Drowned in Sound

What happens when the tech platforms care more about engagement and profits than music? DiS meets music & technology journalist Cherie Hu, the founder of Water & Music, who's spent years mapping how tech giants from Spotify's recommendation algorithms to the venture capital funding streaming platforms. She's built one of music's most essential research operations to help fans and artists understand who really benefits from the current system and how best to use the tech of tomorrow.. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 03:20 – Defining practical futurism and collaborative research 05:40 – From Forbes freelancer to community builder 07:55 – The evolution of Water & Music's collaborative model 12:40 – What collaboration enables now vs. the past 17:25 – Music and media's parallel challenge 22:15 – Building relationships and networks in the attention economy 23:50 – Domain specialisation vs. generalist approach in a noisy media landscape 29:20 – Artists and founders engaging with Water & Music 31:40 – Evergreen content, catalog lessons, and growth strategies 37:25 – Community building fundamentals: patience, trust, and institutional memory 40:05 – Math, music, and creativity 42:10 – Defining what community means 43:30 – Sean's Outro Join the discussion in our community Subscribe to DiS newsletter Guest Links: Water & Music - Independent music industry research Cherie Hu About the Host: Sean Adams is the founder of Drowned in Sound, championing independent music since 2000. Through DiS, he maps music's future while supporting artists and fans building alternatives to platform control.

Nirvana, TikTok, analogue aesthetics, and virality don't usually go together. Meet the creator who is bucking all the trends. How do you build genuine community around music in an attention economy designed for extraction? What happens when Nirvana's DIY punk ethics meets TikTok algorithms? Can analog aesthetics and primary source research create alternatives to clickbait culture? This week, Drowned in Sound founder Sean Adams talks with Royce aka ShoshinBoy - the TikTok creator behind viral music history videos that blend VHS cameras, rotary phones, and deep cultural excavation. From viral Nirvana content (2 million views) to uncovering forgotten Cure folklore, his analog-meets-digital approach reveals how authentic passion can cut through algorithmic noise. Inspired by DIY punk rock culture, ShoshinBoy developed research methodology that prioritises primary sources and contemporary context over Wikipedia aggregation. His anti-gimmick gimmick - talking through vintage technology while analysing YouTube clips of Arctic Monkeys, The Clash, Pavement and many more - started as platform critique but evolved into genuine community building around shared musical mythology. The conversation explores creator economy extraction, the death of mysterious rockstars in parasocial media landscapes, and why nostalgia both preserves and destroys cultural memory. Most importantly, it reveals how DIY ethics can survive on corporate platforms when creators prioritise community service over algorithmic optimisation. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 04:30 – Defining journalism 08:37 – Everett True's book to TikTok virality 11:59 – The analog setup: Anti-gimmick philosophy 17:05 – Primary sources vs Wikipedia 24:11 – Creator economy critique 34:04 – Nostalgia as cultural force 42:15 – Alternative funding 45:04 – The future of musical mythology in algorithm-driven culture Quotable Moments: "I think that like. At its core, I just wanna be genuine and, and like I said, I'm only doing this 'cause it's fun and it's what I'm compelled to do anyways." [24:00] "I don't think the idea of selling out exists in the year 2023. Acknowledging the idea that just to even pay rent or, or exist as a creative online in the current economy is, is it's so difficult." [26:00] Continue the Conversation: Email sean@drownedinsound.org with your thoughts on DIY ethics in the creator economy Join the discussion in our community forum about preserving musical mythology Share your experiences building authentic community around music passion Guest Links: @shoshinboy on TikTok - Analog music history through VHS and telephone Shoshin Boy on Instagram Referenced in Episode: Everett True – Live Through This: American Rock In The 90s - The story of the grunge phenomenon by Everett True Careless Talk Costs Lives Magazine - Everett True's magazine mentioned Meta Label - Yancy Strickler's collective-focused creative platform Artist Corps - Creative collective experiment mentioned Simon Reynolds - Retromania - Book on nostalgia culture referenced About the Host: Sean Adams is the founder of Drowned in Sound, an independent music publication that has championed underground and independent artists since 2000. Through the DiS podcast, newsletter, and community, Sean explores how to build a fairer, more sustainable music industry while supporting the artists and fans who make it meaningful. This evergreen episode of the DiS podcast was recorded in 2023 and explores how DIY punk ethics can survive and thrive in platform capitalism, revealing alternative paths for creators who prioritise community building over algorithmic extraction in the attention economy.

How do music journalists spot breakthrough artists before they become household names? What does it take to get leftfield artists like Zola Jesus into mainstream publications like Vogue? How can music journalists build trust that transforms both interviews and careers? This week, Drowned in Sound founder Sean Adams talks with Ilana Kaplan - the music editor at People Magazine and author of "Nora Ephron at the Movies" (Abrams Books, 2024). Following conversations about discovery and algorithms, this episode explores the craft of music journalism: how experienced writers develop taste, build industry relationships, and create the stories that shape how we discover music. From researching artists at the Barnes & Noble magazine racks to recognising Billie Eilish's potential at a Mercury Lounge show to creating the viral boygenius Brokeback Mountain-inspired cover stories for Alternative Press, Ilana's career journey reveals the human curation that algorithms can't replicate. The conversation covers discovery methods, editorial strategy, the changing definition of "alternative music," and why building trust with artists creates better journalism than aggressive questioning. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 04:30 – What journalism means in the misinformation age 08:37 – Ilana's career beginnings from SPIN intern to music obsessive 11:59 – Spotting stars early: the Billie Eilish gamble that paid off 17:05 – Getting Zola Jesus into Vogue: selling leftfield artists to mainstream editors 24:11 – What does 'alternative' actually mean? 25:07 – boygenius desert shoot: spending your own money for viral covers 34:04 – Blacklisted for honest reporting: when PR controls journalism 45:04 – The hope in innovation and how models are changing 53:22 – Sean's Outro Key Takeaways: Discovery requires human curation: The Hype Machine's organic blog aggregation created an outlet for excitement that algorithms can't replicate Trust transforms journalism: Giving artists space to be heard reveals more than aggressive questioning Editorial bridges build community: Getting Zola Jesus into Vogue shows how to connect leftfield artists with mainstream audiences Investment creates lasting impact: The boygenius desert cover succeeded because someone fought for the vision and funded it personally Taste-making is community service: Early discovery of artists like Billie Eilish demonstrates journalism's role in cultural development Continue the Conversation: Email sean@drownedinsound.org with your thoughts on music journalism's craft Join the discussion in our community forum Guest Links: Nora Ephron at the Movies - Ilana's book published October 2024 @lanikaps on Twitter @lanikaps on Instagram Ilana on Bluesky Referenced in Episode: Defector - Writer-owned sports publication mentioned as model The Hype Machine - Music blog aggregator that shaped early 2010s discovery Rob Sheffield at Rolling Stone - The writer who inspired Ilana's career boygenius in AltPress - The cover feature we discuss The Future Is Written - Huck Magazine profile mentioned in outro About the Host: Sean Adams is the founder of Drowned in Sound, an independent music publication that has championed underground and independent artists since 2000. Through the DiS podcast, newsletter, and community, Sean explores how to build a fairer, more sustainable music industry while supporting the artists and fans who make it meaningful. This episode was recorded in November 2023 during Ilana's transition between staff and freelance work, capturing insights about journalism craft and industry navigation during a period of significant media industry change.

In this special Q&A episode, DiS founder Sean Adams explores the uncomfortable truths about streaming economics, social media burnout, and why the music industry's success metrics are fundamentally broken. From debunking the myth that millions of streams equal financial stability to reframing social media as an extension of artistic practice, Sean answers your questions and offers practical wisdom for navigating an industry designed to exploit rather than support creators. This episode strips away the glossy veneer of streaming success stories to reveal the harsh mathematical reality: an artist with 25 million streams over a decade might earn just £6,000 annually - less than minimum wage, before expenses. Sean explores why massive streaming numbers rarely translate to sustainable live audiences and how platforms like Spotify actively prevent artists from connecting with their own listeners. Timestamped Chapters: [00:00] Introduction [01:31] What do you tell an artist that has great music but hates social media? [09:46] What will streaming look like in five years? [14:57] Is there still a place for live streaming gigs? [20:37] Does 25 million Spotify streams pay enough to live on? [27:07] The difference between building a fanbase and streaming numbers [32:35] Outro and preview for Part 2 [34:01] Bonus track: Kate Nash on MySpace Key Takeaways: How to transform social media from promotional burden into artistic storytelling extension Recognise the disconnect between streaming numbers and actual audience connection Focus on platforms that enable direct fan communication rather than vanity metrics Consider live streaming only for performances designed specifically for digital consumption Resources Mentioned: Mood Machine: The Rise of Spotify and the Costs of the Perfect Playlist by Liz Pelly Benefits' meta-commentary social media approach Moment House platform for curated live streaming Bandcamp for Artists - Direct fan communication model Bandcamp Community Features - Artist-to-fan messaging Questions Answered: Sarah Howells (LinkedIn): Advice for great artists who hate social media Mark Painting (LinkedIn): Will streaming consolidate or fragment in five years? Paul Gaffigan (Email): Is there still a place for live streaming post-lockdown? Tony Moss (Email): Breaking down the 25 million streams success myth Continue the Conversation: Send your questions for future Q&A episodes to sean@drownedinsound.org or find Sean online. What music industry myths need debunking next? About the Host: Sean Adams is the founder of Drowned in Sound, an independent music publication that has championed underground and independent artists since 2000. Through the DiS podcast, newsletter, and community, Sean explores how to build a fairer, more sustainable music industry while supporting the artists and fans who make it meaningful. Next Episode Preview: Part two continues with Sean's analysis of the Disarmed Spotify movement - why musicians are pulling their music and fans are abandoning the platform they once trusted.

What if the very thing that makes you feel like an outsider in the music industry could become your greatest business advantage? How do you build something meaningful when you're convinced you're not qualified? And why might starting before you feel "ready" be the secret to creating lasting change? This week, Sean talks with Isobel Anderson - founder of Girls Twiddling Knobs, one of music tech's most important feminist voices. Following on from the Mary Spender episode about converting online reach into sustainable income, this conversation explores a different path: how small, mission-driven businesses can create industry change without needing massive audiences. From a PhD in Sonic Arts to over 25 million Spotify streams to building Girls Twiddling Knobs into one of music tech's most important feminist voices, reaching thousands of women through courses, community, and her acclaimed podcast, Isobel's journey proves that feeling like an imposter might actually be your qualification. In essence, this episode is about turning industry frustrations into business opportunities, why multiple revenue streams are now reality for musicians, and how to value your work when the world expects creativity for free. Chapters: 00:00 – Sean's Introduction: Building Your Independent Music Business 02:41 – Isobel Anderson intro: From Singer-Songwriter to Sonic Arts PhD 08:12 – Why Sound Design and Production Details Matter 10:08 – Confronting Misogyny in the Music Industry 20:05 – From Facebook Group to Girls Twiddling Knobs 24:41 – Overcoming Self-Doubt When Learning Something New 30:46 – Why Great Producers Are More Than Technical Experts 33:48 – Valuing Your Work and Putting a Price on Creativity 46:40 – Are Musicians as Vital to Society as Doctors? 49:37 – Balancing Music-Making with Building a Business 55:54 – Sean's Outro Reflections Key Takeaways: The 10% Edge: You don't need to be an expert to start teaching others - you just need to be one step ahead of the people you want to help. Start Before You're Ready: "You are not going to ever be ready to do this" - perfectionism is the enemy of progress. Mission Before Money: Purpose-driven businesses can be more disruptive than charities because they can make quick decisions and restructure rapidly. Multiple Revenue Streams Are Reality: Modern music careers require diversified income - it's not a backup plan, it's the plan. Community Over Confidence: Building safe learning spaces can be more valuable than traditional "confidence training." Continue the Conversation: Email sean@drownedinsound.org with your thoughts Join the discussion: Drowned in Sound Community Get more music insights: DiS Newsletter Guest Links: Girls Twiddling Knobs Podcast Isobel Anderson - Artist Referenced in Episode: The Anchoress - Artist managed by Sean Girls Twiddling Knobs special episode - The immersive episode Sean references Delia Derbyshire Day - Celebrating the electronic music pioneer The Oram Awards - Recognizing women innovating in music and sound technology About the Host: Sean Adams is the founder of Drowned in Sound and manages artists including Charlotte Church and The Anchoress. Beyond founding one of the original music blogs, he's worked with BBC 6 Music and co-produced political podcast The Trawl. Through the DiS podcast, he maps the future of music by exploring culture, politics, and the systems shaping how we create and consume music. Note: This conversation originally took place a couple of years ago but feels more relevant than ever as musicians navigate the realities of building sustainable, independent careers. If this episode sparks any business ideas, we'd love to hear about them in three years' time.

While most music industry coverage focuses on (poly)crisis and collapse, Mary Spender argues we're living through the greatest era for independent artists in history. But, but but... what about streaming economics, venue closures, and platform dependence? Don't worry, we get into it. With over 100 million YouTube views, 34,000 newsletter subscribers, and significant album sales achieved before releasing a single track to streaming, Mary demonstrates there are viable alternatives to industry doom-spiralling. In this conversation, she reveals her strategies for converting YouTube viewers into album buyers, why artists need to think like entrepreneurs, and what she'd build with Spotify's $400 million Joe Rogan budget. Sean also asks her about her recent video about why artists should embrace YouTube. Speaking of which, you will be able to see clips from this interview over on Drowned in Sound's YouTube: youtube.com/@DrownedinSound Timestamps 00:00 Sean's Intro 03:21 What will music be like in 2050? 06:25 Why artists should think like entrepreneurs 12:45 What does the future hold for independent artists? 16:56 The 1000 true fan theory 18:51 Should YouTube be the #1 platform for musicians? 24:36 Researching with an open mind. A rare skillset? 29:45 How to convert an audience from YouTube 34:17 What can the UK government do for music? 36:35 How would Mary spend the $400 million Spotify paid Joe Rogan? 38:39 Is long-form content on the return? 43:29 Sean's Outro Quotable Moments "Technically it's never been a better time to be a musician than today, even though everyone likes to talk about the heyday. But that was for a very lucky few." "If you don't have the grassroots, you don't have the artists in Wembley Stadium. Like you don't have that trajectory." Continue the Conversation📧 Email sean@drownedinsound.org with your questions for future episodes🌐 Join the Drowned in Sound Community📰 Subscribe to the Drowned in Sound newsletter Guest Links Mary Spender's YouTube Channel Mary's website and newsletter The Dire Straits Documentary on Nebula Referenced in Episode Kevin Kelly's "1000 True Fans" essay About the Host: Sean Adams is the founder of Drowned in Sound (est. 2000), manages artists including Charlotte Church and The Anchoress, and has worked with BBC 6 Music. Through this podcast, he maps the future of music by exploring culture, politics, and the systems shaping how we create and consume music. At its peak, Drowned in Sound had over 3 million readers. Stay tuned for details about its 25th anniversary celebrations.

What does it feel like to attend Glastonbury for the first time? Music journalist Emma Wilkes brings us along for her debut pilgrimage to the UK's landmark musical gathering. She spins us a sonic diary with interviews from Terminal 1 and Laima Layton, along with reactions to some of the politically charged moments of the festival (shouts to Amyl and the Sniffers). Along the way, there are vox pops with strangers, overlooked corners, and moments that slipped under the mainstream radar… 00:00 Introduction 01:51 Pre-festival preparation with Emma Wilkes 03:26 Attendees' expectations of Glastonbury 2025 04:22 First impressions and Thursday observations 06:19 Terminal 1 and an interview with Laima Layton 18:32 The sounds of Worthy Farm 19:12 How does the real-life festival compare to the coverage seen previously? 21:45 The political moments of Glastonbury 2025 30:42 The journey home, the Tuesday after, and a summary from a slightly raspy Emma 34:11 Expectations vs. reality with the people of the festival Mentioned in the episode: Laima Layton In Place Of War GRRRL Terminal 1 Amyl and the Sniffers JADE Seun Kuti Maruja Lambrini Girls Join the conversation: Drowned in Sound Community Email: sean@drownedinsound.org Stay updated: Subscribe to DiS newsletter

How do you build genuine community when algorithms reward viral moments over real connection? What if sustainable music careers start with just five super fans rather than chasing millions of followers? Drowned in Sound founder & artist manager Sean Adams speaks with Nikki Camilleri - music strategist, Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, and founder of mana - about the ground-level realities of building a music career in 2025. From growing up in Malta and navigating geographic disadvantage to working with breakthrough artists like Cat Burns, Nikki breaks down what actually works in today's oversaturated landscape. This conversation digs deep into authentic community-building versus audience accumulation, the "five super fans" principle that challenges conventional wisdom, and why most artist advice around social media is fundamentally broken. Plus: Nikki's vision for fixing music industry infrastructure by 2050, including transparency tools and direct fan connection platforms that don't rely on algorithmic gatekeepers. "You need five super fans to start getting going - that's equal to about 250 passive fans. When you start looking at it that way, it doesn't seem as daunting." — Nikki Camilleri on why quality beats quantity in fan building Episode Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction: Music Reality Check for 2025 02:03 Envisioning Music in 2050: Transparency and Infrastructure 04:34 The Malta Factor: Geographic Disadvantage in Digital Times 08:26 The Resilience Crisis: From "Ready to Fight" to Viral Expectations 16:28 Five Super Fans vs Viral Algorithms: Quality Over Quantity 20:14 Real Community vs Audience: Building Genuine Connection 32:15 Artist Purpose and Identity: The "Horror Electronica" Story 39:21 Fixing the Industry: Where Would You Spend Spotify's Money? 44:48 Key Takeaways: What Actually Works Mentioned in the episode: Nikki Camilleri ROSTR Royal Society of Arts Volt.fm Kat Abu The Anchoress Kevin Kelly on 1000 True Fans Join the conversation: Drowned in Sound Community Email podcasts@drownedinsound.org Subscribe to DiS newsletter

What does it mean to “metabolize” emotion through music? Do wellness tools actually work better when paired with your favourite artist? Why does the music industry treat artists like products and not caregivers? Drowned in Sound founder Sean Adams is joined by Ariana Alexander-Sefre, co-founder of the mental health app SPOKE⁠, to talk about the future of therapy and how music can play a pivotal role in that. The conversation explores the science behind sound, the emotional toll on musicians, and why music should be taken seriously as a public health tool. Spoke has worked with over 100 artists, training them in techniques like CBT and mindfulness to embed into lyrics and melodies - and the results are changing lives. Episode chapters: 0:00 - 2:45 - Introduction 2:46 - 4:55  What would Ariana hope music to be like in 2050? 4:56 - 7:46 Using music to “metabolize” emotions 7:47 - 11:50 Who are SPOKE and who is Ariana Alexandre-Sefre 11:51 - 13:42 The relationship between music and mental health 13:43 -  20:28 Inside the SPOKE app - embedding music with culture with therapy 20:29 - 31:18 Why the music industry needs a fresh perspective on artist value 31:19 - 37:08 The science behind functional music and mindfulness 38:09 - 40:04 The real-world impact of therapy delivered through music 40:05 - 48:08 Can artists become a recognised part of healthcare? 48:09 - 54:13 - Closing thoughts from Sean Mentioned in the episode: Music Minds Matter Can Music Make You Sick? (Sally Anne Gross) Mood Machine: The Rise of Spotify and the Cost of the Perfect Playlist (Liz Pelly) Endel Join the conversation: Drowned in Sound Community Email: sean@drownedinsound.org Subscribe to DiS newsletter

What does a melting glacier sound like? Can a rainforest sing? And what happens when the last bird of its species hears a recording and tries to reply? In this special live edition of the Drowned in Sound Podcast, recorded at Tallinn Music Week, host Sean Adams moderates a powerful conversation on music, ecology, and collective action. Joined by artists and innovators from the EarthSonic project, the panel explores how field recordings, plant biofeedback, and immersive sound can shift our understanding of the planet — and why that emotional shift matters. From Brazil’s disappearing biodiversity to sound fossils in the Swiss Alps, this episode weaves together music, activism, and indigenous wisdom in an urgent yet hopeful conversation about art’s role in averting climate collapse. Plus Ruth from In Place of War reveals their new project with Bicep in Greenland that launches in summer 2025. Featured Guests & Projects: ⁠Natural Symphony (Joey Dean)⁠ ⁠Ludwig Berger⁠ ⁠In Place of War / EarthSonic (Ruth Daniel)⁠ ⁠Martyn Ware (Heaven 17 / Human League)⁠ Episode Highlights & Timestamps: 03:00 – Ruth Daniel on the origins of In Place of War and EarthSonic 06:00 – Ludwig Berger: Listening to melting glaciers through hydrophones 11:00 – Martyn Ware (Heaven 17/The Human League) on sonifying endangered species and synthetic forests 17:00 – Natural Symphony: Collaborating with plants and reforesting the Amazon 27:00 – The power of sound to bridge disconnection and inspire action 33:00 – Building cultural change through art and emotional resonance 39:00 – Sound healing, deep listening, and making the unseen audible 45:00 – What capitalism doesn’t want us to feel — and why art matters 52:00 – Indigenous wisdom, urban detachment, and finding your own tree 58:00 – Hopeful projects, collective agency, and calling in the music industry Mentioned in the Episode: "The Last Scream" new release Crying Glacier movie EarthSonic panel replay via the TMW.EE website Join the Conversation: Drowned in Sound Community Email Sean → sean@drownedinsound.org Follow Sean on Bluesky Subscribe to the DiS Newsletter

What did the future sound like when the synthesizer first arrived? What does it feel like now, with AI looming and immersive audio spaces on the rise? In this special episode of the Drowned in Sound Podcast, recorded at Tallinn Music Week, Sean Adams speaks with Martyn Ware — founder of The Human League and Heaven 17, producer for acts ranging from Tina Turner to Erasure, and creator of some of the UK’s most ambitious sound installations. This is a conversation about optimism and dystopia, about punk and purpose, and about how DIY culture in Sheffield shaped a career that’s still future-facing today. Martyn also reflects on his podcast Electronically Yours, the legacy of sound, and how creative freedom can reshape confidence, community, and cultural memory. Timestamps & Topics: 01:32 – Synths, Sheffield, and starting out 07:00 – Curiosity and creative confidence 10:00 – From charts to immersive installations 14:30 – Podcasting and preserving legacy 20:00 – What would a Martyn Ware bar sound like? 25:00 – Optimism, memory, and what comes next Further Listening & Resources: 🎙️ Electronically Yours podcast 🔊 Illustrious Company (immersive audio) 🧠 Sounds of Our Shores installation Stay Connected: 🗣 Drowned in Sound Community 📩 Email Sean → sean@drownedinsound.org 🔵 Follow Sean on Bluesky 📰 Subscribe to the DiS Newsletter About the Guest: Martyn Ware is a pioneering British musician, producer, and sound artist. As a founding member of The Human League and Heaven 17, and co-founder of British Electric Foundation, he helped define the sound of synth-pop while pushing boundaries in spatial audio, immersive installations, and political music-making. He also hosts the acclaimed podcast Electronically Yours. About the Host: Sean Adams turned his passion for music into Drowned in Sound, a UK-based music platform that launched in 2000. He also manages artists like Charlotte Church and The Anchoress, and works across strategic communications in the music and creative sectors.

What's it like to be an artist right now? And what does the future of music look like? Will it be AI-generated slop or a joyful return to community and creativity? In this episode of the Drowned in Sound Podcast, Sean Adams speaks to Becky Hawley from the art-pop trio Stealing Sheep. From the launch of their new label G-IRL (Girl In Real Life) to their reflections on DIY culture, Liverpool’s music scene, and 15 years of creative evolution, this episode is full of inspiring insights about building something real in a digital world. Expect discussion of Daft Punk, community over algorithms, mechanical bulls, offline joy, and what it really means to be a band in 2025. 📌 Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro & New Album Campaign 01:56 – What Will Music Be Like in 2050? 04:54 – Joy, Fears, and Creative Challenges 07:19 – The Sound of Stealing Sheep: Riding the Bull of Tech 10:37 – G-IRL: Launching Their Own Record Label 20:33 – Liverpool as Inspiration & Music City 25:23 – Album Campaign Concepts & Offline Joy 29:18 – Let’s Go! New Single & Album Themes 30:59 – Artistic Identity, Collaborations & Creative Growth 33:50 – Lessons Learned from 15 Years in Music 38:05 – Building Community, Offline Spaces, & Human Connection 42:57 – Supporting Grassroots Scenes 49:01 – AI, Future Tech & Music’s Utopian Possibilities 52:21 – Final Reflections: What Artists Need to Unlearn Links New Single “Let’s Go” Watch the Music Video Tatty Devine Collab Guerrilla Girls Join the Conversation: 🗣 Drowned in Sound Community 📩 Email Sean → sean@drownedinsound.org 🔵 Follow on Bluesky About the Guest: Becky Hawley is one-third of Stealing Sheep, a Liverpool-based band known for their innovative, genre-defying sound. The trio recently launched their own record label, G-IRL (Girl In Real Life), to support their own work and that of other boundary-pushing creatives. About the Host: Sean Adams is the founder of Drowned in Sound, a pioneering music webzine launched in 2000. He also manages artists like Charlotte Church and The Anchoress, and works across campaigns that support independent and ethical approaches to music and media.

A conversation about Fresh Hell, subcultures in nature, and shifting the climate narrative through creativity. In this episode of the podcast that maps what music will be like in 2050 by meeting cultural changemakers and pioneers, Sean Adams explores how the Fresh Hell zine - a collaboration between creatives from the agency Iris and Purpose Disruptors (download it here) - reframes our relationship with nature through goth culture, beauty, and imagination. Featuring clips from Freya Beer’s special Gothic Disco radio broadcast recorded at Walthamstow Wetlands (listen to it on Mixcloud here), featuring reflections from Lira Valencia and Chris Packham, which inspired the zine, we explore what happens when goth culture meets the natural world. This conversation with Purpose Disruptors who run the Agency for Nature & the creators of Fresh Hell zine, examines how creativity can help us move from awe of the natural world to cultural transformation—and what musicians, media, and fans can do to help shift the climate crisis narrative. Aimee Brewerton – Comms & Engagement Manager at Purpose Disruptors, working across climate-focused storytelling, brand strategy, and cultural transformation. Nicole Vanner – Designer at Iris, co-creator of Fresh Hell, blending gothic subculture with natural aesthetics in visual communication. Andrew Hadley – Copywriter at Iris, co-author of Fresh Hell, exploring language that rewilds desire and reframes our connection to nature. Purpose Disruptors – A UK-based network of 5,000+ creative professionals transforming the advertising industry to align with climate goals and societal well-being. Iris – A global creative agency known for working with progressive brands and championing purpose-driven campaigns. Agency for Nature – A project platform by Purpose Disruptors that reimagines communications through a regenerative, nature-first lens — including campaigns like Fresh Hell. Episode Summary & Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction: Can Music Change the Climate Conversation? 00:31 Exploring the Goths in Nature Project 01:23 Meeting the Change Makers 04:20 Chris Packham's Punk and Nature Connection 06:52 The Future of Our Planet in 2050 11:27 Purpose Disruptors: Changing the Advertising Narrative 14:17 Creating the Goths in Nature Magazine 25:09 The Role of Nature in Mental Health 30:01 Spotting the Moor Hen 30:52 Goth Music and Personal Favorites 31:20 From Radio Show to Zine 32:44 Chris Packham's Contribution 35:04 Celebrating Nature and Subculture 38:49 Nature as a Client 40:00 Collaborative Efforts and Creative Freedom 48:01 Impact and Mindset Shift 58:39 Future Hopes and Accountability 01:08:32 Final Thoughts and Call to Action Featured Links & Resources: Fresh Hell Zine Purpose Disruptors Freya Beer’s Gothic Disco Lira Valencia (Instagram) Bird Nerdeem (Instagram) Freya Beer (Instagram) Agency for Nature Walthamstow Wetlands Lawyers for Nature Earth Percent Creatives for Climate Good Life 2030 short film Songs Mentioned: Something to Remember Me By – The Horrors This Corrosion – Sisters of Mercy Soundtrack to previous episodes by Sound Mirror now available on Bandcamp Join the Conversation: Drowned in Sound Community Email: sean@drownedinsound.org Follow on Bluesky Upgrade to support my work: Subscribe to the Drowned in Sound newsletter

Drowned in Sound founder and DiS podcast host, Sean Adams answers your questions. Send Qs for future episodes to sean@drownedinsound.org. Links mentioned in this episode Article: Cafe Oto at Oscars - The Guardian Artist Recommendation: Nina Versyp Artist Recommendation: TTSSFU Artist Recommendation: Maella  Video: Apple on Dolby Atmos Ticket App: Dice Link: Tim Burgess listening party Article: Bjork immersive album Bowers + Wilkins  Drink: Icelandic drink Black Death Venue Recommendation: Trades Club in Hebden Bridge Music by Sound Mirror, available on Bandcamp here: https://sound-mirror.bandcamp.com/album/lake-wind-water-mountain Your Questions: Alex Lee Thompson: Are ”scenes” over? Unpack that question as you like Simon Marshall: After the excellent live bands to look out for article, sponsored by Seetickets, I would be interested in your views on the ticket selling part of the music industry - as a music consumer the DICE app was and is a revelation, what is your experience, and what is the best place to buy to support artists and venues?  Ear Protect Req: What three bands or artists should we be checking out live? Soundmirrorworld: Will the Atmos, immersive audio bubble burst? Or keep going ’til we’re full frontal? Alex Botten: What do you think about the hoards of zombie cover bands eating up local venues. Are they helping or hurting the scene? (I believe profoundly hurting) Eric Weiner: Would love to hear your thoughts on the listening party. Are they ever any good? What’s the perfect album release party? Grimes quote in full: Honestly the thing I like most about k pop is its an actual scene - reminds me Canadian punk scenes or the indie scene  back in the day where like if your integrated enough there's like a constant feed of beauty with sort of known rituals, built in community, and like a collective excitement that is contagious and life affirming. I see how music scenes function effectively as a quasi religious institutions in a secular society. The extreme corporatization of music followed by Covid was very culturally harmful imo cuz a healthy modern music scene is actually a functional religious replacement - if one assumes the mind is better served by access to a healthy community that produces art, has events, shared morality and values, messiahs haha etc. Techno and emo rap similarly ensnared me over the last decade to an extent but they seem less "all ages"

Why does gender bias still dominate radio airplay? And how did one data report force the industry to face its inequalities? In this episode of the Drowned in Sound Podcast, Sean Adams talks to Linda Coogan Byrne, activist and music consultant behind the Why Not Her? campaign. Her reports have exposed gender and racial disparities in radio airplay, driving real industry change. This conversation reveals how data is power or as Linda puts it,  “the data validates lived experiences.” 00:00 – Introduction: How One Report Changed Music 01:45 – Meet Linda Coogan Byrne & Her Data Reports 04:30 – The Shocking Gender Disparity in Radio 07:00 – Industry Reactions: Denial, Excuses & Pushback 11:00 – Thin Lizzy, Protest Billboards & Music Activism 15:30 – Has the Industry Improved or Is It Lip Service? 21:00 – Can Music Ever Be Equal? 30:00 – Why Not Everyone Can Be an Activist 38:00 – What Needs to Change for Lasting Equality? 45:00 – How Data Holds Power to Account 50:00 – Final Thoughts & Actionable Takeaways Links Why Not Her? Reports → https://whynother.eu/data-reports Gender Bias in UK Radio – The Guardian → https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/aug/21/female-british-artists-underrepresented-on-uk-radio-survey-finds Book More Women (Festival Representation) → https://www.instagram.com/bookmorewomen/ Activist Recommendations: Mona Eltahawy → https://www.instagram.com/monaeltahawy Emma Dabiri - Don’t Touch My Hair → https://uk.bookshop.org/a/14603/9780141986289 Mary Beard - Women & Power → https://uk.bookshop.org/a/14603/9781788160612 Ijeoma Oluo - Mediocre → https://uk.bookshop.org/a/14603/9781529353839 Check My Ads (Ad Funding & Misinformation) → https://checkmyads.org/ 🗣 Discuss this episode over on the Drowned in Sound Community → https://community.drownedinsound.com/ 📩 Email Sean → sean@drownedinsound.org 🔵 Follow on Bluesky → https://bsky.app/profile/drownedinsound.bsky.social 📩 Get the DiS Newsletter → https://drownedinsound.org ABOUT THE GUEST Linda Coogan Byrne is a music industry consultant, publicist, and activist known for her gender & racial disparity data reports. She is the CEO of Good Seed PR and founder of Why Not Her?, a campaign pushing for cultural change in music. Her work has influenced radio airplay, festival bookings, and policy decisions. She has been named among the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Ireland, inducted into the Music Week Hall of Honour, and recognized by IMPALA as a Top 20 Woman in Music Activism. ABOUT THE HOST Sean Adams is the founder of Drowned in Sound, a pioneering music webzine launched in 2000. Beyond editorial work, he manages artists like Charlotte Church and The Anchoress, operates the DiS independent record label, and contributes to strategic music industry and political advocacy projects. His passion lies in championing diverse music scenes and supporting artists worldwide.

What makes a great music city? How do governments, venues, and fans keep local music scenes alive? And why is music still not treated as an essential part of a city’s economy? In this episode of the Drowned in Sound Podcast, Sean Adams speaks with Shain Shapiro, founder of Sound Diplomacy and a leading advocate for integrating music into urban policy. Shain has advised cities and governments worldwide on how to invest in music, build better infrastructure, and ensure that artists and venues don’t just survive but thrive. The future of music scenes isn’t just about artists - it’s about infrastructure, investment, and policy. Without real change, we risk losing the cultural spaces that make music thrive. Topics Covered: The future of music cities: Why local scenes are vital and how they can be protected Music as an economic and public good: Why governments should treat music like any other essential sector Emerging music markets: Where the global music hotspots of the future might be Live Nation: How monopolies shape local music ecosystems The importance of local media and community spaces in sustaining music scenes How cities can future-proof music amid climate, economic, and technological shifts Shain Shapiro explains: “We don’t make data-driven decisions about music the way we do about transit, healthcare, or housing, yet music is an essential part of a city’s fabric.” Episode Highlights & Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: Can We Save Our Music Scenes? 01:04 – The Future of Music: What Will 2050 Sound Like? 02:33 – The Big Challenges Facing the Music Industry 04:44 – Music as an Economic & Public Good: Why Governments Should Care 09:11 – Shain’s Journey: From Record Shops to Global Music Policy 14:08 – Music Cities: How Governments Can Invest in Local Scenes 19:51 – Global Music Growth: Why Africa & Southeast Asia Are the Future 28:25 – Community & Local Government’s Role in Music Sustainability 35:50 – The Live Nation Monopoly, Local Media, & How Cities Can Push Back 40:00 – Final Thoughts: What Needs to Change & What Fans Can Do Further Reading & Resources: Sound Diplomacy – Leading global consultancy on music and city planning Making Places Better Newsletter – Shain Shapiro’s insights on improving urban spaces through music and culture Music Venue Trust – Protecting grassroots venues Cardiff Music Strategy – A model for city-led music investment Fonds de la Musique Canada – Canada’s funding model for music exports Live DMA – European network for live music venues Join the discussion on the Drowned in Sound Community, message me on Bluesky, or email me at sean@drownedinsound.org. Get More Music Insights – Subscribe to the Drowned in Sound Newsletter for deep dives into the future of music. About the Host: Sean Adams is the founder of Drowned in Sound, established in 2000 as a pioneering music webzine. Beyond his editorial work, Sean manages artists such as Charlotte Church and The Anchoress, operates the DiS independent record label, and contributes to strategic communications for music initiatives like Music Venue Trust. His passion lies in championing diverse music scenes and supporting artists across genres. About the Guest: Shain Shapiro, PhD is the founder and executive chairman of Sound Diplomacy, the leading global consultancy on music and city planning. He also serves as the executive director of the not-for-profit Center for Music Ecosystems. Shain has authored This Must Be The Place: How Music Can Make Your City Better, exploring the intersection of music and urban development. His work has influenced over 130 cities worldwide to invest in music and culture, redefining the value of music in urban settings.

Music has long been a force for change but as extreme weather disrupts events and the industry grapples with its own environmental footprint, can music be a meaningful part of the climate justice movement? In episode 2 of season 3 of the Drowned in Sound Podcast, Sean Adams speaks with Frances Fox, founder of Climate Live and a leader in the UK’s youth climate strikes. Frances shares her journey from music fan to activist, why festivals are powerful spaces for engagement, and how the music industry can move beyond greenwashing to drive real action. This episode explores: Why festivals are at risk from the climate crisis How music fans can help shape the climate conversation The role of artists, venues & labels in pushing for a sustainable future The reality of music’s carbon footprint and what needs to change The Solar-Powered Pink Bus—and why Climate Live is taking a message of climate justice straight to festival crowds whilst applying glitter and temporary tattoos From touring impacts to activism strategies, this episode breaks down the intersection of music and climate justice, offering real insights into what fans, artists, and the industry can do next. “Engaging the unengaged is my jam—when you meet people where they're at, like at a festival, it's very chill.” – Frances Fox Episode Highlights: 00:00 – Introduction: Can Music Be a Force for Climate Justice?05:00 – Frances Fox’s Journey: From Festival-Goer to Climate Activist09:20 – Festivals & Climate Change: How Extreme Weather Is Reshaping Live Music15:40 – Touring, Vinyl & Streaming: The Hidden Environmental Cost of Music22:00 – The Solar-Powered Pink Bus: Taking Climate Conversations to Festivals30:00 – Roles in the Resistance: How Fans & Artists Can Push for Industry Change40:00 – Call to Action: What’s Next & How Listeners Can Get Involved Further Reading & Resources: Climate Live – Join the movement and apply to perform Fridays for Future – Global climate strike movement Choked Up – Campaigning for air quality in marginalized communities Disha Ravi – Indian climate activist's Wiki Roles in the Resistance Poster – Find your place in climate activism Julie's Bicycle – Sustainability in the creative arts Tori Tsui – Climate activist and author of It's Not Just You Dominique Palmer – Climate activist and speaker Music Declares Emergency – Musicians demanding climate action Music Venue Trust – Protecting grassroots music venues Safe Gigs for Women – Creating safer environments for women at gigs Teach The Future - teachthefuture.uk Rozzi - Artist who wrote a song about LA fires Stop Rosebank – Campaign against new oil fields Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty – Ending fossil fuel expansion EarthPercent – Brian Eno’s initiative for climate funding Make My Money Matter – How your bank funds fossil fuels Rainforest Foundation UK – Protecting the Congo Basin Reverb – Eco-friendly music tours Massive Attack's Climate Initiatives – Band's efforts for sustainable festivals 📩 Get More Music Insights – Subscribe to the Drowned in Sound Newsletter for deep dives into the future of music: http://drownedinsound.org 🎵 Music by SoundMirror Why This Matters: Festivals are already being disrupted—Boardmasters, Standon Calling, and others have faced cancellations due to extreme weather, and independent festivals may not survive rising insurance costs. The music industry still relies on fossil fuels—From plastic-heavy vinyl production to major labels backed by oil & gas investments, there’s a deeper connection than many realise. Musicians & fans have power—From sustainable touring to rethinking sponsorships, music can lead the way—but only if more people demand change.

From grassroots venues and youth music programs to Mercury Prize winners, early support shapes who gets to make music—and who doesn’t. But is access to music a right or a privilege? Music should be for everyone - but is it becoming a luxury only the privileged can afford? Episode one of season 3 of the DiS podcast, explores how Youth Music -a UK charity funding grassroots projects - is fighting to create fairer opportunities for young musicians facing financial, social, and industry barriers. In this episode of the Drowned in Sound Podcast, Sean Adams speaks with Matt Griffiths, CEO of Youth Music, about hidden inequalities in the music industry and the work being done to create opportunities for the next generation of musicians. From youth-led projects and grassroots funding to the systemic barriers keeping working-class musicians out, this episode explores how music’s future can be more inclusive, diverse, and fair. This episode also features Ezra Collective’s Mercury Prize-winning speech, where they credit their success to the support they received early on: “This is not just Ezra Collective’s moment, this is a moment for every single organisation that’s championing young people making music.” Read the full speech here:The Line of Best Fit The Drowned in Sound Podcast maps the future of music and explores what's happening in the industry right now, with a strong moral compass. It connects music, culture, and ethics, offering deep dives into the issues shaping the way we create, consume, and sustain music. Why This Matters: Music has the power to change lives - but only if everyone has the chance to participate. Rising costs, funding cuts, and industry gatekeeping are making it harder than ever for working-class musicians to break through. In this episode, we explore what’s at stake, what’s changing, and how we can fight for a better future in music. Topics Covered: Why music is increasingly a career for the privileged From youth projects to Mercury Prizes: why access matters How the industry is shutting out working-class talent The critical role of Youth Music in opening doors The funding crisis: why 25% of grassroots projects are at risk “It’s not a pipeline, it’s flight pathways” – how opportunity shapes careers What real change looks like - and how to make it happen Further Reading: Youth Music – Find out more and get involved: https://youthmusic.org.uk/ "I Will Forever Remain Faithful" Essay – Read more: Oxford American Drowned in Sound Newsletter – Subscribe for music insights: http://drownedinsound.org Episode Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction: Is Music Becoming a Privilege? 01:15 Why Youth Music Exists & What It Does 04:30 How the Industry Is Failing Young Artists 07:50 What Happens When You Can’t Afford to Make Music? 11:10 From Youth Projects to the Mercury Prize – Success Stories 14:40 The Funding Crisis: What’s At Risk? 18:20 How We Ensure Music’s Future Is For Everyone 21:30 Ezra Collective’s Speech & the Power of Community 40:00 Final Thoughts & Call to Action Join the Conversation: Who really gets a chance to make music today? Join the discussion on the Drowned in Sound forum or leave a review with your thoughts. Support Youth Music – Help fund grassroots music projects: https://youthmusic.org.uk/ Get More Music Insights – Subscribe to the Drowned in Sound Newsletter for in-depth analysis on the future of music: http://drownedinsound.org

How will music survive until 2050? Will streaming monopolies and economic pressures lead to music’s decline, or can we build a fairer, more sustainable future? In this season three prologue of the Drowned in Sound Podcast, host Sean Adams (founder of Drowned in Sound) reflects on his lifelong love of music, the systemic challenges facing artists, and what the next 25 years could mean for independent musicians, grassroots venues, and the future of the industry. In this series, expect big questions, deep dives, and conversations with artists, industry leaders, and changemakers who are shaping what comes next. Drowned in Sound’s podcast is about a life built around music—but also how music shapes culture, communities, and change. Topics in this episode: Why grassroots venues are struggling How streaming giants control music discovery The economic realities of being an artist today Lessons from past music movements and how they shaped the industry Why music’s future depends on the choices we make now 🎵 Music by Sound Mirror – https://www.soundmirror.co.uk/ 📩 Subscribe to the Drowned in Sound newsletter: http://drownedinsound.org 00:00 Introduction: The Future of Music in 2050 00:25 Personal Journey with Music 01:45 Climate Activism & Music’s Role in Change 02:20 Challenges Facing Artists & the Music Industry 03:34 Streaming, Labels & Who Holds the Power 06:13 Economic Disparities & the Struggles of Independent Artists 07:36 The Importance of Community in Music 10:46 Conclusion: The Power & Potential of Music What do you think the future of music looks like?What challenges should the industry fix first? 💬 Leave a review on your podcast app. 🔔 Follow, rate & subscribe to never miss an episode.

This year marks 25 years since Drowned in Sound launched, and rather than obsessing about the past, we will be gazing into the future, trying to work out what music will be like in 2050. In this prologue episode, Sean Adams, the founder of Drowned in Sound, reflects a little bit on his 25-year journey and examines the current challenges facing music, from economic barriers to the impact of technology and AI. He discusses the importance of grassroots venues, the role of music in our lives, and the potential for both dystopian and utopian futures. Along the way, he plans on speaking with industry experts, musicians, and pioneers to uncover insights and envision solutions for a sustainable and vibrant music ecosystem. Join this open research project to explore how we can shape a better future for music. This was an unscripted ramble, so you can read a little more in our recent newsletter.00:00 Introduction: The Big Question for 202500:35 Reflecting on 25 Years of Drowned in Sound02:07 Challenges Facing the Music Industry04:22 Exploring Solutions and Innovations06:53 The Future of Music: Utopia or Dystopia?08:36 Join the Journey: Open Research Project