Nik Nocturnal - How TikTok Hijacked the Future of Music - #1095
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In this three-part episode of Modern Wisdom, host Jared sits down with Nik Nocturnal to explore how TikTok has revolutionized the future of music—particularly within the metal genre. The conversation begins with a deep dive into how the platform’s short-form, algorithm-driven format has redefined both the creation and consumption of music, pushing bands to craft 'clip-worthy' moments like breakdowns, extreme vocals, and sudden bass drops. This shift has revitalized interest in extreme metal, bringing 2000s-era deathcore back into the mainstream through acts like Bring Me The Horizon, Sleep Token, and Bad Omens. While celebrating the genre’s evolution—marked by genre-fluid sounds, video game-inspired production, and broader multi-generational appeal—the hosts also confront the darker side of virality, including the controversial rise of bands like Geese, allegedly engineered by digital marketing firms. Nik shares his personal journey of stepping away from YouTube during a period of burnout, reflecting on how his identity had become entangled with online output and how the lack of immediate human feedback in digital creation can lead to isolation and emotional exhaustion. In the second half, he emphasizes the importance of reconnection, collaboration, and authenticity, announcing a bold new creative venture: daily live-streamed songwriting sessions with his wife, where full tracks are co-created in real time, driven by audience demand and released via Patreon with immersive visuals. The episode closes on a hopeful note, with Nik’s return to the metal community met with heartfelt support and renewed creative energy, symbolizing a shift from algorithmic performance to genuine artistic expression.
TikTok has transformed metal music by prioritizing viral, clip-worthy moments, reshaping songwriting and production to maximize shareability.
Modern metal production blends extreme aggression with electronic and video game-inspired soundscapes, enabling genre fusion and broader accessibility.
Creator burnout stems not from overwork but from the absence of real-time human connection and feedback, highlighting the emotional toll of digital isolation.
True creative fulfillment comes from shared, collaborative experiences—like making music with a partner—rather than solitary, metrics-driven content creation.
The future of music lies in genre-less experimentation, but this openness also invites algorithmic manipulation and formulaic copycats.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
TikTok’s Rise and the New Grammar of Metal
“It's like watching a horror movie and only getting hit with the jump scares. You instantly get hit with the punch line.”
The Evolution of Metal: From Garage to Algorithm
The hosts trace the evolution of metal from the raw, DIY energy of the 2000s (MySpace, garage bands) to today’s hyper-produced, genre-fluid sound. They highlight how bands like Architects, Sleep Token, and Bad Omens blend metal with shoegaze, pop, and electronic elements, creating accessible yet heavy music. The influence of video game soundtracks—especially Mick Gordon’s Doom soundtrack—is emphasized as a key sonic driver.
The Hidden Cost of Creator Burnout
“It's not what you want, it's what you need and sometimes what you need isn't always what you want.”
The Dark Side of Virality: Engineered Hype and Industry Plants
“We know how to go viral. We have thousands of pages.”
Rebuilding Identity Beyond the Screen
After stepping away from the internet, Nik explores what it means to be a person outside of content creation. He discusses the challenges of redefining his identity, especially with a partner who shares his same intense work ethic. He recounts the joy of creating music with his wife without pressure or cameras—just fun, dumb beats and strobe lights—highlighting how this simple act became a profound act of reconnection and self-discovery.
“We know how to go viral. We have thousands of pages.”
“It's not what you want, it's what you need and sometimes what you need isn't always what you want.”
“It's like watching a horror movie and only getting hit with the jump scares. You instantly get hit with the punch line.”
Hosts
Guest
Nik Nocturnal
person
Bring Me The Horizon
other
TikTok
other
Sleep Token
other
Modern Wisdom Host
person
Geese
other
wife
person
Boundaries
other
Chaotic Good Projects
organization
Mick Gordon
person
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