Beyond Groove & Treble

Why do we create art if no one seems to care? In this short essay on the philosophy of art, I unpack one question every artist asks themselves: does art need an audience — and what does that mean for your motivation, your craft, and your worth? Art is a means of communication, which means it needs a sender and a receiver. But does that receiver have to be a big crowd? Or can a "message in a bottle" — art created years before anyone finds it — carry just as much meaning? We look at why popular artists lose their originality, why chasing an audience can quietly turn your creative process into ego-serving, and how to answer the question "why create art?" without false humility. If you've ever wondered whether making music, painting, or writing is a waste of time when nobody's listening, this one is for you. 🔔 If this resonated, like, comment, and subscribe — it genuinely helps small channels like this one keep going. And as always: keep creating and stay weird.

Why do we conform? Why do we crave popularity and approval? And what happens to authenticity in a world obsessed with virality? In the age of social media, algorithms reward conformity, outrage, and endless self-promotion. We are constantly encouraged to fit in, follow trends, and seek validation from others. But what is the cost of belonging? What do we sacrifice in exchange for popularity? In this video essay, we explore the psychology and philosophy of conformity, the pursuit of virality, and the struggle to remain authentic in an increasingly artificial world. From social media culture to art, morality, and independent thinking, this video asks a simple but uncomfortable question: Are we still thinking for ourselves? Topics explored in this video include:
Conformity and authenticity
Social media and virality
The psychology of popularity
Independent thinking and critical thought
Art, creativity, and self-expression
The philosophy of individuality
Why people conform
Authenticity in modern society

What gives art its value - and how it leads to the most dangerous addiction of our society?
Why are some artists celebrated while others are ignored? Why did creators like Vincent van Gogh and Franz Kafka become legendary only after their deaths? And why are artists often least proud of the works that make them famous? As I explored these questions, I found myself confronting something much deeper: our modern obsession with comfort. What if the things that give life meaning—creativity, mastery, growth, resilience, purpose, and artistic fulfillment—are all born from voluntary struggle? In this video essay, we explore:
• What gives art its value • Why popularity and quality are not the same thing • Why artists often value different works than their audiences do • The relationship between creativity and discomfort • The psychology of dopamine and instant gratification • Social media, validation, and modern addiction • AI and the future of creativity • The comfort zone and personal growth • Happiness, meaning, and fulfillment in modern society • Lessons from Brave New World and the Hero's Journey If you've ever questioned the purpose of creating, struggled with motivation, wondered about the impact of AI on art, or felt trapped by endless consumption and distraction, this video is for you.

For months, I’ve been openly critical of AI in the creative industries. I saw it as a wrecking ball. But only stupid people refuse to change their minds. After a long period of reflection, I came to a surprising conclusion: AI might have just saved art. But, before you roll your eyes, hear me out!
In this video, I break down what AI has already destroyed — from creative industry economics to the meaning and perceived value of artistic work. Then, through all that wreckage, we’ll explore what remains...

What if art wasn’t just entertainment—but one of the most powerful forces in human history?
In this video, we explore the true power of art and why it has always been feared by those in power. From an opera that sparked the Belgian Revolution, to Picasso’s Guernica becoming one of the strongest anti-war symbols ever created, this video shows how art can inspire revolutions, challenge tyranny, and change lives—both collectively and personally.
At a time when art faces threats from AI, censorship, economic pressure, and cultural defunding, it’s more important than ever to ask: why does art matter? And what do we lose if we stop protecting it?
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
01:13 - La Muette De Portici, The Opera That Caused A Revolution
05:47 - Guernica, The Painting Deemed Too Dangerous
11:57 - The Personal Tale
14:06 - Conclusion
 

In 2020, a viral Sunday Times poll labelled artists as the least essential profession, even while the world was locked indoors relying on music, books, films, and creativity to stay sane. This video dives into the surprising and often uncomfortable truth behind why society undervalues artists — and why this misconception has shaped our culture, economy, and even our politics.
In this deep-dive essay, we explore:
🎨 What an artist actually is — and the misconception around the job.
📚 How essential artists are to human progress, from technology and science to philosophy and politics.
💸 Why artists feel guilt around monetising their work — and why the romantic myth of the “starving artist” harms everyone.
🔥 The most important (and least discussed) reason artists remain undervalued — The deep role of art.

The Harsh Truth About Being a Musician in 2025 | Shirley Manson Was Right
On October 14th, Shirley Manson of Garbage went viral after speaking out about the financial struggles of modern musicians — and she was absolutely right. In this video, I break down why the music industry is broken, using real data comparing musician pay from the 1990s vs. today (UK & US), how streaming platforms like Spotify have devalued music, and what it really costs to survive as a working musician in 2025. From AI replacing artists to unpaid gigs, touring struggles, and the illusion of success on social media, we’ll uncover the uncomfortable truth that no one talks about. This is not a “victim rant.” It’s an honest, research-based breakdown of the real economics of being a musician today, including:
Why we are so secretive about it
A comparison of pay between 1990 and today for both US and UK
The causes of the decline
👉 Whether you’re a musician, fan, or industry professional, this video will give you a clear picture of why it’s harder than ever to make a living from music — and what we can do to change it.
00:00 – Intro: Why Shirley Manson Went Viral
03:39 – Why Musicians Don't Talk About Money
10:20 – How Much Money Do Musicians Actually Make?
12:27 – 1990 VS 2025
19:24 – US vs UK musicians
26:43 – Gender Pay Gap
29:20 – Causes: General trend vs musicians
32:08 – Effect of streaming
33:04 – You are disposable
35:03 – Lack of union actions
39:22 – A passion-based job
40:59 – Conclusion

I explore the philosophy of creativity, the ethics of AI-generated art and music, and why calling AI a “tool” is misleading at best — and destructive at worst.
We’ll talk about what it truly means to create, how merit and effort give art its value, and why a machine can’t replicate the human journey of learning, failing, and expressing. This isn’t an anti-technology rant — it’s a call to reflection. Because when we stop valuing the human behind the art, we risk losing what makes art human in the first place.

Is AI killing creativity — or just changing what we call art? In this deep-dive podcast, we explore how AI-generated music is reshaping the music industry, artistic authenticity, and the philosophy of art itself. From Spotify’s 28% AI catalog to AI artists like Ella Scott, we question whether AI is truly creating music — or just entertainment without a soul. Join the conversation as we analyze:
The rise of AI music platforms like Suno and Tune AI
The blurred line between art and entertainment
How autotune, overproduction, and music recycling made us sound like machines long before AI
Why human imperfection might be the last real form of art
The future of musicianship, live performance, and authenticity in the age of algorithms
This isn’t just a tech talk — it’s a philosophical journey into what makes music human. 🎧

Art seems to be something more and more misunderstood in our society and I explain how the industry has contributed to killing music as an art form.By debating the definition of art and exploring the difference it has with entertainment, we will analyse the state of art in our society and how the music industry has contributed to its downfall. 
Subscribe for more conversations about art, creativity, and the realities of being a modern creator.