For any millennial who had internet access in the 2000s, the social networking site Myspace is likelya fond and distant memory.Launched on August 1st, 2003,it was the first social network to amass a global audience. It served as a digital space to stay connected with friends, be creatively expressive, and properly introduce yourself to the internet. One major aspect of Myspace that’s often overlooked is its impact on music culture. The platform was incredibly significant for music discovery and early promotion for many artists. Bands would interact with fans through their artist profiles, and popular songs that caught attention would go on to be chosen as users’ profile songs, organically spreading like wildfire. Myspace was a powerful tool for musicians to build an intimate connection with listeners, share their music and gain exposure all throughout the early 2000s.
Because of this, some of the biggest names today actually got their start on Myspace. This includes bands likePanic! at the DiscoandArctic Monkeys, as well as singers likeKaty PerryandLily Allen.There’s one particular artist, however, who would go on to be a defining voice for her generation, winning a total of 16 Grammys and holding ground as one of the most influential voices in the industry.Owing it all to Myspace, here’s how the social media platform ignitedAdele’scareer.
Adele’s Music Career Quietly Began on Myspace
From 2005 to 2009,Myspace was the largest social networking site in the world.It helped shape pop culture at large and disintegrated the boundary between celebrity and fan. For artists, Myspace made it incredibly easy to share your work and get discovered, especially if it was good (and sometimes, even if it wasn’t. In fact,Jeffrey StarandTila Tequilawere both incredibly popular musicians on the site.)
It also played a critical role in the early growth of YouTube, streamlining users to go watch the music videos for songs they discovered on the site. This was a perfect recipe for artist ascension, especially the ones who were committed to their craft. Adele was one of these artists.
Having studied music in school and eventually learning how to record her own demos in the studio, a young 16-year-old Adele simply made music to catch what was pouring out of her. She had no intention of seeking fame, mostly because she didn’t believe it was possible for her. Luckily, Adele’s close friend saw the potential she turned a blind eye to. Lyndon, who Adelereferred to E! Newsas “Mr. MySpace UK,” uploaded a video of her guitar in hand, belting “Daydreamer” in 2006. This caught the world’s attention, inciting Adele to upload early versions of songs like “Hometown Glory.” This eventually led to her being discovered by a record label. ”I was on it from, like, New Years Eve 2004 and I blew up because of Lily Allen and the Arctic Monkeys,” Adele explained. “My best friend Jack was in Lily’s top friends, Lily was huge, and then I got spotted like that. That was literally it.”
The social media buzz led to a phone call from Richard Russell, director of the music label XL Recordings. Wanting to sign her purely off of the demos she had floating online, Adele went from London dreams to playing gigs across the world in Los Angeles and New York City.Adele’s coming magnitude could never have been predicted, serving as one of the most massive stars to emerge from her generation. Her debut album, 2008’s19, stood as one of the best-selling debut albums ever in the UK and earned her the Grammy Award for Best New Artist. Her second studio album, 2011’s21, became the best-selling album of the 21st century. Outdoing herself with every era she enters,Adele owes her stardom to the start Myspace gave her.
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Adele is in good company when it comes to the talent who emerged via the social site, though the true test was being able to maintain longevity beyond the digital space. Acts likeCobra Starship, Lights,andnevershoutnever!were massive during Myspace’s reign, though seemingly faded with the times.Colbie Caillat’s"Bubbly” became a hit on the site, making her the platform’s number one unsigned artist for a period.
There were some names, however, who managed to use Myspace as a stepping stone before soaring higher.Calvin Harrisposted his solo recordings on the platform, where his discovery led to a booming career in electronic music. Arctic Monkeys and Panic! At The Disco continue to maintain a ravenous fanbase, only growing bigger as time goes on.
Katy Perrymoved to LA and made her major label debut with “Ur So Gay” in 2007, using Myspace as a tool to push her voice out and connect with her growing list of fans. It was a successful tactic, as the singer was willing to make every listener feel like they were her best friend, letting herself be completely accessible on Myspace. She was honest, personable, and vibrantly youthful, all of which became pillars to her mega stardom.Lady Gagaalso used the platform actively in 2005 to 2007, posting unreleased songs and building her fan base during the “Just Dance” era. She even uploaded a photo on her profile that wouldeventually go on to beThe Fame’s album cover.
Many artists today are finding fame through going viral on TikTok, proving that if used with intention, social media can always be a bridge to success. However, given the simplicity of the times and the organic relationships artists were able to build with their fans, less rooted in marketing and more rooted in connection,there will never be a vehicle for success quite like Myspace.
