2021 Wrapped: For better or worse?
Two musicians discuss the pros and cons of the annual round-up of artists people are listening to and other statistics
“Numbers are affirmation that people are listening”
Ireleased only two songs in 2021, so my Spotify Wrapped results were more than what I’d expected. This is thanks to the Spotify editorial playlists. They curate music so that people can simply go to one place to find new music.
Given the kind of effort I’d put in, it felt good to see my Spotify Wrapped numbers. That’s an affirmation that people are listening to my music.
This is also a reality check for artistes. If I want to be an artiste whose work reaches people, then I can’t play shows at clubs. I have to release my own music.
You can also compare your music’s likeability against that of another musician. But not as a competition. These stats show you what you’ve achieved and let you strategise for the next year.
Instagram’s reach is more than Spotify’s. But your original music won’t go viral on Instagram. Only covers will. Since you can’t buy numbers on Spotify, the figures are realistic.
The future lies in streaming because the quality stays intact, unlike on Instagram and YouTube. But you can’t rely on 800 for 10k streams. Unfortunately, the subscription rate is not in your hands.
These stats also show you have to make your music modern, keep up with the times.
Prabhtoj Singh, 27, is a Delhi musician and singer
who owns his own studio, Renaissance Records.
“YOU CAN COMPARE YOUR MUSIC’S LIKEABILITY AGAINST ANOTHER’S. BUT NOT AS A COMPETITION. THESE STATS SHOW YOU WHAT YOU’VE ACHIEVED AND LET YOU STRATEGISE” — PRABHTOJ SINGH
“YOU CAN HAVE A MILLION HITS ON A SONG BUT THAT DOESN’T MEAN ANYTHING IF IT DOESN’T AMOUNT TO MONEY” —NUSH LEWIS