Lone Wolves: The State of Music + Tech

We made it to Season 2! In this episode of the Lone Wolves podcast, hosts Lauren Blitzer-Wright and Drew Thurlow discuss their personal journeys in the music industry, the evolution of music business education, and the impact of technology on the industry. They explore the challenges faced by new graduates entering the job market, the changing landscape of music distribution, and the future of music in relation to AI and emerging technologies. The conversation highlights the importance of adaptability and innovation in navigating the modern music industry.Topics00:00 Welcome to the Lone Wolves Podcast SEASON 2 00:10 Drew Gets a New Hoodie03:39 You Ain't Got No Job, and You Ain't Got No Car07:37 New York State of Mind10:32 Lauren Clocks In16:19 Drew's First Job? Burger King (for real)20:40 Someone...Please Pay Me!!CreditsHosted by Lauren Blitzer-Wright & Drew ThurlowMusic by Drew ThurlowProduced & Directed by Nicole MarinakeApply to Join the Lone Wolves Community⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYypAzIMIbO9W5Elqy1Otp9BXopODUVr28Vw2QdOgeIS52OQ/viewform?pli=1⁠Follow the Lone Wolves CommunityLinkTree:⁠ https://linktr.ee/lonewolvescommunity⁠Website: ⁠https://www.lonewolvesclub.co/⁠TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lwcommunityInstagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/lonewolvescommunity⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@lonewolvescommunity⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/lone-wolves-community⁠Buy Merch: ⁠https://www.lonewolvesclub.co/support⁠Keywordsmusic industry, education, career paths, technology, AI, job market, music business, streaming, digital music, innovation

In this episode of the Lone Wolves Podcast, hosts Drew Thurlow and Lauren Blitzer-Wright discuss under-reported stories in the music industry, focusing on the significant shift towards catalog acquisitions by major labels, the implications of direct deals for mechanical rights, and the importance of building community in a fragmented industry. They explore how these changes affect talent development, the role of independent artists, and the future of music business structures.Topics00:00 The Shift in the Music Industry00:48 Major Labels, Minor Artists07:32 MLC, U Feel Me?11:45 The Student Becomes the TeacherCreditsHosted by Lauren Blitzer-Wright & Drew ThurlowMusic by Drew ThurlowProduced & Directed by Nicole MarinakeApply to Join the Lone Wolves Community⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYypAzIMIbO9W5Elqy1Otp9BXopODUVr28Vw2QdOgeIS52OQ/viewform?pli=1⁠Follow the Lone Wolves CommunityLinkTree:⁠ https://linktr.ee/lonewolvescommunity⁠Website: ⁠https://www.lonewolvesclub.co/⁠TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lwcommunityInstagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/lonewolvescommunity⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@lonewolvescommunity⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/lone-wolves-community⁠Buy Merch: ⁠https://www.lonewolvesclub.co/support⁠Keywordsmusic industry, acquisitions, mechanical rights, community, talent development, major labels, independent artists, AI in music, music business trends

In this conversation, Drew Thurlow and Lauren Blitzer-Wright discuss the intersection of AI and the music industry, exploring its implications for artists, the legal landscape, and consumer perceptions. Drew shares his journey through the music industry, highlighting the evolution of technology and its impact on creativity. The discussion also addresses the legal challenges surrounding AI-generated content and the future of music creation in an AI-driven world.Topics00:00 Drew is a Nerd05:46 What Do We Talk About, When We Talk About AI?07:21 We Should All Sue Each Other12:34 Drop the (Velvet) Hammer16:19 Our AI Slop EraCreditsHosted by Lauren Blitzer-Wright & Drew ThurlowMusic by Drew ThurlowProduced & Directed by Nicole MarinakeApply to Join the Lone Wolves Community⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYypAzIMIbO9W5Elqy1Otp9BXopODUVr28Vw2QdOgeIS52OQ/viewform?pli=1⁠Follow the Lone Wolves CommunityLinkTree:⁠ https://linktr.ee/lonewolvescommunity⁠Website: ⁠https://www.lonewolvesclub.co/⁠TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lwcommunityInstagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/lonewolvescommunity⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@lonewolvescommunity⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/lone-wolves-community⁠Buy Merch: ⁠https://www.lonewolvesclub.co/support⁠KeywordsAI, music industry, technology, artists, copyright, legal implications, consumer perception, future of music

Be sure to check out Part 1 of this episode here:⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/0ucwuabf80ZoH9pXx6NqlB?si=Lne4_bCeTjKEaZqn46i26Q⁠In part two of this episode, Nick Venti from Tiger AI joins Drew Thurlow to discuss the intersection of music and gaming, focusing on the innovative use of adaptive music technology to enhance user experience in gaming. The discussion covers the challenges of music licensing, the evolution of music in gaming, and the future potential for integrating music more seamlessly into gaming experiences. The conversation highlights the need for better collaboration between the music and gaming industries to create more engaging audio experiences for players.Topics00:00 Why is Gaming Music SO BAD?06:07 The Evolution of Music in Gaming09:09 Innovative Features of Tiger AI's Platform11:12 The Future of Music and Gaming Integration13:36 Conclusion and Future ProspectsCreditsHosted by Lauren Blitzer-Wright & Drew ThurlowMusic by Drew ThurlowProduced & Directed by Nicole MarinakeApply to Join the Lone Wolves Community⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYypAzIMIbO9W5Elqy1Otp9BXopODUVr28Vw2QdOgeIS52OQ/viewform?pli=1⁠Follow the Lone Wolves CommunityLinkTree:⁠ https://linktr.ee/lonewolvescommunity⁠Website: ⁠https://www.lonewolvesclub.co/⁠TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lwcommunityInstagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/lonewolvescommunity⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@lonewolvescommunity⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/lone-wolves-community⁠Buy Merch: ⁠https://www.lonewolvesclub.co/support⁠KeywordsTiger AI, gaming music, adaptive music, music licensing, audio technology, gaming industry, music integration, user experience, music rights, gaming platforms

In part one of this episode, Colin Yost joins Lauren Blitzer-Wright to discuss the intersection of music and gaming, highlighting the evolution of music integration in gaming platforms like Roblox and Fortnite. He addresses the challenges of music licensing, the innovative strategies being employed to enhance music experiences in games, and the future potential for collaboration between the music and gaming industries.Topics00:00 We're a Three Trick Pony02:00 Shame on you, Roblox03:52 New Chapter14:41 Colin Yost Joins the PodcastCreditsHosted by Lauren Blitzer-Wright & Drew ThurlowMusic by Drew ThurlowProduced & Directed by Nicole MarinakeApply to Join the Lone Wolves Community⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYypAzIMIbO9W5Elqy1Otp9BXopODUVr28Vw2QdOgeIS52OQ/viewform?pli=1⁠Follow the Lone Wolves CommunityLinkTree:⁠ https://linktr.ee/lonewolvescommunity⁠Website: ⁠https://www.lonewolvesclub.co/⁠TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lwcommunityInstagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/lonewolvescommunity⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@lonewolvescommunity⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/lone-wolves-community⁠Buy Merch: ⁠https://www.lonewolvesclub.co/support⁠Keywordsmusic, gaming, licensing, Roblox, Spotify, EA, Fortnite, K-pop, virtual concerts, music integration

In this episode, hosts Lauren Blitzer-Wright and Drew Thurlow discuss the legal action against Crumbl Cookies for unlicensed music usage and talk with Faris Bseiso from Cipher about the evolving landscape of music licensing, particularly in the context of social media. The conversation explores the challenges brands face in properly licensing music for their content, the impact of viral moments on music usage, and the need for a more efficient system to clear music rights. Topics00:00 Streaming is slowing & Lauren is hungry01:37 Music use on socials05:43 The Gray Area of Music Licensing08:18 Challenges in Music Clearance for Brands09:55 Introduction to Cypher and Faris Bseiso15:27 Navigating Viral Moments in Music18:34 Future Focus: Bridging Brands and Music Rights HoldersCreditsHosted by Lauren Blitzer-Wright & Drew ThurlowGuest Faris Bseiso from CipherMusic by Drew ThurlowProduced & Directed by Nicole MarinakeApply to Join the Lone Wolves Community⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYypAzIMIbO9W5Elqy1Otp9BXopODUVr28Vw2QdOgeIS52OQ/viewform?pli=1⁠Follow the Lone Wolves CommunityLinkTree:⁠ https://linktr.ee/lonewolvescommunity⁠Website: ⁠https://www.lonewolvesclub.co/⁠TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lwcommunityInstagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/lonewolvescommunity⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@lonewolvescommunity⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/lone-wolves-community⁠Buy Merch: ⁠https://www.lonewolvesclub.co/support⁠KeywordsCrumbl Cookies, music licensing, social media, Cipher, brand partnerships, music industry, TikTok, Instagram, viral moments, copyright, sync licensing, lawsuit

In this episode of the Lone Wolves podcast, hosts Lauren Blitzer-Wright and Drew Thurlow dive into the evolving landscape of the metaverse, particularly its implications for music and digital ownership. The discussion highlights the differences between decentralized platforms and those controlled by corporations, such as Meta's Horizon. The hosts explore the history and future of Napster, its transition into the metaverse, and the challenges of monetizing music in virtual environments. They also examine the roles of AR and VR in enhancing music experiences and the potential for these technologies to integrate into everyday life. The conversation concludes with reflections on consumer behavior and the desire for more interactive, real-world experiences in a post-COVID world.Topics00:00 Introduction of the Lone Wolves Podcast and Mascot00:42 The Evolution of Napster: From Piracy to the Metaverse04:21 Metaverse vs AR/ VR07:59 Understanding the Metaverse11:33 The Role of Music in Virtual Worlds15:50 Challenges of Monetizing Music in Gaming Platforms19:00 The Future of AR and VR in Music and Daily Life21:50 The Future BetCreditsHosted by Lauren Blitzer-Wright & Drew ThurlowMusic by Drew ThurlowProduced & Directed by Nicole MarinakeApply to Join the Lone Wolves Community⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYypAzIMIbO9W5Elqy1Otp9BXopODUVr28Vw2QdOgeIS52OQ/viewform?pli=1⁠Follow the Lone Wolves CommunityLinkTree:⁠ https://linktr.ee/lonewolvescommunity⁠Website: ⁠https://www.lonewolvesclub.co/⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/lonewolvescommunity⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@lonewolvescommunityLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/lone-wolves-community⁠Buy Merch: ⁠https://www.lonewolvesclub.co/support⁠KeywordsMetaverse, Napster, AR, VR, music experiences, blockchain, digital goods, monetization, consumer behavior, technology adoption

In this episode of the Lone Wolves podcast, hosts Lauren Blitzer-Wright and Drew Thurlow discusses the current state of the music job market, the transformations in industry roles due to technological advancements, and the emerging financial models that are reshaping how artists can fund their projects. The conversation also explores the future of the music industry in light of these changes, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and innovation.Topics00:00 The Current State of the Music Job Market10:44 The Evolution of Music Industry Roles and Technology15:33 New Financing Models for Artists20:30 The Future of Music and StartupsCreditsHosted by Lauren Blitzer-Wright & Drew ThurlowMusic by Drew ThurlowProduced & Directed by Nicole MarinakeApply to Join the Lone Wolves Community⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYypAzIMIbO9W5Elqy1Otp9BXopODUVr28Vw2QdOgeIS52OQ/viewform?pli=1⁠Follow the Lone Wolves CommunityLinkTree:⁠ https://linktr.ee/lonewolvescommunity⁠Website: ⁠https://www.lonewolvesclub.co/⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/lonewolvescommunity⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@lonewolvescommunity⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/lone-wolves-community⁠Buy Merch: ⁠https://www.lonewolvesclub.co/support⁠Keywordsmusic industry, job market, technology, artist financing, record labels, streaming, music roles, career transitions, music community, innovation

In this inaugural episode of the Lone Wolves podcast, hosts Lauren Blitzer-Wright and Drew Thurlow delve into current music industry, focusing on Spotify's recent Loud and Clear report. They discuss the economic implications of streaming for artists, the evolving landscape of super fan monetization, and the recent MLC/ Spotify lawsuit. Topics00:00 Introduction to the Lone Wolves Podcast00:27 Spotify's Loud and Clear Report04:38 The Economics of Music Streaming06:24 The Role of Super Fans in the Music Industry10:26 Challenges in Music Discovery and Promotion13:27 The Future of Music Merchandising19:18 Spotify/ MLC lawsuitStartups MentionedEVEN, Softside, FaveCreditsHosted by Lauren Blitzer-Wright & Drew ThurlowMusic by Drew ThurlowProduced & Directed by Nicole MarinakeApply to Join the Lone Wolves Communityhttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYypAzIMIbO9W5Elqy1Otp9BXopODUVr28Vw2QdOgeIS52OQ/viewform?pli=1Follow the Lone Wolves CommunityLinkTree: https://linktr.ee/lonewolvescommunityWebsite: https://www.lonewolvesclub.co/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lonewolvescommunityYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lonewolvescommunityLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lone-wolves-communityBuy Merch: https://www.lonewolvesclub.co/support

In this episode, Drew Thurlow and Lauren Blitzer-Wright discuss the evolving landscape of music tech startups, focusing on investment opportunities, the role of AI in music creation and marketing, challenges in metadata and rights management, and the future of AI in music production. They explore how these advancements are reshaping the industry and the importance of maintaining a balance between technology and human creativity.Topics00:00 Does Drew have some news? (Spoiler: Yes)03:21 Let's Have Fun and Trace the Value Chain with AI!06:20 AI, Slop, and You09:14 Don't Let the Agents Run Amok12:56 Hey AI: Pay Me15:15 Navigating the Evolving Music Industry Landscape18:07 Be Nice to Founders. It's Hard. CreditsHosted by Lauren Blitzer-Wright & Drew ThurlowMusic by Drew ThurlowProduced & Directed by Nicole MarinakeApply to Join the Lone Wolves Community⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYypAzIMIbO9W5Elqy1Otp9BXopODUVr28Vw2QdOgeIS52OQ/viewform?pli=1⁠Follow the Lone Wolves CommunityLinkTree:⁠ https://linktr.ee/lonewolvescommunity⁠Website: ⁠https://www.lonewolvesclub.co/⁠TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lwcommunityInstagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/lonewolvescommunity⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@lonewolvescommunity⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/lone-wolves-community⁠Buy Merch: ⁠https://www.lonewolvesclub.co/support⁠Keywordsmusic tech, startups, AI, investment, music industry, rights management, metadata, music production, creator tools, marketing