Music: An Algorithmic Burial of Human Artists?

Music: An Algorithmic Burial of Human Artists?

Author: Gareth King November 15, 2025 Duration: 46:12

It promised to empower artists and give listeners infinite choice. But has the internet turned music into a disposable commodity, replaced human curation with algorithms, and made it impossible for most artists to earn a sustainable living?

To help us explore the new world of music, we’re joined by Charlie Hooper-Williams, a critically-acclaimed composer, pianist & creative coder, and one of the developers behindmusic-identification app Shazam.

His new album ‘The Book of Fixed Stars’ is out now on The Way Beyond Music.

⁠http://charliehooperwilliams.com⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/charliehooperwilliams⁠

⁠https://www.youtube.com/@CharlieHooperWilliams

Welcome to Ruined By The Internet? - the show where we examine how technology is shaping modern life - whether we want it to or not.

Follow the show, let us know what else to look into at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ruinedbytheinternet.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or support us at ⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/rbtishow⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, Charlie joins us to discuss his journey as a composer and pianist, the impact of digital technology on the music industry, and the challenges and opportunities presented by streaming platforms.

We also look at the changing landscape of music consumption, the role of algorithms in discoverability, the influence of AI on music creation, as well as advice for aspiring musicians and the future of music in a technology-driven world.

00:00 Introduction to Charlie's Musical Journey

01:31 The Impact of Digital Transformation on Music

02:33 The TikTokification of Music

04:17 The Devaluation of Music as an Art Form

05:32 Streaming Platforms: Exposure vs. Earnings

08:06 The Role of Spotify in the Music Industry

08:51 The Challenges of Discoverability in the Digital Age

12:17 The Evolution of Artist-Fan Relationships

17:52 Technology's Role in Music Creation and Distribution

20:04 Navigating the Modern Music Landscape

22:56 The Art of Live Performance and Technology

25:46 The Role of Algorithms and AI in Music

34:50 The Future of Music in a Digital Age

40:46 Advice for Aspiring Musicians and Creators


It’s a question that nags at anyone who’s ever felt a pang of nostalgia or a wave of digital fatigue: are we better or worse off because of our constant connection? Hosted by Gareth King, Ruined By The Internet? digs into that uneasy feeling, moving beyond simple headlines to explore how our online world actively moulds society, culture, and the texture of daily life. This isn’t about reviewing apps or gadgets; it’s about treating the digital realm as the pervasive environment it has become. Each episode features thoughtful conversations with leading thinkers and researchers from around the world, dissecting the real evidence behind our shared anxieties and hopes. You’ll hear nuanced discussions that ask whether the casualties we often blame on technology are inevitable, or if we’re simply misdiagnosing deeper societal shifts. This podcast provides a space for considered reflection, offering listeners a clearer lens through which to view their own place in a world that is, for better or worse, thoroughly wired.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 26

Ruined By The Internet? - Uncovering the human cost of our digital world
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