Resurrecting Old Hits with New Media

1. How Virality is Affecting the Business of Music

The phenomenon of ‘going viral’ on social media has been taken to a whole new level with the popularization of TikTok. In the right conditions, a catchy clip can see a level virality never before possible (see the story of Old Town Road)… And it’s deeply affecting the business of music, specifically how labels find and sign new artists.

Recently, Vox released an investigation that examines what happens after a song goes viral on TikTok. The net result? Artists that have proven success on TikTok have more leverage over labels than ever. And they are using it to maintain control of their catalogues.

At the same time, labels are finding ways to re-monetize those older masters that they do have full ownership over. Mega-popular shows on streaming platforms like Netflix have proven to be effective in resurrecting older hits and labels are leaning in. This was most recently exemplified in Stranger Things which featured Metallica’s Master of Puppets during a key scene. It’s now surging up the charts almost 40 years after it debuted.

3. More than a PFP: Snap is bringing NFTs to 3D Space

Some NFTs like Catblox’s latest capsule collection are AR compatible allowing users to show off their 3D NFTs in any environment via your camera app.

Snap plans to integrate this functionality, allowing users to showcase their AR compatible NFTs as 3D objects IRL and share them with the world.

This gives NFT owners one more way to flex their favorite NFTs via social media without changing their online identity.

And while Meta plans to take a nearly 50% cut of profits from creators on it’s platform, Snap will take none (at least at first). Their focus remains on driving creators to the platform and facilitating content creation.

3. Worldbuilding Experts Embrace Web3

Polygon, a L2 Blockchain and Ethereum solution, continues to gain momentum with some of the largest brands in the world. After partnering with Meta to launch NFTs on Instagram and Facebook, it was recently chosen by Disney for it’s 2022 Accelerator program.

The Accelerator program provides guidance from Disney’s senior leadership in an effort to spur innovative companies forward. There is a clear emphasis on web3 signaling Disney’s interest in the space.

And of course this move is more likely pragmatic then charitable as one of the largest IP companies in the world looks to better understand how blockchain, AR, and VR will affect IP distribution and monetization going forward.

4. Extraterrestrial Inspiration

Humans have long looked to the stars for guidance and inspiration, building ever more complex structures to achieve a better view of the infinite.

The earliest archaeological artifacts found in ancient Mesopotamia evidenced purposeful stargazing. And some of the largest ancient structures like the structures at Chichen Iza - on the other side of the world - were constructed for the same reason.

More recently, the Hubble Telescope was launched into orbit by cooperating nations. Clear of the atmosphere, it gave humanity our deepest view yet and a better understanding of the origins of our universe.

On July 12th, 2022, humanity received a new set of stirring imagery from the James Webb Telescope which can observe 14 billion year old celestial objects as they were ‘shortly’ after the Big Bang.

The James Webb Telescope is fueled up for 20 years. What creativity will be spurred by the primordial visions it delivers?

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