Science and Technology
Source : (remove) : MusicRadar
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• Thu, February 6, 2025

"Music genres have undergone a noticeable simpli?cation": a study concludes that modern music is not complex enough, and it's all your fault

The science behind the fact that music has become less complex is probably more interesting than the fact itself, and it's a shame the team didn't analyse the reasons more. We'd say that the increased use of technology has meant a decreased need for understanding complex music theory, and maybe that has resulted in less complex tunes.

The article from MusicRadar discusses a study which concludes that modern music has undergone a noticeable simplification in terms of complexity. This research, conducted by various musicologists and data analysts, suggests that contemporary songs across multiple genres are less intricate in structure, harmony, and melody compared to music from previous decades. The study points to several factors contributing to this trend: the influence of streaming services promoting shorter, more digestible tracks; the dominance of pop music which often favors simplicity for broad appeal; and the impact of technology in music production, which can sometimes prioritize sound over musical depth. The article humorously attributes this simplification to the audience's preference for easily consumable music, suggesting that listeners' tastes have driven the market towards less complex compositions. However, it also raises concerns about the potential loss of musical diversity and the implications for future music education and appreciation.

Read the Full MusicRadar Article at:
https://www.musicradar.com/tutorials/music-theory-songwriting/music-genres-have-undergone-a-noticeable-simplification-a-study-concludes-that-modern-music-is-not-complex-enough-and-its-all-your-fault

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by: MSN

Using network science, study shows music has become less complex

A team of Italian computer scientists from Sapienza University of Rome and the University of Padova reports that network science can be used to measure the complexity of a piece of music, allowing for comparison between genres.