Story Time:

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I take a few hits, sit back, relax, and turn on some youtube chillhop/lo-fi/jazz/hip-hop. Ya'll know what I'm talking about? Those fuzzy, dreamy, synthy beats with that jazz flavor start flowing. Shits getting good now. I decide to click on the channel, to see more of what they offer/a little bit of background. I discover the channel is based out of France, and that it is a promotional channels that are in actuality, record labels. This sends me down rabbit hole. Here we go.

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Apparently, people are creating channels to promote the creators of these throwback-modern chic tracks. They've started spotfiy and itunes followings, and have even created a 24/7 music live stream. Essentially, internet radio. The creators of these channels and live streams are profiting, with artists even willing and proposing to pay these channel operators to feature their music. I researched, found, and read an informative vice article about it.

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I'm thinking that we are seeing a revival and a return to the old-school way of the music industry. Or at least the seeds of it. Regular people are creating these third party channels, turning them into small scale labels. They have created radio like the old days. Reminiscent of the old radio stations that people used to operator. Alongside the computer and corporate chosen track selections of pandora and spotify, real people are finding and selecting music to feature, and are creating track lists, like radio stations used to do. Artists are vying for these channels and willing to pay for inclusion. People are taking back power!

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So what do I do? I go and find one of these streaming stations for myself. First thing I find is ChillHopMusic livestream channel, their current livestream being titled - "lofi hip hop radio - chill/study beats." Complete with a cartoon raccoon studying on his bed, in his stylishly curated 'casually messy' room. Aesthetic. The first thing I hear is a cover of "The Closer I Get To You," complete with all the fixings of this super particular youtube niche. "The Closer I Get To You" is a duet by Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway, a romantic R&B ballad that came out in 1978. All of the sudden, I find myself in 2019, sitting behind a computer screen, listening to a chillhop version of one of 1978's R&B classics, curated by a 20-something behind a laptop.

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What does all this mean? Maybe nothing. I just wish musicians could make a living these days, due to the low-profits of music monetized by streaming giants. What do you all think?