Music Curators Changing the Game (Edition I)
Music discovery has drastically evolved over the past five years. With less power in the hands of previous industry gatekeepers, the democratization of music discovery has ushered in a new era of empowerment for both musicians and listeners. Some stakeholders in this new democratization? Music curators. From the familiar faces on TikTok to those curating playlists that can match any vibe, curators have been a catalyst in the everyday music lover discovering the undiscovered.
Ari Elkins (@arielkins):
If you’re reading this, you’ve likely seen the face and heard the favorite songs of Ari Elkins, a music curator turned music executive. The University of Michigan alum has revolutionized the music curation sphere and methods of artist promotion through his substantial presence on TikTok and Instagram. With over 260k followers on Instagram, 200k followers on Spotify and 2.1 million followers on TikTok, the influence of the young professional is unmatched.
Central to Ari Elkins' identity is his unwavering support for emerging artists. Through his own record label, Blue Suede Records, where he’s signed artists Aimee Vant and BKAYE, he looks to provide a vital launchpad for musicians who are extremely talented. His endeavors have not only amplified these artists' voices but have also set a new standard for how curatorship can drive the success of rising talents.
Further, Ari's meteoric rise can be attributed to his innovative approach on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. He curates music content that resonates with his audience, offering a look into the world of emerging artists. His unique ability to encapsulate a track's essence in a brief clip — which has top-tier editing — is what separated him from others trying to enter his lane.
In the now over-saturated, fast-paced world of music, Ari Elkins stands as an example of how passion, combined with strategic use of social media, can create a budding music empire. As he continues to push the envelope with his music curation, Elkins impact on the industry and the artists he champions will remain strong.
Matt Firestine (@fuegostine):
Matt Firestine is another standout in the realm of music curation. With his substantial following on TikTok and Instagram, the powerhouse curator has struck gold with videos across social media. Utilizing his laid-back demeanor, Matt possesses a unique ability to introduce outstanding artists to his audience while establishing a genuine and welcoming connection with anyone who watches, setting him apart from other curators in this unique regard.
Matt Firestine's journey into the world of music curation is marked by a distinct blend of passion and a superb ear. Clearly, the Pennsylvania native has an innate love for music as his repertoire has seamlessly guided his followers through a diverse selection of artists and tracks.
Some notable metrics of Firestine include his 135k followers on Instagram, 1.1 million on TikTok and 65k on Spotify. PLAYDATE. thinks that this can be explained due to Matt’s laid-back, comforting vibe that is on display through his videos, which can be a relaxing break from the fast-paced, overwhelming world of social media.
Lastly, we need to mention that Matt is launching an incredibly exciting radio show next week. The name of the show is Fuegostine’s Music Club and it will air every week on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 7pm est - 8pm est starting next Tuesday (9/5) on the Amazon Amp App. If you love his curation, you’re going to love this show too. Tune in next week. Thank us later for putting you on.
Matthew Meyer (@matthew.meyer):
The first thing you need to know about Matthew Meyer is that he has the best mustache out of any music curator. The second thing you need to know is that he has successfully expanded the musical repertoire of hundreds of thousands of people. With a musical database that seems to be deeper than that of the National Recording Registry, Meyer has changed the game for the depth in which curators are expected to dive.
Meyer, based in Victoria, BC, Canada, has reached incredible heights across social media. He has 37k followers on Instagram, 1 million followers on TikTok (with some videos reaching over 10 million views), and 89k followers on Spotify. With playlists like “songs you need to hear at least once…” and “the saddest songs I know” the creative output of his curation shows how he can personalize playlists in ways that immediately connect with his audience.
Also, it’s important to mention that Matthew Meyer has an artist project and he’s really talented. With a stripped sound that spans different genres, the multi talented artist has showcased his versatility through his drops over the past few years. Meyer has shown that his musical ear surpasses that of curating — he has the ability to create truly memorable tracks as well.