Since 2018, it has been a yearly tradition of mine to watch the Grammys live from the comfort of my home. I still remember the first time—I was curled up in blankets at 4 AM, exhausted but too excited to sleep. The energy of the audience thrilled me, the artist’s outfits inspired me, from de La Renta to Cavalli. Every year, I eagerly awaited January and February, counting down the days until I could hear those iconic words: “...And the Grammy goes to…”. This year was no different—in fact, I’d say it was even better than last year’s and the year before. But one moment stood out to me the most.

Every December, Spotify Wrapped takes the internet by storm. From sharing our most-played songs to unveiling the hours spent listening to podcasts, it’s become a cultural phenomenon. But beyond the flashy graphics and social media buzz lies a deeper lesson in the brilliance of its marketing. Spotify Wrapped is more than a year-end recap; it’s a masterclass in personalized marketing, leveraging data and human psychology to create an experience that resonates with millions.

“When one door closes, another one opens.” That feels right, doesn’t it? Or how about this: “Do not cry because it is over; smile because it happened.” Only recently have I come to appreciate the merit of these words. They’ve become a mantra, a foundation for how I get through each day. To not read the book backwards, to not walk by the places that cause an insurmountable hurt and finally, to let sleeping dogs lie, to not dig up things that have been dead for, all I know, years. This year was apocalyptic, and part of me knew it would be.

Concert tourism has rapidly grown into a major trend within the travel industry, fueled by a demand for unique experiences and the cultural allure of live music. This phenomenon involves fans traveling specifically to attend concerts, often weaving these events into broader vacation plans. The rise of global superstars, a booming festival culture, and the accessibility provided by digital platforms have all propelled concert tourism, making it essential to explore the economic and financial dynamics driving this expanding market.

I still remember the thrill of receiving my first CD. Unwrapping it, carefully removing it from its jewel case, flipping through the lyric booklet as I memorized every single lyric of every song. Even the photos in the booklet captivated me. Music, to me, has always been an event. I sit down, tune out the world, turn off my phone, and let the music carry me to a different world, it’s sort of spiritual really. Though there was a time when people could not enjoy music this way. This serves as a beginning to explore how music consumption has evolved over the years.

How can music be “sustainable”? What does sustainable music even mean? These two questions are increasingly relevant in the context of the growing consumerism that has come to define the modern music industry. As fans eagerly consume music, merchandise, and concert experiences, the environmental footprint of these activities is often overlooked.

What makes a song a hit? Is it the catchy melody, the relatable lyrics, or the star power of the artist? While these elements are undoubtedly important, the economic factors behind a hit song are just as crucial. Understanding these factors can provide insight into how the music industry operates and what drives commercial and financial success in this competitive field.

Overexposure is a word that is being thrown around a lot recently according to me. Just this past year, I have seen it scrolling through X (formerly Twitter, thanks Elon), my Finance I & II lectures and in the context of the music industry as well. But why is it so important to discuss? Let us see!

From the early days of vinyl records and radio play to the advent of digital downloads and streaming services, economic trends have continually reshaped how music is produced, distributed, and consumed.

Five Seconds Flat delivers sharp, concise insights into the dynamic intersections of business, economics, and the music industry. Get ready to explore big ideas in just a few minutes, every week.