Streaming Algorithms Reshape Music Industry Economics

In a recent Galaxy Brain episode, Atlantic writer Charlie Warzel examines how streaming economics, opaque recommendation algorithms, and generative AI are reshaping music distribution and creation. The episode cites July's King Gizzard Spotify withdrawal, late-September AI-generated song Xania Monet charting on Billboard, and Spotify's new AI policies, arguing these trends heighten impersonation risks, depress payouts, and force artists to choose between platform reach and creative control.