In this episode we sit down with Rob Abelow, a seasoned music industry professional and the founder of 'Where Music's Going'. Rob’s had a fascinating career, from working at major labels to managing artists, and now mentoring them through his platform. We dive into the changing landscape of the music industry, exploring how technology like AI, web3, and NFTs is reshaping how artists connect directly with their fans. Rob shares valuable insights into navigating this digital age while staying authentic and maintaining control over one’s artistic voice. We discuss the resurgence of vinyl and the potential of music NFTs to foster deeper artist-fan relationships, contrasting these tangible formats with the limitations of digital music. We also cover the challenges of streaming and why direct, genuine connections with audiences are more crucial than ever. This conversation is all about the value of authenticity and human fan connection in an increasingly algorithmically filtered world.

More from Rob Abelow at wheremusicsgoing.com or on twitter at x.com/AbelowRob Contact us via email at droppedpod@gmail.com or on instagram at instagram.com/droppedpodcast

In this special shortened "Inbetweenisode" of Dropped we discuss the challenges segment of the podcast. How we almost Dropped it, some of the show feedback we've received so far, unexpected positive experiences that have already come as a result of stepping slightly out of our comfort zones to create more compelling reels, and what we hope to get from this unexpectedly popular part of the podcast!

In this special in-person episode of the podcast, recorded at Greg’s studio in Portland, we dive into the nuances of songwriting, creative collaboration, and the highs and lows of writing trips. We respond to a Q&A which leads us to discuss breaking through writer’s block, the emotional depths we traverse in sessions, and how songwriting cultures differ in Nashville, LA, and London. We also touch on the thrill of having a hit, navigating the pitfalls of plagiarism, and the crucial role of networking in the music industry. The episode wraps up with our insights on building lasting connections with fellow songwriters.

In this episode, Greg and Matt discuss their transition from being part of a big, shiny record label team to navigating careers as one-man operations. They reflect on their respective journeys - Greg working every part-time job under the sun and Matt playing cover gigs and busking - before eventually finding their own breakthroughs as full-time musicians playing their own music.

They share how early jobs shaped their careers and the experience of overcoming adversity to achieve personal definitions of success. The conversation also delves into the imbalance of earnings within the music industry, the challenge of sometimes being asked to work for free, and wraps up with each setting new challenges to push themselves further outside their comfort zones.

In this episode, Greg Holden and Matt Belmont introduce themselves and the podcast. They discuss some of their experiences in the music industry, including successes and setbacks. They express their frustrations with the changing landscape of the industry and their determination to adapt and find a new path forward. They also touch on the challenges of reaching and connecting with their audience in the age of streaming and short form content. Overall, the episode sets the stage for their journey of self-discovery and reinvention. Greg and Matt go on to discuss their experiences in the music industry, including their successes and setbacks. Greg talks about the massive impact of having a song featured on American Idol and both hosts discuss challenges they faced after being dropped by their record label.

In this episode, we have a great conversation with Italian singer-songwriter Violetta Zironi, tracing her journey from her appearance as an 18-year-old ukulele-playing singer on X Factor Italy in 2013 to her position today as one of the most prominent artists in the Web3 music revolution - We caught up with her right in the middle of one of her most ground breaking Web3 achievements to date. Together, we discuss her path, we find out the origins of her incredible relentlessness and we compare notes on our own experiences as signed artists, dropped artists, and independent artists forging a path forward.