Modern Wisdom Episode #965: Rick Beato on AI Bands, Spotify, TikTok & The Death Of Songwriting

Release Date: July 10, 2025

In this thought-provoking episode of Modern Wisdom, host Chris Williamson engages in a deep conversation with renowned music producer and YouTuber Rick Beato. They delve into the evolving landscape of the music industry, focusing on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), streaming platforms, and social media on songwriting and live performances.

1. The Complexities of Live Shows and Ticket Pricing

[00:00] Chris opens the discussion by questioning the widespread criticism of Live Nation, a dominant player in the live event industry. Rick shares insights from a long-term employee, revealing that much of the disdain stems from exorbitant ticket prices and additional fees.

Rick Beato: "People like to complain about things like ticket prices being expensive, add-ons, taxes, all this kind of stuff." ([00:05])

They explore the multifaceted nature of organizing live concerts, highlighting the intricate logistics involved—from sound engineering to stage management.

Chris Williamson: "I didn't realize just how complex it is to make sound come out of speakers on a stage with a person." ([03:33])

Rick recounts experiences at elaborate shows, emphasizing the coordination required to manage multiple bands or complex stage setups.

2. Evolution of Songwriting in Nashville

The conversation shifts to the Nashville songwriting scene, where Rick criticizes the modern approach dominated by multiple songwriters collaborating on tracks.

Rick Beato: "Most pop songwriters have very little to do with their songs other than choosing them. They might come in and say, okay, I have an idea for a story of a song, and then professional songwriters help realize that idea." ([10:08])

Rick contrasts this with the past, where artists like The Beatles were deeply involved in writing their own music, fostering creativity and unique soundscapes.

Rick Beato: "The Beatles were just so famous that they couldn't do anything else. They were stuck in hotel rooms a lot, and they had incredible competition between Lennon-McCartney and George Harrison to write better and better songs." ([17:03])

He laments the loss of individual artistry, attributing it to the rise of "producer-driven" songs where a team shapes the final product, often leading to homogenization.

Rick Beato: "Producer-driven songs are like Kelly Clarkson's 'Since You've Been Gone'—written and produced by Max Martin and Dr. Luke, with her just performing." ([17:58])

3. AI's Intrusion into the Music Industry

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the burgeoning role of AI in music creation and distribution. Rick expresses concern over AI-generated bands and artists, questioning their authenticity and the ethical implications.

Rick Beato: "There will be AI versions of The Beatles and Michael Jackson, trained on their music and vocals. Some people will prefer AI-generated versions over the originals." ([84:54])

Chris probes the potential consequences of AI on live performances and the uniqueness of human artistry.

Chris Williamson: "Live experiences will still hold value because AI can't replicate the spontaneity and emotional depth of human performers yet." ([124:00])

Rick acknowledges the challenges but also sees opportunities for AI to assist rather than replace human creativity.

Rick Beato: "AI can be a tool for mastering and mixing, allowing artists to enhance their sound without replacing the creative process." ([95:03])

4. The Dominance of Streaming Platforms and Algorithmic Curation

The duo examines how platforms like Spotify and TikTok influence music trends and artist success. Rick criticizes the algorithm-driven discovery, which often favors virality over artistic merit.

Rick Beato: "Spotify's algorithmic playlists create echo chambers, making it difficult for unique or experimental music to gain traction." ([37:23])

Chris highlights the frustrations artists face with streaming revenue and playlist placements, noting the disparity between major and independent artists.

Chris Williamson: "Artists often find that getting onto popular playlists is nearly as competitive as going through traditional radio promotions." ([112:07])

Rick underscores the financial realities, pointing out that live performances remain the primary revenue stream for most musicians today.

Rick Beato: "Live music is definitively where most musicians make a significant income, as streaming alone rarely suffices." ([103:55])

5. TikTok's Role in Shaping Music Creation and Virality

The influence of TikTok on music production and popularity is another critical topic. Rick discusses how artists tailor songs to fit TikTok’s short-form, virality-driven format, often compromising musical complexity for catchy hooks.

Rick Beato: "Musicians now create tracks with the express purpose of being TikTok-blow-up-able, focusing on segments that can be used as memes or challenges." ([57:28])

Chris argues that this shift undermines the emotional and lyrical depth of music, turning it into mere background for social media content.

Chris Williamson: "The essence of songwriting—emotion and storytelling—gets lost when songs are engineered solely for virality." ([64:33])

6. Future Trends and the Sustainability of Authentic Music Creation

In their concluding discussions, Chris and Rick ponder the sustainability of authentic music creation amidst technological advancements. They debate whether AI will ultimately complement or undermine human creativity.

Rick Beato: "AI has the potential to both compete with and enable artists. It can handle repetitive tasks, allowing artists to focus more on creativity, but it also introduces new competition." ([84:54])

Chris emphasizes the importance of maintaining the human element in music to preserve its emotional resonance and cultural significance.

Chris Williamson: "As long as live performances retain their unique, unreplicable nature, music will continue to thrive as a deeply human experience." ([124:00])

Rick concurs, suggesting that the future of music will likely involve a symbiotic relationship between human artists and AI tools.

Rick Beato: "AI can enhance production and distribution, but the core creative processes require human intuition and emotion that AI cannot replicate." ([95:03])

Notable Quotes

• Rick Beato on the nature of producer-driven songs:

  "Producer-driven songs are like Kelly Clarkson's 'Since You've Been Gone'—written and produced by Max Martin and Dr. Luke, with her just performing." ([17:58])

• Chris Williamson on AI's impact on live experiences:

  "Live experiences will still hold value because AI can't replicate the spontaneity and emotional depth of human performers yet." ([124:00])

• Rick Beato on TikTok's influence:

  "Musicians now create tracks with the express purpose of being TikTok-blow-up-able, focusing on segments that can be used as memes or challenges." ([57:28])

• Rick Beato on the future relationship between AI and artists:

  "AI can enhance production and distribution, but the core creative processes require human intuition and emotion that AI cannot replicate." ([95:03])

Conclusion

Chris Williamson and Rick Beato provide a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and transformations within the music industry. From the rising dominance of AI and algorithm-driven platforms to the enduring importance of live performances, the episode underscores the delicate balance between technological advancement and human creativity. They advocate for preserving the authentic, emotional core of music while embracing AI as a tool to enhance, rather than replace, the artistic process.

For those interested in the intricate dynamics of modern music creation and distribution, this episode offers invaluable insights into the future of songwriting and the preservation of musical integrity.