Tik Tok Music Only Gets Worse...

Introduction

In the age of social media, particularly dominated by platforms like TikTok, the music industry has seen a transformation—one that has sparked significant conversation about the quality and sustainability of viral music trends. Songs that once had the potential for longevity are being reduced to catchy snippets, often leading to an oversaturation of "corny" tracks that quickly lose their appeal. Below, we dive into the issues plaguing TikTok music and how it affects artists and listeners alike.

The Corny Effect of Overplay

When a song goes viral on TikTok, it often becomes overplayed to the point of annoyance. Take "Heat Waves" by Glass Animals as an example; while it is a well-crafted song, the constant repetition on the app leads to fatigue. The problem lies not only in overexposure but also in the fact that music gaining traction on TikTok doesn’t always reflect quality. Sometimes, artists create tracks primarily for quick 15- or 30-second clips, leaving the rest of the song lacking substance.

Many listeners may find themselves falling for the catchy parts on TikTok but are left disappointed when they explore the full length of the track. This phenomenon raises concerns about how music that encourages engagement through short, digestible snippets may lead to fleeting fame for artists, where the majority only know their viral hit and not their full discography.

Erosion of Artist Identity

One glaring example involved Steve Lacy, whose song "Bad Habit" saw immense popularity on TikTok. At a concert, he put the mic out for fans to sing along, only to be met with silence as they only knew the viral snippet. This situation underscores a broader issue: fans often only connect with a small portion of an artist's work, diminishing their overall artistry and potential concert experience.

Additionally, an artist’s most recognized work can pigeonhole them as a TikTok musician, leading to a blend of unrealistic expectations and pressure to replicate past success. This “NPC music” label can deter genuine fans from actively engaging with a broader body of an artist's work.

Trend-driven Shortcomings

Songs that are taken over by trends often age poorly, becoming tied to specific dances or memes. Few remember songs like "Dance Monkey" with fondness; rather, they become associated with oversaturation and cringe. TikTok's functionality promotes viral music by strategically recommending trending sounds, further commodifying music into mere background noise for content creation.

As this trend continues, mainstream music's trajectory grows concerning. Radio hits tend to fade quickly, with many artists finding themselves at risk of solely being recognized for a viral moment, leaving their potential for growth stifled.

The Desperation for Virality

The reality is that many aspiring artists resort to gimmicky promotional tactics, like creating skits or relatable, yet superficial narratives regarding their songs. The desperate attempts for engagement often backfire, leaving audiences unimpressed and further weakening the artist's long-term career prospects.

It’s common to see artists pleading for views using tactics that feel more like guilt-tripping than genuine connection—a stark contrast to what once defined authentic music fandom.

Conclusion

The relationship between TikTok and music is complex and multifaceted. As the platform continues to shape the music industry, artists grapple with the fine line between viral fame and genuine artistry. While TikTok provides unprecedented exposure, it simultaneously risks reducing music to disposable content, impacting the future of sound in profound and potentially damaging ways.

Keyword

Keywords: TikTok, viral music, overplaying, corniness, artist identity, NPC music, trend-driven, engagement, superficial promotion, authentic fandom.

FAQ

What is "NPC music"?
NPC music refers to songs that become overly commercialized through platforms like TikTok and lose their original intent and artistry, often leading to a diminished fan connection.

How does TikTok affect artists?
While TikTok can provide exposure, it risks pigeonholing artists to singular viral hits, often leading to a lack of depth in their music's reception and fan engagement.

Are all viral songs bad?
Not necessarily, but many viral songs on TikTok may lack substance beyond their catchy snippets, which can disappoint listeners who seek richer musical experiences.

Why do some viral songs get old quickly?
Viral songs are often tied to trends, which may lead to quick fatigue among listeners. The overuse of a catchy track for dances or memes can make them seem corny or annoying over time.

How can artists maintain their career post-viral success?
Artists can diversify their offerings, engage with their fan base authentically, and focus on a broader discography rather than just viral moments to build a sustainable career.