Music has been the subject of so much diversity in the recent decade. Social media has inspired new artists, allowing for the fusion of different genres and collaborations across continents. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok enable new artists to combine various styles and find their target audience by simply sharing content.

I never thought I’d get into a genre as niche as jazz and house fusion, but this past year has proven me wrong. A rising artist named berlioz has taken over playlists and media platforms, introducing the current generation to a unique side of music. Tracks such as “nyc in 1940” and “hot house” have surfaced in numerous social media posts, furthering the artist’s popularity.

This band’s growth across countless demographics shows how accessible social media makes it for artists to reach their fans. Interactions among the fanbase have never been more diverse. However, what does this accessibility mean for the integrity of the music industry? There was a time when solo or grouped artists had to work tirelessly for even a slim chance at success. Now, music loses some of its essence as something to be worked for, with platforms available for anybody to share their talents.

While social media grants aspiring musicians unparalleled opportunities, it also introduces risks. Malpractices like voice phishing and purchasing influence through likes and followers undermine the integrity of the industry.

The biggest takeaway is the cliché: everything has two sides, the benefits and the drawbacks. Music has never been more widespread, entertaining, and impactful, exposing exponentially more people to genres they might never have explored otherwise.

Works Cited

“Berliozmusic.” Berliozmusic, 2016, www.berliozmusic.com/. Accessed 05 Nov. 2024.

Grome, Justin. “Utilizing Social Media in the Music Industry.” Forbes, 22 Sept. 2023, www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2023/09/22/utilizing-social-media-in-the-music-industry/.