Streaming Era Data explores how digital platforms have revolutionized music consumption, using data analysis to uncover significant shifts in the music industry. It examines how music has become more accessible and deeply integrated into daily life, while also highlighting the economic impacts on artists and the industry. The book delves into the algorithms and data analytics that drive streaming platforms, influencing both user experience and musical trends. For instance, the rise of algorithmic playlists has fundamentally changed how listeners discover new music, sometimes overshadowing traditional methods.
The book's approach progresses from the history of music distribution to a detailed examination of the streaming era's specific aspects, such as artist revenue and the globalization of musical tastes. It presents a data-driven analysis of the streaming ecosystem, moving beyond simple observations to provide statistical evidence supporting its claims.
A key insight is how streaming platforms, while democratizing access, have also created new forms of gatekeeping and economic concentration, altering music's value proposition.