Music’s technological shifts rewarded bold adoption, while social media reshaped creativity

Music has repeatedly undergone major technological shifts, from stereo and multitrack recording to phasing, drum machines, synthesizers, iTunes and streaming. These changes were often adopted first by professionals before consumers fully noticed them. Prince’s decision to use drum machines is characterized as especially bold and brilliant; Roger Linn was developing one while working on a recording session.

iTunes faced resistance from record companies and musicians who opposed selling songs for $1, even as MP3 files were widely shared. It is described as an elegant link between the iPod and music sales. Beats Music and Interscope were later sold to Apple, after which Apple Music was developed; Daniel Ek is characterized as brilliant.

The analysis argues that social media, including TikTok, affected music more sonically and creatively than streaming did. Platforms gave artists a powerful marketing channel, but also encouraged artists and record-company personnel to chase the latest trends. The view that social media contributed to more songs is presented as a personal assessment, with SoundCloud, TikTok and Instagram also cited in that context.