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Can a streaming platform create a niche music genre?

nobells.blog · 2,364 words · saved by 1 readers

Spotify's editorial playlists like hyperpop and phonk may help smaller artists, but they threaten to flatten how online communities are seen.

Consider subscribing to our Patreon. 100% of funds go toward paying our writers, maintaining this website, and further diversifying our reporting efforts. At the start of March, Spotify created a new editorial playlist called “Webcore.” It’s a collection crammed with songs that, on first, second, third, and tenth glance, have very little to do with each other. Video game-themed footwork and breakbeat music (Acetantina, NANORAY) tilts into actual video game soundtracks. A stray Aphex Twin tune sits beside two Urban Outfitters bargain bin indie songs by Temporex. Maybe the only qualities…

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