As 2020 ends, it seems like a decade since we’ve been to a live concert. We might have watched a few streaming shows, or home performances, but none compare with the communal sonic live experience.
Maybe, like me, you indulged in adding to your vinyl collection. The ritual of putting on a disk with only a few songs on a spinning platter, moving the stylus to start the musical adventure. Eventually, you are greeted with silence and you have to flip the record to complete the journey.
It’s a sacrifice of convenience, a payment of effort for the sweet reward of the experience.
While I enjoy that whole experience, I rely on Spotify to fill the void, especially while I work from home.
I recently switched back to Spotify, from Apple Music, because of the curation and discovery of new talent.
Going down the musical rabbit hole can easily pass the time, and along the way, I discovered some amazing bands, new and old.
I then heard about a snarky AI bot that will find fault in whatever Spotify selections you choose. Either you are too mainstream, or too niche.
Frankly, I prefer to be insulted for being niche.
Having interviewed Cinzia in the past, I did really enjoy Don’t Call Me Up…and not ironically!
The AI also picked up that I’m pretty obsessed with Kelly Lee Owens. Guilty.
It made fun of Leisure Cruise as being obscure, so I sent that to Leah, who received a different take on it from one of her friends. “You’re trying to be cool with Leisure Cruise…” so I will take that as a compliment.
In the end, I’m 5% basic, which means I’m not into mainstream music, a badge I will proudly wear any day.
Lexie of Featurette however beat me by 1% (she is 4% basic) and in the process is dissing more of my band friends What If Elephants.
Well…AI bot…I will continue to listen to Cinzia, What If Elephants, Leisure Cruise and I don’t care if I’m obsessed with Kelly Lee Owens and Trentemøller.
Supporting local artists with streams is the least I can do, during these difficult times. In return, I get to open up my mind to a bigger musical landscape.
NOTE: I also try to buy vinyl directly and merch like T-Shirts. Every little bit helps.
So…what are you waiting for? Let us know what guilty pleasures your AI bot found, or which obscure bands we need to listen to!
Can’t wait to read your comments!
Writer: Randal Wark is a Professional Speaker and MasterMind Facilitator with a passion for live music. You can follow him on Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. His Podcast RockStar Today helps musicians quit their days jobs with out of the box advice from Ted Talk Speakers, Best Selling Authors and other interesting Entrepreneurs and Creatives.
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