More in this week's blog for @midiaresearch.bsky.social: www.midiaresearch.com/blog/the-mus...

More of this is needed: Investment in early-stage talent (followed by patience); tweaks to algorithms; and treating curation as a respected job that requires its own dedicated resources. The next generation of stars must be able to get from A-B, if there's to be a next generation of stars at all.

Some A-B innovations are popping up. SoundCloud's algorithm update is focused on getting artists played during the "critical post-release period". Online radio stations are re-emerging as tastemakers. And promisingly, many labels appear to be investing more in A&R.

There's a lack of clear discovery mechanisms. We're losing stepping stones like small venues and music media outlets. With tracks <1K streams demonetized, it's harder to keep the bills paid while trying to break into the industry. I could go on!

We lost "A-B" for a reason. Algorithms effectively punish tracks for starting at zero — if you don't immediately rake in streams, it's tough to get picked up. Labels have been incentivized to sign artists who have *already* broken, rather than investing in undiscovered talents.

For just about everything! Building a fanbase, testing ideas, selling merch and tickets, and even as a way to showcase their creative 'resume' for potential collaborators.