Lone Wolves: The State of Music + Tech

Lone Wolves Community
  • 5.0 (3)
  • TECH NEWS

Industry veterans Drew Thurlow + Lauren Blitzer-Wright dive into the latest in music, tech, and the ever-evolving business behind it all. From AI breakthroughs to emerging trends, they bring expert guests and insider insights straight to your ears. You’ll laugh, you’ll learn—and you might even pick up some music history along the way.

Episodes

  1. Lone Wolves S2 #2: Indie vs Major – LWC Sells Out

    12/18/2025

    Lone Wolves S2 #2: Indie vs Major – LWC Sells Out

    In this episode, Lauren Blitzer-Wright and Drew Thurlow discuss the significant growth of independent artists in the music industry, highlighting how they have outgrown the market share of major labels like UMG. The conversation delves into the definitions of indie versus major labels, the evolution of artist contracts, and the impact of technology on music distribution. Blitzer emphasizes the importance of understanding the human element in the music business and the need for a more supportive industry structure for artists. Topics 00:00 Where's Nicole?? 00:28 Yea We Got Indie Cred 02:48 Indie? Major? What's the distinction anymore?? 06:03 The Evolution of Music Distribution 09:12 The Changing Landscape of Artist Contracts 12:11 The Hills Are Alive With The Sound of Christmas 14:16 Drew + Lauren Get It Right (They're Wrong) 15:26 Drew Sells Out To A Major 18:05 The Human Element in Music Business 19:51 Everyone In Music Has A Side Hustle 21:10 Building a Better Music Industry Credits Hosted by Lauren Blitzer-Wright & Drew ThurlowMusic by Drew ThurlowProduced & Directed by Nicole Marinake Apply to Join the Lone Wolves Community ⁠⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYypAzIMIbO9W5Elqy1Otp9BXopODUVr28Vw2QdOgeIS52OQ/viewform?pli=1⁠⁠ Follow the Lone Wolves Community LinkTree:⁠⁠ https://linktr.ee/lonewolvescommunity⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠https://www.lonewolvesclub.co/⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@lwcommunity⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/lonewolvescommunity⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@lonewolvescommunity LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/lone-wolves-community⁠⁠ Keywords independent artists, major labels, music distribution, artist contracts, music industry trends, digital democratization, music revenue, artist leverage, music technology, music marketing

    24 min
  2. Lone Wolves S2 #1: Our Music Journeys, Burger King to Berklee

    12/03/2025

    Lone Wolves S2 #1: Our Music Journeys, Burger King to Berklee

    We made it to Season 2! In this episode of the Lone Wolves podcast, hosts Lauren Blitzer-Wright and Drew Thurlow discuss their personal journeys in the music industry, the evolution of music business education, and the impact of technology on the industry. They explore the challenges faced by new graduates entering the job market, the changing landscape of music distribution, and the future of music in relation to AI and emerging technologies. The conversation highlights the importance of adaptability and innovation in navigating the modern music industry. Topics 00:00 Welcome to the Lone Wolves Podcast SEASON 2 00:10 Drew Gets a New Hoodie 03:39 You Ain't Got No Job, and You Ain't Got No Car 07:37 New York State of Mind 10:32 Lauren Clocks In 16:19 Drew's First Job? Burger King (for real) 20:40 Someone...Please Pay Me!! Credits Hosted by Lauren Blitzer-Wright & Drew Thurlow Music by Drew Thurlow Produced & Directed by Nicole Marinake Apply to Join the Lone Wolves Community ⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYypAzIMIbO9W5Elqy1Otp9BXopODUVr28Vw2QdOgeIS52OQ/viewform?pli=1⁠ Follow the Lone Wolves Community LinkTree:⁠ https://linktr.ee/lonewolvescommunity⁠ Website: ⁠https://www.lonewolvesclub.co/⁠ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lwcommunity Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/lonewolvescommunity⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@lonewolvescommunity⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/lone-wolves-community⁠ Buy Merch: ⁠https://www.lonewolvesclub.co/support⁠ Keywords music industry, education, career paths, technology, AI, job market, music business, streaming, digital music, innovation

    25 min

  3. 08/20/2025

    Lone Wolves #008: 3 Under-Reported Stories in the Music Industry (Summer 2025 Edition)

    In this episode of the Lone Wolves Podcast, hosts Drew Thurlow and Lauren Blitzer-Wright discuss under-reported stories in the music industry, focusing on the significant shift towards catalog acquisitions by major labels, the implications of direct deals for mechanical rights, and the importance of building community in a fragmented industry. They explore how these changes affect talent development, the role of independent artists, and the future of music business structures. Topics 00:00 The Shift in the Music Industry 00:48 Major Labels, Minor Artists 07:32 MLC, U Feel Me? 11:45 The Student Becomes the Teacher Credits Hosted by Lauren Blitzer-Wright & Drew Thurlow Music by Drew Thurlow Produced & Directed by Nicole Marinake Apply to Join the Lone Wolves Community ⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYypAzIMIbO9W5Elqy1Otp9BXopODUVr28Vw2QdOgeIS52OQ/viewform?pli=1⁠ Follow the Lone Wolves Community LinkTree:⁠ https://linktr.ee/lonewolvescommunity⁠ Website: ⁠https://www.lonewolvesclub.co/⁠ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lwcommunity Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/lonewolvescommunity⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@lonewolvescommunity⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/lone-wolves-community⁠ Buy Merch: ⁠https://www.lonewolvesclub.co/support⁠ Keywords music industry, acquisitions, mechanical rights, community, talent development, major labels, independent artists, AI in music, music business trends

    20 min

  4. 07/02/2025

    Lone Wolves #007: The Latest on Music & AI

    In this conversation, Drew Thurlow and Lauren Blitzer-Wright discuss the intersection of AI and the music industry, exploring its implications for artists, the legal landscape, and consumer perceptions. Drew shares his journey through the music industry, highlighting the evolution of technology and its impact on creativity. The discussion also addresses the legal challenges surrounding AI-generated content and the future of music creation in an AI-driven world. Topics 00:00 Drew is a Nerd 05:46 What Do We Talk About, When We Talk About AI? 07:21 We Should All Sue Each Other 12:34 Drop the (Velvet) Hammer 16:19 Our AI Slop Era Credits Hosted by Lauren Blitzer-Wright & Drew Thurlow Music by Drew Thurlow Produced & Directed by Nicole Marinake Apply to Join the Lone Wolves Community ⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYypAzIMIbO9W5Elqy1Otp9BXopODUVr28Vw2QdOgeIS52OQ/viewform?pli=1⁠ Follow the Lone Wolves Community LinkTree:⁠ https://linktr.ee/lonewolvescommunity⁠ Website: ⁠https://www.lonewolvesclub.co/⁠ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lwcommunity Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/lonewolvescommunity⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@lonewolvescommunity⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/lone-wolves-community⁠ Buy Merch: ⁠https://www.lonewolvesclub.co/support⁠ Keywords AI, music industry, technology, artists, copyright, legal implications, consumer perception, future of music

    28 min

  5. 06/26/2025

    Lone Wolves #006: The Future of Music Tech Startups

    In this episode, Drew Thurlow and Lauren Blitzer-Wright discuss the evolving landscape of music tech startups, focusing on investment opportunities, the role of AI in music creation and marketing, challenges in metadata and rights management, and the future of AI in music production. They explore how these advancements are reshaping the industry and the importance of maintaining a balance between technology and human creativity. Topics 00:00 Does Drew have some news? (Spoiler: Yes) 03:21 Let's Have Fun and Trace the Value Chain with AI! 06:20 AI, Slop, and You 09:14 Don't Let the Agents Run Amok 12:56 Hey AI: Pay Me 15:15 Navigating the Evolving Music Industry Landscape 18:07 Be Nice to Founders. It's Hard. Credits Hosted by Lauren Blitzer-Wright & Drew Thurlow Music by Drew Thurlow Produced & Directed by Nicole Marinake Apply to Join the Lone Wolves Community ⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYypAzIMIbO9W5Elqy1Otp9BXopODUVr28Vw2QdOgeIS52OQ/viewform?pli=1⁠ Follow the Lone Wolves Community LinkTree:⁠ https://linktr.ee/lonewolvescommunity⁠ Website: ⁠https://www.lonewolvesclub.co/⁠ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lwcommunity Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/lonewolvescommunity⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@lonewolvescommunity⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/lone-wolves-community⁠ Buy Merch: ⁠https://www.lonewolvesclub.co/support⁠ Keywords music tech, startups, AI, investment, music industry, rights management, metadata, music production, creator tools, marketing

    24 min

  6. 06/05/2025

    Lone Wolves #005: The Future of Music in Gaming (Part 2)

    Be sure to check out Part 1 of this episode here: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/0ucwuabf80ZoH9pXx6NqlB?si=Lne4_bCeTjKEaZqn46i26Q⁠ In part two of this episode, Nick Venti from Tiger AI joins Drew Thurlow to discuss the intersection of music and gaming, focusing on the innovative use of adaptive music technology to enhance user experience in gaming. The discussion covers the challenges of music licensing, the evolution of music in gaming, and the future potential for integrating music more seamlessly into gaming experiences. The conversation highlights the need for better collaboration between the music and gaming industries to create more engaging audio experiences for players. Topics 00:00 Why is Gaming Music SO BAD? 06:07 The Evolution of Music in Gaming 09:09 Innovative Features of Tiger AI's Platform 11:12 The Future of Music and Gaming Integration 13:36 Conclusion and Future Prospects Credits Hosted by Lauren Blitzer-Wright & Drew Thurlow Music by Drew Thurlow Produced & Directed by Nicole Marinake Apply to Join the Lone Wolves Community ⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYypAzIMIbO9W5Elqy1Otp9BXopODUVr28Vw2QdOgeIS52OQ/viewform?pli=1⁠ Follow the Lone Wolves Community LinkTree:⁠ https://linktr.ee/lonewolvescommunity⁠ Website: ⁠https://www.lonewolvesclub.co/⁠ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lwcommunity Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/lonewolvescommunity⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@lonewolvescommunity⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/lone-wolves-community⁠ Buy Merch: ⁠https://www.lonewolvesclub.co/support⁠ Keywords Tiger AI, gaming music, adaptive music, music licensing, audio technology, gaming industry, music integration, user experience, music rights, gaming platforms

    17 min

  7. 06/03/2025

    Lone Wolves #005: The Future of Music in Gaming (Part 1)

    In part one of this episode, Colin Yost joins Lauren Blitzer-Wright to discuss the intersection of music and gaming, highlighting the evolution of music integration in gaming platforms like Roblox and Fortnite. He addresses the challenges of music licensing, the innovative strategies being employed to enhance music experiences in games, and the future potential for collaboration between the music and gaming industries. Topics 00:00 We're a Three Trick Pony 02:00 Shame on you, Roblox 03:52 New Chapter 14:41 Colin Yost Joins the Podcast Credits Hosted by Lauren Blitzer-Wright & Drew Thurlow Music by Drew Thurlow Produced & Directed by Nicole Marinake Apply to Join the Lone Wolves Community ⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYypAzIMIbO9W5Elqy1Otp9BXopODUVr28Vw2QdOgeIS52OQ/viewform?pli=1⁠ Follow the Lone Wolves Community LinkTree:⁠ https://linktr.ee/lonewolvescommunity⁠ Website: ⁠https://www.lonewolvesclub.co/⁠ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lwcommunity Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/lonewolvescommunity⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@lonewolvescommunity⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/lone-wolves-community⁠ Buy Merch: ⁠https://www.lonewolvesclub.co/support⁠ Keywords music, gaming, licensing, Roblox, Spotify, EA, Fortnite, K-pop, virtual concerts, music integration

    27 min

  8. 04/30/2025

    Lone Wolves #004: The Cookie Crumbl (For Music on Socials)

    In this episode, hosts Lauren Blitzer-Wright and Drew Thurlow discuss the legal action against Crumbl Cookies for unlicensed music usage and talk with Faris Bseiso from Cipher about the evolving landscape of music licensing, particularly in the context of social media. The conversation explores the challenges brands face in properly licensing music for their content, the impact of viral moments on music usage, and the need for a more efficient system to clear music rights. Topics 00:00 Streaming is slowing & Lauren is hungry 01:37 Music use on socials 05:43 The Gray Area of Music Licensing 08:18 Challenges in Music Clearance for Brands 09:55 Introduction to Cypher and Faris Bseiso 15:27 Navigating Viral Moments in Music 18:34 Future Focus: Bridging Brands and Music Rights Holders Credits Hosted by Lauren Blitzer-Wright & Drew Thurlow Guest Faris Bseiso from Cipher Music by Drew Thurlow Produced & Directed by Nicole Marinake Apply to Join the Lone Wolves Community ⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYypAzIMIbO9W5Elqy1Otp9BXopODUVr28Vw2QdOgeIS52OQ/viewform?pli=1⁠ Follow the Lone Wolves Community LinkTree:⁠ https://linktr.ee/lonewolvescommunity⁠ Website: ⁠https://www.lonewolvesclub.co/⁠ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lwcommunity Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/lonewolvescommunity⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@lonewolvescommunity⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/lone-wolves-community⁠ Buy Merch: ⁠https://www.lonewolvesclub.co/support⁠ Keywords Crumbl Cookies, music licensing, social media, Cipher, brand partnerships, music industry, TikTok, Instagram, viral moments, copyright, sync licensing, lawsuit

    20 min

  9. 04/16/2025

    Lone Wolves #003: AR, VR + The Metaverse

    In this episode of the Lone Wolves podcast, hosts Lauren Blitzer-Wright and Drew Thurlow dive into the evolving landscape of the metaverse, particularly its implications for music and digital ownership. The discussion highlights the differences between decentralized platforms and those controlled by corporations, such as Meta's Horizon. The hosts explore the history and future of Napster, its transition into the metaverse, and the challenges of monetizing music in virtual environments. They also examine the roles of AR and VR in enhancing music experiences and the potential for these technologies to integrate into everyday life. The conversation concludes with reflections on consumer behavior and the desire for more interactive, real-world experiences in a post-COVID world. Topics 00:00 Introduction of the Lone Wolves Podcast and Mascot 00:42 The Evolution of Napster: From Piracy to the Metaverse 04:21 Metaverse vs AR/ VR 07:59 Understanding the Metaverse 11:33 The Role of Music in Virtual Worlds 15:50 Challenges of Monetizing Music in Gaming Platforms 19:00 The Future of AR and VR in Music and Daily Life 21:50 The Future Bet Credits Hosted by Lauren Blitzer-Wright & Drew Thurlow Music by Drew Thurlow Produced & Directed by Nicole Marinake Apply to Join the Lone Wolves Community ⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYypAzIMIbO9W5Elqy1Otp9BXopODUVr28Vw2QdOgeIS52OQ/viewform?pli=1⁠ Follow the Lone Wolves Community LinkTree:⁠ https://linktr.ee/lonewolvescommunity⁠ Website: ⁠https://www.lonewolvesclub.co/⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/lonewolvescommunity⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@lonewolvescommunity LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/lone-wolves-community⁠ Buy Merch: ⁠https://www.lonewolvesclub.co/support⁠ Keywords Metaverse, Napster, AR, VR, music experiences, blockchain, digital goods, monetization, consumer behavior, technology adoption

    25 min
  10. Lone Wolves #002: The Changing Job Market in Music

    04/09/2025

    Lone Wolves #002: The Changing Job Market in Music

    In this episode of the Lone Wolves podcast, hosts Lauren Blitzer-Wright and Drew Thurlow discusses the current state of the music job market, the transformations in industry roles due to technological advancements, and the emerging financial models that are reshaping how artists can fund their projects. The conversation also explores the future of the music industry in light of these changes, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and innovation. Topics 00:00 The Current State of the Music Job Market 10:44 The Evolution of Music Industry Roles and Technology 15:33 New Financing Models for Artists 20:30 The Future of Music and Startups Credits Hosted by Lauren Blitzer-Wright & Drew Thurlow Music by Drew Thurlow Produced & Directed by Nicole Marinake Apply to Join the Lone Wolves Community ⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYypAzIMIbO9W5Elqy1Otp9BXopODUVr28Vw2QdOgeIS52OQ/viewform?pli=1⁠ Follow the Lone Wolves Community LinkTree:⁠ https://linktr.ee/lonewolvescommunity⁠ Website: ⁠https://www.lonewolvesclub.co/⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/lonewolvescommunity⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@lonewolvescommunity⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/lone-wolves-community⁠ Buy Merch: ⁠https://www.lonewolvesclub.co/support⁠ Keywords music industry, job market, technology, artist financing, record labels, streaming, music roles, career transitions, music community, innovation

    24 min

  11. 03/26/2025

    Lone Wolves #001: Spotify's Loud & Clear Report

    In this inaugural episode of the Lone Wolves podcast, hosts Lauren Blitzer-Wright and Drew Thurlow delve into current music industry, focusing on Spotify's recent Loud and Clear report. They discuss the economic implications of streaming for artists, the evolving landscape of super fan monetization, and the recent MLC/ Spotify lawsuit. Topics 00:00 Introduction to the Lone Wolves Podcast 00:27 Spotify's Loud and Clear Report 04:38 The Economics of Music Streaming 06:24 The Role of Super Fans in the Music Industry 10:26 Challenges in Music Discovery and Promotion 13:27 The Future of Music Merchandising 19:18 Spotify/ MLC lawsuit Startups Mentioned EVEN, Softside, Fave Credits Hosted by Lauren Blitzer-Wright & Drew Thurlow Music by Drew Thurlow Produced & Directed by Nicole Marinake Apply to Join the Lone Wolves Community https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYypAzIMIbO9W5Elqy1Otp9BXopODUVr28Vw2QdOgeIS52OQ/viewform?pli=1 Follow the Lone Wolves Community LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/lonewolvescommunity Website: https://www.lonewolvesclub.co/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lonewolvescommunity YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lonewolvescommunity LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lone-wolves-community Buy Merch: https://www.lonewolvesclub.co/support

    25 min
  • 11 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Industry veterans Drew Thurlow + Lauren Blitzer-Wright dive into the latest in music, tech, and the ever-evolving business behind it all. From AI breakthroughs to emerging trends, they bring expert guests and insider insights straight to your ears. You’ll laugh, you’ll learn—and you might even pick up some music history along the way.

Information