Critical Listening

Max & Liz return for another installment of their series diving into some intriguing headlines from across the music, tech and business hellscape. What does it mean for organizations representing independent record labels to be inking deals with gen-AI companies? How are AI-driven tech platforms impacting the realm of music education? Never fear, we’ve got a bloomscroll in there too. Check it out and support the Patreon to join the convo on Discord!

We're back with another esteemed guest! With us today we have writer, musician, and co-founder of the worker owned music publication Hearing Things, Andy Cush. We discuss with Andy his articles on the various artists and labels who have not only decided to leave streaming, but are reimagining their relationship with digital music as a whole off these major platforms. We also dive into the detrimental effects streaming has made on the listening habits of both casual and diehard music lovers, and how one might decide to find different alternatives themselves. Music for the episode is from Andy's solo project, Domestic Drafts, whose full length LP entitled Only The Singer was released earlier this year.

The hosts discuss a bewildering investment in an AI weapons firm and its implications for the music industry. They explore the controversial AI-generated band that’s raising eyebrows over authenticity. The conversation sweeps from a poignant performance at a festival addressing ecological grief to the complex ethics of streaming platforms like Spotify. They also dive into the intertwining of music and politics, celebrating a rapper's inspiration in the New York primary while blending humor with topical commentary.

Joey La Neve Defrancesco, a musician with Downtown Boys and La Neve, and Spencer Peppet from The Ophelias, explore the collective power of musicians in today's gig economy. They detail the Union of Musicians and Allied Workers' initiatives, like the Justice at Spotify campaign and the Living Wage for Musicians Act. The duo discusses effective organizing strategies, the significance of grassroots movements, and the intersection of music and social activism. Their insights reveal how personal connections can drive community engagement and meaningful change.

Joining the hosts is Greg Saunier, the innovative drummer of Deerhoof, a band that has thrived in the music industry for over 30 years. They delve into the political themes of their latest album, discuss resistance against the commodification of art, and explore the challenges of contemporary music-making. Saunier shares insights on the importance of music accessibility, like their unique decision to release sheet music for a song before recording it. The conversation also grapples with the intersection of art, technology, and societal pressure.

Join Liz and Max as they explore the intersection of music, technology, and culture. Discover Liz's journey promoting her book, and Max's evolving identity as a musician and educator. They tackle critical issues in the music industry, examining the impact of technology on artists and the push for alternatives to mainstream streaming. With an emphasis on building a community around critical listening, they invite listeners to engage in meaningful conversations about music's future. Get ready for a thoughtful dive into the world of music criticism!