What are the Loudness Wars?

The Loudness Wars refer to a phenomenon in the music industry characterized by a competitiveness to make audio recordings louder, especially when it comes to commercial releases.  This trend gained momentum with the development of digital recording technologies and digital distribution platforms.

The primary objective of the Loudness Wars is to make an artist’s song louder than others when played on different media, such as radio and streaming services, to capture listener attention and stand out in a crowded market.

Their impact on music production and consumption

The Loudness Wars have caused artists to sacrifice quality for the pursuit of loudness. Excessive compression and limiting to increase loudness have led to a lessened dynamic range of music, resulting in a loss of nuances and contrast between loud and quiet sections in songs.

Moreover, overly loud recordings can cause listener fatigue due to prolonged listening to high volumes, diminishing the overall enjoyment and emotional impact of the music.

Audio engineers also face difficulties in meeting commercial loudness standards while maintaining audio quality, potentially resorting to excessive processing. For example, “California Gurls” by Katy Perry is known for its excessively loud and compressed sound. The pop hit has limited dynamic range and noticeable distortion in the louder sections.

Summary

In summary, the findings of my research have emphasised the importance of maintaining quality over loudness when producing tracks. While mixing my upcoming music, I’ll be wary of using too much compression in my tracks.

Reference list

Katz, B. (2013). Mastering Audio: The Art and The Science. New York: Focal Press.

Hyperbits. (n.d.). The Ultimate Guide to the Loudness War. Available at: https://hyperbits.com/ultimate-guide-to-the-loudness-war/.

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