00:00 The Work Podcast kicks off with the industry's obsession with "direct-to-fan" models 0:59 and why most platforms pushing the narrative aren't actually helping artists build real fan bases. The crew dives into the difference between superfans and passive listeners, why monthly listeners don't equal ticket sales 8:03, and the Ponzi scheme of VC-backed music startups promising artist independence.

From Bandcamp's real cultural impact 22:43 to why platforms like Even stand out in a sea of copycats, the conversation breaks down how tech companies sell artists a dream without actually delivering results. The team also explores why music marketing should focus on hyper-targeting instead of vague "direct-to-fan" promises 32:08.

The conversation shifts to the role of taste, relationships, and community in artist success 49:46, how real cultural moments are built behind the scenes, and why artists need to stop waiting for platforms to save them.

Also, the rise of AI music creation 52:07 sparks a heated debate—will AI replace human creativity, or is it just another tool? The crew reacts to Mikey Shulman's viral AI take and breaks down how technology is reshaping production, curation, and artist discovery.

All that, plus insights from artist managers, industry execs, and the real truth behind the future of music.

In this episode, Melanie McClain (Founder of Blurred Lines, DSP Music Programming) Michael Pelczynski (Co-Founder Voice-Swap and EVP Rostrum Pacific, Sabrina Kalimian (artist manager & founder of Childish), and Donny Slater (GM, Third + Hayden and Co-Founder, ROLLOUT).