Adnan Sami: Music's evolution from cassettes to reels

Musician Adnan Sami has observed the music industry's significant evolution, transitioning from physical media like cassettes and CDs to digital streaming and the current era of short-form video content. He notes that concepts like virality and item songs are not new, merely rebranded versions of past trends like superhits and cabaret songs. Sami highlighted that audience patience has drastically decreased, comparing it to the accelerated formats in sports like cricket, from Test matches to T20s and beyond.

Sami shared his approach to using Artificial Intelligence, stating he employs AI tools as assistants to expedite the technical aspects of music production, particularly in creating rough demos. However, he stresses that AI cannot replace the core originality and creative identity of an artist. He also observed that songs have become considerably shorter over time, with modern tracks typically lasting three to four minutes, a stark contrast to his earlier seven-minute songs.

He argues that the current music landscape, despite its shorter formats, is not necessarily easier but perhaps more challenging. Different musical roles, from classical performers to advertising composers, face unique pressures. Sami likened the situation to the contrast between fast food and gourmet dining, suggesting that the accelerated pace of modern life is largely psychological, as fundamental natural cycles like the Earth's orbit remain unchanged.