Soundplate, a prominent record label and music marketing platform, has released new data highlighting a significant shift in how independent music artists collaborate.
According to their survey of over 1,000 artists, nearly 70% (69.2%) have worked with another artist they have never met in person. This trend underscores the growing importance of online collaboration tools, digital communities, and wider access to music creation resources.
Rise of Remote Collaboration
Historically, artists collaborated primarily in person, often within the same studio. However, the digital age has revolutionised this process. Independent artists now frequently collaborate online, leveraging technology to bridge geographical distances. Notable examples include dance music producer and award-winning radio DJ Mistajam, who collaborated with superstar DJ David Guetta using WhatsApp. Mistajam’s experience illustrates how digital communication tools can facilitate successful music collaborations that reach broader audiences.
Globally renowned Venezuelan singer-songwriter Emy Perez exemplifies this trend through her recent collaboration with up-and-coming UK producer Klensify on their single “Sola.” The collaboration, organised by the Soundplate Records A&R team, occurred entirely online. This partnership highlights how technology enables artists at different career stages and from diverse genres to create music together despite geographical distances.
Technology Fosters Creativity
Soundplate founder Matt Benn remarked, “There is no right or wrong way to make collaborations happen, or to make music. Every artist will have their own creative process, but it’s exciting to see the way technology has allowed artists to work together, even when they are from different parts of the world or don’t have schedules that can line up. The Klensify & Emy Perez collaboration on ‘Sola’ is a perfect example of a partnership that would never have happened if it wasn’t for the internet making the world a smaller place! As artists they are at very different stages of their careers, they work in different genres and live thousands of miles away from each other, but by working remotely together they made something great that we are very proud to have on our label!”
Klensify, the 15-year-old UK producer, echoed this sentiment: “Working with people from other parts of the world is a must for artists. It allows artists to combine each other’s styles and genres to create something unique and new. It opens up opportunities within the music scene, and lets smaller artists show their true potential. Working with Emy on Sola was a truly amazing experience.”
AI and the Future of Music Collaboration
Another notable finding from Soundplate’s survey is the increasing interest in AI tools among musicians. Approximately 30% of surveyed artists have either used AI to assist in music creation or plan to do so in the near future. This indicates a growing acceptance of AI in the music production process, although human collaboration remains the preferred method.
The integration of AI in music making suggests a new direction for the industry. While currently, AI is an emerging tool, its potential to transform the creative process is significant. However, for now, artists are still inclined towards human interaction and collaboration, even when it occurs online.
The data from Soundplate highlights a fundamental shift in the music industry. The ease of online collaboration has not only broadened the scope of creative partnerships but also democratized the music production process, allowing independent artists to reach global audiences. As technology continues to evolve, the methods and tools artists use will likely expand, further transforming how music is created and shared.
