Popular culture is determined by shortage. When there are only some TV stations or a dozen radio stations, it’s doubtless that many people watch or hear the identical factor on the identical time.
And so a preferred TV present or tune from fifty years in the past most likely reached twenty instances as many individuals as a preferred hit immediately.
However the lengthy tail brings different advantages. Extra selections, extra innovation.
Not only a lengthy tail of consumption, but additionally a spectacular lower in the price of manufacturing. Improvements in computer systems, cameras and AI imply that folks could make content material with out permission from a gatekeeper.
Within the newest AI breakthrough, right here’s a latest Paul McCartney tune ‘up to date’ to make use of the voice of a younger Paul McCartney.
You may hear a fast snippet right here:
Whereas that is technically superb, what it highlights is that inside just a few weeks, we’re going to see hundreds (or thousands and thousands) of recent songs created by AI and obtainable on YouTube and streaming channels. A few of them shall be mediocre. Some shall be breakthroughs. And some shall be hits.
Creating music (or writing) is an inherently human exercise, and it doesn’t go away. What does go away, although, is the business dynamic of hundreds of someones in Nashville or Hollywood hitting it massive massive massive with nothing however a typewriter or a guitar.
The tip of pop and the rise of the lengthy tail and AI brings us again a century. Identical to it was–small circles of individuals, not mass markets. However this time with infinite alternative and a enterprise mannequin that’s laborious to visualise.
PS my pal Paige has a brand new ebook out. You may learn the digital version without spending a dime with password pal.
