Did the Internet Make People's Music Tastes More Diverse?

The availability of virtually all music from all eras and genres on the internet has indeed played a significant role in expanding listeners' music tastes. However, it is important to note that many individuals still stick to music they are familiar with, even after exploring the vast online music landscape. This exploration may sometimes feel like being overwhelmed by a 'gushing faucet' of endless music, as paraphrased by musician Brian Eno.

Does the Internet Really Expand Music Taste?

No, by itself, the internet does not automatically broaden music tastes. What it does accomplish is opening access to a much wider range of diverse musical styles, making music discovery possible even for those who are unable to access local music scenes.

The Old Days: Music Discovery in the 1970s and 1980s

Before the internet, music discovery outside of major cities relied heavily on sources such as FM radio. In the 70s and 80s, the variety of stations was limited. For example, if you lived more than two hours away from your home, your options might be reduced to only a few stations— typically a pop station, three country stations, and one polka station. If you were lucky, your local public library might have a record collection, and friends might occasionally send mix tapes. In those days, discovering new music meant catching a late-night college radio show, or hearing underground hip hop on a modern soul station after watershed hours. This was about the extent of the possibilities back then.

The Birth of the Internet: A Revolution in Music Accessibility

With the advent of the internet, the landscape of music discovery changed dramatically. Even in the early days, with platforms like RealPlayer and low bandwidth, the internet made more music accessible. However, many people simply looked up what they already knew. Services like Napster made it easier to obtain the latest records from popular artists like the Backstreet Boys.

However, the internet also democratized music distribution, allowing niche acts to reach a wider audience. For example, a teenager in the suburban Midwest could suddenly discover early 90s Belgian new wave, rare experimental 70s Krautrock albums, Japanese noise punk, or Senegalese dance music. If you were willing to explore beyond the obvious, you could find a lot more easily than before.

The Ubiquity of Streaming and Its Challenges

Now, with the almost universal availability of music streaming services, the world truly is your oyster. However, paradoxically, this abundance of music can make discovery more difficult. With so much music available, much of it may be of poor quality or not align with your preferences, making the process of finding gems a daunting task.

Another challenge is the proliferation of bands with similar names. Before the internet, it was less risky to name a band after a common term, as it was harder to check if someone had already used the same name. Today, there are often multiple bands with the same name. For instance, there are several bands named "Covenant," and only one of them is a Swedish electronic dance act.

Conclusion: Navigating the Tool

The internet has been an incredibly game-changing tool for music discovery and distribution. However, like any tool, its effectiveness depends on how it is used and the effort put into finding and exploring new music. While the internet has made an unprecedented amount of music accessible, it is up to the listener to immerse themselves in and actively seek out new and diverse sounds to truly broaden their musical horizons.