Legendary music producer Rick Rubin recently shared his thoughts on how the streaming era has altered the music industry and changed the way listeners connect with their favorite albums. While streaming has made music more accessible than ever, Rubin highlighted a significant shift in the listener's relationship with albums, something that was much deeper when physical records were the norm.
In the past, fans would buy a record and truly immerse themselves in it, creating a lasting bond with the music. Today, streaming offers endless convenience, but it also fosters a more fleeting connection to songs and albums. Rubin reflected on how even he doesn’t engage with new albums the way he used to, often listening only briefly before moving on.
This shift in listening habits mirrors broader concerns in the industry. Many musicians argue that streaming has eroded the financial support for artists. Record labels no longer invest in building careers and supporting tours like they once did, leaving many new artists without the chance to experience the traditional path of selling records in stores and gaining long-term support.
Rubin’s take on originality also underscores the changes in today’s music landscape. He believes that while everything in music may have been done before, the key is to reinterpret trends and make something new. Iconic collaborations like Aerosmith and Run DMC were groundbreaking not because they followed trends, but because they combined unexpected genres to create something fresh.
While Rubin doesn’t view streaming as entirely negative, his insights reveal how the music industry has become more disconnected from the artistry it once nurtured. The convenience of streaming may have come at a cost to both musicians and listeners, with the industry’s corruption and reduced artist support amplifying these changes. Despite these challenges, Rubin emphasizes that true creativity comes from reimagining the familiar and making it one’s own.
