Natasha Bedingfield On How TikTok Made 'Unwritten' A Gen-Z Anthem

Key Concepts:

• TikTok sound creation/remixing
• Artist control vs. organic growth of music
• Songs as "living, breathing, evolving things"
• Remixes and new versions as extensions of the original song
• Embracing others' interpretations of one's music

TikTok and Organic Sound Creation

The speaker highlights the phenomenon of sound creation and remixing on TikTok, emphasizing that it's an organic process that occurs beyond the artist's direct control. This means users can take a song and create "sounds," which are essentially remixes or reinterpretations, and this happens independently of the original artist's actions.

Artist Control and Embracing the Trend

The speaker acknowledges that some artists may feel that this remixing constitutes "stealing my sound." However, the speaker advocates for embracing this trend, suggesting that artists who "go with it" and "be creative with it" can find it to be a "lot of fun."

Songs as Living, Breathing Entities

The speaker articulates a personal philosophy about songs, viewing them as "living, breathing, evolving things." This perspective suggests that a song is never truly "finished" upon its initial release. The speaker uses the example of her song "Unwritten," stating, "I don't think a song is ever finished."

Remixes and New Versions as Extensions

The speaker draws a parallel between remixes and artists creating new versions of their own songs, citing Taylor Swift as an example. The speaker views remixes as a continuation of the creative process, allowing for further evolution and interpretation of the original work.

Embracing Others' Interpretations

The speaker expresses a positive sentiment towards others using and reinterpreting her songs, stating, "I actually I'm very happy for my songs to become someone else's song." This indicates a willingness to relinquish some control and allow others to contribute to the song's ongoing evolution.

Synthesis/Conclusion:

The speaker's perspective is that artists should embrace the organic remixing culture on platforms like TikTok. By viewing songs as evolving entities and welcoming others' interpretations, artists can find new creative avenues and allow their music to have a life beyond its original form. The key is to shift from a mindset of control to one of collaboration and acceptance of the evolving nature of music in the digital age.