DiS founder Sean Adams sits down with DiS’s newest staff writer, Emma Wilkes, to mark 25 years of Drowned in Sound and what the future holds for the website, newsletter, and podcast.  They reflect on Emma’s recent interview with Jeremy Corbyn as he champions grassroots venues, and turn the tables by asking each other questions usually reserved for podcast guests. Sean finally reveals how he would spend the $450m Spotify gave Joe Rogan, as this conversation explores the intersection of music, politics, journalism, and the survival of independent culture. Sean and Emma discuss how music can be a gateway into politics (and vice versa), the pressures facing artists, publicists, and journalists in today’s music industry, and what a fairer ecosystem could look like. They also imagine music’s future in 2050 - the hopes, fears, and possibilities of where culture might go next. Chapters: 00:00 – Introducing Emma Wilkes & 25 years of DiS 02:00 – Jeremy Corbyn, grassroots venues & music for the many 07:00 – Why music and politics can’t be separated 14:00 – Music as a gateway into politics 15:00 – Ticketmaster, Live Nation & the fight for fairness 18:00 – What is journalism today? 24:00 – Asking questions, telling stories & accountability in music journalism 29:00 – $450m for Joe Rogan: how should money flow into culture? 33:00 – Building connections between artists and audiences 37:00 – Music media as infrastructure 39:00 – Supporting mental health and addiction in the music industry 45:00 – Stress behind the scenes: labels, PRs & campaign work 46:00 – The albums we love and buried treasures 48:00 – Music in 2050: hopes, fears & future sounds 57:00 – What’s next for DiS at 25 Continue the Conversation: Head to the Drowned in Sound community to chat about the topics in this episode. Subscribe: Sign up to the Drowned in Sound newsletter for weekly insights on music, culture, and resistance. Links: Drowned in Sound Newsletter Emma Wilkes on interviewing Jeremy Corbyn (DiS) Music Venue Trust – safeguarding grassroots venues Music Minds Matter – mental health support for musicians

In music, abuse, harassment and discrimination is normalised whilst accountability and justice is rare, so how can change finally happen? Sign up at http://drownedinsound.org for more on this topic and our weekly newsletter. In this episode of the Drowned in Sound podcast: For the past eight years, journalist and photographer Eliza Hatch has been documenting everyday harassment through her platform Cheer Up Luv. Following her recent Glamour investigation into misogyny in music, which has reached over a million people, DiS founder Sean Adams sat down to talk about the reactions to the stat that more than half of women in the industry have faced discrimination. From government failures to arena tours by artists like Chris Brown and Marilyn Manson, this is a wide ranging conversation about the challenges and the solutions. We also hear how artists like Lambrini Girls and Nova Twins reacted to hearing that over 50% of women in music have faced discrimination. And we talk about the role men can play in smashing the patriarchy, the rise of the far right, and what a safer, more equal music industry could look like by 2050. Chapters: 00:00 – Misogyny and music: the scale of the problem10:30 – Everyday discrimination that builds hostile spaces 20:00 – When the government rejects reform: stalled progress and NDAs 24:00 – The role of media, libel laws, and silence in enabling abuse 26:00 – Chris Brown, Marilyn Manson, and the “separating art from artist” debate 33:00 – Why accountability is so rare in the music industry 42:00 – Smashing the patriarchy is good for men, too 52:00 – The far right, feminism, and why musicians need to speak out 57:00 – What the industry could and should look like in 2050 Continue the Conversation: Email sean@drownedinsound.org with your thoughts or experiences Subscribe to the DiS newsletter for weekly insights on music, culture, and resistance Links: Cheer Up Luv on Instagram Sign up to the Cheer Up Luv Newsletter Eliza Hatch’s piece for Glamour We Are Music - resources for musicians facing harassment On Wednesdays We Wear Black - Podcast documenting Marilyn Manson’s crimes

What creates a national sound? How does Scotland run through the veins of a band like Idlewild, despite their American influences? Roddy Woomble and Rod Jones from Scottish indie stalwarts Idlewild join us to explore their new self-titled album and dig into the complexities of musical identity. Beginning in Scotland's tight-knit music community, then feeling like outsiders in London, the band reveal how geography and culture have shaped their sound and music over three decades. Chapters: 03:00 – Exchange of Ideas: What music as conversation means beyond technical ability 06:00 – Literary Influences: Books, writers, and the Patti Smith revelation 09:00 – Sonic Youth Revolution: How Daydream Nation changed everything about playing guitar 13:00 – Scottish Identity: Self-deprecating culture and the outsider mentality 20:00 – Not Fitting Scenes: Missing Britpop and feeling closer to American bands 26:00 – Community Culture: Regional success and Scottish musical support networks 29:00 – Working with Producers: People skills and studio education 36:00 – New Album Production: Rod as producer capturing "melodic chaos" 40:00 – Visual Identity: Photography, album art, and the 28-year bookend 43:00 – Six Year Gap: COVID, solo projects, and finding renewed energy 47:00 – Rock's Resilience: Why rock refuses to die… Continue the Conversation: Email sean@drownedinsound.org with your thoughts on regional music scenes Share your own experiences of musical identity and belonging Subscribe to DiS newsletter for weekly insights on music and culture Links: Idlewild Official Website New Album: Idlewild (Official Store) Tour Dates

Have music artists finally had enough of the multi-billion dollar streaming platform? Laura Burhenn makes music as The Mynabirds and has played in the Postal Service's live band. When she learned Spotify CEO Daniel Ek invested $700 million in military AI startup Helsing, she pulled her music and uploaded a protest monologue. Her "Disarm Spotify" TikTok videos sparked millions of views and a wave of artist departures followed. Recent acts that have taken their music down include King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard and Godspeed You! Black Emperor. In this episode, we're not just talking about streaming rates but getting into the wider systemic issues with music being turned into bombs. Featured voices from the movement:Novo • Violetta Zironi • Naley By Nature • Dan Mangan Chapters: 00:00 – Musicians boycotting Spotify: the fury and the interconnected issues04:00 – When music money becomes military funding: the Daniel Ek investment09:00 – AI drones and the dystopian timeline we're already living13:00 – The snowball effect: how individual protest becomes movement18:00 – Platform alternatives: Qobuz, ethics, and where artists go next23:00 – Releasing protest music on the platform you're protesting27:00 – Artists participating in their own devaluation: the bigger picture35:00 – From DC punk to Palestine solidarity: political music evolution40:00 – Why outspoken artists stay silent about their own platforms Continue the Conversation: Email sean@drownedinsound.org with your platform organising experiences Join the discussion about collective action in the creator economy Subscribe to DiS newsletter for weekly insights on music and resistance Try Qobuz (Ethical Streaming Alternative):Artists get paid 10x more than Spotify. Human-curated playlists. High-quality audio. Start your free trial via DiS (supporting independent music journalism). Links: Laura Burhenn on Instagram The Mynabirds on Bandcamp Laura's piece for Drowned in Sound

How do artists decide what to say when everything from grassroots music to the climate is in crisis? Backstage at Reading Festival, Drowned in Sound’s Sean Adams and Emma Wilkes sat down with Rou Reynolds, the frontman of Enter Shikari, one of the UK's most politically engaged bands. We discuss a range of topics including the St Albans music scene and how they pioneered the grassroots music venue levy - adding £1 to arena tickets to support small venues. With 20 years of activism and seven albums under the band’s belt, Rou’s learned that having a platform means constantly choosing which crisis at a time or polycrisis deserves the spotlight. And we chat a lot about the interconnected issues and the need for system change. Chapters: 03:00 – How the £1 venue levy actually works in practice05:00 – Why supporting grassroots is community organizing, not charity07:00 – How St Albans scene prepared Enter Shikari for mainstream success09:00 – The neoliberal isolation crisis and music's role as antidote11:00 – Connecting Gaza, climate crisis, and music industry exploitation12:30 – Climate speech: "430 parts per million" and the season finale16:00 – The impossible choice: which crisis gets the platform tonight?22:00 – Reading Festival Gaza speech: "This is not a tragedy, it's a war crime" "To be silent in times of atrocity is to assist in maintaining that atrocity" Continue the Conversation: Email sean@drownedinsound.org with your platform responsibility experiences Join the discussion about choosing battles in poly-crisis times Subscribe to DiS newsletter for weekly insights on building alternatives Links: Enter Shikari Official Music Venue Trust Rou chats from COP in Glasgow on the Sounds Like A Plan podcast  

Is rage the soundtrack of summer 2025? Can joy exist alongside political solidarity when climate change turns fields into dust clouds? Are main stages becoming platforms for resistance? And how do grassroots venues create the community foundations that allow festivals like Reading to exist at all? This DiSpatch captures Reading Festival 2025 as both a celebration and political flashpoint - a weekend where Chappell Roan's euphoric main stage triumph coexisted with Palestine solidarity, climate crisis manifestations, and urgent conversations about the grassroots music ecosystem that supports it all. Sean Adams and Emma Wilkes navigate backstage conversations revealing how artists choose which urgent topics to address when "there's a lot of things happening in the world." From Enter Shikari's pioneering grassroots levy work to Cliffords’ Cork scene community building, the episode maps how small venues create the collaborative culture that eventually reaches festival main stages. These conversations connect individual artist journeys to systemic challenges: venue closures, climate impacts, and the intersection of music with broader political movements. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction: Festivals as cultural battlegrounds in climate crisis era05:00 – Chappell Roan: Joy as political resistance on main stage08:00 – Cliffords on optimism as radical act and Cork scene collaboration11:00 – Sofia Isella: From classical training to festival mud, building versatile artistry16:00 – Rage as summer's soundtrack: Artist perspectives on political expression22:00 – Enter Shikari: Choosing urgent topics and grassroots levy pioneer work28:00 – Grassroots venues: Community infrastructure beyond music35:00 – Climate crisis reaches UK festivals: Dust storms and venue sustainability43:00 – Political solidarity: Palestine flags and artist platform responsibility47:00 – Reading 2025: Cultural battleground assessment Featured Links: DrownedInSound YouTube Channel - Full artist interviews from Reading Festival DiS Instagram - Behind-the-scenes festival content and artist clips Grassroots Music Venue Crisis - Learn about the £1 levy supporting venues Muse at Reading Festival 1999 - A history of Muse performances at Reading Festival DiS Bookshop - Supporting independent bookstores and music writing Artists Featured: Chappell Roan, Cliffords, Sofia Isella, Enter Shikari, Heartworms, The Linda Lindas, Mannequin P*ssy, Amyl and the Sniffers, Lambrini Girls, and more About DiSpatch: DiSpatch episodes capture music events as cultural moments that reveal broader political and environmental currents. These aren't traditional festival reviews - they're explorations of how live music spaces become essential infrastructure for community building, political discourse, and cultural resistance in the climate crisis era. Continue the Conversation: Email sean@drownedinsound.org with your thoughts on festivals as political spaces Join the discussion in our community forum about venue sustainability Subscribe to DiS newsletter for climate crisis generation journalism 

Cherie Hu is an oracle of music technology and she can forsee where music is headed.

Nirvana, TikTok, analogue aesthetics, and virality don’t usually go together. Meet the creator who is bucking all the trends.

Music discovery, algorithms, and the craft of music journalism: DiS meets Ilana Kaplan who has covered the early careers of now megastars like Billie EIlish and Halsey.

Q&A special: DiS founder Sean Adams explores the uncomfortable truths about streaming economics and social media burnout

One for music producers and DIY business starters. Sean talks with Isobel Anderson, one of music tech’s most important feminist voices.

<p>While most music industry coverage focuses on (poly)crisis and collapse, Mary Spender argues we&#39;re living through the greatest era for independent artists in history.</p><p>But, but but... what about streaming economics, venue closures, and platform dependence? Don&#39;t worry, we get into it.</p><p>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. </p><p>In this conversation, she reveals her strategies for converting YouTube viewers into album buyers, why artists need to think like entrepreneurs, and what she&#39;d build with Spotify&#39;s $400 million Joe Rogan budget.</p><p>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&#39;s YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@DrownedinSound" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">youtube.com/@DrownedinSound</a> </p><p><br></p><p><strong>Timestamps</strong></p><p>00:00 Sean&#39;s Intro</p><p>03:21 What will music be like in 2050?</p><p>06:25 Why artists should think like entrepreneurs</p><p>12:45 What does the future hold for independent artists?</p><p>16:56 The 1000 true fan theory</p><p>18:51 Should YouTube be the #1 platform for musicians?</p><p>24:36 Researching with an open mind. A rare skillset?</p><p>29:45 How to convert an audience from YouTube</p><p>34:17 What can the UK government do for music?</p><p>36:35 How would Mary spend the $400 million Spotify paid Joe Rogan?</p><p>38:39 Is long-form content on the return?</p><p>43:29 Sean&#39;s Outro</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Quotable Moments</strong><br><em>&quot;Technically it&#39;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.&quot;</em> <br><em>&quot;If you don&#39;t have the grassroots, you don&#39;t have the artists in Wembley Stadium. Like you don&#39;t have that trajectory.&quot;</em> <br></p><p><strong>Continue the Conversation</strong>📧 Email sean@drownedinsound.org with your questions for future episodes🌐 Join the <a href="https://community.drownedinsound.org" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Drowned in Sound Community</a>📰 Subscribe to the <a href="https://drownedinsound.org" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Drowned in Sound newsletter</a></p><p><strong>Guest Links</strong><br><a href="https://youtube.com/maryspender" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Mary Spender&#39;s YouTube Channel</a><br><a href="https://maryspender.com" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Mary&#39;s website and newsletter</a><br><a href="https://nebula.tv/maryspender" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">The Dire Straits Documentary on Nebula</a></p><p><strong>Referenced in Episode</strong><br><a href="https://kk.org/thetechnium/1000-true-fans/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Kevin Kelly&#39;s &quot;1000 True Fans&quot; essay</a><br></p><p><strong>About the Host:

<p>What does it feel like to attend Glastonbury for the first time?</p><p>Music journalist <a href="https://www.emmabwilkes.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Emma Wilkes</a> brings us along for her debut pilgrimage to the UK&#39;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). </p><p>Along the way, there are vox pops with strangers, overlooked corners, and moments that slipped under the mainstream radar…</p><p>00:00 Introduction</p><p>01:51 Pre-festival preparation with Emma Wilkes</p><p>03:26 Attendees&#39; expectations of Glastonbury 2025</p><p>04:22 First impressions and Thursday observations</p><p>06:19 Terminal 1 and an interview with Laima Layton</p><p>18:32 The sounds of Worthy Farm</p><p>19:12 How does the real-life festival compare to the coverage seen previously?</p><p>21:45 The political moments of Glastonbury 2025</p><p>30:42 The journey home, the Tuesday after, and a summary from a slightly raspy Emma</p><p>34:11 Expectations vs. reality with the people of the festival</p><p><strong>Mentioned in the episode:</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.laimaleyton.com/music"><u>Laima Layton</u></a></p><p><a href="https://www.inplaceofwar.net/"><u>In Place Of War</u></a></p><p><a href="https://www.inplaceofwar.net/grrrl"><u>GRRRL</u></a></p><p><a href="https://www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/areas/terminal-1/"><u>Terminal 1</u></a></p><p><a href="https://www.amylandthesniffers.com/"><u>Amyl and the Sniffers</u></a></p><p><a href="https://www.jadeofficial.com/"><u>JADE</u></a></p><p><a href="https://www.seunkutimusic.com/"><u>Seun Kuti</u></a></p><p><a href="https://www.marujaofficial.co.uk/"><u>Maruja</u></a></p><p><a href="https://www.lambrinigirlsband.co.uk/"><u>Lambrini Girls</u></a></p><ul><li><strong>Join the conversation: </strong><a href="https://community.drownedinsound.com/"><strong>Drowned in Sound Community</strong></a></li><li><strong>Email: </strong><a href="mailto:Sean@drownedinsound.org"><strong>sean@drownedinsound.org</strong></a></li><li><strong>Stay updated:</strong> <a href="https://www.drownedinsound.org/"><strong>Subscribe to DiS newsletter</strong></a><br></li></ul>

<p>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?</p><p>Drowned in Sound founder &amp; 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. </p><p>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&#39;s oversaturated landscape.</p><p>This conversation digs deep into authentic community-building versus audience accumulation, the &quot;five super fans&quot; principle that challenges conventional wisdom, and why most artist advice around social media is fundamentally broken. </p><p>Plus: Nikki&#39;s vision for fixing music industry infrastructure by 2050, including transparency tools and direct fan connection platforms that don&#39;t rely on algorithmic gatekeepers.</p><p><strong>&quot;You need five super fans to start getting going - that&#39;s equal to about 250 passive fans. When you start looking at it that way, it doesn&#39;t seem as daunting.&quot;</strong></p><p><em>— Nikki Camilleri on why quality beats quantity in fan building</em></p><p><strong>Episode Timestamps:</strong></p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction: Music Reality Check for 2025</li><li>02:03 Envisioning Music in 2050: Transparency and Infrastructure</li><li>04:34 The Malta Factor: Geographic Disadvantage in Digital Times</li><li>08:26 The Resilience Crisis: From &quot;Ready to Fight&quot; to Viral Expectations</li><li>16:28 Five Super Fans vs Viral Algorithms: Quality Over Quantity</li><li>20:14 Real Community vs Audience: Building Genuine Connection</li><li>32:15 Artist Purpose and Identity: The &quot;Horror Electronica&quot; Story</li><li>39:21 Fixing the Industry: Where Would You Spend Spotify&#39;s Money?</li><li>44:48 Key Takeaways: What Actually Works</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Mentioned in the episode:</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.nikkicamilleri.com/">Nikki Camilleri</a></p><p><a href="https://hq.rostr.cc/">ROSTR</a></p><p><a href="https://www.thersa.org/">Royal Society of Arts</a></p><p><a href="http://volt.fm">Volt.fm</a></p><p><a href="https://www.katforillinois.com/">Kat Abu</a></p><p><a href="https://theanchoress.co.uk/">The Anchoress</a></p><p><a href="https://kk.org/thetechnium/1000-true-fans/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Kevin Kelly on 1000 True Fans</a></p><p>Join the conversation: <a href="https://community.drownedinsound.com/">Drowned in Sound Community</a></p><p>Email<strong> </strong><a href="mailto:podcasts@drownedinsound.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer"><strong>podcasts@drownedinsound.org</strong></a><strong> </strong></p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://www.drownedinsound.org/"><strong>Subscribe to DiS newsletter</strong></a></p><p><br></p>

<p>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?</p><p>Drowned in Sound founder Sean Adams is joined by Ariana Alexander-Sefre, co-founder of the mental health app <a href="https://spoke.world/"><strong>SPOKE</strong>⁠</a>, 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.</p><p>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.</p><p><strong>Episode chapters:</strong></p><p>0:00 - 2:45 - Introduction</p><p>2:46 - 4:55  What would Ariana hope music to be like in 2050?</p><p>4:56 - 7:46 Using music to “metabolize” emotions</p><p>7:47 - 11:50 Who are SPOKE and who is Ariana Alexandre-Sefre</p><p>11:51 - 13:42 The relationship between music and mental health</p><p>13:43 -  20:28 Inside the SPOKE app - embedding music with culture with therapy</p><p>20:29 - 31:18 Why the music industry needs a fresh perspective on artist value</p><p>31:19 - 37:08 The science behind functional music and mindfulness</p><p>38:09 - 40:04 The real-world impact of therapy delivered through music</p><p>40:05 - 48:08 Can artists become a recognised part of healthcare?</p><p>48:09 - 54:13 - Closing thoughts from Sean</p><p><strong>Mentioned in the episode:</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.musicmindsmatter.org.uk/"><u>Music Minds Matter</u></a></p><p><a href="https://www.sallyannegross.com/can-music-make-you-sick"><u>Can Music Make You Sick? (Sally Anne Gross)</u></a></p><p><a href="https://monorailmusic.com/product/mood-machine-the-rise-of-spotify-and-the-cost-of-the-perfect-playlist/"><u>Mood Machine: The Rise of Spotify and the Cost of the Perfect Playlist (Liz Pelly)</u></a></p><p><a href="https://endel.io/"><u>Endel</u></a></p><p><strong>Join the conversation: </strong><a href="https://community.drownedinsound.com/"><strong>Drowned in Sound Community</strong></a></p><p><strong>Email: </strong><a href="mailto:Sean@drownedinsound.org"><strong>sean@drownedinsound.org</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.drownedinsound.org/"><strong>Subscribe to DiS newsletter</strong></a></p><p><br></p>

<p>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?</p><p>In this special live edition of the Drowned in Sound Podcast, recorded at <a href="http://www.tmw.ee" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Tallinn Music Week</a>, 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.</p><p>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.</p><p>Plus Ruth from In Place of War reveals their new project with Bicep in Greenland that launches in summer 2025.</p><p><br></p><p>Featured Guests &amp; Projects:</p><ul><li><a href="https://naturalsymphony.co.uk">⁠Natural Symphony (Joey Dean)⁠</a></li><li><a href="https://www.ludwigberger.com">⁠Ludwig Berger⁠</a></li><li><a href="https://inplaceofwar.net">⁠In Place of War / EarthSonic (Ruth Daniel)⁠</a></li><li><a href="https://www.martynwareofficial.co.uk">⁠Martyn Ware (Heaven 17 / Human League)⁠</a></li></ul><p><br></p><p>Episode Highlights &amp; Timestamps:</p><ul><li><strong>03:00</strong> – Ruth Daniel on the origins of In Place of War and EarthSonic</li><li><strong>06:00</strong> – Ludwig Berger: Listening to melting glaciers through hydrophones</li><li><strong>11:00</strong> – Martyn Ware (Heaven 17/The Human League) on sonifying endangered species and synthetic forests</li><li><strong>17:00</strong> – Natural Symphony: Collaborating with plants and reforesting the Amazon</li><li><strong>27:00</strong> – The power of sound to bridge disconnection and inspire action</li><li><strong>33:00</strong> – Building cultural change through art and emotional resonance</li><li><strong>39:00</strong> – Sound healing, deep listening, and making the unseen audible</li><li><strong>45:00</strong> – What capitalism doesn’t want us to feel — and why art matters</li><li><strong>52:00</strong> – Indigenous wisdom, urban detachment, and finding your own tree</li><li><strong>58:00</strong> – Hopeful projects, collective agency, and calling in the music industry</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Mentioned in the Episode:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.earthsonic.org/releases" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">&quot;The Last Scream&quot; new release</a></li><li><a href="https://www.crying-glacier.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Crying Glacier movie</a></li></ul><ul><li><a href="https://pro.tmw.ee/schedule/232" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">EarthSonic panel replay via the TMW.EE website</a></li></ul><p><br></p><p>Join the Conversation:</p><ul><li><a href="https://community.drownedinsound.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Drowned in Sound Community</a></li><li>Email Sean → <a href=

<p>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?</p><p>In this special episode of the <strong>Drowned in Sound Podcast</strong>, recorded at <a href="https://tmw.ee/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer"><strong>Tallinn Music Week</strong></a>, <strong>Sean Adams</strong> speaks with <strong>Martyn Ware</strong> — 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.</p><p>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.</p><p>Martyn also reflects on his podcast <em>Electronically Yours</em>, the legacy of sound, and how creative freedom can reshape confidence, community, and cultural memory.</p><p> Timestamps &amp; Topics:</p><ul><li><strong>01:32</strong> – Synths, Sheffield, and starting out</li><li><strong>07:00</strong> – Curiosity and creative confidence</li><li><strong>10:00</strong> – From charts to immersive installations</li><li><strong>14:30</strong> – Podcasting and preserving legacy</li><li><strong>20:00</strong> – What would a Martyn Ware bar sound like?</li><li><strong>25:00</strong> – Optimism, memory, and what comes next</li></ul><p><br></p><p> Further Listening &amp; Resources:</p><ul><li>🎙️ <a href="https://www.martynwareofficial.co.uk/electronically-yours" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Electronically Yours podcast</a></li><li>🔊 <a href="https://illustriouscompany.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Illustrious Company (immersive audio)</a></li><li>🧠 <a href="https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/soundscape-sounds-of-our-shores.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sounds of Our Shores installation</a><em></em></li></ul><p><br></p><p>Stay Connected:</p><ul><li>🗣 <a href="https://community.drownedinsound.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Drowned in Sound Community</a></li><li>📩 Email Sean → <a href="mailto:sean@drownedinsound.org">sean@drownedinsound.org</a></li><li>🔵 <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/drownedinsound.bsky.social" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Follow Sean on Bluesky</a></li><li>📰 <a href="https://drownedinsound.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Subscribe to the DiS Newsletter</a></li></ul><p><br></p><p>About the Guest:</p><p><strong>Martyn Ware</strong> is a pioneering British musician, producer, and sound artist. As a founding member of <strong>The Human League</strong> and <strong>Heaven 17</strong>, and co-founder of <strong>British Electric Foundation</strong>, 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 <em>Electronically Yours</em>.</p><p>About the Host:</p><p><strong>Sean Adams</strong> turned his passion for music into <a href="https://drownedinsound.org" tar

<p>What&#39;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? </p><p>In this episode of the <strong>Drowned in Sound Podcast</strong>, <strong>Sean Adams</strong> speaks to <strong>Becky Hawley</strong> from the art-pop trio <strong>Stealing Sheep</strong>.</p><p>From the launch of their new label <strong>G-IRL (Girl In Real Life)</strong> 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.</p><p>📌 Key Timestamps:</p><ul><li><strong>00:00</strong> – Intro &amp; New Album Campaign</li><li><strong>01:56</strong> – What Will Music Be Like in 2050?</li><li><strong>04:54</strong> – Joy, Fears, and Creative Challenges</li><li><strong>07:19</strong> – The Sound of Stealing Sheep: Riding the Bull of Tech</li><li><strong>10:37</strong> – G-IRL: Launching Their Own Record Label</li><li><strong>20:33</strong> – Liverpool as Inspiration &amp; Music City</li><li><strong>25:23</strong> – Album Campaign Concepts &amp; Offline Joy</li><li><strong>29:18</strong> – Let’s Go! New Single &amp; Album Themes</li><li><strong>30:59</strong> – Artistic Identity, Collaborations &amp; Creative Growth</li><li><strong>33:50</strong> – Lessons Learned from 15 Years in Music</li><li><strong>38:05</strong> – Building Community, Offline Spaces, &amp; Human Connection</li><li><strong>42:57</strong> – Supporting Grassroots Scenes</li><li><strong>49:01</strong> – AI, Future Tech &amp; Music’s Utopian Possibilities</li><li><strong>52:21</strong> – Final Reflections: What Artists Need to Unlearn</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Links</p><ul><li><a href="https://g-irl.bandcamp.com/track/lets-go" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">New Single “Let’s Go”</a></li><li><a href="https://youtu.be/NAwD31GrBLw?si=hdZZpNp9r7rjqL9p" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Watch the Music Video</a></li><li><a href="https://www.tattydevine.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tatty Devine Collab</a></li><li><a href="https://www.guerrillagirls.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Guerrilla Girls</a></li></ul><p><br></p><p>Join the Conversation:</p><ul><li>🗣 <a href="https://community.drownedinsound.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Drowned in Sound Community</a></li><li>📩 Email Sean → <a href="mailto:sean@drownedinsound.org">sean@drownedinsound.org</a></li><li>🔵 <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/drownedinsound.bsky.social" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Follow on Bluesky</a></li></ul><p><br></p><p>About the Guest:</p><p><strong>Becky Hawley</strong> is one-third of <strong>Stealing Sheep</strong>, a Liverpool-based band known for their innovative, genre-defying sound. The trio recently lau

<p>A conversation about <em>Fresh Hell</em>, subcultures in nature, and shifting the climate narrative through creativity.</p><p>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 <em>Fresh Hell</em> zine - a collaboration between creatives from the agency Iris and Purpose Disruptors (<a href="https://www.agencyfornature.com/season-two/fresh-hell" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">download it here</a>) - reframes our relationship with nature through goth culture, beauty, and imagination. </p><p>Featuring clips from Freya Beer’s special Gothic Disco radio broadcast recorded at Walthamstow Wetlands (<a href="https://www.mixcloud.com/IslingtonRadio/gothic-disco-with-freya-beer-31012025/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">listen to it on Mixcloud here</a>), featuring reflections from Lira Valencia and Chris Packham, which inspired the zine, we explore what happens when goth culture meets the natural world.</p><p>This conversation with Purpose Disruptors who run the Agency for Nature &amp; 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.</p><p><strong>Aimee Brewerton</strong> – Comms &amp; Engagement Manager at Purpose Disruptors, working across climate-focused storytelling, brand strategy, and cultural transformation.</p><p><strong>Nicole Vanner</strong> – Designer at Iris, co-creator of <em>Fresh Hell</em>, blending gothic subculture with natural aesthetics in visual communication.</p><p><strong>Andrew Hadley</strong> – Copywriter at Iris, co-author of <em>Fresh Hell</em>, exploring language that rewilds desire and reframes our connection to nature.</p><p><strong>Purpose Disruptors</strong> – A UK-based network of 5,000+ creative professionals transforming the advertising industry to align with climate goals and societal well-being.</p><p><strong>Iris</strong> – A global creative agency known for working with progressive brands and championing purpose-driven campaigns.</p><p><strong>Agency for Nature</strong> – A project platform by Purpose Disruptors that reimagines communications through a regenerative, nature-first lens — including campaigns like <em>Fresh Hell</em>.</p><p><strong> Episode Summary &amp; Timestamps:</strong></p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction: Can Music Change the Climate Conversation?</li><li>00:31 Exploring the Goths in Nature Project</li><li>01:23 Meeting the Change Makers</li><li>04:20 Chris Packham&#39;s Punk and Nature Connection</li><li>06:52 The Future of Our Planet in 2050</li><li>11:27 Purpose Disruptors: Changing the Advertising Narrative</li><li>14:17 Creating the Goths in Nature Magazine</li><li>25:09 The Role of Nature in Mental Health</li><li>30:01 Spotting the Moor Hen</li><li>30:52 Goth Music and Personal Favorites</li><li>31:20 From Radio Show to Zine</li><li>32:44 Chris Packham&#39;s Contribution</li><li>35:04 Celebrating Nature and Subculture</li><li>38:49 Nature as a Client</li><li>40:00 Collaborative Efforts and Creative Freedom</li><li>48:01 Impact and Mindset Shift</li><li>58:39 Future Hopes and Accountability</li><li>01:08:32 Final Thoughts and Call to Action<br></li></ul><p><br></p><

<p>Drowned in Sound founder and DiS podcast host, Sean Adams answers your questions. Send Qs for future episodes to sean@drownedinsound.org.</p><p>Links mentioned in this episode</p><ul><li>Article: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/mar/03/oscar-winner-shoutout-london-music-venue-cafe-oto-brutalist" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Cafe Oto at Oscars - The Guardian</a></li><li>Artist Recommendation: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ninaversyp/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Nina Versyp</a></li><li>Artist Recommendation: <a href="https://ttssfu.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">TTSSFU</a></li><li>Artist Recommendation: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@maellamusic/videos" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Maella</a> </li><li>Video: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92sEs3BkPUo" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Apple on Dolby Atmos</a></li><li>Ticket App: <a href="https://dice.fm/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Dice</a></li><li>Link: <a href="https://timstwitterlisteningparty.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Tim Burgess listening party</a></li><li>Article: <a href="https://www.moma.org/calendar/exhibitions/1458" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Bjork immersive album Bowers + Wilkins </a></li><li>Drink: <a href="https://www.brennivin.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Icelandic drink Black Death</a></li><li>Venue Recommendation: <a href="https://thetradesclub.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Trades Club in Hebden Bridge</a></li></ul><p><br></p><p>Music by Sound Mirror, available on Bandcamp here: <a href="https://sound-mirror.bandcamp.com/album/lake-wind-water-mountain" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">https://sound-mirror.bandcamp.com/album/lake-wind-water-mountain </a></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Your Questions:</strong></p><p>Alex Lee Thompson: Are ”scenes” over? Unpack that question as you like</p><p>Simon Marshall: After the excellent live bands to look out for article, sponsored by <a href="https://www.seetickets.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Seetickets</a>, 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? </p><p>Ear Protect Req: What three bands or artists should we be checking out live?</p><p>Soundmirrorworld: Will the Atmos, immersive audio bubble burst? Or keep going ’til we’re full frontal?</p><p>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)</p><p>Eric Weiner: Would love to hear your thoughts on the listening party. Are they ever any good? What’s the perfect album release party?</p><p><br></p><p>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&