The 1975’s Matty Healy is Pioneering a New Era of Album Control – And It’s Coming for Your Streaming Playlists
Artists are increasingly taking control of their work, even after its release. The recent, unilateral removal of “Human Too” from The 1975’s Being Funny in a Foreign Language by Matty Healy isn’t just a quirky band decision; it’s a potential harbinger of a future where albums are treated less as fixed products and more as evolving artistic statements, dictated by the artist’s current vision. This raises questions about the very nature of album ownership and the role of streaming services in preserving artistic intent.
The “Human Too” Incident: A Case Study in Artistic Autonomy
When fans noticed “Human Too” had vanished from streaming platforms, the internet predictably erupted. Healy’s explanation – he simply didn’t like the song’s inclusion on the album anymore – was both flippant and surprisingly direct. He communicated this directly to fans on Reddit, emphasizing that physical copies would remain unchanged. This isn’t a typical marketing stunt; it’s a demonstration of power. Healy isn’t responding to label pressure or fan demand; he’s acting on personal artistic preference. The incident highlights a growing tension between the perceived permanence of recorded music and the artist’s desire for ongoing creative control.
Beyond “Human Too”: The Threat to “What Should I Say” and the Future of Album Edits
The removal of “Human Too” wasn’t presented as a one-off. Healy hinted at potentially removing “What Should I Say” from Notes On A Conditional Form, sparking immediate fan backlash. This willingness to revisit and revise released work is unprecedented for a band of The 1975’s stature. While he initially relented on “What Should I Say” after a direct plea from a fan, the fact that he even considered it signals a shift. We’re entering an era where artists might routinely refine their discographies, treating albums as living documents rather than static artifacts. This could extend beyond simply removing tracks; imagine artists altering mixes, adding or subtracting instrumentation, or even rewriting lyrics years after release.
The Implications for Streaming and Album Ownership
This trend has significant implications for the streaming era. Streaming services operate on the premise of providing access to a complete and consistent catalog. If artists begin routinely altering albums, streaming platforms will face a logistical and philosophical challenge. Will they offer multiple versions of an album? Will they clearly indicate when changes have been made? And what about the concept of “owning” an album? If the album you purchased or stream today isn’t the same as the album tomorrow, what does ownership even mean? The value proposition of digital music ownership is already under scrutiny, and this could exacerbate those concerns.
The Rise of the “Director’s Cut” Album
Healy’s actions could pave the way for a new model: the “Director’s Cut” album. Artists might release initial versions of albums to gauge public reaction and then subsequently release revised editions reflecting their evolving artistic vision. This is common in film, where directors often release extended or altered cuts of their movies. Rolling Stone’s positive review of Being Funny in a Foreign Language suggests a critical openness to artistic experimentation, which could encourage other artists to follow suit. This approach could foster a deeper connection between artists and their fans, allowing for a more collaborative and dynamic creative process.
The Physical vs. Digital Divide Widens
The “Human Too” situation also underscores the enduring appeal of physical media. Fans who purchased the physical album retain the original version, unaffected by Healy’s digital edits. This could drive a resurgence in vinyl and CD sales, as collectors seek to preserve the integrity of their favorite albums. The incident highlights a growing divide between the ephemeral nature of digital music and the tangible permanence of physical formats. It’s a reminder that owning a physical copy of an album offers a level of control and security that streaming simply can’t match.
Matty Healy’s bold move isn’t just about one song; it’s about asserting artistic control in a rapidly changing music landscape. As artists increasingly embrace the power to revise and refine their work, we can expect to see more albums treated as fluid, evolving entities. The question now is whether the music industry – and fans – are ready to adapt to this new reality. What impact will this have on the value of streaming subscriptions and the future of album collecting? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
