The music industry is changing at a pace we’ve never seen before. From the decline of traditional record sales to the rise of AI-generated tracks, social media-driven virality, and new ways for artists to make money, today’s landscape looks nothing like it did even a decade ago. In this episode, we discuss how streaming, TikTok, and algorithmic discovery have reshaped how we find and consume music—and what that means for artists trying to build a lasting career.

But discovery is only part of the equation. We also dive into the shifting world of music monetization—where album sales have taken a backseat to touring, merch, Patreon, and direct-to-fan platforms. Is financial independence more attainable for artists now, or has the burden of being a musician-entrepreneur become too much? Let’s break it down and explore what the industry's future really looks like.