SoundCloud has made a name for itself being a platform where amateur musicians can release music without being assigned to a record label. This allows younger musicians to experiment with different genres, express their creativity, and develop a deeper love for music.
Artists like Tyler the Creator, Lizzo, and Nipsey Hussle all got their start on SoundCloud. For many people, it’s an easy way to get their music discovered by others. However, many people enjoy SoundCloud and platforms similar to it for the simple fact that it’s a creative outlet.
There are three major record labels, Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, and Warner Music Group, and they arguably have the strongest influence over the music industry.
At first glance, these record labels give artists the funding and exposure they need to keep making music. In reality, however, these major record labels can control the image of the artists that work for them for steep prices.
They get a say in everything from album covers to what songs the artist can produce. Along with saving artists money, music platforms where people can produce music independently allow them to have more control over their discography and overall image.
Senior Kenneth Rosario (@kenesukoh on Instagram and Soundcloud) has been making music since 2019. Regarding the type of music he makes, he “makes whatever suits his mood.” Since he produces his own music, he has the freedom to experiment with different genres that he feels inspired by. He draws inspiration from his favorite artists and bands and that variety of influences develops the music he produces.
Independently producing music allows artists the freedom to experiment with different sounds without being tied to a certain image, but it also allows artists to be able to grow without the fear of losing the opportunity to make music. Artists can outgrow phases and certain genres over time without having their careers heavily impacted.
The “SoundCloud rapper” stereotype is one that immediately comes to mind when the app is brought up. Although it’s a funny joke that references amateur artists who haven’t exactly found their distinct tone yet, it also serves as a testimony to SoundCloud’s ability to give young musicians a place to start.
When asked about the music-making process, Rosario said he has seen how much he has grown over the past few years.
Lorenzo Rawls, a junior who has also been making music since 2019, said the process “has been good, it’s all about learning and adapting to the resources you have.”
While SoundCloud artists may not have all the resources that one signed to a record label might have, lots of work still goes into making their music. Both Rosario and Rawls agree that a lot of confidence goes into their work, and while it can be challenging to keep trying until their work is at the level they want, it’s satisfying to see the result.
Supporting smaller artists not only makes production more accessible to anyone who wants to try their hand at music but it allows people to discover new artists they may not have found if only music produced by labels was available to the public. It’s beneficial not only to the artist but to music lovers who want to expand their tastes.
The moral of the story, save a starving artist and stream SoundCloud!