Drowned in Sound

• How Do We Save Our Music Scenes? Meet Sound Diplomacy’s Shain Shapiro

  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 protectedMusic as an economic and public good: Why governments should treat music like any other essential sectorEmerging music markets: Where the global music hotspots of the future might beLive Nation: How monopolies shape local music ecosystemsThe importance of local media and community spaces in sustaining music scenesHow cities can future-proof music amid climate, economic, and technological shiftsShain 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 Industry04:44 – Music as an Economic & Public Good: Why Governments Should Care09:11 – Shain’s Journey: From Record Shops to Global Music Policy14:08 – Music Cities: How Governments Can Invest in Local Scenes19:51 – Global Music Growth: Why Africa & Southeast Asia Are the Future28:25 – Community & Local Government’s Role in Music Sustainability35:50 – The Live Nation Monopoly, Local Media, & How Cities Can Push Back40:00 – Final Thoughts: What Needs to Change & What Fans Can DoFurther Reading & Resources:Sound Diplomacy – Leading global consultancy on music and city planningMaking Places Better Newsletter – Shain Shapiro’s insights on improving urban spaces through music and cultureMusic Venue Trust – Protecting grassroots venuesCardiff Music Strategy – A model for city-led music investmentFonds de la Musique Canada – Canada’s funding model for music exportsLive DMA – European network for live music venuesJoin the discussion on the Drowned in Sound Community, message me on Bluesky, or email me at [email protected] 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.

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• Festivals For Future: Frances Fox on Music’s Role in Climate Justice

  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 crisisHow music fans can help shape the climate conversationThe role of artists, venues & labels in pushing for a sustainable futureThe reality of music’s carbon footprint and what needs to changeThe Solar-Powered Pink Bus—and why Climate Live is taking a message of climate justice straight to festival crowds whilst applying glitter and temporary tattoosFrom 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 FoxEpisode 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 InvolvedFurther Reading & Resources:Climate Live – Join the movement and apply to performFridays for Future – Global climate strike movementChoked Up – Campaigning for air quality in marginalized communitiesDisha Ravi – Indian climate activist's WikiRoles in the Resistance Poster – Find your place in climate activismJulie's Bicycle – Sustainability in the creative artsTori Tsui – Climate activist and author of It's Not Just YouDominique Palmer – Climate activist and speakerMusic Declares Emergency – Musicians demanding climate actionMusic Venue Trust – Protecting grassroots music venuesSafe Gigs for Women – Creating safer environments for women at gigsTeach The Future - teachthefuture.ukRozzi - Artist who wrote a song about LA firesStop Rosebank – Campaign against new oil fieldsFossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty – Ending fossil fuel expansionEarthPercent – Brian Eno’s initiative for climate fundingMake My Money Matter – How your bank funds fossil fuelsRainforest Foundation UK – Protecting the Congo BasinReverb – Eco-friendly music toursMassive 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 SoundMirrorWhy 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.

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• How We Open Music’s Doors to Everyone (Not Just the Rich)

  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 FitThe 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 happenFurther 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.orgEpisode 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 ActionJoin 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

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• Will music survive the next 25 years? - Season 3 Prologue

  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 strugglingHow streaming giants control music discoveryThe economic realities of being an artist todayLessons from past music movements and how they shaped the industryWhy 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.org00:00 Introduction: The Future of Music in 205000:25 Personal Journey with Music01:45 Climate Activism & Music’s Role in Change02:20 Challenges Facing Artists & the Music Industry03:34 Streaming, Labels & Who Holds the Power06:13 Economic Disparities & the Struggles of Independent Artists07:36 The Importance of Community in Music10:46 Conclusion: The Power & Potential of MusicWhat 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.

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  14:31
• Introducing... 2025 Theme: What will music be like in 2050?

  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 2025 00:35 Reflecting on 25 Years of Drowned in Sound 02:07 Challenges Facing the Music Industry 04:22 Exploring Solutions and Innovations 06:53 The Future of Music: Utopia or Dystopia? 08:36 Join the Journey: Open Research Project

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