Published Dec 20, 2024

Zedd: I DON’T Like What TikTok is Doing to the Music Industry (“It’s DEPRESSING to See!”)

Grammy-winning artist Zedd delves into the challenges posed by social media on the music industry, emphasizing creativity and personal fulfillment, while sharing insights on the dynamics of live performances and the transformative power of sobriety on his craft.
Episode Highlights
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Episode Highlights

  • Algorithm Impact

    Zedd discusses the profound impact social media algorithms have on artistic expression and the music industry. He notes that algorithms prioritize repetition and virality, which often leads artists to mimic successful trends rather than innovate. This shift has made it difficult for artists to maintain authenticity, as they feel pressured to "play the game" to remain relevant.

    It's a really tricky situation and I really don't like that we live in this world. And I'm really, really lucky that I can make art for the sake of art, because I've built my platform at a time when the algorithms didn't really fully control it yet.

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    Zedd expresses concern that this algorithm-driven environment forces creativity into the background, making it challenging for genuine artistry to thrive 1 2 3.

       

    Personal Satisfaction

    Creating art for personal satisfaction rather than commercial success is a key theme for Zedd. He emphasizes the importance of making music that resonates personally, even if it doesn't align with mainstream trends. This approach allows him to explore unique artistic experiences and collaborate with artists who inspire him, regardless of their commercial appeal.

    I went to the artists that mean something to me personally.

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    Zedd believes that genuine human connection in art is more powerful than algorithmic metrics, and he values the emotional stories behind the music 4 5 6.

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