This is a solo episode! I break down four important topics:

1. Saudi Arabia investing in music
2. The “Song of the Summer” is no more
3. Pop star decline: winners, losers, and trends
4. Spotify’s podcast strategy and the creator economy

[00:04:22] Saudi investors exploring entertainment and tech, except music.

[00:07:50] Music festivals present opportunity for strategic investment.

[00:08:47] Investment activity in acquiring back catalog.

[00:13:12] Songs of summer: fragmented, subjective, lost meaning.

[00:16:52] Song anticipates spring/summer, dominates airwaves, summer-themed video.

[00:20:51] Pop star decline: articles highlight big changes.

[00:24:22] Limited inventory shifted to infinite digital options.

[00:28:20] Music industry shifts in less than a decade.

[00:32:12] Valuable data for advertisers and podcasters.

[00:36:05] ConvertKit founder rejects Spotify acquisition attempt; insights on equity sharing for bootstrap businesses. Podcasters' success rate low but valuable. Creator economy companies seek capital for growth.

[00:38:27] Unicorn-like success stories, underestimated expectations.

[00:41:27] Personalized services to artists, potentially disrupting the traditional role of major record labels.

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