MUSIC MEETS TECHNOLOGY

Pic credit: Piya Kirdpanya

Music has evolved in tandem with society over the past century, shaped profoundly by technological innovation. As technology advanced, music not only mirrored societal change but also became a driver of transformation, creating a unique interplay between the two.

FROM VINYL TO STREAMING

Over the last hundred years, the formats in which we consume music have undergone a remarkable transformation. From wax cylinders and vinyl LPs to cassette tapes and now digital ones and zeroes, music has consistently adapted to new technologies. This evolution has freed up shelf space but altered our listening habits significantly.

We no longer listen to albums as cohesive stories; music is now an assortment of singles, playlists, and algorithmic queues tailored to our preferences. The once cherished concept of an "album" has largely faded into nostalgia, with many unable to recall the last full album they listened to. Younger listeners might remember hearing albums with their parents, while older ones associate them with a pre-digital era.

India held onto the tradition of packaged music longer than most markets, thanks to Bollywood soundtracks. However, with the rise of item numbers, the nation, too, shifted toward a single-track-focused market.

Pic credit: Ingo Schulz

GLOBAL COLLABORATION AT HOME

The story of innovation extends beyond formats to how music is created. It took humanity over 250 years to progress from the first piano to the first electric guitar, but less than a quarter of that time to enable the creation of an entire orchestra on a smartphone.

Eighty years ago, recording music meant gathering all musicians in a single room to play together while managing microphone placement to balance the sound. Today, technology allows a guitarist in Melbourne to contribute to a song produced entirely in London—all from the comfort of their bedroom.

THE CHALLENGES OF DEMOCRATISATION

This technological revolution has democratised music production, leading to a staggering lakh of songs being released daily—more than the total number released in 1985. While this abundance creates opportunities for new genres and stars, it also leaves most musicians struggling to sustain a career.

Lily Allen (pic credit: Wikimedia Commons)

For example, Lily Allen, a globally successful artist, recently revealed earning just 7.5% of total revenue from her 2.5 crore monthly streams. This steeply sloped business model often benefits only the most prominent players while leaving many talented musicians at the margins.

MORE PLENTIFUL, MORE DIVERSE

So, has music improved? It’s become more plentiful, diverse, and innovative. If you know where to look, you’ll find exceptional new music being created every day. Technology has not only made music more accessible but also transformed how it is crafted, consumed, and appreciated, offering endless possibilities for the future.