YouTube’s Global Head of Music Lyor Cohen has called out the record industry’s obsession with data.
Speaking on stage on Tuesday evening (November 19) in New York at a YouTube Music event celebrating 45 years of Hip Hop, the veteran record exec suggested that “the industry is so focused on the data that it’s a problem”.
“Right now, everybody’s so drunk off the data that they’re putting these kids in places prior to having any artist development,” said Cohen.
The conversation featured Tuma Basa, Director of Urban Music at YouTube, and was moderated by Rob Markman, veteran hip-hop journalist and Genius’ Head of Artist relations.
The intimate gathering covered breaking into music, how data is affecting the modern industry, and the future of Hip Hop as a global commodity.
Hip Hop legend Fab 5 Freddy made a guest appearance on stage along with pioneering music journalist, Bönz Malone.
Other notable attendees included rappers Chuck D, Runny Ray, and Fat Joe.
“You guys are very lucky that you now have data but [it needs to be] data combined with human instinct and also still being able to see around the corner about the person that you’re getting involved with.”
Lyor Cohen
Said Cohen: “I think the industry is so focused on the data that it’s a problem. You guys are very lucky that you now have data but [it needs to be] data combined with human instinct and also still being able to see around the corner about the person that you’re getting involved with.
“To me that’s the magic. Right now everybody’s so drunk off the data that they’re putting these kids in places prior to having any artist development.
“I think if we could potentially dial back and understand that the data is helpful, but you also need to be passionate about an artist and spend time with that artist.”
“I am a believer in the combination of gut and data, but I think gut should lead first. I’m a believer in when the data supports your gut.”
Tuma Basa, YouTube
Tuma Basa, Director of Urban Music at YouTube, said: “I am a believer in the combination of gut and data, but I think gut should lead first. I’m a believer in when the data supports your gut.
“All it is is confirmation and emotional quality control. It’s nothing different than what editors back in the day did when it came to choosing magazine covers or A&Rs seeing early signs.
“All data is to me is a signal. That’s it. It’s not the end all be all. It says, ‘Hey, something is going on here’ and then interpreting it.Music Business Worldwide
No comments:
Post a Comment