairytbh I always said dua lipa and Doja cat are like social media pop stars similar to the idea of being a social media movie star a lot of their hype is relayed heavily on tik tok and Twitter but go outside of that no one really knows them like that or if they do the only know the songs that stay multiple months at number one

[@lourencovieira5424]

@@Kevin-rg3yc dua lipa is like the biggest star right now what do u mean? Who doesn't know atleast 3 songs of her? They are literally played everywhere throughout summer and whether you are young or old you've probably heard her

[@tonjamarshall4842]

​@@lourencovieira5424Me, I don't know one!

[@Thewalkinlaxative1]

Yeah i love Doja cat but she has no social media training. I listened to a podcast and Doja manger was getting interviewed and he basically said he don’t care what she does on social media because the numbers she brings in with her music is still huge

[@jennyjune9667]

Honestly this feels like an example of “Play stupid games win stupid prizes” if you keep treating your artists like shit no one is going to want to sign with you when there’s better options out there🤷🏼‍♀️

[@brandoniswhoiam]

Some of their symptoms: - Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness - Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration, even over small matters - Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities, such as sex, hobbies or sports - Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much - Tiredness and lack of energy, so even small tasks take extra effort - Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased cravings for food and weight gain - Anxiety, agitation or restlessness Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements - Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or self-blame - Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things

[@naomi.cannibal]

You are hilarious lol

[@brandoniswhoiam]

@@naomi.cannibal, I had to! 😂

[@ladyteebugluv]

Love this 😭 😂

[@gx1tar1er]

ngl all of these are exactly why vibe, mood, sad girl, aesthetic, nostalgia music is a thing now. That's why shoegaze came back, bedroom pop has reached its peak of popularity, Lana Del Rey so popular among zoomers. This has started since the pandemic & TikTok+internet+streaming really boost that.

[@sbeautiful6133]

😂😂😂😂

[@JasmineBurnett-pd8bz]

Flo, chloe x halle, olivia and coco jones, leon thomas, victoria monét and lucky daye, i am so excited for their careers to go, cause i see potential in them.

[@BellesView]

Same!

[@tylerhackner9731]

I love all the artists you mentioned

[@lisah8438]

Most of them make really boring music though.

[@JasmineBurnett-pd8bz]

@@lisah8438 idc what u think, i like their music. And u seem tasteless so but we have our own opinions at the end of the day.

[@user-iy1xz6or9m]

@@lisah8438 that's why there are different genres. It depends on what you like. The person listed what he or she likes.

[@LifestylewithAbby]

The issue isn't relatability because I can't think of a mega star who's currently relevant in pop culture or is a solidified icon that's relatable. Not Michael Jackson, Beyonce, Stevie Nicks, Elton John, Rhianna, Madonna, Janet Jackson, etc. These stars who's music is selling posthumously or will live on decades from now aren't regular nor relatable. They're simply undeniably talented. Using social media is a flawed system. Relying on what's presumably an established TikTok or SoundCloud musician isnt helpful because they can cheat the system. SoundCloud's algorithm was flawed, TikTok's algorithm is still flawed which is why it's so easy to go viral on it. Instagram has a stricter algorithm but you can buy followers and likes. Music executives are thinking they've struck gold because a song has a challenge and goes viral, or someone has a million followers. The reality is, it's either a facade or just a trend.

[@naomi.cannibal]

Yeah honestly “relatability” plays a very small role in whether I like an artists music or not

[@LifestylewithAbby]

​@@naomi.cannibalexactly. My favorite artists probably won't be spotted at the local hole in the wall, at the neighborhood coffee shop, or in Zara. I don't expect it. They'll be at NYFW, Cann Festival, and Met Gala... and that's fine but absolutely not relatable. I care about the music not if they're frequenting the dog park and grocery store. The lyrics are supposed to be relatable, the person... not so much.

[@magical-soap5359]

That's always confused me too, why do folks care about relatability in artists? We don't know these people, but they entertain us and engage us through their work. Their skills and passion for the art of music is usually more than enough

[@LifestylewithAbby]

@@magical-soap5359 I absolutely agree. 💯

[@XAVIER-xz4qn]

Wouldnt Taylor Swift count as a relatable artist? Shes the biggest artist currently by a large margin and being the gril next door is her whole schtick

[@kristenmary4957]

Social media (particularly TikTok) has ruined the image and mystique of a ‘pop star’, it’s so easy for anyone to go viral with their music now. I miss the days when we got to witness organic come-ups.

[@baikeiast5255]

Blah blah 😅😅😅😅

[@AlexJaneson]

Justin Bieber literally got famous from social media tho

[@kingjunior9206]

Doechii and Halle are 2 Artist I hope get really pushed by their labels. In my opinion they have great potential in being great female stars ⭐️

[@calebcreationofsound2182]

I Agree. Angel is probably my favorite song in 2023 so far, Halle vocals were amazing

[@gromplin]

YEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSS! Doechii has been putting in SO much work and I fw Halle HEAVY. They both feel like true artists and it’s just so refreshing. So much love for both

[@lourencovieira5424]

I wish she released Potion as a single

[@pounaksereisesu]

Both of them are super talented but none of them have that super star quality

[@BSA997]

They won't tho. Because they're interested in pushing women who degrade themselves.

[@pinksuperstar2]

What I always find so crazy and so iconic is these labels are saying we're short of stars, we're not getting our numbers when they have SO SO SO SO many underrated gems they could push: Normani Ryan Destiny Flo Milli Chloe (I personally don't think she was pushed enough) Doechii Bree Runaway (yes, I know she's UK but I've seen plenty of other of UK stars get attention so she should be at the front) Hell, RCA had Tinashe and we saw how BADLY they fumbled the bag with her. So I think that's another thing. Like y'all have so many potential stars but y'all don't wanna push them the way you do others.

[@AngeBiampandou]

I mostly agree exept for Chloe Bailey. She wasn't pushed enough ? When she was shove down our thoat more than any of them combined ? Bfr. Her issues is the image. Nobody is buying the hypersexualized raunchy persona. The Cardi B/Meg Thee Stallion route seems forced and she looks contrived and not natural doing it. She even said in interviews that she has not even had that many sexual experiences. There was so much hype around her solo debut after that Buss it challenge and a and then Have Mercy came out but she basically ostracized her core audience with the raunchiness of the mv, popping her coochie, smacking her ass cheeks, licking at mics at the vmas, the cringy lollipop video, then she went further in the raunchiness with Treat Me and it was basically her downfall. Let's not forget the Nina Simone's Feeling Good performance, Lovin' You cover and so many more and 2 weeks before her album came out there was the whole controversy around the backshot scene on Swarm. Chloe released 7 MUSIC VIDEOS: Have Mercy, Treat Me, Surprise, For the Night and Prat it away, In Pieces, Cheatback She was on Swarm (Amazon Prime) and Praise This (Peacock) at the same time of her album coming out just like Beyoncé with The Fighting Temptations in 2003. She was booked for the VMAs, AMAs, Jimmy Fallon (2021), BET awards, Jimmy Kimmel and other major plateforms and festivals, she's currently on the 2nd leg of her North American Tour... She did a radio tour (Power 106, Big Boi, TBC, Hot 97...), talk show interviews everywhere (Fallon, Kimmel, Drew Barrimore, Tamron Hall...), interviews with Amazon, Revolt, a viral Complex interview with her Praise This co-star Quavo which sparked dating rumours. Most of those things happened this year while she was promoting her debut, a movie, a tv show all at the same time too

[@tylerhackner9731]

Halle as well

[@bruhvibes5941]

Chloe's so talented but her creative control needs to be pulled way the fuh back if she wants pop stardom. I see a Tinashe-like career from her.

[@pinksuperstar2]

@@tylerhackner9731 oh yes definitely Halle

[@pinksuperstar2]

@@bruhvibes5941 Chloe's album would have been great

[@shippo481]

Music shows probably aren’t working in the states because these celebrities give us their whole lives on social media. There’s no mystery to them anymore. I remember creating a fantasy about my celeb crushes and rushing to see them on tv. They also had great media training so they were good at not giving us too much detail about themselves because they needed to keep an image.

[@WAWA-yg4cg]

Thisss!!!!

[@jpair205]

I been saying this for the past few years

[@onegirloneworld]

It would be really interesting to see a label try a 90s marketing blueprint. The artist would have to have genuine talent - but it could work! I'm talking mall tours, handing out posters at events, pop up performances at high school football games, and local radio station giveaway concerts. I think it could work!

[@naomi.cannibal]

I think it could work! On the Western side I’ve noticed FLO is one of the few acts like that. Them working with people like Kelly and Darkchild who’ve been through it and were working with artists at the time helps probably. And I think whoever is behind them at the label is smart for not having them worry on growing too quickly but on making sure they’re present, getting the practice in w a small tour and some appearances. but growing a fanbase in these crucial early years

[@muunprince1992]

Yes I feel like this could still work, artists like Madonna and Lady Gaga have worked their butts off to their career to build an audience by performing to different avenues for more exposure. With social media more prominent this days there will be people probably post their performance or posts anything about them would help them grow as an artist.

[@katgreer6113]

5th Harmony did this.

[@hilo6487]

They'd have more artists to invest in if they didn't have a history of screwing everyone over. They want acts to come in with a following and try to mold that new requirement with older contract ideas and cutting out other traditional expenses (*cough* A&R). Once these execs that saw media & the arts more as an alternative Wall Street and actually start investing in the peoole/products of their industry, the better off they'll be with what/who they invest in...

[@naomi.cannibal]

Yes to all of this

[@carlosdarity6456]

Nailed it.

[@rocketmansapprentice]

*slow hand clap* the music industry began sinking without A&R... it was never the same.

[@courtneybrock1]

Yeah…I think the labels need a little “come to Jesus” that everyone knows how toxic the label-artist relationship has been historically. Like, it’s not a new thing. Motown pretty much defined “shitty contracts,” and things grew from there.

[@bjanderson_09]

Also, I do feel like the era of the mega star, both music and acting, is nearing its end. People just don't stick like they used to.

[@KYLETISZAI]

I haven't come out yet

[@LoveK1]

Yep, I really notice it in acting. Tom Cruise is like the last actor from that era that is still regularly working and doing big blockbusters. They don’t make movies stars like they used to anymore.

[@simoneb208]

The era isn't over, the work must speak for themselves

[@cherryprincess5396]

We are going through a rough patch, im sure in the next couple of years we will see the re birth of mega stars, as celebrities and internet personalities step away of the overexposure of social media, going back to the mysterious and reserved celebrities. Traditional media will make a comeback with the downfall of streaming and the rising nostalgia for 90s and 00s music shows.

[@rosecoloredbby]

Once again, social media is the reason for this. Mega stars used to be MEGA stars. They were faraway and separated from the public, untouchable, and easier to idolize because there weren't multiple accounts of/for them on social media, and they could better control their persona thru their own work. Now artists can post anything they want, and everything becomes over-exposed and over-saturated.

[@rhearoo3081]

Good! Their greed ruined mainstream music. I'm glad I got to see talent grow in malls and small stages. Most of the newer artists would not get away with these performances or lackluster music. Everyone had to sing, dance, and put on a show. That was like the bare minimum. Makes me think of what Eartha Kitt was talking about. Sad times. 😮‍💨

[@junemckenzie8412]

True that its not enough work being put in, in todays age they have a viral or hit moment but what happened to artist development, what happened to going big or go home, its like they playing it safe or medicore these days.

[@_ivanche]

People complain about anything and everything. If an artist tries something different everyones like "they thought they did smth", "theyre so corny" or whatever and then turn around and complain that every artist looks and sounds the same. I'm just so frustrated with consumers nowadays especially with standoms. AND CAN WE TALK ABOUT PEOPLE NOWADAYS DRAGGING ARTISTS THAT HAVE BEEN IN THE GAME FOR A LONG TIME???? Calling them washed up and cringey like what are you saying?? I've also noticed the absence of the superstar and I honestly think that Doja Cat, The Weeknd and Olivia are the last major stars we'll see in a long time. I also have great hope for Halle, I really wanna see her succeed.

[@naomi.cannibal]

Right at this point everyone’s an expert and is gonna hate regardless. Especially behind an online account. But I feel like that’s always been a thing. Like yeah you don’t wanna piss off your fans but you can’t please everyone either

[@dearamari]

And a lot of artists are now getting their practice from performing at music festivals; which labels know their artists aren’t prepared for those big venues. Music shows definitely need to come back

[@niccole3542]

Yes but live music shows.I dont realistically see music countdown shows ever coming back to America obviously because people can watch a music video anytime on youtube as soon as it is released without having to watch tv and hope that you didnt miss the premier.

[@myaccount-mc7ws]

i honestly think that bringing music shows back would be super beneficial. even if many people don’t tune in to these shows on tv they could easily upload the performances onto KZbin & other social media platforms to gain more traction there. the only places artists get to promote these days are award shows & late night talk shows which is very limiting.

[@naomi.cannibal]

Agree completely

[@lalaland2107]

Wow, I never thought of this… it’s such a great idea!!!!

[@Gogo-gv5qx]

This is an amazing idea, but with the rise of streaming and the death of cable, music promotion will probably never be the same as MTV days, where being played on the radio once used to be a big deal for upcoming artists. These days, the only way new talent is really exposed to larger amounts of people is through tiktok, instagram, or other fast forms of social media. However, if cable tv was still relevant, I would literally start a petition for ‘a colours show’ to have their own show.

[@acesword8330]

Literally was ranting to my dad (who’s a music nerd) that the bbc should bring the top of the pops back with the public submitting suggestions/requests for an artist they would like to see (once the show had gone on enough they would have to add smaller/indie artists when the famous artists refuse one week or just haven’t put out anything that year) it would be so much better for artists for publicity and for music fans who want to diversify there taste or find out what’s popular and happening now

[@acesword8330]

And they could post clips of the show on social media for people who only view content there and put it available for streaming after the live performance and like top of the pops in the past a few people could get tickets to go to the show with a no phones on policy since it’s a live recording

[@Black_mocha1]

I’m so glad social media wasn’t as big when artists such as Rihanna, lady Gaga, Beyoncé and many others were becoming household names because their music would reach apps like tiktok and listeners would either not not know who they are or would only like one song and chorus from that song only. These artists have songs with lyrics literally everyone know from beginning to end. Music today that are popularized through tiktok don’t have the same effect because people only know the popular chorus. Artists back then were able to make it organically and through hard work and it’s no reason why labels want to recreate artists like that. But they’re relying to heavily on tiktok.

[@forproject1666]

when lady Gaga was becoming famous social media was already huge

[@AlexJaneson]

@@forproject1666 Yes and acts like Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber literally got so huge because of social media

[@kayv313]

I’m in a music school and even there, the popularity contest is more important than actual musical talent.

[@caitlingill]

Which music school is it? Is it Berklee? Because I have heard of Berklee being a popularity contest

[@aRIE_vcr]

All music schools are like that and being in music is like that in general, you're not good or can't do this , you suck , and if they found out you're good at what you do , you gain respect ​@@caitlingill

[@DrewRueDoo]

It's crazy. I look back at around 2008-2010 and huge artists like Drake, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Kesha, Nicko Minaj, Justin Beiber, Bruno Mars, Katy Perry, etc. completely blew up the music industry (best way) . However, there are no artists like that today.

[@baikeiast5255]

They only blew up because social media at that is not yet popular ,also they got backup from these big companies 😅😅😅😅

[@growingupwithdisney]

@@baikeiast5255well Justin blew up because he posted in KZbin, but the companies saw potential, backed him up, and gave him his own specific nice boy crush branding

[@alive2583]

@@baikeiast5255nah, cause MJ died that’s why Drake, Bieber and The Weaknd made it out

[@skarbuskreska]

"There are no artist like this today" ??? These artists literally exist, Taylor is right now heading for biggest grlssing tour with stadiums. Why the constant need for a yearly new artist?

[@alive2583]

@@skarbuskreska newsflash there’s billions of humans and or Neanderthals. Should not be hard for a pop star to sell out stadiums when all the goats died and we need authentic music not holograms autotuning

[@o_o1241]

Music consumption has become sosososososo fast that people (general public and record execs) aren’t willing to let artists marinate and grow anymore because they get bored. Everything really is consumed in 5 seconds and if people aren’t stimulated 25/8 then they’ll just get brushed aside and it’s sad to see. Kpop and the West are very similar in that regard, but at least in Kpop everyone has a chance to showcase their talent on music shows and variety shows, so they still have small followings (of course it suffers the major problem of being criminally oversaturated)

[@magical-soap5359]

Somebody called that "microwave listening" lol. It's the shallow experience of music and it's so empty too

[@ttban1988]

I need raw talent back! People that have vocals above the normal and real dancing and performing skills

[@tylerhackner9731]

It’s still there, but labels are not looking for it

[@izzalrahizam8865]

i hate tiktok dancer😂

[@solxgamingx]

That’s what record labels get, lazy ass executives. Don’t wanna give Artist Development, don’t want to push the artist, takes most of the Artist’s income, and other politics. That’s why independent artistry is rising, and they are definitely more talented than artist (not all mainstream artist) I’ve seen pushed from the labels.

[@ahmarindungu9010]

You know what’s crazy when they said all that of finding people that’s different it just tells me nobody is looking and they have no money to build talent which they do but because of greed we’ll…….. look what we’re left with

[@BronBronWorld]

Well that’s all a label can do now. Labels are just a loan and can’t really provide anything else that your boy down the street can’t. The empire is falling 🙈

[@naomi.cannibal]

Right I wonder how many A&R reps are going to small club shows to recruit anymore. Also would wonder if they’re looking into numbers more than the actual artist when they’re recruiting online, but that’s also a slippery slope bc I wouldn’t put it past the labels to encourage them to seek out artists w bigger followings rather than their pov as a musician

[@breakingthenotion.6045]

Even artists that people deemed problematic (Chris brown, Kanye, Timberlake) have a faithful fan base because they have a good track record with putting on good performances and releasing hit music.

[@EmmyK5]

my take is that getting signed by a record label is not a popular route to take as an aspiring artists anymore. so many artists have been screwed over by greedy label executives that resulted in failed careers and trauma. it’s just so much easier (not saying its easy, but social media platforms like tiktok makes it more easy to grow a following on your own), safer, and more lucrative to the artist to go independent and have 100% control of their career now a days than it was decades ago.

[@autumnstaten5120]

Tbh I hope all of these labels crumble. Major record labels don’t like genuine talent and they hate paying their artists as well. And don’t allow them to have creative control over their music. The labels determine what’s hot in music which then prevents diversity in music because everyone sounds the same. The commodification of music has ruined the art and that’s mainly because of greedy labels caring more about profits than signing artists that have genuine talent and can make timeless music. So I personally this is a good thing. If these labors crumble that gives independent artist a chance to shine

[@Justcanary8888]

Yess!! Support indie/underground music!!!!

[@thegmanpaints]

i don't know if its her just being new and finding her footing, or just not having "it" but Ice Spice is always giving 2/10 energy in her movements and facial expression. her eyes are dead, and she just wiggles there

[@carriekarloff7422]

Yes, Ice Spice is boring

[@sunnyorange180]

she always looks bored when she's performing... her dancers give more than she does

[@judaisupremacy6125]

I kind of just want to expand on what you said about K-Pop so sorry in advance if this get’s a little lengthy. One thing I’ll give the K-Pop industry credit for is they incorporated social media into artist promo, instead of letting it replace artist promotion. Each group does song covers, dance covers, behind the scenes footage, their own variety show, etc. Heck, even songs that shouldn’t be dance challenges, get a few covers on TikTok, all to keep fans entertained and engaged. Yet they still send their artists to music shows, radio shows and more. This is a complete contrast to Hollywood where some artists don’t even acknowledge their music outside of announcement posts any more. I personally have discovered more artists because they (or worst a fan), were promoting their music under hit tweets on twitter, than anywhere else. (last year it was FLO and recently this year Flyana Boss come to mind). Both industries aren’t perfect obviously, but ironically I think they have the opposite problem: US Labels don’t work enough forcing inexperienced artists to fend for themselves, while K-Pop Labels make their artists work too much sometimes and don’t allow adequate time for the artists, fans, or the music itself to breathe.

[@MrEmemo]

I 100% agree. Both industries have issues but i think the music market in north america could learn a lot from the organized nature of kpop. bringing weekly music shows back on tv would be a win-win situation cuz even if it doesn't do well on tv it would still be uploaded online and gain traction in online platforms - it doesn't even need to be on tv 1st either, a big label/broadcast station could invest in it's own COLORS/Killing Voice/etc. I also think they could benefit from their training consistency/initiative.

[@EM-rm2xh]

Kpop artists actually didn't really do this before BTS. All the big kpop stars prior to BTS came from the "Big 3" labels in Korea who had control to media and variety shows. BTS came from a very, very small independent label, and they had no choice but to use social media to market themselves. You can even look at a lot of 3rd gen artists like EXO, NCT 127, etc. who didn't even have twitter accounts until mid-2017 (after BTS won Top Social Artist at the BBMAs). The rise of kpop using social media is a direct result in BTS gaining success. Definitely agree about your point of western and Korean labels having opposite problems. One interesting case this year of a Korean label moving more similar to a western label is the group Fifty Fifty. They found success through a "viral" song on Tiktok, but they are now in a legal battle with their reputation plummeting in Korea. It turns out their label was paying huge amounts of money to "heat" the song on Tiktok and get onto major playlists (something a lot of western labels do to inflate numbers). They had one semi-successful song, and now their careers are most likely over.

[@MrEmemo]

@EM-rm2xh not trying to deny that BTS is an absolute success but i do think that the integration of social media in the promotion cycle that kpop has right now has more to do with the expansion of the target demographic. I think that political tension between east asian countries has also contributed to the industry investing more in appealing to the west - remember when china shortened down the number of seats a kpop concert could hold in the country? that's a big loss as china is a huge market. social media is a way of reaching fans all over the globe as kpop has grown popular outside east asia over the years, it feels like a natural move to keep delivering to that huge audience and i think western/anglophonic acts just don't have that drive since they are treated as the 'standard' - you'll never see hollywood movies and american pop being treated as a niche interest, in contrary to any product by any other culture - the don't have anywhere to "expend" to.

[@ahnarey]

the issue is the music/entertainment industry as a whole. i hate the idea that this generation “needs a whitney, michael, or britney” considering the fact that those artists and people like them got to the point that they got to bc they’d been exploited since they were children. the idea that the western industry should be taking note from the kpop industry is so gross to me considering the fact that we see how that system abuses these idols so much so to the point where most of them (if not all of them) have depression, anxiety disorders, EDs, and some even end up committing suicide. i don’t believe further exploitation of artists is the answer, when the issue as a whole is the commodification of music. nobody really wants to admit it, but consumerism and capitalism is the actual problem here, not that artists aren’t “talented” or “working hard enough.”

[@starofthestory7741]

So it sounds like they want someone to make children like breeding slaves to become props. As already successfully intact since birth… forget the prodigy children. Get the influencers for marketing. How doing the opposite goes wrong. The backfire is on them. They manage their artist to do the unthinkable to garner the good, the bad, the negative and the hate. The problem is…with time everyone wants an escape… so they’ll go for the negative that has nothing to do with music. Ha.. think about that folks. The pr’s trying to relate by monetizing the artist platform through media to get attention of the true nature of a single or album. I remember when we would hear a song for a year to get it to stick. Now they want it within 24 hrs or less to make numbers. It’s not a sport, it’s an escape from emotionally drained consumers who want necessary relatable songs. We are in a time when nothing fits but drama. The age range is at a specific generation. Some live with their parents who want K-pop dancing moves and visual. Some middle age want a success mature range of songs. Older adults go back to when it all started with the love, peace and family.

[@magical-soap5359]

Yes! I don't believe the music business needs to keep manufacturing "artists" for the public. We got TOO MANY and we clearly don't care what it took to create them. Britney Spears is the clearest example of the "perfect" superstar that the public and the industry thought everyone wanted... But she got TORN DOWN once we got her. The pattern is there, f*cking tragic we don't seem to know better.

[@branthlysauveur359]

Yea. That’s what I was thinking bring up K-pop was interesting. We keep finding out why being an idol would totally suck and yet people still believe their the standard of music.

[@kant.68]

Then you wont have music or art ever. Success is struggle, stress and pressure. Nobody should get anything for free specially when you’re making millions from your art

[@kant.68]

@@branthlysauveur359 The main issue is the debt and the excessive control the agency have over them. And the fandoms as well

[@Jay-mh3cp]

These new artist are so low energy i don’t understand how many of them are successful

[@nevaminddd]

Fr. Then they try and tell u their genius or superstars. But no, they just went viral. Which isnt special anymore.

[@EmCat]

oh man thank you for this. I'm so tired of labels opting for tik tok "artists" who have little to no training. It's like they thought it was an easier investment because they didn't need to invest so much in training this artist because they already have "followers". But followers don't always translate into real life. That's the lesson here. We need to stop using social media as a crutch.

[@GodsFaveSim]

It’s always a good day when Naomi uploads.

[@naomi.cannibal]

Thank youuu

[@mirasqaud5791]

@@naomi.cannibalWE

[@baconeggcheesepodcast9390]

Yeah I just found her channel I love it

[@BreyenJaimes]

EXACTLY. Appointment television

[@peytonmeador6895]

amen

[@omarherasme6699]

I think that even if you're an independent artist or sign with a label, a great solid team is what will count at the end of the day. You could promote yourself on social media or other avenues but a primary focus is needed in order develop a career organically. Because I follow.a lot of independent artists and some have understood the assignment; it is rewarding seeing the m grow. And there are others that just keep throwing stuff at the wall to see what sticks and it's just sad.

[@JasmineBurnett-pd8bz]

Songs are getting shorter and the bridges are disappearing and its getting sad, the only artists giving them are chloe x halle, and olivia (in terms of "newer" acts)

[@jasmine22104]

tiktokification of music.

[@Charles-tt3dr]

The record execs are not the same record execs of 50, 60, 70 years ago. Unlike today, record label execs back then were actual music lovers. They were willing to invest money into grooming their artist by putting them through years of vocal training, singing lessons & charm school so they could have long sustaining music careers. Motown Records was famous for this type of model. Record companies had plans for were they wanted their artist to be in 4-5 years after they signed a contract. Artist were allowed to fail before they hit pay dirt. Unfortunately 40 years ago record labels ran away with the old model & replaced it with a get rich quick model. They didn't wanna invest in music artist anymore. Now the chickens have come home to roost & i don't feel sorry for any of these greedy labels.

[@fr0xx_]

the way i personally consume music and engage with celebrities/artists has changed a lot, i don't see myself obsessing over anyone anymore because in this day and age, you're also more likely to be more knowledgeable about things like parasocial relationships, for example. maybe there's an increase in people who think this way and it's less likely for people to worship pop stars like they used to. however, this only makes me more interested in what direction the music industry will take next.

[@therandomname69420]

I feel like there haven't been many BIG musicians or hits in the last 2 years, the songs that you hear everywhere and everybody knows.

[@beatrice3371]

The music industry isn't oversaturated. It's oversaturated with boring music. Every song sounds the same.

[@NicoleReign]

I’m a small artist with hopefully not boring music and some cute lyrics ❤️ consider supporting, here for art’s sake :)

[@dickan4009]

Modern Music is truly awful …These days are no talented artists,no Iconic artists …Just depressed Mumble “rappers” and mumble pop “singers”… There’s no fun with music ,just cold nonsense trash music without hooks and female rappers twerking in every damn video … there’s no creativity and simplicity about these new artists …

[@bchild10]

I've seen this conversation about the demise of record labels all over social media and though I think there's a multitude of reasons, I think a lot of people hit it on the head that record labels no longer invest in these artist to have longevity but to capitalize off of their viral moment. I'm glad you brought up music shows because we can also have the conversation of the demise of music channels such as mtv, vh1, and bet and how it has hurt artist in a big way especially the ones that are up and coming. There is something that U.S. labels can learn from kpop. Mind you the kpop system is not perfect and they definitely have their own issues but there is something to be said especially since its become global and a lot of these idols garner millions of views and sold out concerts all over the world. These companies put them through training in singing, dancing, and performance for years before they choose which person will be in the group. Then there's the access to music shows, not to mention a lot of them even have variety shows were you get to know their personality. I think it's unfortunate that labels no longer value talent because they are good artists out. Victoria Monet for example I hope finally breaks out into the masses cause she definitely has what it takes.

[@davidduran5697]

Social media is not really the problem, but the fact that all those label executives dont have a clue on what to use it for...western labels dont have any other strategy than aiming for getting viral, they bring lacking artists, with meh songs, and weak promo strategies and then shock when their artists dont stick...it really should be about the artists and the music, building new artists with good songs and giving them platforms for people to see them and connect with them over time...look at Taylor Swift or Beyoncé, it took them years of grinding to be able to build the cults they have now, nowadays eveybody aims to be the baddest b**ch or the meanest dude and that concept is tired...artists and labels have forgotten about the key element of what they should do, entertaining...and on the flip side, love it or hate it, but the k-pop companies are doing everything right, and people are not orbiting to them because is trend or the new thing but because you get top content constantly from artists you actually love, instead of an album every 3 years that is half promoted and ends up being half of what was promised to be. I dont even like their music that much but Billie and Olivia (might be other artists but couldnt think more at the moment) are the only current artists that I feel are being managed and promoted in a way that they are building a career...

[@naomi.cannibal]

I completely agree. Labels could use the internet to find some really unique hungry artists but they’re trying to go with people who already have that built in audience/ seeming mass appeal to give them sure success

[@puffball4484]

I think another issue is that artists are so aestheticlly unspecific. Kind of feels like everyone's vibe is so similar and no one's doing anything new right now. Halle's angel is an example of this for me. Vocals and visuals are pretty but... that's all. Thats how it feels everywhere. It's the Dua Lipaification of music and visuals.

[@AngeBiampandou]

I agree. Halle's vocal performance was outstanding and the visuals were asthetically pleasing but it lacked a bit of personality. Maybe bc she is still a bit in the Little Mermaids mode

[@ladyteebugluv]

That’s such an interesting take! Kind of like a signature style? I think I get what you mean and I was thinking similar seeing cholë drop her newest album feeling like it didn’t really have a specific style? What would think about Doja cat then? I feel like artists can still be versatile and have a certain style but still have a signature style and be versatile at the same time. I feel like most beginner artists NEED ep’s to cultivate a style instead of just throwing things at the wall bc it will come off as generic and all over the place.

[@taylormelindamusic]

I wish I had the ability to draw ppl to my music and my socials, it feels like most people can figure it out without a label now. The advice for indie artists is all about making songs in the new TikTok format (chorus first), and making music that would get picked up on playlists. It’s sooooo much harder than it sounds!! Still trying!

[@tee7195]

Labels don't want to invest in artists anymore. It takes money, time, develop and consistency for an artist to really blow up. I feel like labels aren't really interested in investing in longevity in there artists anymore because they are only desperate to get a hit song out of an artist. An artist I feel like has potential to really break out is that RnB singer Coco Jones. Her label is doing a great job. They are taking the Beyonce route and I think it will pay off.

[@kemet_nil]

Basically music industry complaining for everything when they are them the ones who started this creative crisis

[@LondonSkyTV]

right!

[@streetflavaent5969]

Record labels are complaining about their house burning down but they are the ones that started the fire....How about hiring A&R's who actually know what a talented artists sounds like, signing artists that are actually talented, hire marketing and promotional people who know how to do their jobs in this current market, cut out the terrible contracts so artists can make money and treat them as partners and lastly cut down on all the bloated salaries and wasteful spending of the executives that has nothing to do with helping an artist be successful....that's a start and probably 75% of the issue....

[@spreadgoodenergy6051]

Record labels got lazy and don’t scout or do artist development. Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.

[@Keyeze660]

The industry put clout and profit over originality, true art, and passion for so long, now it’s coming to bite them in the a**

[@starofthestory7741]

😂🤣

[@HillVillLives]

😭😭😭😭 The music industry died when they stopped selling C.D.s and Albums. Also, what helped kill the music industry when they stop music video shows like video soul, rap city , TRL, 106 & Park 😭😭😭😭

[@BillBiggs1]

100 percent agree though they still sell CD’s down here in New Zealand. I also have a car that has a CD player and luckily we have a large HIFI store that sells CD,s. I practically bought every CD by 21 Pilots as I needed something to listen to when driving. The rest of my music is on Apple Music.

[@forevermani3]

RCA is the worst label in the industry cause how do you have artist with soo much potential and you don't know what to do with them

[@mrbigbosskojak]

I think a lot of new 'stars' aren't ready for the hard graft and strong work ethic required to break through. Artists like Beyonce, Michael & Janet Jackson, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Bruno Mars , Madonna etc have all had formal training and experience from a young age before they went mainstream. Almost a softer, less formal and more organic version of the KPop training model.

[@KhanhDinh291]

idk about "softer" with the Jacksons. i think the harshness of the kpop system is learned directly from the 80s Motown system. what you talked about is more applied to the early-2000s Mickey Mouse Club system

[@VIPVICTORY88]

One of the labels main problems is they are trying to sign people with a following already but as a artist if u have a following already you don’t really need a label because your already making money and achieved a certain level of success

[@digestmymind]

I feel like labels are so behind on the parasocial game. As an avid K-POP fan, large labels in Korea literally develop a fanbase around their LABEL, and so any artists that come out will be backed by that label's name. It's like a brand. If Apple releases a product we'll know it as Apple's product, and the same is true for K-POP labels. (Which is also why they're so strict, because damage done to the artist = damage done to the label.) They're able to push new acts into the mainstream so seamlessly, especially if they're a big label. As for America, I don't know whether an artist is signed to Interscope or Republic. Idols also have the training done before they debut, although I would say lack of artistic ambition is a negative factor. Most idols have no genuine interest in music.

[@Chewbachi]

There’s gonna be a renaissance in the industry it’s actually already happening slowly but surely 💯

[@omgkthxbi]

I saw Lady Gaga at a small venue in my small city in 2009 for like $20 (and my boyfriend at the time dj'd the after party). I saw MCR at Warped Tour and the crowd was definitely a lot smaller than the stadiums they fill now... people are wack for clowning on artists for not having huge crowds when they aren't big...

[@TheWorldsNo1Superstar]

As an artist I have to say, Society has evolved, we don't consume content as we used to thanks to The internet. Also, We can't expect all to be a financial success with the same fórmula. Everyone sounds the same with Ai machines, the sound lacks soul, and the personality of the artist doesn't shine through. Give us freedom to create, to express and to live openly with our belief. Yes you have to risk it to get the buscuit, and labels don't care to understand that. Thank you for this video, it's AMAZING ❤

[@RellupNorth]

The issue is them trying to push agendas vs just letting things and people progress naturally

[@danikahholdman2609]

The biggest problem is that these labels are now filled with execs who do not understand or even have a passion for music so they put all their eggs in the baskets of artists that are not good enough. They only look and choose from algorithms. This is why so many talented artists with the potential to have a huge career don’t even get a look in.

[@carriekarloff7422]

And execs have the worst and dumbest enough to be controlled than the most talented

[@xoliyah6553]

labels used to take people off the streets, see who had the most talent, and invest time into developing them as an artist, now they want someone to come already developed. It kills the idea of artists growing organically and being able to build and grow a fanbase instead of already having 100k followers on their social media platforms. Artists also don’t go through vocal training, stage presence training, PR training, their styles aren’t being developed, and so much more. there not being real platforms dedicated to seeing new artists like 106 and Park or TRL, it’s leaving all of that to tiktok :/

[@ioiyu6262]

I missed talent like Whitney Houston & Mariah Carey. Mega star ❤

[@JasmineBurnett-pd8bz]

Mariah is still here, its just that labels and consumers are ageist, at least towards black women

[@BillBiggs1]

@@JasmineBurnett-pd8bznope, it’s not ageist. Mariah just needs to start putting out decent songs. Kylie Minogue has blown up again because she put out a decent album. Put out decent music and the fans will come. Mariah hasn’t had a hit album or song in years and now relies on her holiday hit

[@BillBiggs1]

Not too sure what happened to Deborah Cox. Ciive Davis was marketing her at one point as the next pop starlight.

[@SmileOnMyTummy]

TikTok has been such a great place for finding new music! Personally I immediately go to Spotify or wherever else to listen to the full song. I've learned about many new artists this way and people I look forward to keep listening to.

[@dinasilva9263]

Purple looks very good on you, Naomi. Honestly i'm not surprised by this. New Music doesn't makes me feel anything. 5 minutes after i listen a song or watch a vídeo, i don't even remember the name of the artist or i find everything boring. All the artists i still Love to listen and buy the music are at least in the industry for more than a decade or two. But i think the problem is with the artists too not just with labels. Most artists these days don't really care about the music or the fans, they only care about being rich and famous. I don't see passion and everything seems the same.

[@naomi.cannibal]

Yes and I think the artists want instant fame and the labels want an instant star and no one has the patience to watch someone grow or come into their own anymore

[@dinasilva9263]

@@naomi.cannibal exactly, we had eras. Artist and label used to produce an álbum and that era had several years. An era with music vídeos with dance or a story, clothes or hairstyles we like, many performances and exciting awards shows, then a new era with an evolution in the music and the style of the artist. They put an effort on the work. Now everything seems lazy. I call it fast-food music.

[@magical-soap5359]

​​@@dinasilva9263 Fast-food music for all the "microwave listeners" with their fickleness for music

[@mario2837]

Well said! I'd like to add, there's a lot more international competition too. Latin artists are incredibly successful nowadays and so are Korean. Music's democratization is diversifying the audience's taste, therefore dividing attention... And money.

[@naomi.cannibal]

Very well said!!

[@teresa18870]

Another thing with these industry executives is that when they are scouting new talent, they go for people who are already going viral, have a lot of money, nepo babies etc. I know the rags to riches story is often exaggerated but what happened to picking talents up off the street and then training them to become stars? These days if you even want to be seen you have to have thousands of followers on TikTok or other social media platforms. As someone who has tried to audition for music opportunities and then finding out that the management behind the scenes are only looking for micro influencers and that you basically don’t have a chance unless you have thousands of followers it sucks and I’m not surprised that the only big new names now are ice spice and olivia rodrigo. These companies don't want to take a chance on the millions of talent that are there if they would just put down their phones and go outside.

[@teresa18870]

And let me not even get started on these companies not being able to promote the artists that they already have under their labels. They just wait for them to blow up before they push them which shouldn’t be how the music industry works. They’re just waiting for a quick buck and then get surprised that these artists can’t fill up stadiums smh

[@carriekarloff7422]

Same for modeling and acting. If you are unknown they don't care about you.

[@therockbottom5256]

It’s because everyone wants to ✨“ *be a star* ”✨so the lyrics are self aggrandizing and all about themselves, basically a flex soundtrack instead of genuine art with meaningful lyrics. Up and coming stars don’t wanna perform for 100 people because their music is about luxury and excess, not the kind of genuine connection a performer can have with small crowds.

[@davidduran5697]

Naomi should have her own show somewhere with the content she does, its always interesting and fun, keep at it!! ❤

[@naomi.cannibal]

Plsss if I do it better be promoted fr! Shit I’ll host the new trl lol

[@geraldricoguevara3340]

This is her show... enjoy it...

[@angelblue52]

I think people are starting to value authentic artistry way more than commercial artists. they are finally noticing the difference between the two. and I love how a lot of artists are independent now bc now they have full control over what they are doing

[@anastasiathehiphopfairy]

Maybe if labels stop treating artists like garbage more would want to sign. 🤣

[@calebisnthere]

I feel like artists are also lazier now. Back in the day when a popular artist rolled out an album, they were hitting every daytime and late night talk show for appearances/performances, doing multiple commercials, doing radio interviews, doing press overseas, fan meets, etc. Then further promoting after release with award show performances and tours. Nowadays, a rollout consists of 1 or 2 singles before the album, then an announcement on Instagram 2 weeks before it comes out. They don't even make the release of music exciting anymore. I understand social media is a tool, but it can't be the end all be all. Everyone doesn't follow you on social media.

[@calebisnthere]

Also, I think most would agree that Olivia Rodrigo, Cardi B, Doja Cat, Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, and Lil Nas X are the "modern superstars", but even their successes are smaller compared to a Beyonce, Rihanna, Gaga, Nicki when they caught their stride in the mainstream.

[@tylerhackner9731]

Agreed. They don’t put in the work and as a result, the release doesn’t feel as big. I remember Adele’s 21 and 25, I remember The Weeknd’s beauty behind the madness and Starboy, those were big deals. Olivia’s Guts album doesn’t feel as big.

[@tylerhackner9731]

@@calebisnthereagreed. My parents know who gaga, Rihanna and Beyonce are. They wouldn’t for the Gen Z stars.

[@ClarenceEwing]

You make a bunch of excellent points in this video. The music industry has never had less to do with music than it does now. The major labels got bought by publicly traded multi-billion dollar corporations, and they need to make money by selling music to people who don't necessarily like music. That's why every major "artist" is a half-naked teenage girl gyrating across the stage to some generic dance beat. The major music labels are selling sex and youth culture, not music.

[@theclairewhy]

I really like your point about weekly music shows for k-pop. I discover tons of artists that way and definitely wish there were more award shows/music shows - especially ones that we can actually watch ONLINE from anywhere in the world. Not through a grainy TikTok live, a weird ad-filled website, or expensive cable that no one has. The Grammys and VMAs used to be big events! Now the AMAs are cancelled and everyone's viewerships are plummeting, so less artists want to show up, so the views drop more... on and on. Coachella and the ARIAs were both livestreamed on KZbin, so it's not impossible. They just also need to be promoted HARD.

[@alkahinat4558]

This video is everything! 😍 when you were talking about the ills of the industry at around 6:34…the fact these labels are finally failing, is just great It feels like we’re on the cusp of a musical revolution and it’s SO exciting Hopefully the way we consume music, will completely change

[@snowman9642]

Record labels are depressed and struggling..? After decades of scamming and using Artists…. Man…. The struggle….

[@mbmd_nation]

I feel like music isn't the only thing that's struggling right now, video games and movies as well. 2023 seems so plain and nothing interesting

[@naomi.cannibal]

Yes entertainment has hit a slump all around. For film tv I think it’s the same idea of “let’s do something we know will get numbers immediately” or “let’s cancel it if it doesn’t do numbers immediately”. And people are sick and tired and don’t want to watch a watered down version of stories they enjoyed the first time around. Like yeah entertainment has always been about money too bc it’s a business and an industry but now we’re just focusing on content to generate money instead of creating art, which is a riskier investment

[@tylerhackner9731]

Agreed. Entertainment/the arts as a whole is struggling big time right now

[@mbmd_nation]

@@naomi.cannibal you can tell a lot of remixes and sampling in recent music as well as remakes and recyclings on movies. Yeah, the entertainment has reached its edge nowdays

[@BillBiggs1]

@@tylerhackner9731LOL WWE is certainly not boring these days. That’s the only entertainment I’m prepared to pay for.

[@ToniBryanneTV]

This video was so well done!!! I totally agree that the industry is over saturated. It’s hard to have a break out artist when anyone and any song can be considered a “hit” when going viral on Tiktok. Also, like you stated, individuality helps a lot, but at the same time the ones that look “too different” either get made fun of or don’t get the same recognition. Hence why I believe so many artists tend to look the same especially when speaking on the rap girlies.

[@theeladyj]

Because the music isn’t good and social media stars have inflated their numbers so it’s not translating to the chart

[@carlosdarity6456]

This can be solved very easily. They need to revert back to their old model of operating which was: Find an artist or band who has local or regional buzz, develop them over the course of 3-4 albums by the third and fourth album, they will have found their sound and have established their lane within the industry. Nowadays labels just sign people who already have fanbases, (no matter if its based on one song or just the image and style of the artist) they will sign them, trying to repeat what has been successful in the past which is why music always sounds the same and also is the reason why modern music has no longevity. There is no originality, and all mainstream tracks and artists nowadays follow "pop hit song" formula. When the artist's buzz runs out, they discard them rinse and repeat. When any form of entertainment is created from the love of the art rather than profit we get timeless entertainment, when money is at the root, we get shit entertainment that has a short shelf life.

[@Housewarmin]

These new artists need PR teams and better management. Why aren't the girls at the award shows, doing a Hot Ones Episode, photoshoots, KZbin videos, or doing a brand deal? Look at KeKe Palmer in the last year. From the pregnancy, to hosting SNL, the photoshoots, the Usher drama and music video.. she has been everywhere. Being everywhere keeps people talking and interested.

[@myaccount-mc7ws]

i feel like the big reason why this is happening is bc we all consume the things that we choose to now with streaming & aren’t “forced” to listen to whatever the industry is pushing onto us through the radio and things like that

[@dashiajames1882]

Goodmorning: You're right we don't the actual person who singing. I'm always like " I like this song who sings it ?? " One of the problems is alot of these artists aren't getting alot of attention & recognition. So alot of ppl don't truly know who the artists or name of the song. I get how all that publishing works but it's really crazy that artists don't own their own songz..!! And seems like some of these artist just disappear into thin air. Like 3-5 albums & their gone..!! I miss TRL, 106&Park & other music shows.

[@BLKNOIZEPODCASTANDMEDIA]

I also blame the people nobody has originality anymore it’s just trends… no different beats no balance nothing

[@danikahholdman2609]

Another thing is, if I had to sum it up in one phrase it’s due to the death of the fanbase. Most consumers now are general listeners instead of invested fans. I think this is in large part to do with artists no longer being authentic in their music/their music doesn’t really say anything. This is 100% down to the label because they’ve made artists so generic so they can fit their formula for promotion. So, it’s just like you said. The audience are disillusioned and if the consumers aren’t buying, that’s why the industry is struggling.

[@didistutter100]

girl scooter was just dropped by JB, ari and Demi. I think we r gonna find out something real juicy about this menace of a man and the industry!

[@annieareyouok7671]

Yes he already had problem with Taylor. Something is going down behind the scenes. He may be trying to get more money of out then. You know he’s a leech artists. All these “EXECS” with not talent. They were just someone son.

[@oliviajayward]

they should bring back that top of the pops tv show back. I would still watch it and it would give so much exposure to new artists.

[@paullopez2021]

I can totally see a revival of American Bandstand coming back to ABC on Friday nights. ABC has no financial stake in Shark Tank, and there’s gonna come a point when ST becomes too expensive to keep on the air.

[@acesword8330]

Literally just commented on another comment about this I really hope someone does it so we can all have a sense of connection over music instead of it being scattered and in a limbo across social media sites and artists have better promotion

[@oliviajayward]

@@acesword8330 oh exactly!! we need something like this on tv again. It’s what we’re missing

[@elisamozo3808]

I love that you mentioned music that grew on you after watching a good performance of it, while showing a clip of Doechii, because I had the exact same experience with her! After seeing her perform Persuasion/Crazy at Women's billboard awards and the BET, I started to like her music even though before I was lukewarm on it