Rock music used to be all about record shops (The cool people still do this), on the radio or that one friend who knew all about the best bands first! Now it’s discovered mostly at 2am after a few drinks by an algorithm that knows you somehow on a deep and worrying level.
Streaming hasn’t just changed how we listen to rock, but rewired entirely how we find it in the first place. From pre-curated playlists and social media recommendations. Regardless it’s gone digital (Even finding music through this site counts)!
How Playlists Replaced Record Store Clerks
Gone are the days of trusting that late-night DJ on your local radio. Also when was the last time you went flipping through vinyl at the store looking for something awesome? Platforms like Spotify now curate the perfect playlists both on the fly and ahead of time.
You tell them you like this riff-heavy song, next minute you’re head over heels in love with this rabbit hole of curated songs. Most of which you have probably never heard of before. Think of playlists like “All New Rock” etc, it’s the new way to find music. We do this! Think of our New Rock Roundup feature!
These new songs don’t need radio dominance, but instead find a completely new way to get listened to! Like music streaming services.
The Algorithm Knows Your Inner Rock Fan
Streaming platforms don’t just tell you what is popular, but they learn from you and suggest things you may never have thought or heard of before. The more you listen the more refined to your tastes it becomes.
Turning casual listeners into genre explorers. Classic Rock might be your intention but you might need blues, indie or punk! On a personal level I love this, especially when I am trying to bring you the next big thing, or something you might not have heard before. I know some people hate this however.
TikTok & Viral Moments Reviving Rock Classics
Streaming isn’t just about new releases though, it’s the power to resurrect past classics! Think of how TikTok can revive songs of yesterday in a whole new light. Or how shows like Stranger Things can reignite an entire music genre!
Rock now no longer ages, instead it just waits for its next viral moment. I personally remember going nuts when this song was used. Also how many TikTok music trends have you seen for yourself?!
Global Access Means Global Rock
Bands now no longer need a huge label to reach international audiences. A band in Canada could become an overnight success in Australia! While the world feels smaller in this sense, the riffs feel constantly bigger.
Data Has Changed How Rock Is Promoted
Streaming now provides real time numbers, with artists and labels instantly seeing the new trends and what is working. If a track climbs in numbers organically it only gets pushed even harder. But if a track gets skipped often then something new is pushed.
I believe this has led to better music as artists are really locking in on new techniques and making themselves sound different. But at the same time and as a counterpoint it can result in many bands sounding like clones. Ironic isn’t it!
Independent Artists Now Compete With Giants
I understand that sometimes people dislike streaming, but I honestly think it helps the small dog rise the ranks quicker. Independent artists can explode overnight, much quicker than being stuck on the radio by massive labels. It’s less about the politics of record labels and more about that digital music discovery people want to listen to!
Final Thoughts
Streaming did not kill rock. It’s supercharged it! The thrill of finding a brand new band has not disappeared, just moved from a record aisle to a recommended section. Rock is more accessible than ever before. But has this led to better discovery of music or has it enabled us to skip too fast to connect fully?
I’d love to know your thoughts especially on streaming platforms like Spotify and TikTok!
Frequently Asked Questions
Has streaming contributed to the growth of rock music?
Yes it has! While traditional radio support for rock has decreased somewhat, streaming has filled the gap and allowed for wider reach for the genre. It has also helped legendary rock acts and more importantly emerging artists.
Are playlists now more influential than radio?
Playlists are the new way to find music. Curated playlist introduce people to new rock artist well before radios begin to feature them!
Has streaming changed the importance of albums in rock?
In some ways. People tend to listen to singles now rather than full albums. Even if historically the full albums played a massive roll in shaping rock music.
Is it easier for new rock bands to gain recognition today?
It depends. They get seen/heard by more people quicker, but that can also mean that they are not polished or ready for that. Previously a band might have longer to hone their craft. Not to mention the increased levels of competition!
Fox Reviews Rock 
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