Critical Listening

We are back for our penultimate episode of Season 1 of Critical Listening! Recorded on November 13th at the coveted Stood at Purchase College, we're discussing the latest developments in the Spotify deal to create "artist first" generative AI tools in partnership with major labels and distributors. We also review the platform's continued growth as it rounds out its second full year of profitability and what that means for both artists and users alike. We have just uploaded the second part of this episode for Patrons only where we take questions directly from the students of Purchase College themselves, sign up now at patreon.com/criticallistening to catch up on the full season and bonus episodes before our season finale at the end of the year! Do you want the Critical Listening team to do a live taping at your college, music venue, conference, record store, or general hang in 2026? Shoot us an email at criticallisteningpod@gmail.com and let's chat!

For Episode 8 we have composer, educator, curator, and activist Amirtha Kidambi stopping by. We discuss Amirtha's various musical outputs, including her Elder Ones ensemble and her recent duo release with Matt Evans as Neti-Neti. We discuss the inseparability of politics from pedagogy as teaching artists, the importance of solidarity amongst working artists and the need for us to Do-It-Together rather than simply DIY. Amirtha has a new podcast out called Outernational that explores the relationship of music and revolution through poignant conversations with fellow artists around the world, subscribe and support her work via her Substack and Bandcamp. Support critical and independent media at the intersections of music, tech, and culture industry hell by subscribing to our Patreon.

We’re back with another headlines ep, where Liz and Max each bring one story from across the music-tech biz press to summarize and contextualize. On this ep we are unpacking the imminent major label deals with gen-AI companies. At the time we recorded, those reportedly landmark deals were thought to be signed within weeks, and since recording we’ve already started to see more details emerge. We discussed some implications of Spotify being included on the list of companies major rightsholders are working out gen-AI deals with, and more details of that collaboration have already dropped, too. Lastly, we of course also spoke about what it means that Daniel Ek is stepping back from his role as CEO of Spotify. Thanks for tuning in, remember to support the show by joining our Patreon & head over to the Discord if you want to chat about anything mentioned on the show!

Damon Krukowski, a musician known for his bands Galaxie 500 and Damon & Naomi, discusses his book, Why Sound Matters. He explores why sound's materiality relates to labor issues in music and outlines the impact of noise pollution and AI-generated clutter. Damon contrasts musician perspectives on field recording with sound art and shares insights on how community-building among musicians has eroded in the digital age. His call to action emphasizes recognizing musicians as laborers, advocating for fair compensation in streaming.

Max and Liz tackle intriguing headlines on how AI is reshaping the music landscape. They explore the ramifications of independent labels partnering with AI companies and question the ethical implications of using artists' catalogs for training models. The duo discusses the potential threats to synchronization licensing, a vital income source for musicians. They also dive into Duolingo’s acquisition of a music education app, debating its effectiveness compared to traditional mentoring. Lastly, local musicians rally against a Live Nation venue, highlighting community activism.

Andy Cush, writer, musician, and co-founder of Hearing Things, discusses the growing trend of artists and labels quitting streaming services. He explores the detrimental effects of streaming on listening habits and the ethical dilemmas artists face. Cush emphasizes the importance of centering musicians' voices in storytelling and shares insights on building DIY infrastructure for music. He also highlights alternatives like Catalytic Sound and offers tips for listeners to reduce streaming dependency for a richer listening experience.

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!