THE UNDERGROUND ARCHIVE
PRE:RISING ARTISTS/PREDICTIONS
1. SOCIAL MEDIA IMPACT
2. TREND CONSUMPTION
3. ARTISTS RECLAIMING RESPECT
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Hours spent listening to music, probably months - if you look at my spotify minutes- I have dedicated my free time finding new art , before it was what I wanted to do for a living. Putting myself out there after spending night and day researching, getting stats, predicting artists, and all that goes into algorithms and music curators- has come full circle almost a year later of sending a rising artists list that was manipulated in context I have now got to reap the rewards and satisfaction on the underground scene- I hope I can share them with you myself, from myself, now- after my name had been misplaced on my own work-
I hope you enjoy my outlook on music’s rules, rumors, trends, and society- it really is a cool place to be.
EXPLORE THE WORLD OF UNDER RECOGNIZED ARTISTS AND REALITY.
THE UNDERGROUND ARCHIVES
How the Underground music scene sheds light on the idea that the societal waves of the mainstream trends are far behind us.
The current reappearance of ‘following trends’ has been boosted by constant stimulation and overflow in social media platforms. The ideas of the INgroup and OUTgroup have been based on social identities and cliques.This tactic is seen in the mainstream repetitive commercial sale music that has become oversaturated- the same as trends in media culture. People that follow the trends of fashion, music and pop culture view conformity and normality as a safe spot in the mainstream-Nothing about following trends in popular culture is inherently bad- it gives a sense of unity and harmony. Although that is bound to change with the rise of the Underground Scene. Music in 2023 for everybody has been a new year of new releases and industry opportunities- even in the crevices of different scenes. Underground music today means an evolution, it is a network of artists, labels, bands, and venues breaking into the mainstream, not to become a trend,but to inspire those who don’t fit into the classic categories.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Music has always had a significant impact on culture and society- A direct correlation and reflection of the evolving world we live in. Alternative Labels have been given to those who do not quite ‘fit in’ with trends, groups, and genres of music. Artists who focused on breaking away from mainstream repetitive music -have redirected their attention to individualistic expressionism; which is now gaining popularity and creating massive impacts through music, the fashion industry and downfall of following trends in society.The rise of individual style and self-expression has gained its clout back. People are listening to their own opinions and ignoring the newest ‘what’s in and what’s out’ articles- more and more. Personal style- at least for writers and artists- has signaled a move towards counter-culture and alternative aspects during the pandemic’s social media rise.
Emerging artists seem to have made a dent although NOT ALL UNDERGROUND ARTISTS PRIORITIZE BREAKING INTO THE MAINSTREAM.
TREND CONSUMPTION
Society has been impressionable with plunging into viral fame, and compulsively following trends. It is easy for anybody to become an influencer,rapper, artist, singer- or whatever you may want to be- it is such a stride for growth in time for technology and music. Although many people are reverting back to retro-resonated aspects of individualism, taking the power back into their own hands. Individuals have become more comfortable and conscious of creating their identity. People are tired of consuming and are using these crucial times after the pandemic to uncover uncommon forms in society after the pandemic had many of us- stuck in our homes practicing the renegade dance trend for our parents to watch.The streaming age of music is at a high; smaller platforms are transforming how listeners are discovering new artists. SoundCloud has received its canceling, fair share of hate, and memes- The subgenre of soundcloud had the internet branding it as a unknown, abnormal, bass boosted, and a generic platform- which has distorted the image of how accessible the platform actually is. In its earlier era, SoundCloud was seen as some sort of an outlet or game. The same way everyone downloaded Tik Tok before the Pandemic as a ‘joke’. The microgenre that is soundcloud has had many artists storm the mainstream charts with Hybrid Beats and Rap Influences, Opening the doors to the underground scene- such as Juice World, Trippie Redd, and XXX, for example. After these artists paved a path through the mainstream instead of blending into it- Many of their fans had relief-Having the artist go “mainstream” overnight feels like a mini-threat to who they were before. Even if you’re happy for the artist, you may find yourself — in other words, hide them from the mainstream clean up.
The SoundCloud movement is chaotic and free for anyone’s style and taste. The Platform itself in the past few months has changed from ‘just another kid posting songs’ to a platform that even major labels are obsessing over. The mainstream is rendering its downfall.Subcultures are ruling with fascination and society has taken interest into the “distorted world’,the micro genre is spreading online thanks to its easily accessible audio distribution platform.
Independent Musicians Are Becoming The Future Of The Music Industry.
RECLAIMING RESPECT
The music industry during the pandemic was struggling,as were many. Artists turned to online and live routes that opened a pathway for the industry that now operates and evolves connection.The industry is becoming less rigid -and corporate power in streaming, recording and ticketing- should be too.
Concentration and the rise of streaming music platforms has shifted power from the artist to the corporation.
Music is supposed to be inclusive and open- why do they feel like they have a kind of “ownership” over an artist’s music — even if they had no role in creating it?
Even through their staggering failures. Mainstream Mass media has Dominated promotion, ticketing, artist management, venue ownership, and essentially every part of the mainstream industry has become corrupted. The mainstream songs, the ‘hits’ of music and talent, are just riding the influence of the trends- just like fast fashion. They use that power to prioritize a handful of ‘mega’-stars and pop hits. Then push streaming platforms that control how music is consumed, and they collect an ever-growing share of industry revenue. Major labels have helped greatly narrow what’s considered “popular music.” Streaming platforms tend to promise that the music its listeners hear is organic, based only on the data the company collects about what listeners like and what songs fit that taste. But the ‘blockbuster strategy’ has its name for a reason- hence why mainstream music, blowup movies, and trending sounds all have one thing in common- investing too much in one basket, Leaving brands with virtually nothing for their ‘Alternative’ artists.
Gatekeeping Groups such as certain platforms may be a nod at attachment issues, money-hungry jealousy compulsions- the need to feel included.Stats show that a fair amount of artists are turning away from tech giants and seeking smaller and alternative routes. Many artists- new and old- have seemingly given up the structure and swapped expectations to switching up styles, experimenting with genres- as well as their images.
The music scene has become faster and ever-changing in scenarios. Diversity and complexity has grown and increased our attention to alternative worlds- Many mainstream or/and currently known artists have replaced months of promotions and teasers with instant drops of more fan involved content. Artists are more powerful now more than ever, with social media and streaming services at their own hands - they have regained the balance of power from labels and turned the scene into its own ecosystem, by self promoting and transforming the community that is the underground.
The music scene has become faster and ever-changing in scenarios. Diversity and complexity has grown and increased our attention to alternative worlds- Many mainstream or/and currently known artists have replaced months of promotions and teasers with instant drops of more fan involved content. Artists are more powerful now more than ever, with social media and streaming services at their own hands - they have regained the balance of power from labels and turned the scene into its own ecosystem, by self promoting and transforming the community that is the underground.
"These findings indicate that the vision of what it means to be a professional musician is changing." The artists who choose to make their living in music are not necessarily seeking a traditional path — or even a very luxurious one.
"A lot of people are doing it out of their passion and connection to music, rather than the commercial success"
RECAP
Subcultures in Alternative Underground scenes, usually are perceived as the joke to mainstream basic, bland, and bluntly put - boring- society expectations; But as trends, fast fashion, Egos, and Corporate control is fading very fast- Real music is still out there and many artists, individuals and mainstream fanatics are turning towards the underground.
The Underground music scene is breaking barriers and curating music for people who enjoy it- NOT FOR EVERYONE.
2023 PREDICTIONS
Jean Dawson
2HOLLIS
Throttle
Rare Occasions
Yeek
Oliver Malcom
44Phantom
Brakence
Weston Estate
Cybertrash
cConnor Gibbons
ChrisMiles
Erica
HARRYWASHERE
Valley
50Landing
Sammy Rash
Dempsey Hope
MarDev
YVNGVJERM
Poptropicaslutz!
Tommykilljoy
IHATEYOUTRAVY
Justus Bennetts
YXNGXR
BoyWithUke
Midwest
1nonly
Eyedress
Saba
WesPatrick
Shady Moon
Unusual Demont
Remy
Macky
Grent Perez
Juno
Yot Club
THXSOMUCH
PMBATA
GRIMES
PHEM
Saiah
Grady
RioVaz
Harmless
Bad Suns
Shygirl
Terry Presume
Nightly
Ryan
Sir sly
Aries
BURQUE
SoFaygo
DYL DION
Arlo Parks
Joony
RomancePlanet
2022 PREDICTIONS
KAI WHISTON
EDEN
ARDEN JONES
ALLEN HALEY
ALDN
BELAGANAS
ZEKEY
Kennyhoopla.
RUEL
REMI WOLF
RYAN CARAVEO
WALLOWS
GRIMES
347 AIDEN
AIDEN BISSETT
SAMMY RASH
BRUMMIES
RENAO
PRELOW
NIGHTLY
JEREMY ZUCKER
MIKE.
RATBOY
BIZZY
SLEEPY HOLLOW
PMBATA
GOTHBABE
JOAN
SAWYER
PHEM
GLAIVE
ZEKEY
THUNDERCAT
EMOTIONAL ORANGES
WALE THE SAGE
SPILL TAB
PRENTIS
SADBOYS
$SHADED
XINCLAIR
POORSTACY
SALON BLONDE
NECKDEEP
MAKEOUT
WATERPARKS
YUNGBLUD
SUECO
KENNYHOOPLA
POINT NORTH
YUNG PINCH
RENFORSHORT
SIIICKBRAIN
BENEE
TOM THE MAILMAN
CASPR
NO LOVE FOR THE MIDDLE CHILD.
SIR SLY
ARIES
GRADY
DREAMERS
WITH CONFIDENCE
MODSUN
NOTHING.NOWHERE
GIRLFRIENDS
SK8
FXNTI
8PERCENT
FOUSHEE
VJAC0B
THXSOMUCH
88GLAM
FERDOUS
PINKPANTHERSSS
DOECHIII
YEAT
NIKO B
LIL TJAY
LIL TECCA
IANN DIOR
BURQUE
$NOT
6LACK
SOFAYGO
BABYSOSA
TANA.
AG CLUB
PSYCHEMIND
EXODIA
KEN CARSON
THOUXANBANFAUNI
YUNG BANS
LANCY FOX
EKKKSTACY
1NONLY
MARQUS CLAE
S6LT
