ABSTRACT
In this chapter music streaming is analyzed as interlinked with social media use. Drawing on the experiences and discussions of focus group participants, the chapter examines music discovery, relations to artists and music-sharing within the theoretical framework of a culture of connectivity. Doing so, it outlines notable points of contradiction in the discussions with listeners. This chapter explores tensions between, on the one hand, perceptions of a widened taste spectrum and opportunities for music exploration, and, on the other, feelings of getting “lost” in the abundance of music, with similar contradictions evident in talk about music artists (who are perceived as carrying great significance, since music is seen as vital to daily life). The abundance of music is also talked about in a more detached way in relation to playlist listening and the casual following of artists’ social media profiles. Ideas of sharing music are equally highlighted with both a degree of optimism for the opportunities entailed, and with some challenging aspects posed by the pressure to share information about private music-listening preferences. Showing how connectivity can be a significant (but not unproblematic) part of music use, as well as how it can be experienced differently depending on cultural context, the chapter contributes to nuancing and problematizing ideas of connectivity in relation to music listening.
