Why does new music sound old?

Why does new music sound old⁇ - 16th October 2023

Are new songs really new? 25 percent of the UK's top songs aren't all new. They use or 'sample' old songs.

What's the reason? For some, it's because people enjoy hearing old songs. People often like to remember the past. And music from your teenage years is important.

But some people think it's about money. Music companies often buy artists' work. For example, music company Hipgnosis bought all Justin Bieber's songs this year. They cost $200 million. Then, the companies find new musicians. They let them use the old music, like Bieber's.

For some people, this is a bad thing. Journalist Jayson Greene says it isn’t good for some artists. Small, independent musicians can't use old songs. That's because the record companies own the music. And people like listening to old songs too. So for a new artist, it's difficult.

Perhaps listeners will become tired. Hearing the same songs isn't so interesting!