Jay Z or Macklemore Is Probably Your State's Favorite Artist
If you've ever wondered who the most popular contemporary artist in your state is, we now have the answer: Probably Jay Z or Macklemore (or maybe Drake or Daft Punk). That's according to a technology firm called Echo Nest, which compiled the above map based on data from a variety of music streaming services.
It's not exactly revolutionary—alternate headline: "Popular Artists are Popular"—but it is interesting to look at how certain artists dominate certain regions. It's not a surprise to see Jay Z owning the Northeast or even the mid-Atlantic region ("Used to dribble down in VA"), but it is interesting to see him dominating the Deep South. Meanwhile, moving west, we begin to see Drake as the most listened-to artist.
Otherwise the data is more scattered, confirming the popularity of Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, as well as the complete ascendance of Daft Punk. Oh also, Vermont really likes Alt-J.
This map was sparked after some hubbub surrounding the speculative but fascinating map below, which shows the "most distinctive" artists in certain states.
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