The Real Reason Why Music Is Getting Worse

Summary

Rick Beato explores the evolution of music production and consumption, discussing how technological advancements have made music creation easier but potentially less creative. He critiques the overuse of tools like autotune and quantization, leading to a homogenized sound and oversaturation in the market. Beato also addresses the ease of consuming music through streaming platforms, which has diminished its value and personal connection for listeners. He encourages deeper engagement with music by focusing on the artistry and the experience rather than the convenience.

Takeaways

• 🎙️ The script discusses the evolution of music production, highlighting how technology has made it easier to create music but potentially at the cost of originality and quality.
• 📈 The video contrasts the music production process from the 1940s and 50s, where artists like Frank Sinatra had to perform perfectly with limited technology, to the modern era with advanced tools like autotune and digital audio workstations.
• 🔧 It mentions the advent of multitrack recording in the 1960s, which allowed for corrections and adjustments in recordings, paving the way for more complex music production.
• 🎵 The introduction of autotune in 1998 changed the music landscape, enabling artists to correct pitch imperfections and create unique vocal effects, as exemplified by T-Pain and Cher.
• 🥁 The script talks about the quantization of drum parts, which can make them sound mechanical and lose the human touch, leading to a loss of 'vibe' in music.
• 💔 It criticizes the overuse of quantization and editing in music production, which can lead to generic and sterile music, devoid of the originality and creativity of live performances.
• 📉 The ease of music production has led to an oversaturation of music, making it harder to find exceptional pieces and potentially devaluing the creative process.
• 🤖 The script addresses the issue of AI-generated music and the legal battles between major labels and AI startups over copyright infringement, hinting at the future of music ownership and creation.
• 🚀 It predicts that record labels will likely create AI models of their artists to maintain control over their intellectual property and the music industry.
• 💡 The video suggests that the ease of music consumption through streaming platforms has diminished the value of music for younger generations, who do not experience the effort of acquiring physical albums.
• 🔄 The script concludes by encouraging listeners to engage more deeply with music, taking the time to appreciate the artistry and effort behind each song, rather than mindlessly streaming.

Q & A

What does Rick Beato mean by 'music is too easy to make'?

Rick Beato suggests that the ease of music production due to advancements in technology has led to a saturation of music that lacks the effort and creativity of older methods, resulting in a homogenization of sound.

Why did the process of recording music change from the 1940s to the 1960s?

In the 1940s, recording involved live performances with an orchestra and a single microphone. By the 1960s, multitrack machines allowed for corrections and adjustments in recording, such as 'punch-ins' to fix mistakes in vocal or instrumental parts.

What was the impact of the invention of Auto-Tune in 1998 on music production?

Auto-Tune, introduced in 1998, was a plugin for digital audio workstations that could correct pitch in vocal tracks. It allowed for a new sound, emulating a keyboard-like effect, popularized by artists like T-Pain, and changed the way vocals were processed in music.

How did technology affect the recording of drum parts in music?

Technology allowed for the manipulation of drum tracks, such as moving them forward or backward to correct timing issues. Tools like Beat Detective and quantization made drum parts sound more mechanical and less human, leading to a loss of the natural 'swing' in performances.

What is the significance of quantizing drum parts in music production?

Quantizing drum parts makes them perfectly aligned with the beat, removing any human imperfections. However, this process can result in a loss of the natural feel and groove of a drum performance, making it sound more like a drum machine.

Why did record labels stop signing rock bands in the early 2000s?

Record labels found it more resource-intensive to sign rock bands, which required more equipment and personnel for recording. It was more cost-effective to sign artists who could produce music using just a laptop and a microphone.

How does the ease of music production technology affect creativity and originality in music?

The ease of production can limit creativity as it relies heavily on pre-set algorithms and samples, leading to a lack of diversity and originality. It can also encourage a formulaic approach to music creation, following trends rather than innovating.

What is the issue with the over-reliance on technology in music production according to Rick Beato?

Rick Beato argues that the over-reliance on technology can lead to an oversaturation of music, making it harder to find exceptional pieces. It also diminishes the value of music due to the ease of access and lack of personal investment in the music.

What is the controversy surrounding AI-generated music and major record labels?

Major record labels are suing AI startups for copyright infringement because these startups use the labels' music to train their AI models. Meanwhile, the labels are also partnering with companies to create AI models of their own artists, indicating a desire to control AI-generated versions of songs.

How does the ease of consuming music on streaming platforms affect its value?

The ease of consuming music on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, where a vast catalog is available for a small monthly fee, reduces the perceived value of music. There is less personal investment and effort involved in accessing music, which can diminish its importance to listeners.

What does Rick Beato suggest as an alternative way to experience music?

Rick Beato suggests taking the time to actively listen to music, focusing on just a few songs at a time without distractions. He encourages engaging with the lyrics and melody, and experiencing music in a more mindful and immersive way.