Yancey Strickler, a writer and entrepreneur known for co-founding Kickstarter and Metalabel, dives into the evolution of music and identities in the digital age. He reflects on his musical upbringing in Virginia and the impact of music journalism. The conversation explores how the internet shapes collective experiences, emphasizing the importance of preserving musical legacies amid fleeting trends. Yancey also discusses the balance between short-term gratification and long-term creative goals, encouraging authenticity and community connections in artistic expression.
The transition from pre-internet to post-internet societies is redefining human interactions, creating new communal structures and norms in digital spaces.
Yancey Strickler highlights the evolution of music journalism, noting its challenges amidst changing consumer habits and the dominance of digital media platforms.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Human Experience
There is a significant shift occurring in human experience shaped by the transition from pre-internet to post-internet societies. The discussion emphasizes that, similar to the Victorian era's separation from today’s norms, the internet will redefine human interaction and cultural structures for the next millennium. This transformation entails not just technological advancements but also fundamental changes in how we interact with one another, emphasizing the emergence of communal structures and norms within digital spaces. The idea posits that today's digital environments are crafting a new reality that will fundamentally alter perceptions of identity and community.
Yancey Strickler's Musical Journey
Yancey Strickler’s early exposure to music was heavily influenced by his father's passion for folk and country music, which shaped his formative years. Initially resistant to learning guitar, he eventually found joy in playing, which spearheaded his deeper connection to music throughout his life. Strickler transitioned into music journalism, journaling his thoughts and experiences while helping to shape contemporary music criticism through platforms like Pitchfork. His journey reflects a continual evolution, from a young boy surrounded by music to becoming a recognized figure helping others connect with the art.
Shifts in Music Journalism
The state of music journalism has been in decline, particularly in the face of changing consumer habits and the rise of digital media platforms. Strickler discusses his journey through different writing positions, illustrating how music journalism has transformed with technology, creating challenges for traditional models. As music becomes more accessible yet fragmented, the art of critiquing it has also evolved, often favoring metrics and algorithms over in-depth analysis. This shift raises concerns about the authenticity and passion that once defined music journalism and its ability to connect artists with their audiences.
Collective Mindset and Ownership
The developing narrative around individualism is shifting towards a more collective mindset, where collaboration and community engagement are beginning to overshadow personal achievements. Strickler underscores the importance of ownership for artists, advocating for systems that empower creators to connect directly with their audiences without intermediaries. This new approach fosters mutual respect and allows artists to find validation within their creative communities rather than through traditional industry gatekeepers. The conversation highlights that navigating this cultural transition involves recognizing shared experiences and supporting one another's artistry for collective growth.
For the Record is a conversation series where we speak with all manner of music heads — DJs, music journos, indie label captains, record shop owners, listening bar kingpins, et al — about their stories + the music that makes them.
Yancey Strickler is a writer and entrepreneur. He’s the Cofounder and Director of Metalabel, Cofounder and former CEO of Kickstarter, and Cofounder of the artist resource The Creative Independent. He’s the author of This Could Be Our Future: A Manifesto for a More Generous World, editor of The Dark Forest Anthology of the Internet, creator of the philosophy of Bentoism, and the record label eMusic Selects. Yancey’s career started as a music critic writing for Pitchfork, Spin, and The Village Voice. He grew up on a farm in Clover Hollow, Virginia. He lives in New York City.
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