Entry Six: Written for Trends, not Turntables
Let’s take it back to the start. I was born into a generation of albums. Of meaningful chart battles, of physical CDs, of listening. The number one single on the day I was born? Beautiful Day by U2. That week’s Top 10 albums? Kid A by Radiohead, Sing When You're Winning by Robbie Williams, The Marshall Mathers LP, Warning by Green Day. It was absolutely stacked. Even Lady (Hear Me Tonight) was riding high — an all-time banger. The charts back then felt like they meant something. Albums had depth, singles had weight, and artists were building full bodies of work.
Fast forward to now… and it’s hard not to feel a little disillusioned. That’s not to say great music isn’t being made — I’m fully here for artists like Chappell Roan, and there’s plenty of new stuff that genuinely excites me. But I can’t help but notice how the charts have become almost unrecognisable. They’re no longer about the best song — they’re about the catchiest 30 seconds.
So what’s changed? TikTok. We’ve all fallen down that endless scroll hole, where 15–30 second audio clips loop on repeat until they’re burnt into your brain. And naturally, music has shifted to match that. Viral hooks are king. Songs are being written for trends, not turntables. And often, those “hits” never get past that single viral moment — there’s nothing waiting beyond the clip.
Maybe it’s just how our brains are wired now. We’re conditioned to scroll, and share — not sit and soak. And because a song is viral, it must be good… right? I know music has always evolved — how it’s consumed, what it sounds like, what “mainstream” even means. Do you think Beethoven saw Mr Brightside coming when he wrote Für Elise? Absolutely not! But I can’t help thinking that this current climate is doing no favours to the album format. Artists aren’t building worlds anymore — they’re chasing clips.
I grew up with Hot Fuss by The Killers. With American Idiot. Albums you listened to front to back, over and over, learning the tracklist like scripture. Of course, there are still artists making incredible records (some even breaking through on TikTok first), but the focus has undeniably shifted. For every great LP, there’s a “lava chicken” 30-second meme-song making it into the charts — and that sums up where we are.
Part of it could be down to just how much music is out there. It's more accessible than ever, and that means more noise. The TikTok generation consumes quicker, shares faster, and drives streaming numbers like nothing else — especially compared to smaller, scene-based movements like the UK indie world we love.
But here’s the thing: we don’t have to follow the algorithm. There’s still magic to be found outside of the charts and your For You Page. Get to the smaller festival stages this summer. Turn up early and watch the support acts. Dive into your Spotify recommendations. Ask your mate who’s always sharing new bands. That’s where you’ll find the gold — and the future of music that still cares about art over virality.
The charts may not be what they once were, but the music is still out there. You just have to look a little harder!
Coming Up on The Music Guyde…
No gigs this week: (a rare breather), but next week it’s full steam ahead with a massive three-gig week lined up — reviews and content incoming. Behind the scenes, I’ve been working on a new playlist inspired by Weekly Guyde #6: Girls and Guitars — a celebration of the incredible female talent lighting up the UK indie scene right now.
Weekly Guyde #8 inbound: And speaking of the Weekly Guyde, #8 is just around the corner. Without giving too much away… let’s just say if you’re into Aussie surfer vibes, carefree guitar grooves, and imagining yourself sunbathing with mates and a cold drink — you’re going to love it.
Until next time!