Music

The music industry is entering a "personalization peak," defined by AI-driven listener curation (Spotify) and the rise of social cataloging platforms (AllMusic's "Letterboxd for music"). While legacy artists struggle to recapture past glories, a new era of sustainable, wellness-focused career models is emerging, exemplified by candid mental health pivots from major stars like Lewis Capaldi. Notable Insights: • Platform evolution is shifting toward social cataloging; AllMusic's adoption of Letterboxd-style features suggests that user-driven data and "Top 10" list culture are becoming essential for listener retention. • The industry is moving past 'AI as a threat' to 'AI as a protocol,' with artists like Holly Herndon and labels focusing on monetization and collective production rather than just legal mitigation. • A significant 'vibe shift' is occurring toward immersive distraction; Kyle Chayka’s analysis suggests that as political discourse fragments, cultural engagement (concerts, walks, local institutions) is replacing doomscrolling as the primary form of meaningful interaction.