Join Jimmy Johnson, owner of a prominent music distributor, Paul Lamere from Spotify, and Elaine Katzenberger of City Lights Books as they discuss the art of navigating musical and literary landscapes in today's digital world. They contrast the tactile joys of record stores and independent bookstores with the impersonal algorithms of digital platforms. The guests highlight the challenges new artists face in gaining visibility and the importance of curation in an era dominated by corporate interests.
Physical record stores offer a unique, discovery-rich environment unavailable online, fostering personal connections and deeper musical insights.
The rise of algorithm-driven platforms restricts genuine musical exploration by reinforcing existing tastes rather than promoting diverse or lesser-known artists.
Deep dives
The Value of Record Stores
Visiting record stores offers a unique opportunity for discovery that online platforms cannot replicate. These physical spaces provide access to knowledgeable staff and fellow collectors who can share insights and anecdotes about music that might not be easily found elsewhere. The experience aligns with the philosophy of André Breton, who valued the exploration of the overlooked or rejected aspects of culture. By sifting through records, one can uncover hidden gems that have been dismissed by mainstream tastes, thus gaining a deeper understanding of music and its history.
The Role of Independent Distributors
Independent distributors like Forced Exposure emphasize the responsibility of curation in the digital music age. With the sheer volume of music available online, the challenge becomes sifting through it to find quality releases. Jimmy Johnson, who runs Forced Exposure, ensures that his team listens to every title they stock, providing detailed recommendations that prioritize artistic integrity over mere popularity. This personalized approach contrasts sharply with algorithm-driven platforms that often prioritize user engagement over quality and nuance in music selection.
Digital Algorithms and the Search for Discovery
The shift to digital music has led to the emergence of recommendation algorithms that aim to predict user preferences. However, these systems often reinforce existing tastes, limiting the potential for true musical discovery. By algorithmically catering to what users already like, platforms like Spotify and Apple Music may overlook unique or lesser-known artists that could enrich the listener's experience. This reliance on familiarity undermines the serendipitous joy found in exploring diverse music, suggesting a need for a balance between algorithmic efficiency and genuine artistic exploration.
When you go into a bookstore, or record store, or library, you enter another world that you have to learn to navigate. You adapt to it. But today’s digital corporations have created a musical universe that adapts, predictably, to you. Guests include: Jimmy Johnson, owner/founder of music distributor Forced Exposure; Paul Lamere, director of developer platform for Spotify; and Elaine Katzenberger, executive director of City Lights Books.
This is the fifth episode of Ways of Hearing, a six-part podcast hosted by musician Damon Krukowski (Galaxie 500, Damon & Naomi), exploring the nature of listening in our digital world.
Credits: Produced by Damon Krukowski, Max Larkin and Ian Coss. Written and hosted by Damon Krukowski. Sound design by Ian Coss. Executive Producer is Julie Shapiro. Showcase is a production of Radiotopia from PRX.