HF July - Future of Music

HiGH FiDELiTY F M U T U S T I HU O R E E FC

CONTENTS 4 The Rise of Streaming Services 6 Fashion in Music Column Changemakers: Artists as 8 the Forefront of the Industry 12 Books About Music Column 2 | High Fidelity

S 14 Social Media and Music 18 HiFi Top 5 Column 20 Virtual Concerts: \"Live\" Music for the Pandemic Era 24 Old Covers Reimagined High Fidelity | 3

THE RISE OF STREAMING S By Cammie Shutt The concept of buying songs for $2.99 seems like a distant memory S    treaming makes up 80% of the in comparison to the limitless access to billions of songs at the tip of one’s music industry’s revenue, and more finger. No longer do we have to ask artists are resorting to streaming our parents if it is okay to buy an sites like Apple Music and Spotify. With the rise of streaming music, album for $9.99. while it promotes music listening, it makes paying the artists a bit more complicated. Famous artists like Beyonce and Jay Z have only recently switched to streaming, as artists get paid a mere fraction in contrast to the major cuts collected by independent labels or streaming platforms. Paid subscriptions on Spotify or Soundcloud is not enough money to go around to all the brilliant artists in the world. Regardless of the poor wealth distribution, the rise of streaming music services is still a great thing for listeners! According to the Business Insider, Spotify is considered the overall best streaming platform, followed by Apple Music being the best for 4 | High Fidelity

ERVICES Apple product users, while Youtube Music is the best for Android users. Spotify has a whopping 30,000,000,000 songs ready to be listened to, allowing the world to enter into a music-filled era with a wide variety of song types and genres. In 2019, streaming services accounted for 80% of all music revenue, and it continues to grow in numbers. Paid subscriptions grew 29% in one year, as more and more listeners are willing to pay for music on demand. Even though there is a certain satisfying aesthetic of buying records to create the scratchy sound of old music... Even though there is a certain satisfying aesthetic of buying records to create the scratchy sound of old music and imitate the vibe of when the great classics first entered this world, music streaming is a much more practical and accessible method of listening to any song, anywhere.  ⬦ High Fidelity | 5

B        randing is an important part of GNIDNARB DNA ELYTSBy Bianca Meyer any artist’s career. Think David Bowie during the Ziggy Stardust era, the Beatles’ matching suits and Sgt. Pepper era outfits, and KISS’ makeup. The important of a musician’s brand has not diminished over time, and still plays a vital role in the music industry. Recently, some stars have expanded their brand beyond just their music and personal style. One such star is Rihanna who, after an incredibly successful musical career, decided to venture into the business world. She began with a collaboration with Puma, releasing the Puma Creepers. The next year she expanded this with the Fenty x Puma collection, which featured shoes and apparel. Rihanna launched Fenty Beauty in the fall of 2017, aiming to create a makeup line with an inclusive range of shades that made every person, regardless of how light or dark their skin tone, able to find their shade. Fenty Beauty was a massive success and made Rihanna the world’s wealthiest female musician. She has since expanded the brand with a Savage x Fenty lingerie label, which features a wide range of sizes and shades of ‘nude’, continuing the brands commitment to inclusivity. Due to Fenty’s success, people are just as quick to associate Rihanna with the brand as they are with “Umbrella” 6 | High Fidelity

FASHION IN MUSIC: and “Work”. Artists are also incorporating new elements into their brand, such as Philly’s Courier Club. At a first glance, this band’s loose jeans and sweatshirts reminds one of the 90s alt scene, defined by its casual cool. A quick look at their social media shows that Courier Club’s members are big gamers, and reflect this is in their lyrics and overall brand. The last on on their EP \"Drive Like Your Kids Live Here\" is “My Favorite Game”, a love song that compares the singer’s romantic partner to their favorite video game. During quarantine, the band organized a Minecraft music festival to connect with fans and have some form of ‘live’ music, despite all shows beings canceled. With artists expanding their brands beyond music and including new entertainment such as videos games, it’ll be exciting to watch this enfold in the future!  ⬦ High Fidelity | 7

CHANGE Artists at the Forefront of the Industry When it comes to determining the future of music, what is ahead, and who will be making the big changes, nothing is certain. This is Luke's Final Article With High Fidelity...We'll Miss You Luke! By Luke O'Donnell N     ew genres pop up constantly and often do not instantly become huge, for example, hip-hop being the monster it is on Billboard now wasn’t necessarily the case twenty years ago. Twenty years ago we were listening to post-grunge, nu-metal, and hard rock. Nowadays, some might argue that rock is dead. But some very experimental and forward-thinking artists have broken into the mainstream and might just be the future of music. Our generation is mainly defined by two broad genres: pop and rap. One artist who exemplifies what the future of pop music might hold is Charli XCX. Her more recent works like Charli in 2019 and her 2020 isolation reflection album, how i’m feeling now, show a unique blend of mainstream pop and highly 8 | High Fidelity

MAKERS experimental PC music. She works that her music can’t be soft. Charli with big artists like Lizzo and Troye has consistently proven herself to be Sivan to up and coming artists like a pioneer of pop. Dorian Electra and 100 Gecs (both of which also may be the future of When it comes to hip-hop it is much music), showing her awareness of harder to determine who is at the the continuously changing music front and really changing the industry. She doesn’t let herself be industry. It feels like the number of limited by overused pop formulas but successful, mainstream rappers is instead chooses to go with more constantly increasing. There is also loud, out-there, and a more in your still the race to reach “peak trap” or face style of music in PC music, not the height of trap’s popularity as High Fidelity | 9

well as the most basic repetition of Rock music sometimes suffers the trap formula that every artist from an inability to change uses. However, among this overuse from the glory days. of the same tricks in order to gain popularity, there are still plenty of Now for the genre that needs change artists who shine through. One the most, rock. As mentioned earlier, example isn’t actually a rapper, but some would say rock is dead. Now rather a producer. The man who’s this is by no means true, but rock said “Woah Kenny” on so many just cannot keep up with hip hop and rapper’s tracks, Kenny Beats is the pop when it comes to album sales, producer behind so many especially for new artists. mainstream artists’ tracks and Additionally, rock music sometimes continues to innovate. His suffers from an inability to change production is highly innovative and from the glory days. Not that rock doesn’t necessarily follow the typical music can’t change or doesn’t there trap rap formula. His production can is plenty of experimental stuff out often be rather experimental like his there, but in terms of being collaboration with Denzel Curry mainstream and album sales one of “Unlocked” which Anthony Fantano the greatest successes of the 2010s described as “a glitch in the matrix in was Greta Van Fleet aka Diet Led hip hop form”. Kenny Beats will be a Zeppelin. The modern “rock” artists mastermind behind many great hip- hop projects for years to come. 10 | High Fidelity

that are innovative and do pull huge While the future of music is highly album sales such as Imagine Dragons unpredictable, we can see which have so much squeaky clean artists are shaking it up now and production and electronic elements theorize they will continue to that it barely qualifies as rock. When pioneer but the truth is we will only it comes to the future of rock music know after the fact. We all have at its core two decently big bands known about K-Pop but very few of are at the front: Ghost and King us knew it was going to be huge now. Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard. They both have managed to take old We all have known about K-Pop familiar sounds and done new takes but very few of us knew it was on them rather than just reusing them. Both artists have also managed going to be huge now to use a wide variety of subgenres of rock (sometimes both artists using The point is, your favorite artist on the same ones) in order to relate to a bandcamp could be the next big wider audience, Like King Gizzard thing, but also it is dependent on going from psych rock to thrash what people want to or are told to metal. Both bands still sound fresh listen to. So, keep sharing your and not carbon copies of older favorite artists because you might bands. Ghost even manages to blend just be responsible for the future.  ⬦ elements of pop on their more recent records while still maintaining firm roots in rock. There is no telling what either of these bands’ next records will sound like and that is their beauty. High Fidelity | 11

I    f you    are    looking    for an SKROW CISUM WOHBy Ava Alexander explanation of how songs are produced and reach our playlists, How Music Works is the book for you! This captivating work written by former Talking Heads singer David Byrne gives a glimpse into what really shapes music and how it is brought to the public eye. Dubbed “rock’s Renaissance man” by Time magazine, Byrne writes of the influences that time, place, human relationships, architecture, and money have on music. One of my favorite aspects of this book is the fluidity in which it is written in, making each chapter an entirely different story than the last. Byrne highlights multiple different aspects of his life in the music industry as well as looking into the progression of musical performances specifically in the late sixties and early seventies that helped him discover his signature flare. So put on your favorite record, open up this book, and fall in love with the life cycle of a song!  ⬦ 12 | High Fidelity

High Fidelity | 13 BOOKS ABOUT MUSIC:

SOCIAL MEDIA AND MU By Kyle Cruz It's no secret that music has changed in the past few decades. I    n 1986, the world was listening to Although changes are much more Bon Jovi , and predicting the future subtle. would be full of flying cars and sci-fi skylines. It's currently 2020, I’m in the past few decades. Although writing this article listening to “Livin’ changes are much more subtle. For On A Prayer”, and we’re still waiting instance, albums are featuring a on those flying cars. The twist is that significantly larger amount of songs 1986 was filled with Discmans and than before, but these songs along CDs but now the world is constantly with singles are dwindling in length streaming on Apple Music, Pandora, because    of physical limitations, and Spotify. The digital cityscape of algorithms, and the ever- music has definitely reached the shortening    human attention span. futuristic status by 1986’s standards. Now that artists aren’t limited to the 2001 would mark the start of the space of a vinyl record or CD, they next era of music listening with the have the freedom to create a massive debut of the MP3. The 2000s would album. These albums are primarily see the recession of vinyl records streamed digitally, although with the and the rise of digital music. This return of vinyl records it isn’t out of shift changed the way artists made the question to find an LP. The music, from gaining a following to majorityof digital streaming, the amount of content they created. however, also has an influence on the length of an album. It's no secret that music has changed 14 | High Fidelity

USIC is a whopping 16 songs long and features a huge variety of sounds. Streaming services provide the “Stupid Love” and “Rain on Me” are freedom to create playlists, as well bubbly pop songs (and absolute as playlists created for you based on the type of music that you listen to. Songs are decreasing in length The importance is that these are all to ensure income based on a created using an algorithm to song being streamed in its suggest songs similar to the type of music you enjoy. Take Lady Gaga's entirety... Chromatica, for example. The album   anthems), while “Sine From Above” (with Elton John) sends listeners on an emotional roller coaster with an addicting melody but deep lyrics, and “Sour Candy” (with BLACKPINK) is a song about breaking stereotypical views and feeling empowered. These different styles combined with the   High Fidelity | 15

the collaborations and shorter run Many indie artists are skipping times increase the chances of the labels and using social algorithms suggesting songs off media to gain a following... Chromatica and the listener hearing the song all the way through. As previously mentioned, songs are decreasing in length to ensure income based on a song being streamed in its entirety. Another artist example is Beach Bunny (an amazing band by the way), whose songs are typically very short and effective in gaining entire streams. Beach Bunny is an indie artist who has grown with social media. While the band has signed a record label, many indie artists are skipping the labels and using social media to gain a following. Even big names in the industry turn to Instagram and Snapchat posts to gain followers and promote new releases. 16 | High Fidelity

Chance the Rapper went 5 years without signing a record label and was able to win 3 Grammys, and even now after signing onto labels uses social media as a promotional tool. Social media platforms have also been the most popular venues for concerts due to the cancellation/postponement of festivals and tours (not to mention the countless videos of live Social media platforms have performances that have been also been the most popular venues for concerts due to the circulating online for years). So, cancellation/postponement of while social media has greatly festival and tours... changed the music industry, it has ultimately benefited both the artists and listeners with more variety and content, and giving artists a path to success.  ⬦ High Fidelity | 17

1. Frank Ocean 2. Lorde 3. Billie Eilish ERUTUF EHT FO STSITRA 4. Rex Orange County 5. Wallows By Sam Goslin 18 | High Fidelity

HIFI TOP FIVE: High Fidelity | 19

By Norah Buss T   he world is currently in a position The world is currently in a position that it has never been that it has never been in before, and in before, and learning to handle learning to handle drastically drastically changing lives the changing lives the past few months has been difficult. Quarantining was past few months has been hard enough, but many were still difficult... hopeful for a summer filled with socializing, sporting events, shopping dollars to help eliminate famine in and concerts, of course. Ethiopia. Although we are under very Unfortunately, most concerts and different circumstances than when Live events have been cancelled or Aid was held, there are a lot of parallels postponed until further notice, but between them. Currently, artists people are still finding ways to enjoy including Ariana Grande, Avril Lavigne, music virtually. The only other time Pearl Jam and countless    others are in history that virtual concerts using their influence to spread became as relevant as they are now awareness of contemporary was Live Aid in 1985. Many timeless artists and bands (such as Queen, David Bowie, and Elton John) played for massive crowds. Live Aid was broadcasted all over the world to help raise a total of $127 million VIRTUAL C LIVE 20 | High Fidelity

issues and to raise money to fix artists are not only using their them. Ariana Grande has been platforms to share their views on all continuing her tour virtually, of the chaos and negativity in the pleasing many fans whose concert world, but also to bring positivity to dates were cancelled or postponed. light. Lady Gaga, Alicia Keys, BTS, Several rappers, for example, have and Barack Obama participated in been doing sporadic joint zooms Youtube’s Dear Class of 2020 video where they freestyle rap and talk by making an uplifting about the issues that we’re all facing. commencement speech directed at Virtual concerts and meetings like all the graduates unable to truly these have been getting a lot of celebrate their milestone. Jason attention from fans and the media because these artists are not only Virtual concerts and meetings like sharing their music, but also their these have been been getting a lot individual opinions on issues like the race riots and protests happening all of attention from fans and the over the U.S., police brutality and media... racism. However, celebrities and Maraz, Goo Goo Dolls, Andy Grammer, The Head and the Heart, and The Revivalists participated in the Save the Children music festival where donations were raised to distribute life saving supplies and   CONCERTS MUSIC FOR THE PANDEMIC ERA High Fidelity | 21

care to various families unable to The internet, social media, and acquire or afford it. Artists like Avril communication platforms Lavigne have been giving us other such as Zoom have allowed things to focus on besides the global artists and fans to stay pandemic and countrywide racism connected, raise money for by taking over Billboard’s Instagram account to share how she has been worthy causes, and of course, staying busy during quarantine. enjoy music together. Lavigne also released a new single called \"We are Warriors\" dedicated to all first responders and medical professionals risking their lives to help save others. The internet, social media, and communication platforms such as Zoom have allowed artists and fans to stay connected, raise money for worthy causes, and of course, enjoy music together.  ⬦ 22 | High Fidelity

High Fidelity | 23

OLD COVERS REIMAGINEDOriginal ReimaginedBy Alex Goslin Harvest Moon - Neil Young (1992) By Alex Goslin 24 | High Fidelity

A more minimalistic and modern album cover design forOriginal some of our favorite classics. Reimagined Let it Bleed - The Rolling Stones (1969) High Fidelity | 25

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band - The Beatles (1967) Original Reimagined Goodbye Yellow Brick Road - Elton John (1973) Original Reimagined 26 | High Fidelity

The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars - David Bowie (1972) Original Reimagined High Fidelity | 27

Photo Credits (Sequential Order): \"Music Streming Services Icons\" Courtesy of PNGFuel, https://www.pngfuel.com/free- png/xskvx. \"Rhianna at Savage x Fenty Show\" Courtesy of Getty Images, https://www.vogue.com/article/savage-fenty-rihanna-show-new-york-fashion-week- barclays-center-amazon-prime. \"The Courier Club\" Courtesy of Alt Press Magazine, https://www.altpress.com/features/courier-club-it-takes-time/. \"Charli XCX\" Courtesy of D Magazine, https://www.dmagazine.com/arts- entertainment/2019/09/charli-xcx-brings-down-the-house-of-blues-in-dallas/. \"Kenny Beats\" Courtesy of Hot New Hip Hop, https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/kenny-beats- threatened-by-the-boyboy-west-coast-for-leaving-him-on-read-news.81840.html. \"How Music Works Cover\" Courtesy of Amazon, https://www.amazon.com/How-Music- Works-David-Byrne/dp/0857862529. \"David Byrne\" Courtesy of NME Blogs, https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/top-5- moments-that-make-david-byrne-ridiculously-cool-764220. \"Lady Gaga\" Courtesy of Slant Magazine, https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/video- review-lady-gaga-the-edge-of-glory/. \"Chance the Rapper\" Courtesy of Essence, https://www.essence.com/love/chance-the- rapper-loves-his-wife-no-matter-what-you-think/. \"Beach Bunny\" Courtesy of Fourteen East Magazine, http://fourteeneastmag.com/index.php/2020/02/21/beach-bunnys-honeymoon-listening- party-unites-new-fans-and-diehards/. \"Billie Eilish Pink\" Courtesy of Derrick K. Lee, Esq. (@Methodman13) for www.BlurredCulture.com. \"Frank Ocean\" Courtesy of Doxygen Media, https://doxygenmedia.com/frank-ocean-cancels- two-highly-anticipated-festival-performances/. \"Lorde Pink\" Courtesy of u/SynthD on Reddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/lorde/comments/65w1yt/lorde_in_dark_pink_lighting/. \"Ariana Grande\" Courtesy of Kevin Winter / Getty Images for iHeartMedia, https://www.dallasnews.com/arts-entertainment/music/2019/12/10/ariana-grandes- performance-on-monday-night-proved-shes-more-than-just-a-powerhouse-voice/. \"Avril Lavigne\" Courtesy of Shutterstock/Frederic Legrand - Comeo, https://www.thejakartapost.com/life/2020/03/01/avril-lavigne-postpones-asian-tour-due-to- coronavirus-threat.html. \"Harvest Moon\" Courtesy of Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harvest_Moon_(album). \"Let it Bleed\" Courtesy of Amazon, https://www.amazon.com/Bleed-50th-Anniversary- Rolling-Stones/dp/B07XK5PSN5. \"Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band\" Courtesy of Amazon, https://www.amazon.com/Sgt- Peppers-Lonely-Hearts-Stereo/dp/B076W8Y6BB. \"Goodbye Yellow Brick Road\" Courtesy of Amazon, https://www.amazon.com/Elton-John- Goodbye-Yellow-Brick/dp/B000001DQI. \"The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust\" Courtesy of Amazon, https://www.amazon.com/Ziggy- Stardust-David-Bowie/dp/B00001OH7P. 28 | High Fidelity

HiGH FiDELiTY Follow us on Instagram @highfidelitymagazine Follow us on Twitter @hfidelitymag Follow Our Spotify @highfidelitymagazine or Visit our Website HIGH FIDELITY - Website (Click to Open) High Fidelity | 29

HiGH FiDELiTY THE FUTURE OF MUSIC