Can Ease of Creation Lead to Decrease in Quality & Value?

In recent decades, the quality of music production and its perceived value has declined, according to a personal opinion piece discussing the impact of technology on various industries. The ease and low cost of creating music now have led to a decrease in visibility and recognition for talented musicians, as most people will never hear their names.

This shift is similar to what has occurred in the software industry, where the barriers to entry have become nearly non-existent with the availability of user-friendly tools and platforms.

Rick Beato, a well-known music commentator, has observed this phenomenon in the music business, noting that many shortcuts depend on the original craft. Although AI-generated music may include elements from musicians who have mastered their craft, the ultimate product still relies on the foundational skills of human creators. The accessibility of music has transformed the way people consume and value it, with streaming services offering an overwhelming amount of content daily.

The perceived value of individual songs has diminished as people now access entire libraries for a low monthly fee. This accessibility has led to a thinning of the average music experience, as the emotional and financial investment required to appreciate music has decreased.