HOOKED ON THE STREAM
Streaming and social trends are rewriting how songs are written—and who gets heard
By Jessika Santoso
"Music is love in search of a word,”
Sidney Lanier
Music's role as an emotional expression persists, but its evolution is influenced by the quest for virality, according to music journalist John Harris in The Guardian. He notes that today’s songwriting often balances artistic integrity with commercial demands, shaped by algorithms and shorter formats.
Indonesian musician Danu Sasongko reflects this shift, as his songwriting has transitioned from emotional release to a focus on catchy hooks. Justin Tranter, famous for writing hits like Justin Bieber’s “Sorry,” shares similar insights on the Daniel Wall Podcast.
What goes viral can be
as powerful as radio hits or label support
Justin Tranter
A story that takes a song
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Performing under the name D. Song, Sasongko began writing music in 2014, he said. He described the process as therapeutic to express his unspoken feelings. “However, with others’ expectations and requests for my music, it now feels like a demand—not a therapy. There is a fear within me to express what I truly feel.”
Sasongko began producing his own music in 2017, he said. His process starts with writing down feelings drawn from personal experiences and humming melodies that come to him spontaneously. “Sometimes, as I write the lyrics, the melody comes into my head. So, I take it as how it is supposed to sound.” he continued.
Photo by Justin Venotti
When algorithm listens in
In over a decade of songwriting, Sasongko said his process has shifted in two ways:
he collaborated more frequently with his producer friends, and he now writes with digital algorithms in mind.
Following the algorithm is challenging in the long term, especially with ever-changing trends, Sasongko said. “Maybe right now the trend fits with my style perfectly, but the next trend might not,” he said. “I’ll keep creating my own music and being viral is just a bonus.”
Sasongko shared his concern about how Apple Music and Spotify’s algorithm highlights an artist’s most-streamed songs. “‘Game Plan’ and ‘Cloud 9’ are my best work, but they’re not in the popular list just because more people streamed other songs. It doesn’t show what I want to be represented as an artist.”
Still, Sasongko said, writing music is about connecting with others—even if that means adjusting his approach. “You make music for people,” he said. “No one asked you to make music. So, if there’s specific music they like, you can try to follow it as long as you can keep your soul and color intact.”
“‘Game Plan’ and ‘Cloud 9’ are my best work,
but they’re not in the popular list just because
more people streamed other songs.
It doesn’t show what I want to be represented as an artist.”
Danu Sasongko
Market-made songs
Tranter confirms the industry reality where social media now plays the role that radio once did in launching music careers. He added even artists with strong streaming numbers can struggle to monetize their work without radio play or industry deals.
Photo by ABC News
“Radio used to be one of the most important ways for artists to break through. Now, it’s all about what’s viral on Tik Tok or in a playlist.”
Justin Tranter
© 2025. Jessika Santoso All rights reserved.