[JKCalhoun]

Are there even pop-stars now?

Seth is right, stars in the previous century were known by everyone. Even the old-timers knew (and loathed) that bug group that invaded the U.S. in the 1960's.

For better or worse, we once had a shared cultural reference. No longer.

[shampto3]

Not sure if you’re just blinded by nostalgia, but I would consider Taylor Swift one of the most well-known popstars in history. You realize that she just broke the record for most attend U.S. concert for a female performer right?

Regardless, it’s not just about popstars. People like listening to music that they can connect to on a human to human level. They do also like listening to music that is just there to dance to. Both can coexist, but I don’t see people connecting with music that AI writes simply because there isn’t a persona there to connect with.

[jaxboxer]

It is not just nostalgia.

I think Lady Gaga is a great example of what the poster is talking about. I know so many Lady Gaga songs and I am not even a fan. I have never tried to listen to any of her music but the shared experience means I just know so much from 15 years back.

Contrast that with Harry Styles. I look him up on youtube right now and I have never heard a single one of his songs before this. All I know is he is a giant star but it stops there.

[JKCalhoun]

Taylor Swift (sometime around 2008?) feels like the last pop star before we fully long-tailed into our own niches.

[skinnymuch]

Kanye West, Drake, The Weeknd peaks anre after 2008. Adele could be in there. Justin Bieber and One Direction were her contemporary starting. While peaking after her. BTS is possibly on track to be bigger than Taylor Swift’s highest peak

I follow a bit of indie music but that’s about it personally.