8/4/23

How algorithms define music trends and why we are sick of it

Algorithms wield a significant influence in shaping music trends, utilizing extensive data analysis and user behavior patterns. Here's a general overview of how algorithms contribute to defining music trends:

1. Data Collection: Music streaming platforms, such as Spotify, amass vast amounts of user data, encompassing listening habits, frequency, skips, playlist creations, likes, shares, and more.
This data provides valuable insights into user preferences and behaviors.

2. Collaborative Filtering: Algorithms employ collaborative filtering to make predictions or recommendations based on the behavior and preferences of similar users. By studying the listening habits of millions of users, algorithms identify patterns and offer personalized recommendations to individuals, introducing them to new artists, genres, or songs that align with their interests.

1. Music Discovery and Recommendations: Algorithms utilize content-based and collaborative filtering techniques to suggest music based on a user's listening history, liked songs, and interactions with the platform. Analyzing audio characteristics, metadata (genre, artist, album), and contextual information (time of day, mood, location) helps generate personalized recommendations. As a particular song or artist gains popularity among numerous users, it can indicate an emerging trend.

2. Popularity and Engagement Metrics: Algorithms define music trends by gauging popularity and engagement metrics. These metrics include play counts, skips, playlist additions, shares, and user-generated content like covers and remixes. When a specific song or artist experiences a significant surge in plays or engagement, algorithms take notice and may promote the content to a wider audience.

3. Virality and Social Media Impact: Algorithms monitor social media platforms and online channels to assess music's virality and impact. User-generated content, hashtags, and discussions concerning specific songs or artists can indicate emerging trends. Algorithms may leverage sentiment analysis or social media mentions to identify popular and talked-about music.

4. Curated Playlists and Editorial Influence: Algorithms consider both user-generated and platform editorial team-curated playlists. These playlists often spotlight trending or popular songs, genres, or artists, influencing user behavior and introducing new music to a broader audience.

It's essential to recognize that algorithms continuously learn and adapt based on user feedback and interactions. They refine their recommendations over time, incorporating new data and evolving trends, which further shape the definition of music trends. However, while algorithm-based playlists may cater to some preferences, they might not fully capture the genuine experience of discovering and supporting new artists' work, as they might lack the personal touch and emotional connection.

This sometimes is exactly what you need while creating a playlist, but it also doesn’t give you the real feeling of experiencing new artists and giving them value to their art, it's just one mechanic piece spit out and added to your playlist without less valuable for the artist. Remember when you went to the store to finally get a new record from your favorite artist? These times are memories - but we would enjoy having a mix of supporting artists and their music with more love and not miss the newest shit at the same time, right?
In all of these cases, musicians don’t have the power to control their audience, keep in touch with the community, and be visible in the game of algorithms.

This is where trppn comes in—an ecosystem that embraces musical expression without boundaries. No more algorithms dictating what reaches us or limiting our artistic reach.
With trppn, creators have the freedom to share their sonic creations openly and connect directly with their music fan community both online and in real life.

Trppn is a location-based music discovery platform that connects fans based on their chosen taste in music, fostering real-life experiences shared with like-minded people.
It's a playful, social, and music-driven app designed to empower users to share and celebrate the music they love, transcending the limitations of online listening.
Join the movement and let's #betterbetrppn.

Spread the word and embrace a world where music is celebrated and enjoyed together with passion and love for the art and it’s creators.