The Music Industry Must Stop Mistaking Popularity for Influence | Opinion
Summary
The article argues that the music industry should not use streams, chart positions, and online engagement as the main measures of an artist’s value. It says labels and promoters should also consider an artist’s creative influence and give some music time to find an audience. The article cites The Velvet Underground and Nico as an album that was not commercially successful at first but later influenced other musicians.Key Facts
- IFPI’s Global Music Report 2026 reports that global recorded music revenue reached $31.7 billion in 2025.
- The report says streaming accounted for 69.6 percent of recorded music revenue in 2025.
- The Library of Congress notes that The Velvet Underground and Nico was not commercially successful when released.
- The article names David Bowie, Patti Smith, and R.E.M. among artists later influenced by The Velvet Underground and Nico.
- The author says streams, chart rankings, and social engagement measure attention but may not show an artist’s lasting influence.
- The article argues that focusing on early engagement can favor established formulas and acts with greater online visibility.
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