Dakota's Blog

       Spotify has pioneered the world of music streaming to the forefront of global music consumption. It is the go-to platform for listening anywhere on the go. With its vast catalogue and convenient, user-friendly interface, it bests competing platforms. Recently, a movement titled "Death to Spotify" began circulating on social media regarding the supposed exploitation and unfair treatment towards musicians who distribute to the platform. I'm choosing to write about the recent boycott as an avid user of Spotify. I listen to it every day; whether I'm on a walk, driving to school, or doing homework. Music is a centerpiece of my life. So I feel as though it is appropriate for me, as a listener and musician, to observe and comment on what the media is saying.      Launched in 2008 by founder and CEO Daniel Ek, Spotify set out to have a playlist for everyone. Their value proposition is to provide a vast, personalized platform for users to listen to any s...

The article "How Brands Are Cashing In On Taylor Swift's 'The Life of a Showgirl' Hype" by Marie Chavez serves as an opportunity to shine a light on a once in a blue moon cultural phenomenon. An event so massive that companies and competitors run to get a drop of momentum from building campaigns surrounding the singer. I'm intrigued by this current moment in culture because it's a clear representation of how companies juggle between capitalizing on what they know will bring in sales and staying true to their brand image and audience. Following the release of Taylor Swift's 12th studio album "The Life of a Showgirl," released on October 3rd, social media has been buzzing with reactions and engagement. Not only from her global empire of fans, but large household name companies as well.  Chavez demonstrates how companies such as Uber, Starbucks, and KitchenAid have jumped on the bandwagon. The key takeaway emphasizes how they use Swift's cul...

  I'm Dakota. I just graduated from West Albany High School this year and plan to transfer to UO after my freshman year at LBCC. For the time being, my major is labeled as undecided. However, I plan to either study business or music production/vocal performance during my time at UO.  Outside of school, music is my life. Whether it be singing, producing, or writing; it's both how I be productive and spend my free time. I've always made music in some form. Like playing drums as kid, singing at concerts in high school, or even singing around the house 24/7 growing up. But putting my own songs into the world is something that is brand new to me. I hope that in this class I will gain a better understanding of how to get people to care about what I'm doing.