The Band Who Reformed the Music Industry: The Arctic Monkeys
Who Are the Arctic Monkeys?
Whether through one of their top tracks, such as “505” and “I Wanna Be Yours,” playing on the radio or in the background of TikTok videos, many have crossed paths with the Arctic Monkeys. With this being said, not many know about their significant rise to fame in the mid-2000s. A true phenomenon in the music industry, the Arctic Monkeys are a great example of one of the first internet bands. As they keep evolving with the current aspects of the media, somehow end up in the shadows, waiting for their time in the spotlight.
Over the past twenty years, the presence of social media and online streaming has become very present within the music industry. At first, many were skeptical of the effects social media and online file sharing would bring along, including the fear of exploitation. However, the Arctic Monkeys, a rock band popular among the younger generations of Britain, showed how these new aspects of our culture could be used as tools, boosting the success of many small or independent bands.
As a small-town band with few options for success, the Arctic Monkeys took a considerable risk, embracing the unknown effects of social media. Little did they know, this would start a new era. Their influence on apps such as MySpace and SoundCloud would lead to the early formation of fanbases online. Having nothing to lose, the Arctic Monkeys showed the music industry how they could adapt to the unexpected changes occurring in technology and modern-day advertising through the media. Even though they were quite young, they had remarkable talent well-suited for the music scene in Britain during the mid-2000s.
What Made the Arctic Monkeys Stand Out?
With their heavy Northern English Accents, relatable lyricism, and laid-back mannerisms, the Arctic Monkeys were much different from other bands in the 2000s. In an article for Billboard, Lars Brandle states that the Arctic Monkeys, formed in the mid-2000s, achieved rapid success seemingly overnight. Brandle also mentions that the Arctic Monkeys had lyrics heavily relatable to the younger generations of England, many of which talk about a night out in town or failed relationships.
Joan C. Beal, a professor at the University of Sheffield, states that during the 2000s, the music industry had been Americanized, and Alex Turner, the lead singer, did not give in to the pressure to sound more American. These features would cause the band to gain substantial popularity, as seen within their debut album, Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not, which would later gain more than 350,000 presales. That said, these average teenagers from a small town accumulating substantial amounts of fame was a big deal for almost everyone in Britain.
Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not
Aside from their individuality, the Arctic Monkeys were no strangers to successful marketing and risk-taking. As Brandle points out, their debut album, Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not, gained many presales almost overnight due to the presence of their music on social media. As demonstrated during a documentary by Coda Records, by the Arctic Monkeys handing out many free demo CDs at gigs, fans had done most of the work by uploading their music onto apps like SoundCloud and MySpace. This is a prime example of social networking, which first gained traction in the mid-2000s on apps such as MySpace and YouTube.
The Formation of Fanbases on Social Media
Robert Levine states in an article for The New York Times that many were skeptical of having their music online for fear of exploitation. The Arctic Monkeys, coming from almost nothing, risked the exploitation of their talent, not knowing it would change their lives forever. According to a documentary published by Coda Records, they knew what happened in the media and could stay away from the press. This would help the band avoid most negative coverage while also expanding the effects of their popularity. The documentary also stated that social networking and their laid-back attitude regarding fan bases on the internet boosted their popularity in a very uncommon way in the early 2000s. The Arctic Monkeys understood the effects of this new technology and were able to show the industry that it is something useful, not something that needs to be feared.
Crossing the Pond: AM
After gaining a substantial fanbase in the United Kingdom, their album AM, released in 2013, would start to gain traction within the United States. Not only had their marketing methods spread throughout the music industry, but their popularity would also begin to uplift the once-lost rock scene. According to Matthew McLister, in an article written for HeadStuff, “AM fell out the sky, crashing down and immediately shooting all expectations out the water.” Even though they had seen success with their debut album, it was nothing like the success they would see with AM. In an article for Far Out, Joe Taysom states that, currently, AM has sold more than 1.4 million copies, with some of their more popular songs from the album being “Do I Wanna Know?,” “R U Mine?” and “Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?” A few songs from their AM are still very popular today and can be heard on the radio globally.
“505” — Arctic Monkeys and TikTok
Currently, the presence of the Arctic Monkeys is mainly in the background of TikToks or on the radio, which means that they are both widely known and unknown at the same time. Although, throughout their whole career, they have sort of been in the shadows despite what many would consider great successes. Most everyone has heard the voice of Alex Turner at some point, but a much smaller percentage of those people consider themselves true fans. This can be applied to other artists who have gone viral on social media over the past few years. Social media can give huge success to many trying to make it on their own.
With this being said, their most popular song, “505”, would be a great example of this. Tom Skinner states, in an article for NME, that it is used as the closing song for most of the band’s shows to bring back the positive and exciting energy. Tom Skinner also mentions the major presence that “505” has on TikTok and how it has “a new life” different than it did back in the late 2000s.
“505”, back in the 2000s, didn’t have as much traction as some of their other tracks, but through this new group of people, it takes on a new meaning and significance than previously. Now that many different groups have heard the song, new fanbases have formed, and connections have been made between others. Music can be a great way to bond with others. The Arctic Monkeys seem to be evolving all the time, and slowly, as time goes on, they attract new audiences.
Where Are They Now?
Glancing into the present, the Arctic Monkeys would grow as a band. Not only did this include their image on social media, but their music as well. According to a video by Lie Likes Music, the Arctic Monkeys played around with stylistic changes throughout their careers, giving each album its own defining features. The same video also notes that AM, released in 2013, would introduce the Arctic Monkeys to success in the United States.
More recently, their popularity has expanded due to their incredible live performances. According to Paul J. Flanagan in an article for Language and Literature, Alex Turner was not just some random musician from the streets, and he understood that pop culture and music were more of a performance than something that comes naturally. Even for those who don’t listen to much of their music, their concerts remain an incredible in-person experience. The Arctic Monkeys have yet to slow down, and they are still affecting the industry, with many more ideas to come.
Looking into the future
How music is advertised to the public through social media has changed the industry forever. Looking at the current stance of the music industry, bands and artists are communicating directly to their audience more frequently than in the past. Rather than trying to contain their music to those who paid for it, artists reflect the Arctic Monkeys’ style in sharing their music all over social media. The Arctic Monkeys initiated a significant change and showed that, rather than producing for the general public, you could go your own way and find the audience that fits your style. Although many mass-produce pop music in the current industry, it is equally as common to see those making music because it’s what they want to do. The Arctic Monkeys have also significantly influenced many of today’s indie bands, with one being Lovejoy.
Since the Arctic Monkeys are still relevant, making music, and going on tour, it is hard to pinpoint what exactly their influence is or will be, but as time goes on, their impact will only become more apparent. Through bands like Arctic Monkeys, the music industry on social media can be treated as a community for fans rather than a platform for competition. Like anything, the music industry and technology constantly evolve, but you never know who will make the next significant impact. With the many different types of successes the Arctic Monkeys have experienced as a small rock band from Sheffield, England, they are just the kind of band that many make connections with.
Additional Sources Used in this Article
Joan C. Beal. “You’re Not from New York City, You’re from Rotherham.” 2009. Found on Sage Journals.
Lars Brandle. “In the U.K., Fever Rises For Arctic Monkeys.” 2006. Found on Academic Search Complete.
