DROPPED

We’re back. Season two. Did you also think it might never happen? In this episode, we catch up after a much-needed break, talk about why YouTube banned our channel for using our own music, and unpack the burnout that came from trying to play the social media game.

We cover a lot; from Greg’s bold move to release his new album without streaming, to the fundamental importance of community around music and why we’re both done chasing algorithms. We also share the cover songs we made of each other’s music, which turned out to be both emotional and a little terrifying (Spoiler: Greg's took 2 hours, Matt's took 2 months).

This season, we’re doing things differently. Less clout-chasing, more connection. If you’re tired of the noise too, you’re in good company.

In this finale episode, we reflect on how far we’ve come, the key lessons we’re taking away, and the ways we’ve grown while making this podcast. We discuss how our conversations - with each other and our guests - have reshaped how we approach our careers and overcome challenges.

Even more significantly, we explore how the lessons we're learning from relaunching our music careers can apply to anyone navigating adversity.

Thank you for being part of the DROPPED journey! We have big ambitions for the podcast and can’t wait to share what we have in store for Season 2!

Much love,

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If you're enjoying listening to 'Dropped' please consider joining the community and aiding us in creating future episodes of the podcast at patreon.com/droppedpodcast

More from Dropped:

instagram.com/droppedpodcast

[email protected]

In this episode we speak with Sacha Skarbek; the songwriter behind numerous hit songs including monster hits You're Beautiful (James Blunt) & Wrecking Ball (Miley Cyrus). In a career at the top which so far spans 20+ years Sacha has worked with artists including James Blunt, Jason Mraz, Lana Del Rey, Robbie Williams, Adele, Alec Benjamin and many many more. We discuss his life changing breakthrough with You're Beautiful, the pitfalls of success, building something bigger than yourself and his current project, guiding the next generation of hit songwriters via The Skarbek Songwriting Academy.

We also catch up on our recent challenges and set an almost overwhelming new one! 

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If you're enjoying listening to 'Dropped' please consider joining the community and aiding us in creating future episodes of the podcast at patreon.com/droppedpodcast Thanks! - Matt & Greg

More from Sacha Skarbek

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SachaSkarbek/

The Skarbek Songwriting Academy: https://skarbekacademy.com/

More from Dropped:

instagram.com/droppedpodcast

[email protected]

Tis the season to compare ourselves to everyone else! But why? In this episode we discuss Spotify wrapped and what it means to not only share, but to have these often arbitrary numbers rammed down our throats year after year. Is it all bad? No. In fact, we find a lot of gratitude within this genius, but often misleading marketing campaign from our friends at Spotify. Join us for a side by side comparison of our wrapped numbers, and how we feel about the whole damn thing. Ho ho hold on tight!

If you're enjoying listening to 'Dropped' please consider joining the community and aiding us in creating future episodes of the podcast at patreon.com/droppedpodcast Thanks! - Matt & Greg

More from Dropped:

instagram.com/droppedpodcast

[email protected]

If you're enjoying listening to 'Dropped' please consider joining the community and aiding us in creating future episodes of the podcast - which you'll get to see early and ad free! - at https://patreon.com/droppedpodcast Thanks! - Matt & Greg

-Matt & Greg

In this episode, we have a great conversation with Italian singer-songwriter Violetta Zironi, tracing her journey from her appearance as an 18-year-old ukulele-playing singer on X Factor Italy in 2013 to her position today as one of the most prominent artists in the Web3 music revolution - We caught up with her right in the middle of one of her most ground breaking Web3 achievements to date. Together, we discuss her path, we find out the origins of her incredible relentlessness and we compare notes on our own experiences as signed artists, dropped artists, and independent artists forging a path forward.

In this episode we sit down with Rob Abelow, a seasoned music industry professional and the founder of 'Where Music's Going'. Rob’s had a fascinating career, from working at major labels to managing artists, and now mentoring them through his platform. We dive into the changing landscape of the music industry, exploring how technology like AI, web3, and NFTs is reshaping how artists connect directly with their fans. Rob shares valuable insights into navigating this digital age while staying authentic and maintaining control over one’s artistic voice. We discuss the resurgence of vinyl and the potential of music NFTs to foster deeper artist-fan relationships, contrasting these tangible formats with the limitations of digital music. We also cover the challenges of streaming and why direct, genuine connections with audiences are more crucial than ever. This conversation is all about the value of authenticity and human fan connection in an increasingly algorithmically filtered world.

More from Rob Abelow at wheremusicsgoing.com or on twitter at x.com/AbelowRob

In this special shortened "Inbetweenisode" of Dropped we discuss the challenges segment of the podcast. How we almost Dropped it, some of the show feedback we've received so far, unexpected positive experiences that have already come as a result of stepping slightly out of our comfort zones to create more compelling reels, and what we hope to get from this unexpectedly popular part of the podcast!

In this special in-person episode of the podcast, recorded at Greg’s studio in Portland, we dive into the nuances of songwriting, creative collaboration, and the highs and lows of writing trips. We respond to a Q&A which leads us to discuss breaking through writer’s block, the emotional depths we traverse in sessions, and how songwriting cultures differ in Nashville, LA, and London. We also touch on the thrill of having a hit, navigating the pitfalls of plagiarism, and the crucial role of networking in the music industry. The episode wraps up with our insights on building lasting connections with fellow songwriters.

In this episode, Greg and Matt discuss their transition from being part of a big, shiny record label team to navigating careers as one-man operations. They reflect on their respective journeys - Greg working every part-time job under the sun and Matt playing cover gigs and busking - before eventually finding their own breakthroughs as full-time musicians playing their own music.

They share how early jobs shaped their careers and the experience of overcoming adversity to achieve personal definitions of success. The conversation also delves into the imbalance of earnings within the music industry, the challenge of sometimes being asked to work for free, and wraps up with each setting new challenges to push themselves further outside their comfort zones.