Wheatus frontman tears into TikTok, claiming it harms the essence of music.
Brendan B. Brown, the lead singer of Wheatus, recently voiced his concerns regarding TikTok’s influence on the music industry. In an interview with ContactMusic, Brown acknowledged that while TikTok can help artists gain visibility and connect with younger audiences, the detrimental effects often overshadow the positives. He insists that the platform’s competitive nature puts undue pressure on new artists, which he believes is damaging to the art of music.
Brown points out that TikTok does have its advantages, particularly in how it facilitates artist discovery and makes music more accessible. However, the constant demand for fresh content creates a challenging environment for emerging musicians. “I think [TikTok] can be [good for music] in the sense that it makes things easy to find, and in the sense that it introduces new artists,” Brown said. “Those are really positive things.” But he quickly added, “The idea that a new artist would need to compete with themselves and with others for new content every day, I think that’s bad for music.”
In his critique, Brown emphasizes the importance of contemplation in creating meaningful music. He believes that good songs should come from a place of reflection, rather than from the pressures of social media. “I think good songs come from meditation and contemplation and a long walk in the woods,” he stated. He argues that the constant need to produce new content can stifle creativity, diverting focus from the music itself to what might attract attention in the fast-paced digital realm.
Addressing the broader implications for the industry, Brown expresses concern for the future of music in a climate where artists feel compelled to chase trends rather than develop their unique voices. He warns that this competitive environment could ultimately lead to a dilution of artistic expression, as musicians prioritize content creation over genuine musical exploration.
As the debate surrounding TikTok and its impact on the music industry continues, Brown’s insights serve as a reminder of the balance that artists must strike between engaging with modern platforms and staying true to their craft.
