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.

  1. 5d ago

    Lone Wolves: S2 #7: The Music 3.0 Edition

    We've had a flurry of news in the last two weeks: none bigger than Spotify now proclaiming to investors they are an "AI creation platform." Is this the beginning of Music 3.0?

    24 min
  2. Lone Wolves: S2 #5 The Distribution Episode

    May 7

    Lone Wolves: S2 #5 The Distribution Episode

    This episode explores the evolution of music distribution from physical to digital, the rise of independent distribution services, and the future challenges and opportunities in the music industry, including AI impacts and artist empowerment. Topics 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Dynamics 01:27 CD Corekid Lost 03:07 How Thin Do These Margins Get? 09:22 Celebrate Independence 15:27 DECLARE Independence 19:37 No More Slop, Please 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 distribution, independent artists, digital music, AI in music, music industry, distribution services, artist empowerment, music technology

    28 min
  3. Lone Wolves S2 #4 Streaming Can't Be The Only Answer

    Apr 15

    Lone Wolves S2 #4 Streaming Can't Be The Only Answer

    This episode explores the current state of the music industry, focusing on streaming growth, monetization strategies, and the evolving landscape of artist-fan engagement. Lauren Blitzer shares insights on industry reports, the importance of data, and innovative approaches to monetization. Keywords music industry, streaming, artist monetization, fan engagement, music business reports, merch rights, global markets, data analytics Topics 00:00 Drew had martini(s) 02:27 Turns out...People (Still) Like Music! 09:01 Drew's Never Been to a Costco 16:04 Music? It's Like a Restaurant Credits Hosted by Lauren Blitzer-Wright & Drew Thurlow Music by Drew Thurlow 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

    26 min
  4. Lone Wolves S2 #3: The Numbers Episode

    Mar 11

    Lone Wolves S2 #3: The Numbers Episode

    This episode explores the rapid growth of music streaming, the impact of generative AI on music creation, and the evolving landscape of music industry economics. We analyze key industry numbers, the rise of AI-generated music, and the implications for artists and rights management. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4CQV2rI7KY Topics 00:00 We Too Damn Busy!!! 02:45 We Can Read Numbers 09:54 Are We Really Talking About AI Again? (Yes) 22:55 DistroKid? More Like DistroCash amirite 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 Keywords music streaming, AI music, industry numbers, royalties, independent artists, music technology, streaming growth, AI-generated content

    34 min
  5. 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
  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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.

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