The increasing diversity of music on Spotify is challenging the relevance of traditional genre classifications and reshaping the way fans engage with music.
As Spotify launches its annual Wrapped campaign, revealing the songs that have dominated users’ listening habits over the past year, it also highlights the sheer number of musical styles that make up the streaming service’s vast catalogue. With around 100,000 new tracks uploaded to Spotify every day, sorted into over 6,000 genre classifications, the digital age has ushered in a more diverse musical landscape. This shift is challenging the traditional role of genre in organizing music and sub-cultures around it. While genre used to provide a sense of community and a marketing tool for companies, its significance appears to be diminishing in the streaming era.
The Decline of Genre Communities
Genre has long served as a virtual community, connecting listeners who share a passion for specific types of music. However, US journalist and music critic Kelefa Sanneh argues that genre’s influence has dwindled in the digital age. The abundance of music available through streaming platforms has made it easier for listeners to explore beyond the boundaries of their favorite genres. Sanneh suggests that genre has become almost irrelevant for most listeners, as the infrastructure of the music industry now places more importance on genre than the fans themselves.
Artists Embrace Genre Fluidity
One artist who rejects the limitations of genre is Murkage Dave, known for fusing different genres to create his unique sound. Growing up in East London, his music tastes were shaped by the scenes he encountered. However, he believes that genre represents far less than it did before the streaming era. Murkage Dave suggests that genre has become more important to the music industry than to the fans. Instead, listeners now align themselves with individual artists, forming micro-genre communities based on fandom.
The Role of Genre in a Digital World
Nathaniel Cramp, founder of record label Sonic Cathedral, highlights the data-driven nature of genre classification in the digital world. In the past, genre was applied to an artist’s music by external forces, such as the music press. However, artists now have the power to choose their own genre, leading to a more fluid understanding of musical categorization. Spotify’s editorial lead, Sara Sesardic, acknowledges this shift and emphasizes the company’s focus on building communities around artists rather than fitting them into specific genres.
The Challenges of Accurate Genre Classification
While genre remains a key factor in how Spotify recommends music to its users, it is not the sole determinant. The streaming service takes into account various factors, both algorithmically and editorially, to provide the best user experience. However, accurately classifying music within genres can be challenging. Artists like Murkage Dave have found themselves miscategorized, which has had a detrimental impact on their careers. Despite these challenges, Spotify continues to adapt its strategy to cater to the evolving listening habits and preferences of its users.
Conclusion:
The increasing diversity of music on Spotify is reshaping the role of genre in the streaming era. While genre communities and traditional categorizations are losing their significance, fans are increasingly aligning themselves with individual artists rather than specific genres. The fluidity of genre classifications reflects the changing landscape of music consumption and the desire for personalized experiences. As streaming services continue to refine their algorithms and cater to individual preferences, the number of micro-genres will likely increase. While the concept of genre may evolve or even fade away, the sense of community and connection that music fosters will continue to be a vital part of the music industry.
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