04/12/2023
All the feels
🎵 As I observe many artists sharing their Spotify Wrapped for Artists, I've chosen to take a different path. Not because I haven't witnessed an increase in streams or followers, but because I've always believed that reducing our art to mere numbers and comparing ourselves to others isn't in line with the spirit of music.
Let me be clear; this isn't a criticism of Spotify or any other platform. It's about how some individuals wield these numbers as tools to chase fleeting hype, more gig opportunities, and increased attention. In reality, these numbers should serve as a personal reflection of our progress, not a brash display.
What's truly intriguing—and this extends to Beatport charts and other streaming platforms—is that some so-called producers accumulate millions of streams, but the actual engagement with their music remains minimal. It raises profound questions about how they dominate the charts and amass those streams without genuine listener connections.
It's as if there's a marketing sleight of hand at play. The numbers are there, but the profound connection with the audience is missing. They may attract a handful of labels looking to profit, but their music often fails to resonate with notable DJs, medium-sized ones, or even everyday listeners.
All this introspection has led me to contemplate deeply what I choose to share and what I'd rather keep private when it comes to statistics. Whose ego are we truly feeding? Are we inadvertently promoting the interests of companies like Spotify?
In my view, Spotify doesn't truly reflect the artistic progress and impact we aim for. To gauge your genuine influence, take a look at your SHAZAMS. When someone wholeheartedly appreciates your music, they'll Shazam it to identify the track. That, my friends, is a far more authentic measure of your artistic journey. Some might say "fake it until you make it," but in reality, it doesn't always work. Sometimes you hit rock bottom and don't achieve the expected results, and you find yourself fooled by your own EGO. I've witnessed this phenomenon numerous times in my 23-year career. So, believe me when I say it's not just the numbers that count, but rather the people who genuinely LISTEN TO your music.
Let's shift our focus back to what truly matters—the music and the genuine connections it fosters. 🎶✨
PS:
Didn'y no one saw that it is END of november and Spotify closed the year? What about december? Basically Spotify is stealing once again a whole month (which is actually the best one because everybody is at home listening music and enjoying the holidays)? What about this one?
