The Diminishing Role of Music Curation in the Streaming Era
With the advent of streaming services, the concept of a curated music library has gradually declined. In the era of iPods, users invested significant thought into selecting and carrying a limited music collection. This sense of ownership and curation extended into the cloud-based storage options offered by services like Google Play Music.
However, the introduction of YouTube Music (YTM) marked a shift in this paradigm. While YTM allows users to "Save to library," this action has become less prevalent. Instead, algorithms and auto-generated playlists have taken precedence, leaving users at the mercy of algorithmic suggestions.
The Changing Role of Playlists
In the past, playlists were meticulously crafted and sourced from existing library content. Today, playlists like "Liked Music" and "My Mixes" are algorithmically generated, with user-created playlists primarily serving as single-song radios or temporary Up Next queues.
The Impact on Artist and Album Relationships
The streaming era has weakened the connection between listeners and artists and albums. Music has become akin to countless YouTube videos, lacking the tangibility and ownership of physical media. This has diminished the sense of discovery and the deeper connection to artists’ work that was fostered by owning and curating music collections.
Nostalgia for Curated Libraries
Some users, particularly those who transitioned from physical media to streaming services, may miss the experience of actively curating their music libraries. The process of ripping CDs or purchasing music on iTunes involved a sense of physicality and ownership that is absent in today’s digital streaming landscape.
Limitations, it would seem, can indeed serve a purpose. By restricting the size of music collections, older formats forced users to be more selective and intentional in their choices. This encouraged a deeper connection with the music they owned.
Seeking Deeper Connections in the Digital Age
Despite the diminished role of library curation, there is a growing desire among streaming users for a deeper connection with their music. This is evident in the popularity of yearly and seasonal recaps, which provide a snapshot of listening habits, and the introduction of badges that reward repeated listens.
These developments suggest that even in the age of infinite access, listeners crave a sense of ownership and a meaningful relationship with their music collections.
Conclusion
The shift from physical media to streaming services has fundamentally altered the way we interact with music. While streaming has undoubtedly brought convenience and accessibility, it has also eroded the sense of ownership and curation that was once integral to the music-listening experience.
As we navigate this new digital landscape, it is important to reflect on the value of music curation and seek out ways to foster a deeper connection with the artists and albums we cherish. By exploring personalized recommendations, creating meaningful playlists, and engaging with online communities, we can strive to rekindle the sense of ownership and discovery that was once synonymous with owning a curated music library.
