Wow. I just found your Substack and I am absolutely floored this is so good and well crafted! Every reference to pop culture is a perfect touchstone that doesn't feel like it's talking down to me lol.
I must say, I used to work at a small music digital media company, and that meant kissing every record label's ass for content. It's so interesting how just as one formerly niche and "un-sellable" artist gains some legit respect, every major label will start signing these super young teens making somewhat similar music but definitely not at the same level of the original artist - meaning lots of industry songwriters/producers trying to come up with a formula they can reproduce quickly. But the labels will sign dozens of these kids with one viral TikTok song on a sketchy contract like its a speculative real estate deal! But the value they're speculating on has become the potential symbolic function of a certain genre or sound, and they're flooding the market with the simulacrum they're manufacturing in-house!
Shit's crazy. Glad we have people like you to put words to it.
Thank you so much! I actually used to work at a music marketing company (in the College Radio department) so that has totally informed my perspective. Your kind words and thoughtful comments are much appreciated <3
Really, really good! At times reminded me of certain k-punk posts from way back. Keep doing whatever you're doing!
so incredibly well-written and thorough!!! SOPHIE forever ❤
ur the first person I’ve seen write about SOPHIE w/o pronouns, subscribed :)
so incredible charlie you are a revelation <3
Wow. I just found your Substack and I am absolutely floored this is so good and well crafted! Every reference to pop culture is a perfect touchstone that doesn't feel like it's talking down to me lol.
I must say, I used to work at a small music digital media company, and that meant kissing every record label's ass for content. It's so interesting how just as one formerly niche and "un-sellable" artist gains some legit respect, every major label will start signing these super young teens making somewhat similar music but definitely not at the same level of the original artist - meaning lots of industry songwriters/producers trying to come up with a formula they can reproduce quickly. But the labels will sign dozens of these kids with one viral TikTok song on a sketchy contract like its a speculative real estate deal! But the value they're speculating on has become the potential symbolic function of a certain genre or sound, and they're flooding the market with the simulacrum they're manufacturing in-house!
Shit's crazy. Glad we have people like you to put words to it.
Can't wait to read what's next!
Thank you so much! I actually used to work at a music marketing company (in the College Radio department) so that has totally informed my perspective. Your kind words and thoughtful comments are much appreciated <3