Composed: Scientific Wellness, Purpose & Direction for Those in the New Music Industry

ListenPath
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  • Marketing

Hosted by Janet L. van den Bergh, former product manager at Universal Music and wellness practitioner specializing in nervous-system-aligned branding and career development, and Jayson John Evans, bestselling author and music industry researcher whose work spans psychology, neuroscience, and behavioural science, Composed explores the intersection of industry experience, scientific research, and internal wellbeing—providing music artists with a grounded, evidence-informed perspective on the challenges of the new music industry. Composed is here to bring rational clarity and a sense of calm to navigating one of the most complex and fast-moving industries in the world.

Episodes

  1. 4h ago

    Our secrets for... artist growth

    Many music artists pour their time, money, and energy into whatever promises the fastest growth, then watch the results disappear the moment they stop. In this Our Secrets For episode, we dive into what we’ve learned about growing as an artist with less effort and longer-lasting results. We share the exercise for finding your Motivation, why compatible listeners matter more than exposure, and what changes when you stop asking how your audience can serve you and start asking how you can serve them.  Get in touch: @composed_podcast @soulart_janet @jaysonjohnevans

  2. Oct 23

    Is success in the music industry just a matter of luck?

    Many music artists think the whole industry runs on luck. Today, we dive into why that mindset holds careers back, tackling listener questions on luck versus connections, unpredictable releases, and whether to drip-feed singles or release an album whole. We talk about how to build a career that doesn’t depend on one song going viral, and challenge the idea that your success is out of your control. Questions answered this episode: Why is marketing music all about luck? I’ve seen incredible songs get no attention but the most random songs will blow up. I feel like nobody actually knows what is going on, which makes this all feel like luck. It might sound depressing or whatever, but I believe the music industry is about who you know. You can have the best release strategy, but another artist knows someone who gives them some crazy opportunity. Prove me wrong! My biggest songs have almost never been the songs I expected to do well. Sometimes an older track suddenly starts gaining traction months after release. And other times the single I put all my money behind goes nowhere. Why should we put so much importance on our releases if we can’t predict what’s going to happen? I’m releasing an album soon and everyone keeps telling me I’m making a mistake because I should drip-feed every track as singles to maximise streams and opportunities to promote. But I want people to experience it as a cohesive body of work and I think that’ll ruin that experience. What do you think? Don’t tell me I have to release it as singles or I’ll unsubscribe. Lol. Get in touch: @composed_podcast @soulart_janet @jaysonjohnevans

  3. Oct 16

    Why does getting exposure scare me so much?

    Many music artists want exposure more than anything, then freeze the moment it actually arrives. Today, we dive into the fears that show up when your music starts to work, from fear of success and stage anxiety to the worry of being judged or cancelled online. We talk about why imposter syndrome never fully disappears but can be trained, and challenge the idea that you have to choose between the career you want and feeling safe in it. Questions answered this episode: "I really want more people to hear my music. I post so much because I want them to be seen, but whenever one of my posts starts picking up traction, I feel scared and exposed and just want to disappear. Do other artists feel this way? How can I want exposure this badly then be terrified when I actually get it?" "I always assumed my biggest fear was that music wouldn’t work out. Recently I’ve realised I’m almost equally frightened that it will. If things genuinely took off, I’d potentially lose privacy, have people constantly evaluating me, feel pressure to keep succeeding and have much more to lose. And I think it’s making me sabotage opportunities that would help me. Is this a real thing or am I just weird?" "I love writing and recording music, but I hate performing live. I get so anxious beforehand that I spend days dreading the show, and when I’m actually on stage I feel like I’m just waiting for it to be over. Does that mean live music is not for me? Or will that feeling eventually go away?" "I overthink everything I post because I’m scared I’ll accidentally offend people and get cancelled or something. And the more followers I get, the more careful I get. How are you supposed to be visible online when visibility also means the potential to be judged like this?" Get in touch: @composed_podcast @soulart_janet @jaysonjohnevans

  4. Oct 9

    Is manifesting pesudoscience… Or can it help me reach my dreams?

    Manifestation gets dismissed as pseudoscience or treated as magic, but is either extreme actually right? Today, we dive into what’s really happening when visualization works, answering listener questions on goal-setting without burnout, the difference between picturing success and actually moving toward it, and why an unexpected breakthrough can shift your whole sense of what’s possible. We talk about the real science behind the reticular activating system and subconscious belief, and challenge the idea that thinking about your dream career is the same as building it. Get in touch: @composed_podcast @soulart_janet @jaysonjohnevans

  5. Oct 2

    Our secrets for... getting things done

    Everyone's chasing more output, but what if the real secret to getting things done is knowing when to stop? Today, we dive into our personal productivity systems, sharing what's actually been working behind the scenes, from managing energy rather than time to a few controversial takes on why doing nothing can be the most productive move you make. Jayson also breaks down his interactive journaling system in full, the exact structure that's helped him stay accountable and get more done than ever before. We talk about redefining what productivity even means for a music artist, and challenge the idea that busier always means better. Get in touch: @composed_podcast @soulart_janet @jaysonjohnevans

  6. Sep 25

    How can I truly connect with my target audience?

    A small, dedicated crowd of true fans versus the constant chase for new listeners: where should artists actually be spending their energy? Today, we dive into what it really takes to turn casual streams into genuine fans, tackling listener questions on niching down without losing your audience, what "providing value" actually means for a musician (without feeling like an influencer), and how to balance nurturing your Cult listeners with growing your reach. We also talk about why losing followers can be a sign of progress, which is something you won't want to miss. Get in touch: @composed_podcast @soulart_janet @jaysonjohnevans

  7. Sep 18

    What if the problem is me?

    Perfectionism, procrastination, and promotion anxiety hold back countless independent artists, but are these really separate problems or just one issue in disguise? Today, we dive into the internal blocks that stop music artists from finishing projects, putting themselves out there, and following through on their own strategies. We talk about the difference between healthy striving and self-protective perfectionism, why marketing fatigue often has more to do with mindset than method, and challenge the idea that a better strategy is ever the real fix when the real work is internal. Get in touch: @composed_podcast @soulart_janet @jaysonjohnevans

  8. Sep 11

    What even is the "new music industry"?

    The industry keeps pushing artists to move faster, release more, and chase bigger numbers, but is that actually the path to a sustainable career? Today, we dive into what "making it" really means in the new music industry, tackling listener questions on the shift away from streaming as the only measure of success, authenticity versus audience alignment, the vinyl and physical media resurgence, and what actually separates a growing career from one that's just accumulating empty attention. We talk about why slowing down often leads to better decisions, and challenge the idea that more content, more releases, and more followers automatically add up to more impact. Get in touch: @composed_podcast @soulart_janet @jaysonjohnevans

  9. Sep 4

    Is A.I. really that bad for the music industry?

    Many music artists are terrified that AI is coming for their careers, but is that fear actually justified? Today, we dive into the psychology and research behind AI in music, tackling listener questions on authenticity, discovery, admin and marketing use, and what it really means to compete with AI-generated artists. We talk about why human connection remains something AI can't replicate, and challenge the idea that more AI music in the world has to mean less opportunity for real artists. Get in touch: @composed_podcast @soulart_janet @jaysonjohnevans

  10. Aug 21

    Is a blue checkmark really worth it?

    Many music artists obsess over getting a blue checkmark, but is it worth it? Today, we dive into the psychology behind social proof and why a verification badge alone rarely moves the needle for real growth. We talk about what actually makes listeners stick around, from cohesive branding to genuine emotional connection, and challenge the idea that shortcuts like checkmarks or follower counts can replace building a real audience. Get in touch: @composed_podcast @soulart_janet @jaysonjohnevans

  • 10 Episodes

About

Hosted by Janet L. van den Bergh, former product manager at Universal Music and wellness practitioner specializing in nervous-system-aligned branding and career development, and Jayson John Evans, bestselling author and music industry researcher whose work spans psychology, neuroscience, and behavioural science, Composed explores the intersection of industry experience, scientific research, and internal wellbeing—providing music artists with a grounded, evidence-informed perspective on the challenges of the new music industry. Composed is here to bring rational clarity and a sense of calm to navigating one of the most complex and fast-moving industries in the world.

Information

  • Creator
    ListenPath
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 ListenPath