Artists Over Algorithms: Jaeson Ma on the AI-Powered Future of Music

The music industry is broken—and Jaeson Ma is here to fix it. On this episode of The AI Download, Shira Lazar sits down with the co-founder and CEO of OpenWav, a platform reimagining how independent artists make money, build superfans, and own their creativity.

👉Special Thanks to Hivelighter for sponsoring this series  —Dive deeper, scroll less. The AI-powered tool that supercharges your reading and research with personalized insights. For more go to: https://www.hivelighter.com

Co-Founder by Wyclef Jean and shaped by Jaeson's own journey as a media mogul and investor (88rising, EST Studios), OpenWav combines AI, Web3, and on-demand merch to give artists a label in their pocket. This is not about getting more followers—it's about getting the right ones.

They dive deep into:
 🔹 Why less than 1% of artists make over $10K a year on streaming—and how OpenWave flips the script
 🔹 How AI lets creators design merch, videos, and marketing tools in minutes
 🔹 Why superfans—not algorithms—are the key to success in 2025
 🔹 Wyclef Jean’s role as Chief Music Officer and his belief in putting “artists over algorithms”
 🔹 The difference between real talent and TikTok fame—and how the industry must adapt
 🔹 Why artists need to understand AI now to stay ahead (hint: it's your new manager, promoter & designer)

This is a must-listen for musicians, creators, and anyone building a business from their brand. OpenWav isn’t just a platform—it’s a movement.  https://openwav.ai/

🎙 Guest:  Jaeson Ma
 CEO & Co-founder, OpenWav 

 Entrepreneur, Investor (88rising, EST Studios), Culture Catalyst
 Follow him: @JaesonMa

🎧 Love the episode?
 Follow, rate & review The AI Download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.

📺 Watching on YouTube?
 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell for updates.

📩 Stay in the loop:
 Subscribe to Shira’s newsletter → Shira’s Newsletter on Beehiiv  https://shiras-newsletter.beehiiv.com

Follow Shira:
 x.com/shiralazar
instagram.com/shiralazar
tiktok.com/@shiralazar
linkedin.com/in/shiralazar
youtube.com/shiralazar

🎬 Produced by Musso Media
 Visit mussomedia.com for storytelling that connects.

Credits

This episode of The AI Download was hosted, created, and executive produced by Shira Lazar. Executive Producer Michele Musso, with video and audio editing by the Musso Media team. Creative Director Nadia Giosia with Mint Labs. Music by PALA, Catalina Coastline (licensed under Boss Soundstripe Productions by BMI). Produced by Musso Media. © 2025 Musso Media. © 2025 Shira