I miss the old SoundCloud

Besides being a product designer, I’m an independent DJ. My project, Sinthoniza, is dedicated to deep research and experimental DJ sets. For me, SoundCloud isn’t just another platform—it’s home. It’s where I started sharing my sound, experimenting, and connecting with a community of listeners who care as much about music as I do. It’s where everything begins for me, and it’s where everything still is.

That’s why I care so deeply about SoundCloud.

SoundCloud’s Legacy

The impact that SoundCloud has had on the music industry is undeniable. In the 2010s, it gave rise to what Pitchfork calls the 'SoundCloud Rap' generation—a movement that broke down traditional barriers and catapulted artists like Lil Uzi Vert and Juice WRLD to international fame. It also acted as a launchpad for underground and experimental artists across various genres, solidifying its unique role in music history.

But this platform has offered more than just music. As Wired noted back in 2009, SoundCloud provided something that platforms like MySpace had lost—an immediate, authentic connection. It was a space where new voices could be heard, and listeners felt truly part of something special.

However, in recent years, many users have sensed that the platform's heart has dimmed. Complaints about bots, challenges with monetization, and inadequate discovery tools echo through Reddit threads. Users long for the days when SoundCloud felt like a vibrant community—personal, raw, and alive.

The Path Forward: Creating a Home for Independent Artists

SoundCloud doesn’t need a complete overhaul; it simply needs to reconnect with its roots. Here are some strategies that could help through thoughtful design and a renewed emphasis on its core principles.

Rediscovering Discoverability

Once, SoundCloud was a goldmine where listeners stumbled across hidden musical treasures. Now, the discovery experience feels too algorithm-driven and predictable. It’s time to reignite the excitement of finding new music.

Proposals:

• Hidden Gems Filter: Introduce discovery tools that allow users to explore underground genres, local artists, and experimental sounds. Focus less on what’s trending and more on the unexpected.

• Playground for Creators: Add a dedicated space for unfinished tracks or works-in-progress where artists can solicit feedback and collaborate, keeping the creative process front and center.

  
  

These changes would help revive the spirit of exploration that characterized early SoundCloud.

Supporting Artists Fairly and Creatively

Artists need platforms that genuinely prioritize their success. Unfortunately, SoundCloud’s monetization strategies have often been criticized for lacking transparency and restrictions. By addressing these concerns, we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of the artists we cherish.

Proposals:

• Direct Support Tools: Enable listeners to tip, subscribe, or sponsor their favorite artists, with tiers that could offer perks like exclusive content, early access to new releases, or personalized shout-outs.

• Transparent Revenue Dashboards: Provide artists with clear insights into their earnings, their most engaged listeners, and strategies for audience growth.

  
  

This isn’t just about boosting income; it’s about empowering artists to sustain their work while feeling valued.

Rebuilding the Community

SoundCloud thrived as more than just a streaming service; it was a gathering place where artists engaged with fans and listeners connected with one another.

Proposals:

• Fan Circles: Create exclusive spaces for artists and their most dedicated fans to share updates and previews or even conduct live Q&A sessions.

• Collaborative Workspaces: Allow creators to collaborate in real-time, fostering shared creativity.

  
  

Building a stronger community means deeper connections—and that’s where the real magic happens.

Honoring SoundCloud’s Identity

SoundCloud’s visual identity and interface were once iconic. Reclaiming that identity could reignite user loyalty.

Proposals:

• Customizable Profiles: Allow artists to design their profiles to reflect their unique style, making the platform feel more personalized rather than generic.

• A Dark Theme Option: Many users have requested this simple feature, as it would create a more immersive and user-friendly experience.

  
  

These enhancements could make SoundCloud feel like a space crafted for creatives, not just consumers.

Why It Matters

SoundCloud has given us a unique moment in music history—when the divide between artist and listener vanished, and anyone armed with a laptop could spark a revolution. It remains the only platform steeped in a culture of independence and experimentation.

However, culture alone isn’t sufficient for survival. To thrive, SoundCloud must evolve in a way that honors its past while embracing the future. Through thoughtful design, fair monetization, and community-focused features, it can reclaim its place as the ultimate home for independent artists once again.

Let’s ensure that SoundCloud doesn’t fade into mere nostalgia. Let’s help it live on, stronger than ever. Let’s help it live on, stronger than ever.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Music Production: Enhancing Quality and Increasing Accessibility

In the dynamic field of music production, artificial intelligence has emerged as a transformative influence, fundamentally altering how artists achieve a professional sound. By optimizing technical processes and opening new pathways for creativity, AI is making music production a more accessible and efficient journey for artists across diverse backgrounds.

Precision and Accuracy: AI as an Essential Sound Engineering Tool

Historically, attaining high production quality necessitated a combination of expertise, time, and significant financial investment in equipment. However, the advent of AI-powered tools provides an innovative and cost-effective alternative, enabling sound engineering tasks to be executed with exceptional precision. For instance, AI mastering services leverage advanced algorithms to analyze and enhance audio tracks, refining dynamics and loudness to produce a polished, studio-quality sound. These tools benefit from continuous updates informed by extensive audio data, allowing artists to achieve professional mixes without reliance on cutting-edge setups. Moreover, AI’s capabilities in noise reduction and audio restoration facilitate improved sound clarity by identifying and removing unwanted artifacts while preserving the music's inherent qualities. This technology empowers artists to produce cleaner tracks, even in suboptimal recording environments, ensuring that their music is presented at its highest standard.

Democratizing Production: Supporting Independent Artists

The integration of AI into music production serves to democratize access to high-quality sound, providing independent musicians with opportunities to excel. Current AI-driven tools—ranging from vocal tuning to intelligent equalization—enable emerging artists to create exceptional music from modest setups, dismantling the barriers that have historically restricted access to advanced production techniques. This paradigm shift aligns with the evolving landscape of the music industry, where independent artists can increasingly connect with global audiences via platforms such as Spotify and SoundCloud. By making production tools more accessible and user-friendly, AI facilitates the ability of musicians to produce polished, competitive work, enriching the industry with diverse voices and unique sounds.

Envisioning the Future of Music Production

We are only beginning to explore the transformative potential of AI in music production. As technology continues to advance, artists will increasingly concentrate on their creative visions while AI manages the technical complexities, thereby enhancing both sound quality and creative inspiration. By adopting AI thoughtfully, musicians can promote clarity, accessibility, and imaginative exploration while maintaining fidelity to their artistic integrity. Looking forward, the future is promising, as AI possesses the capacity to significantly reshape the music production landscape, rendering excellence more accessible and nurturing a richer, more diverse musical tapestry. With AI as a collaborative partner, the evolution of music production is poised to be more inclusive, innovative, and resonant than ever before. It is essential to acknowledge and celebrate this significant transformation.