Matt Bacon, Jesse Cannon, Andrew Southworth, and Dustin Boyer delve into a variety of topics surrounding the music industry, particularly focusing on innovations at Spotify and the integration of AI in marketing and music production. They discuss Spotify's new features like listening activity and the controversial "about the song" feature, which pulls third-party data to enhance song information. The episode also features an interview with Howard Bullows, an AI marketing professional and independent artist, who shares insights into how AI is revolutionizing the music creation process. Howard highlights the impact and ethics of AI tools in both the marketing and content creation arenas, giving listeners a glimpse into the future of music production. The hosts ponder on ageism in the music industry, discussing how age can influence a musician's career trajectory but emphasizing the potential for success at any age, especially with today's digital reach. They encourage musicians of all demographics to persevere despite the industry's often narrow standards and discuss how the rise of platforms like TikTok has democratized music discovery. Overall, the episode offers a comprehensive view of current trends and challenges in the music scene, imbued with a forward-looking perspective on technology's role in the arts.

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Andrew Southworth, Dustin Boyer, Matt Bacon, and Jesse Cannon kick off the new year by diving into the controversial subject of Drake's alleged involvement in a RICO case, touching on issues of illegal gambling, money laundering, and the ethics of stream manipulation. The conversation then shifts to predictive insights for music marketing strategies in 2026, exploring potential shifts in content trends towards more authentic and raw video formats. Behind a membership barrier, an exclusive discussion unfolds, covering Spotify's Discovery Mode and its new video feature's implications for artists. Excitingly, they announce their upcoming tour, emphasizing the community-building aspect of their live events, where musicians can connect, share experiences, and foster collaborations. Additionally, the panelists delve into the socio-economic impacts on the festival industry, AI music's rising influence, and the ongoing debate surrounding Spotify's role and reputation in the music streaming landscape. A lively discussion resonates with thoughts on the evolving dynamics of the music world, hinting at both challenges and opportunities in the ever-changing industry.

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In this candid interview, Blasko, formerly associated with iconic acts like Ozzy Osbourne and Rob Zombie, shares his dynamic journey through the music industry, beginning with his early inspiration from Kiss. Starting in 1985, he transitioned from aspiring drummer to bassist, joining bands like Cryptic Slaughter in his teenage years, and later making significant strides with Rob Zombie and Ozzy Osbourne. Beyond performing, Blasko delves into the business side of music, co-founding a management company handling artists such as Black Veil Brides and Zakk Wylde. His career highlights the importance of authenticity, audience connection, and adaptability in navigating the ever-evolving music landscape. Blasko also recounts how his involvement with Liquid Death water brand parallels his music ethos, emphasizing that both endeavors are driven by authenticity and resonating with audiences. His perspective underscores the necessity for bands to cultivate a genuine connection with their audience, viewing fans as part of a community rather than mere consumers.

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