TikTok Revelation: The Music Industry Worker Who Unveiled the Similarities in Popular Songs

A TikTok video has surfaced, shedding light on the uncanny similarities between contemporary hits and their predecessors In the age of endless musical innovation. The viral sensation features Atlanta Cobb (@atlantacobb), a former music industry professional whose unique insight into the world of music production has forever altered her perception of modern-day tunes.

The video, which has garnered a staggering 1 million views since its upload on July 19, showcases Cobb’s revelation about the striking resemblances between Lizzo’s “2 Be Loved” and Lady Gaga’s “Perfect Illusion.” Delving deeper, she highlights other instances of songs bearing resemblances to their predecessors, painting a vivid picture of the recurring patterns within the music industry.

Echoing the sentiments of the viewers, one commenter noted, “I took a theory of music class in uni, and the prof said there’s almost no original chords anymore; everyone just reuses them.” This sentiment seemed to resonate deeply with many users, sparking a conversation about the perceived lack of originality in contemporary music production.

With the overwhelming response to her initial video, Cobb released a follow-up installment, further solidifying the notion that the music industry’s creative landscape might be more intertwined than previously acknowledged. The second video, which has garnered over 96,000 views, underscores the undeniable trend of musical doppelgangers that has captured the attention of countless TikTok users.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily Dot, Atlanta Cobb reflected on her musical journey and the origins of her acute awareness of these musical similarities. Having worked with renowned labels such as Columbia Records and Island Records, Cobb’s decade-long tenure in the music industry has provided her with a profound understanding of the intricacies within the field. However, her keen perception of musical resemblances was not merely a byproduct of her professional experience; it was further honed during her time studying music in college.

Despite her deep-rooted connection to the music industry, Cobb felt a calling for change, prompting her to embark on a new path of travel content creation on TikTok. While she has no immediate plans to return to the music industry full-time, she continues to engage with her passion through coaching and consulting, sharing her valuable insights with an ever-growing audience.

The Art of Music Sampling

The phenomenon of songs bearing similarities or even sampling from previous tracks is not a new concept within the music industry. In fact, it’s deeply rooted in the history of modern music. Artists often draw inspiration from their predecessors and contemporaries, creating a web of interconnected musical themes and motifs.

The Theory of Familiar Chords

As one TikTok commenter noted, the prevalence of similar chords is not necessarily a sign of a lack of originality. It’s more a reflection of the limited number of unique chords and chord progressions available within Western music theory. This phenomenon is especially pronounced in pop music, which often adheres to tried-and-true chord progressions that resonate with a broad audience.

Musicians and songwriters often intentionally utilize familiar chord progressions to elicit specific emotional responses from their listeners. For example, the classic I-IV-V chord progression has been used in countless hit songs, from The Beatles’ “Let It Be” to John Legend’s “All of Me.” While these songs may share a common thread in terms of chord structure, their melodies, lyrics, and arrangements set them apart as distinct compositions.

The Art of Musical Influence

In the world of music, influence is a powerful and often celebrated force. Musicians and songwriters draw from a rich tapestry of musical history, weaving threads of inspiration into their own creative works. This practice is not unique to the modern era; it has been a hallmark of musical creation throughout history.

For example, the blues, a genre that has profoundly shaped modern music, was built on the foundation of sharing and reinterpreting musical ideas. Blues artists would frequently cover and reinterpret each other’s songs, creating a continuous cycle of influence that led to the development of new styles and subgenres.

In the same vein, rock ‘n’ roll, hip-hop, and electronic music have all been deeply influenced by their predecessors. Sampling, a technique that involves taking snippets of existing recordings and incorporating them into new compositions, is a prevalent practice in hip-hop and electronic music. It’s a deliberate homage to the artists who came before and a way to pay tribute to the musical heritage that has shaped these genres.

The Power of Recognizable Elements

The use of familiar elements in music can also serve as a powerful tool for connecting with an audience. When listeners hear a song that contains elements reminiscent of another track they love, it can evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort. This emotional connection often leads to a deeper appreciation for the new composition.

In the case of Atlanta Cobb’s TikTok videos, her ability to identify similarities in popular songs highlights the shared threads that connect different eras of music. While these similarities may initially surprise and even frustrate music industry professionals, they ultimately contribute to the rich tapestry of musical history.

Atlanta Cobb’s viral TikTok videos have ignited a broader conversation about the interconnectedness of music, the prevalence of familiar chords and progressions, and the power of musical influence. These discussions serve as a reminder that music is a dynamic and evolving art form, where the past, present, and future are inextricably linked.

As Cobb continues to explore her passion for music through coaching and consulting on TikTok, her unique perspective offers valuable insights into the creative process and the enduring impact of music on our lives. The art of music is a constantly evolving journey, where similarities, influences, and connections are celebrated rather than criticized, forging a path of continuity and innovation for future generations of musicians and listeners alike.