Thursday, 15 July 2021

Algorithms Discriminate Women?

Discrimination against women in the music industry is apparent. Misogynistic men have the power in the music industry, which leads to discrimination against women. Recent studies by Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) and the University of Utrecht (UU) found that music algorithms on Digital Streaming Platforms have a huge influence on the gender gap in the music industry.  The investigators tested a commonly used “music recommendation algorithm based on collaborative filtering”. They analysed 330,000 users listening behaviour over nine years, in which just 25% of musicians that were listened to were women.

 

Digital Streaming Platforms are mostly to blame as their exclusive music playlists consist of men. Research shows their algorithms favour men also subsequently advance gender disparities within the music industry. Male Artist continues to be vigorously elevated to music audiences, which lead to an increase in streams. As a result of this, they are more likely to appear at festivals. Especially with these Digital Streaming Platforms, sometimes sponsor festival line-ups. Algorithms won't assist in eradicating gender inequality in music until people in power choose to change it.


The algorithm produces a hierarchy of artists to recommend to the audience. The Investigators discovered the primary suggestion of female musicians comes in sixth or seventh position, compared to the men where they come first or second when it comes to music recommendations. According to the Investigators, "The bias in exposure comes from the way it generated recommendations”. This implies that female artist exposure is almost diminished based on the recommendations of the gender bias system in place. The Investigators said the algorithm learns as the audience listens to suggest music from the Digital Stream Platforms. This now creates a pattern of male artists being predominantly streamed; with the assistance of a reordered algorithm, listeners will change their conduct.


The Investigators put forward an alternative method that creates greater outreach for female artists and would comprise reordering the recommendation of songs. This would move a predefined number of female artists into high positions in playlists and recommendations to tackle the current gender bias. The outcome of this investigation showed the assistance of the reclassified algorithm Digital Streaming Platforms users would change their conduct and listen to a more female artist compared to the current state of the recommendation algorithm. The reclassified algorithm is based on machine learning and would urge a change in listening behaviour.

Wednesday, 23 June 2021

Next Up Pt.2

Jords

When brilliant lyricism and abnormal concepts collide it forms to create Jords. Jords has a unique style where he incorporates rap with a mixture of R&B and poetry. His unique style is hard to find which makes it all more pleasurable when listening to his music. ‘Glide’ was the first song that caught my attention and ever since I’ve been hooked. His latest project ‘Almost An Adult’ is full of cold flows, wavey remedies and dope lyrics; I highly recommend you check the project out from the Croydon based lyricist.

Standout Tracks

-Gilde

-My City

-Patterned

 


 

Problemz

 

Problemz burst on the music scene with an alternative rap beat on a song called ‘Dr Dolittle’ in 2019. On the track, he details his life on the roads. Since then he has been pretty inconsistent with the music but I’m telling you he has serious talent with his smart wordplay and authoritative voice. Since his debut in 2019 he has dropped a series of quality tracks the most popular being ‘Joshua’ and ‘Stranger things’. He dropped a track at the beginning of 2021 called ‘Vodoo’ which is straight fire; Problemz is someone to watch out for.

Standout Tracks

-Stranger Things

-Vodoo

-Joshua

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-urZE0vw84U

 

Cat Burns

Coming from South London Cat Burns went viral with her TikTok videos of her covering popular songs. She is undeniable talented with a voice that has a welcoming presence. She is an amazing songwriter who can play the guitar effortlessly.  Cat Burns Debut project ‘Naive’ is something I can envision played in retail stores in central.  The EP details her journey with romance and relationships, something a lot of people can relate to. She is someone who will be packing out arenas soon.

Standout Tracks

- Go

-Sober

-Cheater

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEmwO-E9axk

 

 Berwyn

Talented singer and rapper Berwyn debut project caused waves in the underground scene. Born in Trinidad he moved to Romford, East London, at age nine. Berwyn proficiently detailed his problematic childhood with an amazingly heartfelt project ‘DEMOTAPE/VEGA’ in September 2020. He ended 2020 with a performance on ‘Later with Jools Holland’ and he also performed with The Compozers on ‘BBC Xtra Hot 4 2021’. Berwyn has a bright future especially with his ability to tell stories.

Standout Tracks  

-Traphone

-Missing U          

-Crushed Velvet

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7MyKBTybFQ

Friday, 18 June 2021

Anghami Takeover ?

The way we consume music was forced to change due to the world being on lockdown. We witnessed new trends that changed the music industry. No Signal #NS10V10 brought the prominence of radio back to the forefront of music with their battles that consisted of two artists going against each other song for song, with a voting system in which the audience can participate.

 

Middle East and North Africa-focused music platform Anghami have launched a new live music feature. The new feature is a “live audio experience” (radio) where the audience can send voice notes and text. This is the first time a digital streaming platform is empowering artists and the audiences to construct an audio experience where a live conversation is held. Anghami are the first but certainly not the last as the top digital streaming platforms get word of this new feature they’ll be stealing this idea and adding their twist to it.  Spotify has already launched “The Locker Room” where people can discuss live sports games and host debates from the comforts of your phone. Anghami have seen how music is changing as we look to the future. I predict that soon these digital streaming platforms will start live subscription-only channels for artists. We are now witnessing a revolution that will be spoken about in years to come. I'm curious to see what happens next.

 

Wednesday, 26 May 2021

Next Up Series Pt.1

 

Ané AKA THEE BO$$ is a Nigerian-Irish YouTuber, Singer & Song writer. Her music is melodious infused with Afrobeats. Her debut single “Separate Ways” is a fantastic song to vibe too, her smooth voice paired well with the instrumental. She has a range of influences when it comes to music such as Destiny Childs, Mariah Carey, Aailyah, Psquare and Burna Boy. Ané is definitely one to watch out for. She is multi-talented as she has a YouTube channel where she post a variety of videos from Vlogs to GRWM videos which are very entertaining.

 

Make sure you check out Her New Single (Ané -Separate Ways)

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMkFXjrthuQ

Sunday, 4 April 2021

How Covid-19 effect music industry

 

The underlying effect of Coronavirus on the music business was startling. In the beginning, the first thought would have been that with everybody kept indoors streaming figures would increase. It was reported in The Official Charts Company (OCC) that Spotify streams took a hit. The previous year paid streaming accounted for 42% of total recorded music revenue according to the IFPI issues Worldwide Music Report 2019. In April 2020 Streams was down by 10.7% according to NME. As far as the measure of music consumed data showed a decrease in streaming of 11% – however, this seems to have recuperated soon after, as the world began to open up towards the year's end; streaming presently makes up 62.1% of recorded music income as indicated by IFPI issues Worldwide Music Report 2021.  Simultaneously, Subscription Video on Demand has seen growth over Covid- 19. The reasons are connected to an adjustment of practices: the pandemic has increased people groups' attention on visual media i.e. television, reduced commutes and driving have shifted people’s music listening patterns.


A Report by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), vinyl records created more income than CDs interestingly since 1986. Vinyl sales totalled $626 million in 2020, jumping 28.7% from the previous year it was at 18.6%.  Revenues from CDs declined 23% to $483 million, continuing a long-term decline. When it came to Distribution, there was a pattern where artists tended to delay the release of music.  This stagnant pattern is because of the failure to be able to utilize touring to promote new projects. A whole load of concerts and events have been cancelled.


However long restrictions on mass gatherings stay in place, income from shows does not exist. Excluding Ticket and merchandising, a six-month closure is assessed to cost the music industry more than $10bn in sponsorships according to the wall street journal. Post-pandemic standpoint seems testing and development of live music is required to be reconsidered altogether as Coronavirus cases spike. The global music industry is worth over $50 billion, with two major income streams. One of the big income streams is concerts. A concert makes up over 50% of the total income in the music business. The revenue from concerts is gotten primarily from sponsorships and ticket sales. Major revenue for the music industry is recorded music; it consolidates income from streaming, vinyl’s, online purchases (iTunes), licensing from adverts, films, games and television.




Government guidelines propose that music festivals and concerts may return late summer 2021 as floods of significant summer festival brands i.e. wireless release tickets for the upcoming event. Quite possibly the most rewarding components of the live show business in recent years has been meet-and-greet packages. Premium ticket concert experience ordinarily incorporates a ticket near the stage, access to brand new merchandise, unique celebrity access to the stage settings. Interactions are normally restricted to a photo opportunity however these regularly occur at proximity, commonly with the artist. meet-and-greets will not occur post-pandemic (even after the vaccine has been introduced) it feels as though the relationship between the fans and artist might be deserted and supplanted with more restrictive social media-driven interactions.


 


In the underlying wake of the new prohibitions on mass get-togethers, venues provided a live stream of exhibitions i.e. wireless 2020 live stream where acts such as Darkoo and Digga D performed. Nonetheless, even these types of shows have been sometimes suspended as those locations have shut down. Presently, musicians are going direct to fans from their own homes, utilizing Twitch, Instagram and other platforms. During the pandemic, Fornite (Console Game) hosted a Travis Scott concert which accumulated 45.8 million views in-game for the event. The performance was posted on Travis Scott's official YouTube channel which at this current moment has 147 million views.  During the pandemic, Swizz Beats and Timbaland linked up and created a platform called “Verzuz”. The concept behind Verzuz is two artists coming together and battling each other song for song. This is beneficial for artists because they get an opportunity to connect with the fans more like this is a live event also their streams go up for the next few weeks as new fans discover their music. Verzuz is lived streamed on Instagram and also Apple TV. The view battle so far is “Gucci Mane V Jeezy” as they brought in a crowd of 1.5mllion viewers on Instagram. Artists using other mediums to generate money is not new, however, the pandemic has extended the supporters access, and the labels are working with their artists by providing the right equipment for the artist to reach out to fans. Streaming platforms have likewise empowered new techniques for artists to make money, including memberships to artist channels that permit early or restrictive access to content.


These brand new inventions for artists, record labels and music venues to engage supporters may be a methodology for more interactions with fans.  Verizon is working with Live Nation Entertainment to put together virtual events and mini docuseries. The effect of Covd-19 has been a huge one however we can now look forward to an interesting future in the music industry.