Whether it’s through scrolling on Tiktok or exploring playlists on Spotify, discovering artists and music is very accessible in this day and age. This new level of accessibility is drastically different compared to the days before social media, when vinyl, CD shops for browsing, MTV, radio and word of mouth were the ways of discovering music.

While these platforms make music listenable for all, this convenience comes with a downside. Head sports director Mr. England voices his opinion: “I think social media is homogenizing culture, and it’s unfortunately taking away from other music that’s out there. This raises a deeper issue, the online algorithm tends to favor mainstream music, resulting in its overexposure.

This raises the question, has modernization of music via digital convenience transformed the discovery of artists and music homogeneous and lifeless.

Staci, an employee from Easy Street Records notices,  “It’s a very distinct experience going to a record store and fully immersing yourself in music more than online, it’s emotional and personal. People naturally go towards what moves them, scrolling online doesn’t move you.” 

The joy of coming across a hidden gem in a record store or flipping through channels has been replaced by an algorithm that is designed to study it’s users.. Music online isn’t entirely negative. “The only positive thing with social media is that it introduces older songs to a newer generation” England says