We Need More Musicians (Making Music) On YouTube

Summary

The speaker reflects on the irony that talking about music often garners more attention than the music itself on platforms like YouTube. They encourage aspiring musicians to persevere in sharing their creative process, despite the challenges of engaging audiences and the unpredictability of the platform's algorithm. The video calls for a collective effort to make music creation content as compelling as music itself, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and consistent delivery to build a loyal audience.

Takeaways

• 🎶 The irony is that talking about music can be more popular than making music itself on platforms like YouTube.
• 🔍 There's a need for a variety of content, including deep dives into music gear, criticism, and the business side of music.
• 🚀 The speaker encourages musicians to pursue their desire to create music, despite the challenges of gaining traction on YouTube.
• 📈 The YouTube algorithm favors content that appeals to a broader audience, which can be a hurdle for music creation videos.
• 🎥 The speaker's personal journey involved investing in equipment and refining content to make the music-making process engaging.
• 🔑 Finding the right presentation and storytelling is key to making music creation videos as valuable as other content on YouTube.
• 🤔 The challenge is to make the process of creating music as appealing as the final product or a talking-head video.
• 📊 The algorithm reflects user psychology, and if a video isn't performing well, it may mean it's not meeting audience expectations.
• 🏆 Success on YouTube requires consistent delivery and building an audience that trusts the creator's content quality.
• 🌟 The potential for music creation as a visual medium is vast and largely unexplored, offering opportunities for innovation.
• 💪 Musicians are urged to work together to evolve the concept of showcasing the music-making process, improving audience engagement.

Q & A

Why does the speaker believe that this video might get more traction than their average music-making video?

The speaker believes this video might get more traction because it discusses the irony and appeal of talking about music and the music business, which tends to attract a wider audience than actual music creation content.

What does the speaker suggest is needed in addition to video essays, criticism, and talks about the music business?

The speaker suggests that, in addition to the mentioned content, there is a need for deep dives on specific gear, how to use it, and personal opinions and experiences of being an independent musician, as all these contribute to a well-rounded understanding of the music industry.

What is the main challenge the speaker identifies for video makers who focus on music creation?

The main challenge identified is the difficulty of making the process of music creation as engaging and appealing to viewers as other content on YouTube, due to the nature of the platform favoring content that can be easily summarized or pitched in a title or thumbnail.

What was the speaker's initial experience with uploading music creation videos on YouTube?

The speaker's initial experience involved using a single point-and-shoot camera and uploading videos with the hope of gaining traction. However, the reception was warm but not impactful, leading the speaker to realize the need for more engaging content and a sustainable approach.

How did the speaker's approach evolve over time to improve viewer engagement?

The speaker's approach evolved by investing in better equipment, setting up live streams, and working with an editor to create watchable videos from the streams. It took several iterations of style and presentation to find a format that resonated with the audience.

What is the speaker's view on the role of the YouTube algorithm in the success of music creation videos?

The speaker views the algorithm as a reflection of user psychology rather than a set of secret rules. It shows users what it thinks they want to see, which is often content that provides immediate value or entertainment, making it challenging for music creation videos to compete.

What is the key takeaway from the speaker's discussion about the challenges of showcasing the music-making process on YouTube?

The key takeaway is that music creators need to be persistent and innovative in their approach to making the music-making process engaging and valuable to viewers, as the payoff for such content is more subjective and requires a commitment from the audience.

What does the speaker propose as a solution to make music creation videos more appealing to viewers?

The speaker proposes that music creators work together to refine their presentation and storytelling, making the process of making music as rewarding for the audience as other types of content on YouTube.

How does the speaker encourage other musicians to contribute to the advancement of music creation videos?

The speaker encourages musicians to share their own unique processes and experiences, to learn from one another, and to evolve the concept of showcasing music creation as a story, emphasizing that the potential for growth in this area is vast.

What is the speaker's final message to musicians who are considering making videos about their music creation process?

The speaker's final message is one of encouragement, urging musicians to break new ground and contribute to the evolution of music creation videos, emphasizing that their unique contributions can inspire others and advance the field.