This issue addresses the challenge of digital overload in music consumption and provides a curated list of practical gift ideas for the upcoming holiday season.
The Problem with Algorithmic Music
The article highlights a growing trend of "digital excess," where listeners are fed music by algorithms without forming a connection to the artists. A MIDIA report notes that over 30% of people do not know the artist or title of the songs they enjoy. While streaming dominates, the financial winner is not the artist; Spotify CEO Daniel Ek earned approximately $376 million in 2024, surpassing top stars like Jay-Z or Taylor Swift.
Tools for Active Music Discovery
To regain control over your playlist and discover music outside of standard algorithms, the author recommends three specific tools:
- Radio Garden: Allows users to listen to live radio stations from around the globe via an interactive 3D globe.
- Radiooooo: A musical time machine where users select a country and a decade to hear hits from that specific era.
- Poolsuite: A retro-futuristic, curated radio app with an 80s Miami aesthetic, perfect for background summer vibes.
7 Practical Gift Recommendations
The author offers a gift guide based on practicality and authenticity (items personally used). The suggestions include:
- Sony WH-1000XM6 ANC Headphones: Recommended for their noise-canceling capabilities to aid focus and work.
- Unicorn Gundam Models: A creative alternative to LEGO for relaxation, requiring no glue or paint.
- Coffee Setup (Hario V60 + Comandante Grinder): A high-quality manual pour-over coffee kit for enthusiasts.
- Japanese Raw Denim (Blue Jeans & Momotaro): Durable, high-quality jeans that age uniquely with the wearer.
- CabinZero Classic Tech 28l Backpack: A durable, travel-friendly backpack that meets strict airline carry-on requirements.
- Rituals Advent Calendar: A reliable gift choice offering a variety of cosmetics.
- Invest Cuffs Conference Ticket: An experiential gift for a finance conference in Kraków (March 2026).
Philosophy: The Value of Single-Function Objects
The article concludes with a reflection on "form follows function." The author expresses a preference for objects that perform a single task perfectly—such as mechanical watches or paper notebooks—rather than smartphones that combine too many functions into a distracted, screen-based experience.
Mentoring question
In a world where algorithms curate your entertainment and smartphones consolidate every tool, to what extent are you sacrificing the quality of your focus and the depth of your personal taste for the sake of convenience?
Source: https://52notatki.substack.com/p/7-pomysow-na-prezent-i-gdzie-lepiej
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