Digital Social Hour: The Future of Music: Embrace or Avoid? | Rick Barrio Dill DSH #778

Release Date: October 3, 2024

In this engaging episode of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly delves deep into the evolving landscape of the music industry with renowned musician and entrepreneur Rick Barrio Dill. The conversation spans a multitude of topics, from the rise of independent creators and the transformation brought about by streaming platforms to the intersection of art and social progress. Additionally, Rick shares personal anecdotes from his extensive career, explores the future of music technology, and offers his perspectives on spirituality and contemporary politics.

1. Empowering Independent Creators

Rick Barrio Dill emphasizes the importance of fostering independent creators who merge art with social progress. He highlights the platform Slightly Power as a space aiming to support creators who wish to express their authentic voices without fear of backlash.

Rick Barrio Dill [00:00]: "We're looking for people that are interested in crossing art with social progress in any kind of way... Let's start with honesty."

This sentiment underscores Rick's commitment to creating environments where artists can thrive without compromising their integrity.

2. Evolution of the Music Industry and Streaming

The discussion shifts to the dramatic changes in the music industry, particularly the surge in content creation facilitated by streaming platforms. Rick notes the exponential increase in song uploads, making it both an opportunity and a challenge for artists.

Rick Barrio Dill [04:31]: "It's close to a million songs a week... It is, it is, it is something to also not, you know, to be very sober about."

He acknowledges the democratization of music production but also points out the financial disparities arising from streaming royalties, where the majority of revenue accrues to the central figures rather than independent artists.

3. Content Creation as Continuous Engagement

Rick advocates for artists to engage with their audience through consistent content creation, such as podcasts, to maintain a continuous connection beyond traditional releases.

Rick Barrio Dill [08:02]: "It's something that you can do on a continual basis with your fans or with your art."

By leveraging platforms like podcasts, artists can share their journeys and build deeper relationships with their listeners, ensuring sustained interest and support.

4. Advancements in Music Production: Spatial Audio and The Sphere

A significant portion of the conversation centers around technological advancements in music, particularly Apple's Atmos and immersive venues like The Sphere in Las Vegas. Rick expresses optimism about spatial audio, which allows for a more immersive listening experience by utilizing numerous independent audio tracks.

Rick Barrio Dill [12:00]: "It's complete different from anything you could ever get in just a two-dimensional sort of flat earbud speakers."

He believes these innovations will rejuvenate the music industry by offering listeners a novel and more engaging way to experience music.

5. Modern Music Appreciation and Live Performances

Rick shares his appreciation for both classic and contemporary music, highlighting performances that resonate with authenticity and musical prowess. He references his admiration for bands like Bruno Mars and the significance of live performances in creating irreplaceable connections with audiences.

Rick Barrio Dill [14:10]: "I like anything that's good... It transcends language."

He underscores the universal and spiritual nature of music, which bridges cultural and linguistic divides, fostering a sense of unity among diverse audiences.

6. Spirituality and Personal Journeys

Transitioning from music, Rick delves into his spiritual experiences and the impact of personal journeys on his worldview. He discusses the transformative power of substances like mushrooms in enhancing spiritual awareness and fostering a sense of oneness.

Rick Barrio Dill [17:20]: "It gives you a sense of the internal, the third eye. It gives you a sense of however you want to get to that kind of spirituality."

Rick underscores the importance of introspection and spiritual growth, advocating for open dialogues about personal development and mental well-being.

7. Political Perspectives and Social Media Influence

The conversation takes a fervent turn towards contemporary politics, with Rick expressing strong opinions about the current state of American governance and the influence of figures like Donald Trump. He critiques the manipulation within political systems and the role of social media in exacerbating polarization.

Rick Barrio Dill [20:49]: "Social media is designed that way to get more engagement... They keep us at each other's throats as close as possible."

Rick warns of the dangers posed by corporatism and the erosion of democratic principles, emphasizing the need for informed and engaged leadership to navigate these challenges.

8. The Importance of Fostering Positive Energy and Leadership

Rick calls for the cultivation of positive energy and the emergence of thoughtful leaders who prioritize the common good over partisan agendas. He stresses the necessity of unity and shared values to ensure a prosperous and equitable future.

Rick Barrio Dill [21:56]: "We need to be in charge of our own future... We need leaders out there and thinkers that are, that are, you know, that realize."

He advocates for grassroots movements and young voices to spearhead social progress, leveraging technology and creative platforms to drive meaningful change.

9. Conclusion and Future Outlook

As the episode wraps up, Rick shares his excitement about future projects, including the launch of SLAP Studios in Beverly Hills and a collaboration with 360pod to support podcasters at all stages of their journey. He reiterates his commitment to empowering independent creators and fostering environments where art and social progress intersect seamlessly.

Rick Barrio Dill [42:32]: "It's not hard to do a podcast. It's hard to do it consistently and hard to do it well. That's what we just try to make that remove the pain points."

Rick's vision encompasses a future where artists have the agency to create, connect, and contribute to societal advancement without undue constraints or limitations.

Notable Quotes:

• [00:00] Rick Barrio Dill: "Let's start with honesty."
• [04:31] Rick Barrio Dill: "It's close to a million songs a week."
• [08:02] Rick Barrio Dill: "It's something that you can do on a continual basis with your fans or with your art."
• [12:00] Rick Barrio Dill: "It's complete different from anything you could ever get in just a two-dimensional sort of flat earbud speakers."
• [14:10] Rick Barrio Dill: "I like anything that's good... It transcends language."
• [17:20] Rick Barrio Dill: "It gives you a sense of the internal, the third eye."
• [20:49] Rick Barrio Dill: "Social media is designed that way to get more engagement."
• [21:56] Rick Barrio Dill: "We need to be in charge of our own future."
• [42:32] Rick Barrio Dill: "That's what we just try to make that remove the pain points."

This episode of Digital Social Hour offers a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted future of music, interwoven with personal insights and broader societal reflections. Sean Kelly and Rick Barrio Dill provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of how the music industry is adapting to technological advancements, the imperative of authentic content creation, and the profound impact of cultural and political dynamics on artistic expression.