Benn Jordan, a trailblazing composer and YouTuber, is a strong advocate for independent artists battling against the tech industry. He discusses his journey in reclaiming music rights from labels, and his role in shaping ethical standards in AI audio technology. The conversation dives into the challenges facing today’s musicians from monopolistic streaming services, the evolving nature of music distribution, and the impact of social media on artists. With a focus on innovation, he envisions music albums as dynamic entities rather than static products.
Benn Jordan emphasizes the importance of artist advocacy, advocating for independent musicians by reclaiming rights and challenging digital distribution norms.
He highlights the ethical implications of AI technology in music, actively working to protect artists from non-consensual usage in generative AI training.
Jordan reflects on the shift towards a rent-based economy in music, urging creators to rethink business models amidst monopolistic challenges faced by independent artists.
Deep dives
The Journey of Ben Jordan
Ben Jordan began his career as a composer and technically adept musician known as The Flashbulb, where he showcased a diverse range of electronic and experimental music. Throughout his career, he has become a strong advocate for independent artists, notably reclaiming his music rights and challenging traditional digital distribution methods. His involvement with platforms like Bandcamp before its launch highlights his commitment to nurturing independent artistry within the evolving music landscape. Additionally, he has established a non-profit music education school and community center in Chicago, further emphasizing his dedication to supporting artists and fostering musical education.
Advocacy and Intellectual Property
Jordan has been vocal in conversations surrounding the ethical implications of AI and technology in music, actively working to establish standards for AI-generated audio. He holds patents designed to protect artists from non-consensual use of their work in AI training, reflecting his deep concern for the rights of independent musicians in the digital age. By addressing the complicated interactions between technology, creativity, and economics, he emphasizes the potential dangers for artists navigating the current landscape. His insights advocate for transparency and better treatment of artists by technology-driven platforms, which are increasingly influencing the music industry.
Exploration of Capitalism
In discussing perceptions of capitalism, Jordan highlights the historical shifts that have transformed its application and implications. He analyzes the periods of prosperity contrasting with contemporary challenges, suggesting that current economic dynamics resemble a form of digital sharecropping. This metaphor illustrates how independent artists often find themselves relinquishing substantial control over their creative work due to the demands and monopolistic tendencies of corporations. By linking capitalism with issues of inequality and control over digital rights, he inspires critical thought about the current state and future of music distribution.
The Impact of Social Media and Technology
The conversation touches on the overwhelming influence of major tech platforms on artist visibility and engagement, asserting that social media can create a toxic environment. The discussion implies that algorithm-driven platforms often prioritize antagonistic content, which compromises genuine interaction and creativity. This manipulation alters perceptions of reality for users, particularly younger generations who may feel increasingly pressured to conform to societal expectations dictated by online interactions. Jordan's concerns suggest that the digital space needs a significant overhaul to foster healthier relationships between art and its consumers.
Future Trends in Music and Technology
In considering potential futures for the music industry, Jordan expresses enthusiasm for decentralized technologies like blockchain, initially viewed as transformative for creativity and ownership. He optimistically reflects on how these technologies could enable greater artist autonomy and direct financial benefits free from intermediaries. However, he notes the significant challenges faced since their inception as greed has complicated their application, turning promising innovations into complex schemes. Ultimately, he advocates for systems that genuinely benefit artists and promote equitable access to creative resources.
Cultural Shifts in Consumption Patterns
Jordan highlights that contemporary trends show a departure from traditional notions of ownership, suggesting that many people are now engaged in a rent-based economy where they subscribe to services rather than own products outright. He emphasizes this shift as indicative of a broader change in consumer behavior that affects artists and creators, leading to less control over monetization avenues. Furthermore, the discussion showcases how the system is configured to favor a small number of powerful companies while sidelining independent creators who produce the culture. This serves as a call to action for creative professionals to reassess their business models and seek new ways to engage with audiences sustainably.
BIO: Benn Jordan’s career began in the late 1990’s as a recording artist most widely released under the moniker “The Flashbulb”. A decade later, Benn would become synonymous with artist advocacy after he purchased his music rights back from record labels,formed a non-profit publisher, and challenged the early models of digital music distribution by using peer-to-peer file transfers instead of iTunes. This led to Benn being a consultant for Bandcamp before the service launched in 2007.
After expanding his non-profit to carry a music education school and community center in Chicago, Benn moved to the Atlanta area in 2017 and started what has now become one of the most popular YouTube channels in the pro-audio and audio technology space. The channel now exists under Benn’s non-profit umbrella and funds data-science and the never ending challenge of finding ethical business models that can make the music business easier to navigate for artists and creators. During this time his unique relationship with audio-related businesses and organizations expanded as fast as his amount of viewers and public reach.
Benn Jordan doesn’t exactly keep it a secret that he’s discontent with the way independent artists have been treated by the tech industry, and he is very proactive about getting ahead of the curve and attempting to help write and set ethical standards for AI audio technology, and holds patents in technology fighting the non-consensual training of generative AI.
