Drowned in Sound

A conversation about Fresh Hell, subcultures in nature, and shifting the climate narrative through creativity. In this episode of the podcast that maps what music will be like in 2050 by meeting cultural changemakers and pioneers, Sean Adams explores how the Fresh Hell zine - a collaboration between creatives from the agency Iris and Purpose Disruptors (download it here) - reframes our relationship with nature through goth culture, beauty, and imagination. Featuring clips from Freya Beer’s special Gothic Disco radio broadcast recorded at Walthamstow Wetlands (listen to it on Mixcloud here), featuring reflections from Lira Valencia and Chris Packham, which inspired the zine, we explore what happens when goth culture meets the natural world. This conversation with Purpose Disruptors who run the Agency for Nature & the creators of Fresh Hell zine, examines how creativity can help us move from awe of the natural world to cultural transformation—and what musicians, media, and fans can do to help shift the climate crisis narrative. Aimee Brewerton – Comms & Engagement Manager at Purpose Disruptors, working across climate-focused storytelling, brand strategy, and cultural transformation. Nicole Vanner – Designer at Iris, co-creator of Fresh Hell, blending gothic subculture with natural aesthetics in visual communication. Andrew Hadley – Copywriter at Iris, co-author of Fresh Hell, exploring language that rewilds desire and reframes our connection to nature. Purpose Disruptors – A UK-based network of 5,000+ creative professionals transforming the advertising industry to align with climate goals and societal well-being. Iris – A global creative agency known for working with progressive brands and championing purpose-driven campaigns. Agency for Nature – A project platform by Purpose Disruptors that reimagines communications through a regenerative, nature-first lens — including campaigns like Fresh Hell. Episode Summary & Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction: Can Music Change the Climate Conversation? 00:31 Exploring the Goths in Nature Project 01:23 Meeting the Change Makers 04:20 Chris Packham's Punk and Nature Connection 06:52 The Future of Our Planet in 2050 11:27 Purpose Disruptors: Changing the Advertising Narrative 14:17 Creating the Goths in Nature Magazine 25:09 The Role of Nature in Mental Health 30:01 Spotting the Moor Hen 30:52 Goth Music and Personal Favorites 31:20 From Radio Show to Zine 32:44 Chris Packham's Contribution 35:04 Celebrating Nature and Subculture 38:49 Nature as a Client 40:00 Collaborative Efforts and Creative Freedom 48:01 Impact and Mindset Shift 58:39 Future Hopes and Accountability 01:08:32 Final Thoughts and Call to Action Featured Links & Resources: Fresh Hell Zine Purpose Disruptors Freya Beer’s Gothic Disco Lira Valencia (Instagram) Bird Nerdeem (Instagram) Freya Beer (Instagram) Agency for Nature Walthamstow Wetlands Lawyers for Nature Earth Percent Creatives for Climate Good Life 2030 short film Songs Mentioned: Something to Remember Me By – The Horrors This Corrosion – Sisters of Mercy Soundtrack to previous episodes by Sound Mirror now available on Bandcamp Join the Conversation: Drowned in Sound Community Email: sean@drownedinsound.org Follow on Bluesky Upgrade to support my work: Subscribe to the Drowned in Sound newsletter

Drowned in Sound founder and DiS podcast host, Sean Adams answers your questions. Send Qs for future episodes to sean@drownedinsound.org. Links mentioned in this episode Article: Cafe Oto at Oscars - The Guardian Artist Recommendation: Nina Versyp Artist Recommendation: TTSSFU Artist Recommendation: Maella  Video: Apple on Dolby Atmos Ticket App: Dice Link: Tim Burgess listening party Article: Bjork immersive album Bowers + Wilkins  Drink: Icelandic drink Black Death Venue Recommendation: Trades Club in Hebden Bridge Music by Sound Mirror, available on Bandcamp here: https://sound-mirror.bandcamp.com/album/lake-wind-water-mountain Your Questions: Alex Lee Thompson: Are ”scenes” over? Unpack that question as you like Simon Marshall: After the excellent live bands to look out for article, sponsored by Seetickets, I would be interested in your views on the ticket selling part of the music industry - as a music consumer the DICE app was and is a revelation, what is your experience, and what is the best place to buy to support artists and venues?  Ear Protect Req: What three bands or artists should we be checking out live? Soundmirrorworld: Will the Atmos, immersive audio bubble burst? Or keep going ’til we’re full frontal? Alex Botten: What do you think about the hoards of zombie cover bands eating up local venues. Are they helping or hurting the scene? (I believe profoundly hurting) Eric Weiner: Would love to hear your thoughts on the listening party. Are they ever any good? What’s the perfect album release party? Grimes quote in full: Honestly the thing I like most about k pop is its an actual scene - reminds me Canadian punk scenes or the indie scene  back in the day where like if your integrated enough there's like a constant feed of beauty with sort of known rituals, built in community, and like a collective excitement that is contagious and life affirming. I see how music scenes function effectively as a quasi religious institutions in a secular society. The extreme corporatization of music followed by Covid was very culturally harmful imo cuz a healthy modern music scene is actually a functional religious replacement - if one assumes the mind is better served by access to a healthy community that produces art, has events, shared morality and values, messiahs haha etc. Techno and emo rap similarly ensnared me over the last decade to an extent but they seem less "all ages"

Why does gender bias still dominate radio airplay? And how did one data report force the industry to face its inequalities? In this episode of the Drowned in Sound Podcast, Sean Adams talks to Linda Coogan Byrne, activist and music consultant behind the Why Not Her? campaign. Her reports have exposed gender and racial disparities in radio airplay, driving real industry change. This conversation reveals how data is power or as Linda puts it,  “the data validates lived experiences.” 00:00 – Introduction: How One Report Changed Music 01:45 – Meet Linda Coogan Byrne & Her Data Reports 04:30 – The Shocking Gender Disparity in Radio 07:00 – Industry Reactions: Denial, Excuses & Pushback 11:00 – Thin Lizzy, Protest Billboards & Music Activism 15:30 – Has the Industry Improved or Is It Lip Service? 21:00 – Can Music Ever Be Equal? 30:00 – Why Not Everyone Can Be an Activist 38:00 – What Needs to Change for Lasting Equality? 45:00 – How Data Holds Power to Account 50:00 – Final Thoughts & Actionable Takeaways Links Why Not Her? Reports → https://whynother.eu/data-reports Gender Bias in UK Radio – The Guardian → https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/aug/21/female-british-artists-underrepresented-on-uk-radio-survey-finds Book More Women (Festival Representation) → https://www.instagram.com/bookmorewomen/ Activist Recommendations: Mona Eltahawy → https://www.instagram.com/monaeltahawy Emma Dabiri - Don’t Touch My Hair → https://uk.bookshop.org/a/14603/9780141986289 Mary Beard - Women & Power → https://uk.bookshop.org/a/14603/9781788160612 Ijeoma Oluo - Mediocre → https://uk.bookshop.org/a/14603/9781529353839 Check My Ads (Ad Funding & Misinformation) → https://checkmyads.org/ 🗣 Discuss this episode over on the Drowned in Sound Community → https://community.drownedinsound.com/ 📩 Email Sean → sean@drownedinsound.org 🔵 Follow on Bluesky → https://bsky.app/profile/drownedinsound.bsky.social 📩 Get the DiS Newsletter → https://drownedinsound.org ABOUT THE GUEST Linda Coogan Byrne is a music industry consultant, publicist, and activist known for her gender & racial disparity data reports. She is the CEO of Good Seed PR and founder of Why Not Her?, a campaign pushing for cultural change in music. Her work has influenced radio airplay, festival bookings, and policy decisions. She has been named among the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Ireland, inducted into the Music Week Hall of Honour, and recognized by IMPALA as a Top 20 Woman in Music Activism. ABOUT THE HOST Sean Adams is the founder of Drowned in Sound, a pioneering music webzine launched in 2000. Beyond editorial work, he manages artists like Charlotte Church and The Anchoress, operates the DiS independent record label, and contributes to strategic music industry and political advocacy projects. His passion lies in championing diverse music scenes and supporting artists worldwide.

What makes a great music city? How do governments, venues, and fans keep local music scenes alive? And why is music still not treated as an essential part of a city’s economy? In this episode of the Drowned in Sound Podcast, Sean Adams speaks with Shain Shapiro, founder of Sound Diplomacy and a leading advocate for integrating music into urban policy. Shain has advised cities and governments worldwide on how to invest in music, build better infrastructure, and ensure that artists and venues don’t just survive but thrive. The future of music scenes isn’t just about artists - it’s about infrastructure, investment, and policy. Without real change, we risk losing the cultural spaces that make music thrive. Topics Covered: The future of music cities: Why local scenes are vital and how they can be protected Music as an economic and public good: Why governments should treat music like any other essential sector Emerging music markets: Where the global music hotspots of the future might be Live Nation: How monopolies shape local music ecosystems The importance of local media and community spaces in sustaining music scenes How cities can future-proof music amid climate, economic, and technological shifts Shain Shapiro explains: “We don’t make data-driven decisions about music the way we do about transit, healthcare, or housing, yet music is an essential part of a city’s fabric.” Episode Highlights & Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: Can We Save Our Music Scenes? 01:04 – The Future of Music: What Will 2050 Sound Like? 02:33 – The Big Challenges Facing the Music Industry 04:44 – Music as an Economic & Public Good: Why Governments Should Care 09:11 – Shain’s Journey: From Record Shops to Global Music Policy 14:08 – Music Cities: How Governments Can Invest in Local Scenes 19:51 – Global Music Growth: Why Africa & Southeast Asia Are the Future 28:25 – Community & Local Government’s Role in Music Sustainability 35:50 – The Live Nation Monopoly, Local Media, & How Cities Can Push Back 40:00 – Final Thoughts: What Needs to Change & What Fans Can Do Further Reading & Resources: Sound Diplomacy – Leading global consultancy on music and city planning Making Places Better Newsletter – Shain Shapiro’s insights on improving urban spaces through music and culture Music Venue Trust – Protecting grassroots venues Cardiff Music Strategy – A model for city-led music investment Fonds de la Musique Canada – Canada’s funding model for music exports Live DMA – European network for live music venues Join the discussion on the Drowned in Sound Community, message me on Bluesky, or email me at sean@drownedinsound.org. Get More Music Insights – Subscribe to the Drowned in Sound Newsletter for deep dives into the future of music. About the Host: Sean Adams is the founder of Drowned in Sound, established in 2000 as a pioneering music webzine. Beyond his editorial work, Sean manages artists such as Charlotte Church and The Anchoress, operates the DiS independent record label, and contributes to strategic communications for music initiatives like Music Venue Trust. His passion lies in championing diverse music scenes and supporting artists across genres. About the Guest: Shain Shapiro, PhD is the founder and executive chairman of Sound Diplomacy, the leading global consultancy on music and city planning. He also serves as the executive director of the not-for-profit Center for Music Ecosystems. Shain has authored This Must Be The Place: How Music Can Make Your City Better, exploring the intersection of music and urban development. His work has influenced over 130 cities worldwide to invest in music and culture, redefining the value of music in urban settings.

Music has long been a force for change but as extreme weather disrupts events and the industry grapples with its own environmental footprint, can music be a meaningful part of the climate justice movement? In episode 2 of season 3 of the Drowned in Sound Podcast, Sean Adams speaks with Frances Fox, founder of Climate Live and a leader in the UK’s youth climate strikes. Frances shares her journey from music fan to activist, why festivals are powerful spaces for engagement, and how the music industry can move beyond greenwashing to drive real action. This episode explores: Why festivals are at risk from the climate crisis How music fans can help shape the climate conversation The role of artists, venues & labels in pushing for a sustainable future The reality of music’s carbon footprint and what needs to change The Solar-Powered Pink Bus—and why Climate Live is taking a message of climate justice straight to festival crowds whilst applying glitter and temporary tattoos From touring impacts to activism strategies, this episode breaks down the intersection of music and climate justice, offering real insights into what fans, artists, and the industry can do next. “Engaging the unengaged is my jam—when you meet people where they're at, like at a festival, it's very chill.” – Frances Fox Episode Highlights: 00:00 – Introduction: Can Music Be a Force for Climate Justice?05:00 – Frances Fox’s Journey: From Festival-Goer to Climate Activist09:20 – Festivals & Climate Change: How Extreme Weather Is Reshaping Live Music15:40 – Touring, Vinyl & Streaming: The Hidden Environmental Cost of Music22:00 – The Solar-Powered Pink Bus: Taking Climate Conversations to Festivals30:00 – Roles in the Resistance: How Fans & Artists Can Push for Industry Change40:00 – Call to Action: What’s Next & How Listeners Can Get Involved Further Reading & Resources: Climate Live – Join the movement and apply to perform Fridays for Future – Global climate strike movement Choked Up – Campaigning for air quality in marginalized communities Disha Ravi – Indian climate activist's Wiki Roles in the Resistance Poster – Find your place in climate activism Julie's Bicycle – Sustainability in the creative arts Tori Tsui – Climate activist and author of It's Not Just You Dominique Palmer – Climate activist and speaker Music Declares Emergency – Musicians demanding climate action Music Venue Trust – Protecting grassroots music venues Safe Gigs for Women – Creating safer environments for women at gigs Teach The Future - teachthefuture.uk Rozzi - Artist who wrote a song about LA fires Stop Rosebank – Campaign against new oil fields Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty – Ending fossil fuel expansion EarthPercent – Brian Eno’s initiative for climate funding Make My Money Matter – How your bank funds fossil fuels Rainforest Foundation UK – Protecting the Congo Basin Reverb – Eco-friendly music tours Massive Attack's Climate Initiatives – Band's efforts for sustainable festivals 📩 Get More Music Insights – Subscribe to the Drowned in Sound Newsletter for deep dives into the future of music: http://drownedinsound.org 🎵 Music by SoundMirror Why This Matters: Festivals are already being disrupted—Boardmasters, Standon Calling, and others have faced cancellations due to extreme weather, and independent festivals may not survive rising insurance costs. The music industry still relies on fossil fuels—From plastic-heavy vinyl production to major labels backed by oil & gas investments, there’s a deeper connection than many realise. Musicians & fans have power—From sustainable touring to rethinking sponsorships, music can lead the way—but only if more people demand change.

From grassroots venues and youth music programs to Mercury Prize winners, early support shapes who gets to make music—and who doesn’t. But is access to music a right or a privilege? Music should be for everyone - but is it becoming a luxury only the privileged can afford? Episode one of season 3 of the DiS podcast, explores how Youth Music -a UK charity funding grassroots projects - is fighting to create fairer opportunities for young musicians facing financial, social, and industry barriers. In this episode of the Drowned in Sound Podcast, Sean Adams speaks with Matt Griffiths, CEO of Youth Music, about hidden inequalities in the music industry and the work being done to create opportunities for the next generation of musicians. From youth-led projects and grassroots funding to the systemic barriers keeping working-class musicians out, this episode explores how music’s future can be more inclusive, diverse, and fair. This episode also features Ezra Collective’s Mercury Prize-winning speech, where they credit their success to the support they received early on: “This is not just Ezra Collective’s moment, this is a moment for every single organisation that’s championing young people making music.” Read the full speech here:The Line of Best Fit The Drowned in Sound Podcast maps the future of music and explores what's happening in the industry right now, with a strong moral compass. It connects music, culture, and ethics, offering deep dives into the issues shaping the way we create, consume, and sustain music. Why This Matters: Music has the power to change lives - but only if everyone has the chance to participate. Rising costs, funding cuts, and industry gatekeeping are making it harder than ever for working-class musicians to break through. In this episode, we explore what’s at stake, what’s changing, and how we can fight for a better future in music. Topics Covered: Why music is increasingly a career for the privileged From youth projects to Mercury Prizes: why access matters How the industry is shutting out working-class talent The critical role of Youth Music in opening doors The funding crisis: why 25% of grassroots projects are at risk “It’s not a pipeline, it’s flight pathways” – how opportunity shapes careers What real change looks like - and how to make it happen Further Reading: Youth Music – Find out more and get involved: https://youthmusic.org.uk/ "I Will Forever Remain Faithful" Essay – Read more: Oxford American Drowned in Sound Newsletter – Subscribe for music insights: http://drownedinsound.org Episode Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction: Is Music Becoming a Privilege? 01:15 Why Youth Music Exists & What It Does 04:30 How the Industry Is Failing Young Artists 07:50 What Happens When You Can’t Afford to Make Music? 11:10 From Youth Projects to the Mercury Prize – Success Stories 14:40 The Funding Crisis: What’s At Risk? 18:20 How We Ensure Music’s Future Is For Everyone 21:30 Ezra Collective’s Speech & the Power of Community 40:00 Final Thoughts & Call to Action Join the Conversation: Who really gets a chance to make music today? Join the discussion on the Drowned in Sound forum or leave a review with your thoughts. Support Youth Music – Help fund grassroots music projects: https://youthmusic.org.uk/ Get More Music Insights – Subscribe to the Drowned in Sound Newsletter for in-depth analysis on the future of music: http://drownedinsound.org

How will music survive until 2050? Will streaming monopolies and economic pressures lead to music’s decline, or can we build a fairer, more sustainable future? In this season three prologue of the Drowned in Sound Podcast, host Sean Adams (founder of Drowned in Sound) reflects on his lifelong love of music, the systemic challenges facing artists, and what the next 25 years could mean for independent musicians, grassroots venues, and the future of the industry. In this series, expect big questions, deep dives, and conversations with artists, industry leaders, and changemakers who are shaping what comes next. Drowned in Sound’s podcast is about a life built around music—but also how music shapes culture, communities, and change. Topics in this episode: Why grassroots venues are struggling How streaming giants control music discovery The economic realities of being an artist today Lessons from past music movements and how they shaped the industry Why music’s future depends on the choices we make now 🎵 Music by Sound Mirror – https://www.soundmirror.co.uk/ 📩 Subscribe to the Drowned in Sound newsletter: http://drownedinsound.org 00:00 Introduction: The Future of Music in 2050 00:25 Personal Journey with Music 01:45 Climate Activism & Music’s Role in Change 02:20 Challenges Facing Artists & the Music Industry 03:34 Streaming, Labels & Who Holds the Power 06:13 Economic Disparities & the Struggles of Independent Artists 07:36 The Importance of Community in Music 10:46 Conclusion: The Power & Potential of Music What do you think the future of music looks like?What challenges should the industry fix first? 💬 Leave a review on your podcast app. 🔔 Follow, rate & subscribe to never miss an episode.

This year marks 25 years since Drowned in Sound launched, and rather than obsessing about the past, we will be gazing into the future, trying to work out what music will be like in 2050. In this prologue episode, Sean Adams, the founder of Drowned in Sound, reflects a little bit on his 25-year journey and examines the current challenges facing music, from economic barriers to the impact of technology and AI. He discusses the importance of grassroots venues, the role of music in our lives, and the potential for both dystopian and utopian futures. Along the way, he plans on speaking with industry experts, musicians, and pioneers to uncover insights and envision solutions for a sustainable and vibrant music ecosystem. Join this open research project to explore how we can shape a better future for music. This was an unscripted ramble, so you can read a little more in our recent newsletter.00:00 Introduction: The Big Question for 202500:35 Reflecting on 25 Years of Drowned in Sound02:07 Challenges Facing the Music Industry04:22 Exploring Solutions and Innovations06:53 The Future of Music: Utopia or Dystopia?08:36 Join the Journey: Open Research Project

Discovering new music has become a treasure hunt amidst countless submissions, with strategies for finding genuine artists in a crowded landscape. Nostalgia hits as memories of defunct London venues spark amusing stories and reflections on interactions with industry icons. There’s a call for deeper connections in music curation, proposing a resurgence of MySpace as a community platform. Lastly, the impacts of Brexit on the UK music scene raise concerns while hinting at hopeful trends in governmental support for the arts.

This discussion dives into the challenges of restoring respect for the arts amidst the rise of AI-generated content. The hosts share hilarious and awkward moments from their interviews, revealing the unpredictable nature of eliciting deep conversations. Personal anecdotes reflect on music journalism's evolution, revealing regrets and missed opportunities. They explore the deep emotional connections with music and the nostalgic memories tied to local venues, pondering why certain bands didn’t achieve the success they deserved.