Inside the Mind of the Music Industry: Understanding the Psychology of Listener Behaviour

ListenPath
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You can read it at ListenPath.com. But now you can hear it, right here. The ListenPath podcast is the audio counterpart to our blog—music marketing explained through science, psychology and insights you will not find anywhere else.

Episodes

  1. 09/26/2025

    AI Is Not the Enemy: Why Artists Will Win by Creating What Machines Cannot

    AI music might be gaining attention on streaming platforms—but it will never win the listener’s attention long term. In this episode, I explore why artists shouldn’t fear AI’s rise, how neuroscience reveals the emotional limitations of artificial music and the deeper psychological role human connection plays in musical loyalty. A music artist does not need to compete with AI. They just need to connect like it never can. 🎧 For questions or comments, reach out to me at jayson@listenpath.com—I’d love to hear from you. 📝 The full transcript of this episode is available at listenpath.com.

    13 min

  2. 09/19/2025

    The Story Isn’t About You: Why Most Music Artist’s Backstories Fail to Generate Listener Connection

    Artists are told to “share their story”—but most tell the wrong one. In this episode, I explore why traditional backstories fail to create emotional connection, the neuroscience behind listener bonding and how to craft a narrative that speaks directly to your audience’s hidden struggles. The key isn’t sharing your unique journey, it’s helping the listener recognise their own. 🎧 For questions or comments, reach out to me at jayson@listenpath.com—I’d love to hear from you. 📝 The full transcript of this episode is available at listenpath.com.

    10 min

  3. 09/12/2025

    The ‘Front Row’ Effect: How Behavioural Insights Reveal Who Truly Needs Your Music

    Why do some listeners casually watch a live performance from the back, while others reach out from the front row, tears streaming, singing every word? In this episode, I explore how deep neurological compatibility is what drives that behaviour. I break down why music acts as emotional medicine, how live performances amplify therapeutic impact and why recognising listener need is the key to building lasting connection. 🎧 For questions or comments, reach out to me at jayson@listenpath.com—I’d love to hear from you. 📝 The full transcript of this episode is available at listenpath.com.

    9 min

  4. 09/05/2025

    "But They Sound Like I Do": Why Targeting The Fans of Similar Artists Does Not Lead to Long-Term Growth

    Many artists believe that if their music sounds like someone else’s, they should target that artist’s fans. But music preference isn’t built on sound alone—it’s built on emotional transformation. In this episode, I explore why targeting by similarity leads to shallow results, how neuroscience and parasocial bonds reveal the limits of this approach and what to focus on instead if you want listeners who will actually stay. 🎧 For questions or comments, reach out to me at jayson@listenpath.com. 📝 The full transcript of this episode is available at listenpath.com.

    12 min

  5. 08/22/2025

    “Pre-Save My Song”: Why Promoting ‘Music-Forward’ in Today’s Social Climate Is Ultimately Ineffective

    Most artists still ask people to “check out their song”—but today’s listeners need more than that. In this episode, I explore why attention spans aren’t shrinking, why your real challenge is emotional compatibility and how neuroscience reveals music is chosen more like medicine than entertainment. 🎧 For questions or comments, reach out to me at jayson@listenpath.com—I’d love to hear from you. 📝 The full transcript of this episode is available at listenpath.com.

    10 min

  6. 08/21/2025

    #001 - Success by Accident: Why Music Artists Struggle to Repeat Breakthroughs in the Streaming Era

    Many artists can’t explain why their biggest songs work—because the success wasn’t designed, it was stumbled into. In this episode, I explore the dangers of accidental resonance, the algorithm’s emotional blindness and how neuroscience offers a clearer route to repeatable, authentic connection. 🎧 For questions or comments, reach out to me at jayson@listenpath.com—I’d love to hear from you. 📝 The full transcript of this episode is available at listenpath.com on the blog.

    8 min
  • 6 Episodes

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You can read it at ListenPath.com. But now you can hear it, right here. The ListenPath podcast is the audio counterpart to our blog—music marketing explained through science, psychology and insights you will not find anywhere else.

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