MUSIC – Today

The latter part of the 20th century and early 21st century witnessed a revolutionary transformation in music accessibility and consumption. Music has become thoroughly woven into the fabric of Western daily life, pervading virtually every space: from supermarkets and shopping precincts to restaurants, places of worship, and schools. Beyond traditional radio and television broadcasts, music has become an integral element of theatre, film, video, and advertising, creating a constant musical backdrop to contemporary life.

The evolution of technology has dramatically expanded access to music through an ever-growing array of formats. While traditional recordings remain relevant, smartphones and computers now enable on-demand streaming, allowing listeners unprecedented control over their musical environment. This technological revolution has been accompanied by increased opportunities for active musical participation, with more people of all ages learning instruments, singing, and joining musical groups.

The impact of these changes is exemplified by contemporary success stories like Mission artist Isaiah Faber, known as Powfu. His 2020 release “(coffee for your head) ft. beabadoobee” achieved remarkable success, accumulating 440 million Spotify streams and becoming a popular sound byte across various social platforms. This demonstrates how modern technology enables people to interact with music at any time and in countless contexts, transforming both how we consume and create music in the digital age.