Despite the internet and streaming services making access to music easier than ever, there are still big gaps in what can be found online. The US Library of Congress revealed that under 20% of all recorded music is available on the internet, and music fanatic Rob Johnson is working to change that, one song at a time. Johnson’s hobby started eight years ago when he helped a friend contact her old record label to get her catalog online. He began reaching out to more record labels, asking them to release specific songs he loved but weren’t available on streaming services. Many labels agreed to his requests and thanked him for pointing out their blind spots, but some wanted proof that there was demand for the music. Johnson set up a social media account called Pop Music Activism where fans make requests for music lost to the digital void, and he now uses that intel to communicate with record labels and get the songs uploaded. Thanks to his dedication, Johnson has put over 725 forgotten songs on streaming services, including tunes by Sting, Cher, Annie Lennox, Victoria Beckham, and more.
Image via BBC
Read other stories from the 9/9/24 newsletter:
Comments