By: Theodore Tong
Fortnite is diving into a new Season Four, featuring pop stars, including Billie Eilish and Ariana Grande. There’s a lot of new songs to enjoy in the new season, including some created by a band that became popular in the 1980s.
Metallica is a heavy metal band composed of four people. According to BBC News, “The band is made up of lead singer and rhythm guitarist James Hetfield, drummer Lars Ulrich, lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo.” Metallica is credited for creating a type of music called speed metal, which is regular heavy metal music but played as fast as possible.
Heavy metal is a genre of music that contains many loud, twisted electrical guitar sounds, intense rhythms and dramatic guitar solos. Many songs can be fast and combative, while others can be slow and bulky.
In the ever-evolving landscape of digital media, old songs constantly resurface to popularity, driven by platforms like TikTok and popular games such as Fortnite and Roblox. What was once considered a relic of the past is now experiencing a resurgence, captivating audiences across generations and reshaping music consumption trends.
BBC music correspondent Mark Savage explains, “The people who make games like Fortnite and Roblox might be the same age as your parents. Sometimes, they put their favorite childhood songs into the game world – and they become famous all over again.” This practice not only introduces classic tunes to younger demographics but also revitalizes the careers of artists associated with these songs.
TikTok, a platform known for its viral content and short-form videos, has become a powerful catalyst for the revival of older music. Mark Savage elaborates, “On TikTok, there is no way of knowing when a song was written. If it’s catchy, it starts trending. It doesn’t matter if it’s old or new.” This democratization of music discovery means that any song, regardless of its release date, has the potential to captivate millions and dominate the cultural zeitgeist once more.
The impact on artists is profound and often unexpected. Taylor Swift’s track “Cruel Summer” serves as a prime example. Originally released in 2019, the song gained newfound popularity after going viral on TikTok last year. Despite Swift’s intention to promote her latest album, “Midnights,” the resurgence of “Cruel Summer” underscored the unpredictable nature of digital virality, redirecting attention to her past work.
For musicians and record labels, navigating this digital landscape poses both opportunities and challenges. While older songs can benefit from renewed attention and increased streaming numbers, this resurgence can potentially overshadow current releases and marketing strategies. Artists like Taylor Swift strive to balance the allure of nostalgia with the promotion of new material, aiming to engage audiences across multiple platforms effectively.